Temporary Closure
When an UST system is temporarily closed, owners and operators must continue operation and maintenance of corrosion protection in accordance with Section 280.31 of R.61-92 Underground storage tank control regulations, and any release detection must be maintained. However, release detection and release detection operation and maintenance testing and inspections are not required as long as the UST system is empty. Spill and overfill operation and maintenance testing and inspections are not required.
When an UST system is temporarily closed for 3 months or more, owners and operators must also comply with the following requirements:
- Leave vent lines open and functioning; and
- Cap and secure all other lines, pumps, manways, and ancillary equipment.
When an UST system is temporarily closed for more than 12 months, owners and operators must permanently close the UST system if it does not meet either performance standards outlined inR.61-92, except that the spill and overfill equipment requirements do not have to be met. Owners and operators must permanently close the substandard UST systems at the end of this 12-month period unless the Department provides an extension of the 12-month temporary closure period. Owners and operators must complete a site assessment in accordance before such an extension can be applied for.
When an UST system is temporarily closed, owners and operators must maintain records
Permanent Closure
At least 30 days before starting permanent closure or a change in service owners and operators must notify the DHEC in writing of their intent to permanently close or make a change in service unless the change is in response to a corrective action. Owners must also notify DHEC in writing at least 30 days before replacing previously installed piping or previously installed dispensers. The excavation zone must be assessed after notifying DHEC. This must occur before completion of the change in service or permeant closure.
To permanently close a tank, owners and operators must empty and clean it by removing all liquids and accumulated sludges. All tanks taken out of service permanently must be removed from the ground, filled with an inert solid material, or closed in place in a manner approved by DHEC.