CFR > Title 40 - Protection of Environment > CHAPTER I—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY > SUBCHAPTER I—SOLID WASTES (Parts 239–282) > PART 280—TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST) > SUBPART B—UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation and Notification (§280.20 to §280.22) > 280.21—Upgrading of existing UST systems.

280.21—Upgrading of existing UST systems.

(a) Alternatives allowed. Not later than December 22, 1998, all existing UST systems must comply with one of the following requirements:
(1) New UST system performance standards under § 280.20 ;
(2) The upgrading requirements in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section; or
(3) Closure requirements under subpart G of this part, including applicable requirements for corrective action under subpart F.
(b) Tank upgrading requirements. Steel tanks must be upgraded to meet one of the following requirements in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory:
(1) Interior lining. A tank may be upgraded by internal lining if:
(i) The lining is installed in accordance with the requirements of § 280.33, and
(ii) Within 10 years after lining, and every 5 years thereafter, the lined tank is internally inspected and found to be structurally sound with the lining still performing in accordance with original design specifications.
(2) Cathodic protection. A tank may be upgraded by cathodic protection if the cathodic protection system meets the requirements of § 280.20(a)(2) (ii), (iii), and (iv) and the integrity of the tank is ensured using one of the following methods:
(i) The tank is internally inspected and assessed to ensure that the tank is structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to installing the cathodic protection system; or
(ii) The tank has been installed for less than 10 years and is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with § 280.43 (d) through (h); or
(iii) The tank has been installed for less than 10 years and is assessed for corrosion holes by conducting two (2) tightness tests that meet the requirements of § 280.43(c). The first tightness test must be conducted prior to installing the cathodic protection system. The second tightness test must be conducted between three (3) and six (6) months following the first operation of the cathodic protection system; or
(iv) The tank is assessed for corrosion holes by a method that is determined by the implementing agency to prevent releases in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than paragraphs (b)(2) (i) through (iii) of this section.
(3) Internal lining combined with cathodic protection. A tank may be upgraded by both internal lining and cathodic protection if:
(i) The lining is installed in accordance with the requirements of § 280.33; and
(ii) The cathodic protection system meets the requirements of § 280.20(a)(2) (ii), (iii), and (iv).

Code of Federal Regulations

Note: The following codes and standards may be used to comply with this section: (A) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1631, “Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel Underground Storage Tanks”; (B) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, “Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection”; (C) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, “Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, Partially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems”; and (D) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1632, “Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems.”
(c) Piping upgrading requirements. Metal piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be cathodically protected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and must meet the requirements of § 280.20(b)(2) (ii), (iii), and (iv).

Code of Federal Regulations

Note: The codes and standards listed in the note following § 280.20(b)(2) may be used to comply with this requirement.
(d) Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, all existing UST systems must comply with new UST system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements specified in § 280.20(c).