18 AAC 75.075. Secondary containment requirements for aboveground oil storage and surge tanks

(a) Onshore oil storage tanks must be located within a secondary containment area that has the capacity to hold the volume of the largest tank within the containment area, plus enough additional capacity to allow for local precipitation. Minimum secondary containment system requirements include

(1) berms, dikes, or retaining walls that are constructed to prevent the release of spilled oil from within the containment area;

(2) with the exception of the area under a tank, components constructed of, or lined with, materials that are

(A) adequately resistant to damage by the products stored to maintain sufficient impermeability;

(B) resistant to damage from prevailing weather conditions;

(3) checking for the presence of oil leaks or spills

(A) daily at a manned facility; or

(B) each time the facility is visited, but at least monthly, at an unmanned facility.

(b) In locations where physically feasible, offshore production platform oil storage tank areas must incorporate a secondary containment method to prevent oil spills from entering the water.

(c) Secondary containment systems must be maintained free of debris or other materials or conditions that might interfere with the effectiveness of the system, including excessive accumulated rainwater.

(d) Drainage of water accumulations from secondary containment areas that discharge directly to the land or waters of the state must be controlled by locally operated, positive close failsafe valves or other positive means to prevent a discharge. Valves must be kept closed and locked when not in use. The owner or operator shall inspect accumulated water before discharging it from a secondary containment area to ensure that no oil will be discharged and shall keep a written record of each drainage operation. If no sheen is present, water accumulated may be discharged without a state wastewater permit under 18 AAC 72. Oil-contaminated water accumulations may be discharged from secondary containment without a state wastewater permit under 18 AAC 72 if the receiving environment is not a sensitive receiving environment and if it is treated through an oil/water separating device that reduces the total concentration of hydrocarbons to below 15 ppm. The oil separating device must be equipped with effluent monitors and alarms that notice the operator if the device fails.

(e) A new installation is subject to the following:

(1) impermeable liners or double bottoms that are chemically resistant to damage by the product being stored in the tank must be installed under all tanks, except for tanks containing viscous products exceeding 400 SUS (Saybolt Universal System) at storage temperatures; and

(2) drains and other penetrations through secondary containment areas must be minimized consistent with facility operational requirements.

(f) At an existing installation, in the event of a known or suspected discharge, the department will, in its discretion, require installation of monitoring wells to detect oil or other hazardous substances in the groundwater if the local geology and groundwater conditions allow installation of monitoring wells, and if monitoring wells will not substantially increase the risk of contaminating groundwater.

(g) Rail tank car and tank truck loading areas and permanent unloading areas must

(1) have a secondary containment system designed to contain the maximum capacity of any single compartment of the tank car or tank truck, including containment curbing and a trenching system or drains with drainage to a collection tank or device designed to handle a discharge;

(2) be paved, surfaced, or lined with sufficiently impermeable materials;

(3) be maintained free of debris or other materials or conditions that might interfere with the effectiveness of the system, including excessive accumulated rainwater; and

(4) have warning lights, warning signs, or a physical barrier system to prevent premature vehicular movement.

History: Eff. 5/14/92, Register 122

Authority: AS 46.03.020

AS 46.04.030

AS 46.04.070

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