Code of practice for storage tank systems containing petroleum and allied products: part 7


Part 7: upgrading of existing storage tank systems

Section 7.1: scope

7.1.1 This part applies to an existing storage tank system.

Section 7.2: general requirements

7.2.1 No person shall upgrade, or cause to be upgraded, an existing storage tank system unless approval has been obtained from the authority having jurisdiction.

7.2.2(1) Where an existing storage tank system is upgraded to be in conformance with this code, the owner shall provide a revised as-built drawing to the authority having jurisdiction in the manner and time frame as specified by the authority having jurisdiction.

7.2.2(2) A revised as-built drawing shall be in conformance with sentence 3.2.7(2) or 4.2.8(2), as applicable.

7.2.3 A partially buried storage tank is considered neither an aboveground nor underground storage tank and shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within two years of the effective date of this code.

Section 7.3: aboveground storage tank systems

7.3.1 An existing aboveground storage tank system not in conformance with section 3.6 shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within two years of the effective date of this code.

7.3.2(1) Where underground piping connected to an aboveground storage tank has corrosion protection in conformance with section 4.5 at the effective date of this code, the piping may continue in service.

7.3.2(2) Where underground piping connected to an aboveground storage tank does not have corrosion protection in conformance with section 4.5 at the effective date of this code:

  1. the piping must be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within two years of the effective date of this code; or
  2. best management practices shall be implemented within two years of the effective date of this code in conformance with:
    1. American Petroleum Institute (API) Std 2610-94, "Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance and Inspection of Terminal and Tank Facilities"; and
    2. API 570-98, "Piping Inspection Code: Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of In-Service Piping Systems".

7.3.3(1) Except as specified in sentence (2), an aboveground storage tank system shall be upgraded within two years of the effective date of this code to include, as applicable:

  1. liquid and vapour-tight connections, caps and adapters for a storage tank with a capacity of 5000 L or more;
  2. overfill protection in conformance with article 3.6.2 for a storage tank with a capacity of 5000 L or more;
  3. underground piping in conformance with section 5.4;
  4. dispenser sumps in conformance with article 3.6.3, where an underground piping run terminates under a dispenser; and
  5. secondary containment in conformance with section 3.9 and sentences 7.3.4(1) and (2).

7.3.3(2) Where secondary containment is not upgraded as provided in clause (1)(e), an annual precision leak detection test shall be performed.

7.3.4(1) Except as provided in sentence (2), an existing field-erected aboveground storage tank not upgraded to be in conformance with section 3.3 shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within five years of the effective date of this code.

7.3.4(2) Where authorized by the authority having jurisdiction, an existing field-erected aboveground storage tank may be exempt from adding an impermeable barrier under the tank to meet the secondary containment requirements of section 3.9 provided that within two years of the effective date of this code:

  1. best management practices are followed in conformance with API Std 653-01, "Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction"; or
  2. if inspection requires replacing or lining the tank bottom, then 3.9.2(1)(b) shall apply (see appendix B, note B.7.3.4(2)(b)).

7.3.4(3) In the event that a storage tank owner chooses the exemption provided in clause 7.3.4(2)(b) and the storage tank bottom or shell becomes perforated, then all other storage tanks with equal or more years of similar service at that site that are being managed under API Std 653-01, "Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction", shall be:

  1. inspected within one year; or
  2. re-evaluated within the time frame specified by the new corrosion rate.

7.3.5 An existing aboveground storage tank not upgraded with spill containment and runoff collection in conformance with section 3.10 shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within five years of the effective date of this code.

7.3.6 An existing shop fabricated aboveground storage tank system not upgraded to be in conformance with sections 3.4, 3.5, and this section shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within two years of the effective date of this code.

Section 7.4: underground storage tank systems

7.4.1 An existing underground storage tank system that does not have corrosion protection shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within 2 years of the effective date of this code.

7.4.2 Where an existing underground storage tank system with corrosion protection is not upgraded in conformance with sentences 7.4.3(1) or (2), it shall be withdrawn from service and removed in conformance with part 9 within two years of the effective date of this code.

7.4.3(1) Except as provided in sentence 7.4.3(2), an existing underground storage tank system with corrosion protection must be upgraded to include:

  1. liquid and vapour-tight connections, caps and adapters;
  2. an overfill protection device;
  3. a fill pipe spill containment device;
  4. dispenser sumps; and
  5. leak detection in conformance with part 6.

7.4.3(2) An existing underground storage tank system with corrosion protection that is used for storing used oil shall be upgraded to include:

  1. liquid-tight connections, caps and adapters;
  2. a suction pipe in conformance with clause 4.2.4.(2)(c)
  3. a spill containment device in conformance with clauses 4.2.4(2)(d) and (f);
  4. an overfill protection device in conformance with clause 4.2.4.(2)(e);
  5. venting in conformance with clause 4.2.4(2)(g); and
  6. leak detection in conformance with part 6.

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