RP 900 Committee Goes Underground

Recommended Practices for Inspection and Maintenance of UST System Equipment

Over the years, underground storage tanks have evolved from simple steel cylinders with a few piping connections to carefully engineered tanks with a number of electronically controlled, electrically operated and mechanically sophisticated components. For a modern underground storage system to operate successfully and safely, numerous components from a variety of manufacturers must be properly installed, inspected and maintained.

In 2005, PEI published RP 500, the Inspection and Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing Equipment. It became clear soon after that an additional document would be needed to cover underground storage tanks and associated equipment intended to store and dispense gasoline, diesel and related petroleum products at vehicle fueling facilities.

In 2006, PEI distributors, equipment manufacturers, tank owners, contractors, installers and representatives from regulatory agencies were appointed to the newly formed RP 900 Committee (sidebar). Brad Hoffman, vice president of engineering and research & development at Tanknology, Inc., was asked to chair the committee. Hoffman worked on several RPs, and most recently served as chairman of PEI's Safety Committee. “We try to get a committee with the right background and experience so we have a pretty good shot at covering every angle.”

The committee's aim is to provide a document that will be a basic reference consolidating published and unpublished information from equipment manufacturers, installers and end-users concerning the proper inspection and maintenance of underground storage system equipment. The intent is to provide recommended practices that will:

• Promote proper inspection, operation and maintenance of underground storage systems
• Enhance longevity and trouble-free performance of UST equipment
• Promote fire prevention and storage system safety
• Promote protection of human health and the environment
• Promote compliance and reduce liability associated with UST operations
• Identify potential equipment problems early.

After reviewing inspection procedures and providing feedback to the committee's consultant, the group met for the first time in January 2007. A first draft was developed and sent to the committee for review at a second meeting in May.

Throughout these readings and discussions, committee members go over the document section by section, line by line. Nothing is left unturned. Hoffman says that PEI members and others from the industry are not shy about giving them advice and feedback throughout the process. Prior to publication, the final draft is sent out to thousands of interested parties who will have one last opportunity for feedback. Any changes are brought to the third and final meeting in the fall.

Hoffman is proud of the work the committee is doing. “We want people to adopt the forms and the process for their daily, monthly and annual checks. It will be a tool that can be used off the shelf as is, or modified as needed.”

Recommended Practices 900 is on schedule to be published by the end of 2007.

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The PEI Journal • Second Quarter 2007 • Volume 1, No. 2 • Contents are Copyright © Data Key Communications, Inc.
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