Underground Storage Tank

Critical Installation Requirements

for
Licensed UST System Installers, Removers, and Inspectors

First Edition

State of Montana
Department of Environmental Quality
Underground Storage Tank Section
July 2004

Permitting and Compliance Division

Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau
Underground Storage Tank Section
1520 East Sixth Avenue
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Phone: (406) 444-5300
Fax: (406) 444-1374
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.deq.state.mt.us/UST

INTRODUCTION
The critical installation requirements contained in this document will no longer appear on
installation and closure permits issued by the department. These requirements remain integral to
the installation and closure processes and must be followed whenever they are applicable.
This document does not replace or supplement industry standards for installing USTs. Its
purpose is to highlight critical installation elements that the Department of Environmental
Quality has historically felt a need to stress or clearly communicate. This document is not
comprehensive but rather is a compilation of commonly used permit conditions.
Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM), Title 17, Chapter 56 sets forth performance standards
for new underground storage tank systems. This document highlights certain industry standards
for UST installations as outlined by API Recommended Practice 1615, PEI/RP 100-2000, and
other standards of design and construction delineated by ARM 17.56. These rules may be
accessed at http://www.deq.state.mt.us/dir/legal/Chapters/Ch56-toc.asp.

CRITICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

FOR A NEW OR MODIFIED UST SYSTEM

I) PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS
A) Legal
Work must comply with Montana Underground Storage Tank regulations, permit
conditions, department-adopted referenced standards, manufacturer specifications, and
all other state and local requirements.
B) Local Coordination
Owner and installer must contact the local fire official and the State Fire Marshal at
(406) 444-2050 regarding installation of aboveground tanks and components, which
are regulated by the Uniform Fire Codes and the Montana Fire Codes. Owner and
installer must also contact the local Planning Department for new installations
regarding local requirements.
C) Source Water Protection Districts
When installing an underground storage tank system, the owner and installer must
contact the applicable source water protection district regarding local requirements.
D) Notification
Notify DEQ at (406) 444-5300 at least one week before starting work. Provide permit
and facility numbers. If this project is the site of an active petroleum release and
excavation is required, you must also contact the case manager at (406) 841-5000 at
least one week before starting work.
E) Permit Modification
Permit modification is required by DEQ for any changes from the permitted proposal.
Call (406) 444-0495 for any permit modification, including a change of installer.
F) Suspected Contamination
Contact the department at 1-800-457-0568 within 24 hours if suspected contamination
(soil staining, soil odors, sheen on water, detectable head space concentrations, lab
analysis over DEQ action levels, holes in tanks or piping, or any unusual operating
conditions) is discovered, regardless of the suspected source. If a ppm meter is
available, collect dual samples and conduct a vapor headspace test on the sample not
being submitted to the lab.
G) Release Detection Equipment Performance Claims
The department authorizes equipment for UST system installation that has been tested
and evaluated by the National Work Group on Leak Detection Evaluation
(NWGLDE). The primary goal of NWGLDE is the creation of a list of release
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detection products that have undergone third party evaluations adhering to specified
engineering criteria. The list is a compilation of underground storage tank and piping
leak detection system evaluations that have met certain criteria developed by the
NWGLDE and the performance requirements established by Title 17, Chapter 56,
Sub-Chapter 4 of Administrative Rules of Montana.
If equipment not listed by NWGLDE is proposed, then the installer must submit
(with the permit application) a written performance claim substantiating the
performance and the manner in which the claim was justified or tested by the
equipment manufacturer or installer (ARM 17.56.409).
H) Setback Distances
No part of an underground tank system may be located less than 3 feet from a
property line.
Dispensers must be at least 10 feet from the building and property lines.
The end of the stretched hose must be at least 5 feet from any building openings
(windows, doors, or basement or crawl space wells), and all portions of the vehicle
being fueled must be on the property.
Accurate distances for these setbacks must be provided on the redlined drawing if
different from the previously submitted site plan.
I)

Corrosion Protection Tests

If a cathodic corrosion protection system was installed for any component of an UST
system, then a corrosion protection test is required for that component after the UST
system has reached polarization equilibrium and within six months of installation (date
that the Certification of Compliance is received by the department) by a qualified
corrosion protection tester. Refer to department testing standards for details. All
cathodic protection tests of tanks must include readings at each end, each side and at
the top center of each tank. Piping tests must be done every 20 of piping length. All
other metallic components (risers, flex connectors, vent standpipes, etc.) must also be
tested.

II) CRITICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

The subjects covered below are those identified by the department as critical to a successful
installation. For further guidance and a complete list of installation requirements, see the
manufacturers instructions and the appropriate industry referenced standards.
A) Tank Installation Procedures
A tank installation is the installation of any underground storage
tank.
i) Tank Anchoring
Tank anchoring must be installed per PEI/RP100-2000. Tank
anchoring calculations are to be performed by the
manufacturer or in accordance with PEI. All anchors shall be coated with STI
approved coating. If tank deadmen are used for float-out prevention they must
Rev. 7/04

have cathodic protection installed. A cathodic protection design must be

submitted before the application may be approved.
ii) Unstable Soils
If unstable soil (or groundwater) is present in the tank basin, then the installer or
designer must install geotextile filter fabric on the bottom and sides of the tank
hole. Filter fabric must be positioned before the select bedding and backfill is in
place.
iii) Bedding And Backfill
For fiberglass tanks, bedding and backfill must be pea gravel, washed naturally
and rounded 1/8" to 3/4" with no more than 3% passing a 3/8 sieve.
For STiP3 tanks, bedding and backfill must be pea gravel, with backfill washed
naturally and rounded 1/8" to 3/4" with no more than 3% passing a 3/8 sieve.
Backfill may also be clean, washed sand. For other types of tanks, contact the
manufacturer.
iv) Siphon Tanks
For tanks with piping or dispensers located lower in elevation than the liquid level,
(siphon tanks), a solenoid valve must be installed after the submersible pump in
the product line to prevent siphoning of the tank in the event of a leak. Refer to
the leak detector manufacturers instructions regarding placement of the solenoid
and mechanical line leak detector. Submit a detail of the installation with the
application.
v) Corrosion Protection
Metallic tank risers must be protected from corrosion by heat shrink sleeves, noncorrodible offset sleeves, watertight boots, or STI coating and anodes.
A corrosion expert shall use the following criteria for the corrosion protection
design for any metal tank anchor components that must be protected:
Ensure that anode lead wires extend to a surface terminal station from each
strap.
The leads must have two lead wires cad-welded at different locations
extending to the surface terminal station.
One strap connection connects to the anode and one strap connection lead is
used to test the corrosion protection.
vi) Tank Leak Detection
The liquid sensing probe series installed must be approved for use with the
ATG panel and the liquid stored.
For interstitial systems using a leak detection panel, the sensor series must be
approved for use with the leak detection panel and the liquid stored.
All tank leak detection installations must be conducted by personnel who are
certified by the manufacturer for installing the equipment.

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B) Pipe Installation Procedures

A pipe installation includes new installations, re-piping,
connecting to existing pipe, and installation of vents and
siphon lines.
i) Joints
Pipe being installed must be the same manufacturer as the existing pipe, or
the connection to the existing pipe must be a threaded joint. All threaded
joints must have surface access or liquid tight sumps.
Unions should be avoided. If unions are unavoidable, they must be rated
minimum 250 psi.
Glued joints for fiberglass piping must be cured with heat packs if the
ambient temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
All connections for double-walled flexible piping must be made in sumps
unless continuous double-walled containment is provided by UL listed
manufacturers fittings.
ii) Double-Walled Or Secondary Containment Piping
Secondary containment piping and sump must be liquid tight.
Secondary containment piping must be sloped back to the containment sump
and sealed on the upper end (only applicable to European or U.S. suction
systems installed with heating oil and emergency generator tanks).
Double-walled product piping must have a continuous slope at a minimum of
1/8 per foot to each containment sump with no sags or traps. If a consistent
elevation drop of 1/8 per foot cannot be maintained between the sumps, a
transition sump and sensor must be installed so that this elevation drop can be
maintained.
iii) Single-Walled Suction Piping
Suction piping must slope at least 1/8 per foot back to the tank without any sags
or traps.
iv) Single-Walled Pressurized Piping
An EPA approved 0.1 gph tightness test must be conducted on all single-wall
product piping after the installation (including surface concrete) is complete and
before the UST system is put into service. This test must be submitted to the
department with the completed permit paperwork.
v) Vapor Recovery Piping
Installation and testing of the vapor recovery piping is suggested to be in
accordance with PEI RP300-97. This is to ensure that the vapor recovery system
can be put into use with a minimum of re-certification.

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vi) Backfill
Pea gravel bedding and backfill must be washed and naturally rounded 1/8" to 3/4"
with no more than 3% passing a 3/8 sieve. Alternative backfills must be approved
by the manufacturer before installation.
vii) Flex Connectors
Install flex connectors in the product and vapor recovery piping at the tank,
base of dispensers, and anywhere a direction change of 30 degrees or more
occurs with less than a 4' straight run on either side of it.
Flex connectors in contact with soil must be protected from corrosion by heat
shrink sleeves, watertight boots, or STI coating and anodes.
Flex connectors must be UL listed for hydrocarbons.
Flex connectors exposed to the atmosphere must be fire rated.
viii) Pipe Leak Detection Equipment
Liquid sensors must be installed in all tank turbine sumps where there is piping
between the turbine housing and the leak detector housing.
For continuous interstitial monitoring of double-walled piping, interstitial
monitoring liquid sensors must be installed in all product-piping sumps and must
be approved for use with the LD panel
Liquid sensors and pressurized line leak detectors must:
Sound a continuous alarm that is responded to within 1 hour, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, 365 days a year; or,
Close a solenoid valve at the tank if product is detected in any sump; or,
De-energize the turbine.
ix) Vent Lines
Vent risers must extend a minimum of 3 over roofs and adjacent structures.
If free standing, vents must extend a minimum of 12 aboveground.
Flex connectors must be installed in the rigid vent piping at the tank, base of
vent riser, and anywhere a direction change of 30 degrees or more occurs
with less than a 4' straight run on either side of it.
Vent piping must slope at least 1/8 per foot back to the tank without any
sags or traps.
x) Master-Slave Dispenser Installation
A master and slave dispenser arrangement with single-walled piping utilizing
mechanical line leak detectors must be installed with a continuous (no solenoids or
check valves) piping system from the submersible pump to the satellite dispenser.

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C) Cathodic Protection
The addition of corrosion protection to new or
existing installations is the addition of an
impressed current system, anodes, heat shrink
sleeves, non-corrodible offset sleeves, watertight
boots or STI coating.
i) Impressed Current Installation Procedures
Anodes must be located as shown on the corrosion protection design
proposal.
Anodes cannot be repositioned more than 2' laterally to accommodate
underground obstructions. Any repositioning beyond this requires prior
review and approval from the department (406) 444-5300.
Anodes must be located 10-15 feet from the tank for optimum current and ion
distribution. Location outside of this area requires prior review and approval
from the department (406) 444-5300.
The centerline of the vertical anodes must be at least as deep as the centerline
of the tank. Horizontal anodes must be placed at or below the centerline of
the tank or the historical frost line, whichever is deeper.
Wires must be placed below the surface concrete or asphalt with aggregate or
other cushioning material between the wires and the concrete or asphalt. If
there is no concrete or asphalt present, wires must be at least 24" below the
surface. Wires may not be placed directly in concrete.
Anodes must have coke breeze backfill placed at least 6" below the anode, 6"
above the anode, and completely filling the interstitial space around the
anode without any voids.
Any below-grade connection must be coated with either a waterproof or STI
approved type coating.
Soil potentials must be provided after cathodic protection is installed. After
the UST system has reached equilibrium, and within 6 months, a qualified
corrosion protection tester must perform a comprehensive corrosion
protection test according to department criteria.
ii) Magnesium Anode Installation Procedures
Anodes cannot be repositioned more than 2' laterally to accommodate
underground obstructions. Repositioning beyond this requires prior
department review and approval.
Except for spike anode installation, the centerline of the anodes must be
below the historical frost line.
Any below-grade connection must be coated with either a waterproof or STIapproved coating.
Wires must be placed below the surface concrete or asphalt with aggregate or
other cushioning material between the wires and the concrete or asphalt. If
there is no concrete or asphalt present, wires must be at least 24" below the
surface. Wires may not be placed directly in concrete.
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Soil potentials must be provided after cathodic protection is installed. After

the UST system has reached equilibrium and within 6 months, a qualified
corrosion protection tester must perform a comprehensive corrosion
protection test according to department criteria.
D) Monitoring Wells Procedures
Monitoring wells are located within the excavation backfill
material and can be used to monitor both tanks and piping. The
middle and lower portion of the well casing is slotted to allow
vapors or groundwater into the well. The wells must be
monitored monthly for product by manual or electronic means.
i) Monitoring Well Installation
No adhesives may be used on the well casings.
The well head must have a surface can set in concrete and raised at least 2
above the surrounding ground or concrete surface.
There must be a 12 to 24 bentonite seal around the solid portion of the PVC
casing below the surface can concrete.
ii) Monitoring Well Abandonment
Monitoring well method of abandonment: cut off casing 2-3 below the surface,
fill with an inert material (pea gravel, bentonite chips, etc.), fill from cut-off point
to 6" below the surface with bentonite or another sealing material, and cap with
concrete (or as required by the site). Submit cross-section to the department with
completed paperwork.
E) Tank Lining Installation Procedures
All repairs must be conducted in accordance with all applicable state, federal and
local laws and regulations.
Any holes, perforations, or rust plugs that penetrate through the metal must be
immediately reported to the department (406) 444-0495 and must be repaired
according to the manufacturers recommendation and under the supervision of a
manufacturers authorized representative or the tank manufacturer must certify that
the repaired tank meets the manufacturers design standards. Provide the
manufacturers certification to the department.
Lining is to be a nominal 125-mil thickness.
After lining, conduct a Barcol hardness test, an Elcometer lining thickness test,
and either a tank tightness test to the overfill level or a high voltage holiday test.
Submit results to the department.
Contact the department at (406) 444-1435 or (406) 444-5345 to discuss disposal
options for the sludge and the spent sandblast material.

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F) Spill Protection Installation Procedures

Work must comply with Montana Underground Storage Tank regulations, permit
conditions, manufacturers specifications, department adopted industry standards
and all other state and local requirements.
Spill buckets must be thread-on design, not slip over, and must be UL listed.
Install the surface concrete with sufficient slope such that surface water is
prevented from entering the spill containment manhole.
G) Overfill Protection
Ball float vent valve overfill devices may not be used on suction systems or on
systems that receive pressurized delivery.
Vent ball extractors must have access risers extending to the surface and have a
cap that is removable without wrenches or special tools.
External overfill alarms must be set at 90% of the tank volume (or less) and must
be audible to the delivery driver at all times.

Rev. 7/04