Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62-761.600 - Release Detection Requirements

(1) General requirements.

(a) Storage tank systems shall have a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that can detect a new release from any portion of the storage tank system.

(b) For any storage tank system without a method, or combination of methods, of release detection in accordance with this rule, the owner or operator shall immediately provide a method of release detection, or shall immediately empty and place the storage tank system out-of-service, or close the storage tank system in accordance with subsection 62-761.800(2), F.A.C.

(c) Any component of a storage tank system with an interstice shall have a method of interstitial monitoring which shall be conducted in accordance with this rule. Interstitial monitoring can be performed with vacuum, pressure, hydrostatic (liquid-level sensing), sensors or probes, and visual release detection methods.

(d) Except as otherwise specified in this rule, the release detection method or combination of methods used at a facility shall be performed at least once every calendar month, but not exceeding 35 days, to determine if a release from the storage tank system has occurred.

(e) Visual inspections. At least once a month, but not exceeding 35 days, every component of a storage tank system that contains, transfers, or stores, or is designed to contain, transfer, or store regulated substances that can be inspected visually shall be visually inspected and documented as to its condition pursuant to Rule 62-761.710, F.A.C. Any visual inspection of a storage tank system that reveals uncontrolled pitting corrosion, structural damage, leakage, or other similar problems is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records. Repairs shall be made in accordance with Rule 62-761.700, F.A.C. The positive response shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C., if it is determined that a release has occurred. A monthly visual inspection is not required for any system component using an electronic release detection method; however, piping and dispenser sumps that use an electronic release detection method must also be visually inspected every six months and records kept of the visual inspection.

(f) Electronic and mechanical release detection devices shall be:

1. Installed, calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall be designed and installed to provide service checks for operability to ensure that the device is functioning in accordance with subsection 62-761.700(3), F.A.C.; and,

2. Registered in accordance with subsection 62-761.850(2), F.A.C., except controllers or annunciators that are used to display leak detection test results are not required to be registered.

(g) Electronic release detection devices shall be inspected for proper operation at least once every calendar month, but not exceeding 35 days. A record or summary of the alarm history, sensor status, and testing results related to potential releases shall be printed from any electronic release detection device and kept, or be provided to the county or Department upon request through electronic documentation. If the release detection system is not capable of printing records, a manual log shall be maintained of the alarm history, sensor status, and testing results.

(h) Release detection shall be constructed and installed so that groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture will not render the release detection method used inoperable.

(i) Storage tank systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed prior to January 11, 2017, must meet the release detection requirements of Rule 62-761.600, F.A.C., on or before October 13, 2018. Storage tank systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed after January 11, 2017, must meet the release detection requirements of Rule 62-761.600, F.A.C., at installation.

(2) Storage Tanks.

(a) One or more of the following release detection methods shall be used:

1. Liquid level monitoring systems with electronic hydrostatic sensors. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in liquid levels within the interstice and monitoring reservoir and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if liquid levels cannot be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that liquid levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

2. Vacuum monitoring. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in vacuum levels within the interstice by continuous monitoring of vacuum levels and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if vacuum levels cannot be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that vacuum levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

3. Pressure monitoring. This method shall be able to detect incidents by using an inert gas and determining changes in pressure levels within the interstice by continuous monitoring of pressure levels and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if pressure levels cannot be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that pressure levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

4. Electronic sensors in a normally dry interstice. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid, other than condensate, in the interstice or monitoring low point and to provide immediate electronic notification with an audible or visual alarm to the owner or operator if liquid is detected. Any alarm that indicates the presence of liquid is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

5. Visually inspected liquid level monitoring systems. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in liquid levels within the interstice and monitoring reservoir. Any visual observation that indicates that liquid levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

6. Visually inspected vacuum or pressure monitoring with gauges. This method shall be able to detect incidents by determining changes in vacuum or pressure levels within the interstice.

a. Pressure readings shall be able to detect a 50 percent change from one month to the next, or any change in pressure exceeding 50 percent of the initial level or of a pressure level that is reestablished at the time of an incident investigation or annual testing of the gauge, and for vacuum systems, any complete loss of vacuum or positive pressure reading. Vacuum or pressure refreshment must be performed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and the system's equipment registration in subsection 62-761.850(2), F.A.C. Any change indicated above is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

b. Liquid-filled gauges shall be calibrated using NIST traceable standards prior to initial operation, hereby adopted and incorporated by reference. Information is available at National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070, (301)975-6478, or the organization's website at http://www.nist.gov/index.html. This reference guideline is located in paragraph 62-761.210(2)(h), F.A.C.

7. Visual monitoring of normally dry interstices. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid at a low point of the interstice. Any presence of groundwater or surface water, other than condensate, or regulated substances in the interstice is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

8. Visual monitoring of liners. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid at a low point of the liner. The accumulation of water or condensation in the low point of the liner shall not interfere with the ability to detect regulated substances. Any unexplained presence of regulated substances in the liner is considered a positive response. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

(3) Integral piping with secondary containment.

(a) One or more of the release detection methods in subsection 62-761.600(2), F.A.C., shall be used.

(b) In addition, pressurized integral piping in contact with the soil shall be equipped with a release detection system that can detect a leak within one hour. One of the following methods shall be used:

1. Mechanical line leak detectors. Mechanical line leak detectors shall be capable of detecting a discharge of 3.0 gallons per hour (gph) with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05 at an equivalent line pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi) and restrict flow within one hour.

2. Electronic line leak detectors. Electronic line leak detectors shall be capable of detecting a discharge of 3.0 gph with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05 at an equivalent line pressure of 10 psi and alert the operator by resticting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping when a leak is detected. Monthly release detection printed tapes from automatic tank gauges for electronic line leak detectors are not required to be kept as records to demonstrate compliance, but a positive response from an electronic line leak detector must be recorded and investigated in accordance with Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

3. Electronic interstitial monitoring devices. Storage tank systems without line leak detectors, shall have electronic interstitial monitoring devices that are capable of detecting a release of 10 gallons within one hour and shutting off the pump.

4. For emergency generator storage tank systems that are monitored 24-hours per day, if the release detection system detects leaks of 3.0 gph at 10 psi line pressure within one hour, an audible or visual alarm will be triggered to alert the on-site operator.

(4) A positive response is defined as any instance where the release detection system has shut off power to the pump, or restricted the flow, or triggered an audible or visual alarm for pressurized integral piping in contact with the soil. The positive response shall be recorded as part of the release detection records and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Rule 62-761.430, F.A.C.

(5) Annual operability testing of release detection systems. All release detection devices shall be tested annually at intervals not exceeding 12 months to ensure proper operation. The test must either simulate an actual alarm condition or shall be conducted according to manufacturer's specifications, and shall include, at a minimum, a determination of whether the device operates as designed. Remote testing of the system can be performed by the manufacturer if the remote test is included in the third-party certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. An annual operability test will be deemed timely if performed within the same calendar month in which the test is due.

(6) Operability test results shall be maintained and available for inspection by the Department or county in accordance with Rule 62-761.710, F.A.C

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62-761.600

Rulemaking Authority 376.303 FS. Law Implemented 376.303 FS.

New 12-10-90, Formerly 17-761.600, Amended 7-13-98, 6-21-04, Amended by Florida Register Volume 42, Number 250, December 28, 2016 effective 1/11/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 49, Number 114, June 13, 2023 effective 6/25/2023.

New 12-10-90, Formerly 17-761.600, Amended 7-13-98, 6-21-04, 1-11-17, 6-25-23.