ASTM E1990-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1990 − 21 E1990 − 22
Standard Guide for
Performing Evaluations of Underground Storage Tank
Systems for Operational Conformance with 40 CFR, Part
280 Regulations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1990; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers information for evaluating tank systems for operational conformance with the Federal technical standards
(including the financial responsibility requirements) for underground storage tanks (USTs) found at 40 Code of Federal Register
(CFR) Part 280.
1.2 This guide does not address the corrective action requirements of 40 CFR Part 280.
1.3 To the extent that a tank system is excluded or deferred from the federal regulations under Subpart A of 40 CFR Part 280, it
is not covered by this guide.
1.4 Local regulations may be more stringent than federal regulation and the reader should refer to the implementing agency to
determine compliance.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 Federal Standards:
Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Environmental Protection Agency, Part 280, Technical Standards and Corrective
Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Environmental Protection Agency, Part 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities,
and Notification
2.2 United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Standards:
510-B-00-003 Financial Responsibility for Underground Storage Tanks: A Reference Manual (EPA). January 2000.
510-K-15-001 Musts for USTs: A Summary of the Federal Regulations for Underground Storage Tank Systems. November 2015.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee E50.01 on Storage Tanks.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021April 1, 2022. Published September 2021June 2022. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20162021 as
E1990-16.-21. DOI: 10.1520/E1990-21.10.1520/E1990-22.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
http://www.epa.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1990 − 22
510-K-20-001 UST System Compatibility with Biofuels. July 2020.
510-K-20-002 Release Detection for Underground Storage Tanks and Piping: Straight Talk on Tanks. August 2020.
510-K-18-001 Dollars and Sense: Financial Responsibility Requirements for Underground Storage Tanks. July 2018.
510-B-19-002 through 510-B19-006 Standard Test Procedures for Evaluating Various Leak Detection Methods. May 2019.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 airport hydrant system, n—an UST system which fuels aircraft and operates under high pressure with large diameter piping
that typically terminates into one or more hydrants (fill stands).
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
The airport hydrant system begins where fuel enters one or more tanks from an external source such as a pipeline, barge, rail car,
or other motor fuel carrier.
3.1.2 corrosion protection, v—to prevent the degradation of a material due to a reaction between the material and its environment.
3.1.3 field-constructed tank, n—a tank constructed in the field.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
For example, a tank constructed of concrete that is poured in the field, or a steel or fiberglass tank primarily fabricated in the field
is considered field-constructed.
3.1.4 implementing agency, n—Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or, in the case of a State with program approval (or
pursuant to a memorandum of agreement with EPA), the designated State or Local agency responsible for carrying out the UST
program.
3.1.5 overfill, n—exceeding the capacity of the tank.
3.1.6 overfill protection, n—a device used to prevent a tank from being overfilled when product is being added to the tank.
3.1.7 release detection, n—a method to determine whether a release of a regulated substance has occurred from the UST system
into the environment or into the interstitial space between the UST system and its secondary barrier or secondary containment
around it.
3.1.8 replaced tank, n—to remove a tank and install another tank.
3.1.9 replaced piping, n—this means to remove 50 percent or more of piping excluding connectors, and install other piping,
connected to a single tank.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—
For tanks with multiple piping runs, replaced piping applies independently to each piping run.
3.1.10 secondary containment or secondarily contained, n—a release prevention and release detection system for a tank or piping
utilizing an inner and outer barrier with an interstitial space that is monitored for leaks.
3.1.10.1 Discussion—
This term includes containment sumps when used for interstitial monitoring of piping.
3.1.11 spill, n—a release of a regulated substance which results during the filling, placement, removal, or transfer of regulated
substances to, or from, a UST system.
3.1.12 spill prevention, n—a device used to prevent or contain a spill associated with removing the fill hose from the tank fill pipe.
3.1.13 suspected release, n—released product discovered at or near the UST site, observed unusual operating conditions, such as
apparent loss of product; or results from a release detection method that indicates a release.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—
Suspected release does not include situations where a method or equipment is found to be defective, is immediately corrected, and
then indicates no release.
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3.1.14 underground storage tank (UST), n—any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that
is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which (including connected underground piping)
is 10 % or more beneath the surface of the ground.
3.1.15 upgrade, v—the addition or retrofit of the UST system or some system components such as release detection, corrosion
protection, spill prevention, or overfill protection to improve the ability of an UST system to prevent the release of product and
meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 280.
3.1.15.1 Discussion—
Steel tanks not upgraded by October 13, 2015 to be protected in accordance with 5.3, must be permanently closed except
previously deferred UST systems with field-constructed tanks, airport hydrant systems, or where an upgrade is determined
appropriate by the implementing agency.
3.1.16 UST system, n—an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and
containment system, if any.
3.2 Additional Terminology—The following definitions and discussions, taken directly from the publication “Form and Style for
ASTM Standards” shall be included in full in every standard guide or practice produced and passed by Committee E-50 or any
of its technical subcommittees, approved April 16, 1997.
3.2.1 guide, n—a compendium of information or series of options or instructions that do not recommend a specific course of
action.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Whereas a practice prescribes a general usage principle, a guide only suggest an approach. The purpose of a guide is to offer
guidance, based on a consensus of viewpoints, but not to establish a fixed procedure. A guide is intended to increase the awareness
of the user to available techniques in a given subject area and to provide information from which subsequent evaluation and
standardization can be derived.
3.2.2 practice, n—a definitive set of instructions procedure for performing one or more specific operations or functions that does
not produce a test result.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
A practice is not a downgraded test method. Examples of practices include procedures of interlaboratory testing programs or other
statistical procedures; for writing statements on sampling or precision and accuracy; and for selection, preparation, application,
inspection, and necessary precautions for the use, disposal, installation, maintenance, and operation of testing equipment. Further
examples of practices include but are not limited to: application, assessment, cleaning, collection, decontamination, inspection,
installation, preparation, sampling, screening, and training.
3.2.3 standard, n—as used in ASTM International, a nominative document that has been developed and established within the
consensus principles of the Society and that meets the approval requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
The term “standard” serves in ASTM International as a nominative in the title of documents such as test methods or specifications,
to connote specified consensus and approval. The various types of standard documents are based on the needs and usages as
prescribed by the technical committees of the Society.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is an educational tool for tank owners, operators, and other users and is not intended for use in certifying
compliance with the Federal technical standards for underground storage tanks.
4.2 The intent of this guide is to provide an overview of the general requirements. This guide is intended for users who are
generally familiar with the requirements of 40 CFR Part 280. The user is advised that this guide does not contain the level of detail
necessary to make the determination of whether specific equipment or services meet the detailed technical performance
requirements of 40 CFR Part 280.
4.3 This guide does not cover state and local requirements, that can be more stringent than the federal rules. Owners and operators
are responsible for meeting federal, state, and, in some circumstances, local requirements. It is recommended that owners and
operators familiarize themselves with these requirements as well.
E1990 − 22
4.4 Owners or operators may use the sample checklist in Appendix X1 to assist them in determining operational conformance or
they may develop their own checklist based upon this guide.
4.5 This guide and accompanying appendixes are not intended to be used by state or local UST program authorities as a regulatory
or administrative requirement for owners or operators. Use of this guide and appendixes by owners and operators is intended to
be a voluntary educational tool for the purposes described in 4.1.
5. UST System Requirements
5.1 Operational Conformance—For an underground storage tank (UST) system to be in operational conformance with 40 CFR
Part 280, it must have release detection, corrosion protection, spill prevention, and overfill protection. In addition, UST system
owners and operators must perform periodic testing of key equipment and visually-based walkthrough inspections.
5.2 Release Detection—To meet all release detection requirements, release detection for both tank and piping is required.
5.2.1 Tanks—Tanks installed after April 11, 2016, must be secondarily contained and use interstitial monitoring as the primary
method of release detection.
5.2.1.1 Tanks installed before April 11, 2016 may meet release detection requirements by use of continuous in tank leak detection
(CITLD), automatic tank gauging (ATG), vapor monitoring, interstitial monitoring, groundwater monitoring, statistical inventory
reconciliation (SIR), or any other approved method.
5.2.1.2 Manual Tank Gauging—This release detection method is only allowed for tanks of 2000-gal capacity or less. This
technique may be used if the tank meets the size, test duration, and standard variation requirements listed in Table 1.
5.2.2 Piping—Piping must be monitored monthly using interstitial monitoring (pressurized piping must also use an automatic line
leak detector method in accordance with 5.2.2.2) unless one of the following exceptions apply:
5.2.2.1 Pressurized Piping—installed or replaced on before April 11, 2016, it is necessary to choose one method from 5.2.2.2 and
one method from 5.2.2.3 (or a single method that satisfies both sections).
5.2.2.2 Choose one of the following automatic line leak detector methods: automatic flow restrictor, automatic flow shutoff device,
or continuous alarm system.
(1) Each of the automatic line leak detector methods in 5.2.2.2 must be tested on an annual basis in accordance with the
manufacturer’s requirements, a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing
laboratory, or requirements by the implementing agency.
5.2.2.3 Choose one of the following: annual line tightness testing, monthly monitoring using one of the following: vapor
monitoring, ground water monitoring, SIR, other approved methods, such as: electric or electronic line leak detector, and continual
reconciliation.
TABLE 1 Guide for Owners and Operators
Weekly Monthly
Minimum
Standard Standard (Four-
Tank Size Duration of
(One Test), Test Average),
Test, h
gal gal
Up to 550 gal 36 10 5
551 gal to 1000 gal (when the 44 9 4
tank diameter is 64 in.)
551 gal to 1000 gal (when the 58 12 6
tank diameter is 48 in.)
551 gal to 1000 gal (also requires 36 13 7
periodic tank tightness testing.)
1001 gal to 2000 gal (also 36 26 13
requires periodic tank tightness
testing.)
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5.2.2.4 Suction Piping—installed or replaced before April 11, 2016, choose one of the following:
(1) Monthly monitoring using one of the following: vapor monitoring, ground water monitoring, interstitial monitoring, SIR
and, other approved methods; or
(2) Line testing every three years.
(3) No leak detection is required if the piping meets all the following criteria:
(a) The below-grade piping operates at less than atmospheric pressure.
(b) The below-grade piping is sloped so that the contents of the pipe will drain back into the storage tank if suction is released.
(c) Only one check valve is included in each suction line and it is located directly below and as close as practical to the suction
pump.
(d) Satisfying the preceding requirements must be able to be easily determined.
5.2.3 Hazardous Substance Tanks—Release detection for hazardous substance tanks must meet one of the following:
5.2.3.1 UST systems installed after October 13, 2015:
(1) All hazardous UST systems must have secondary containment and monthly interstitial monitoring.
5.2.3.2 UST systems installed prior to October 13, 2015:
(1) Unless an owner or operator has applied for and received a variance from the implementing agency, new hazardous
substance UST system must have each of the following: secondary containment, and monthly interstitial monitoring.
5.3 Corrosion Protection—All underground tanks and piping must be protected from corrosion.
5.3.1 Tanks—Any portion of the tank that is underground and routinely contains product must have corrosion protection. The
following may be used to meet corrosion protection requirements for tanks:
5.3.1.1 Coated and cathodically protected steel,
5.3.1.2 Cathodic protection added,
5.3.1.3 Interior lining added,
5.3.1.4 Cathodic protection and interior lining added,
5.3.1.5 Fiberglass reinforced plastic,
5.3.1.6 Steel tank clad with a noncorrodible material, and
5.3.1.7 Other construction accepted by the implementing agency.
5.3.1.8 Corrosion expert’s determination that the site is not corrosive enough to cause it to have a release during the operating life
of the tank.
5.3.2 Piping—Piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be protected from
corrosion. The following may be used to meet corrosion protection requirements for piping:
5.3.2.1 Coated and cathodically protected steel,
5.3.2.2 Cathodic protection added,
5.3.2.3 Fiberglass reinforced plastic,
5.3.2.4 Other construction accepted by the implementing agency, and
5.3.2.5 Corrosion expert’s determination that the site is not corrosive enough to cause it to have a release during the operating life
of the piping.
E1990 − 22
5.4 Spill Prevention and Overfill Protection—Tanks that receive regulated substances in quantities greater than 25 gal at one filling
need to have spill prevention and overfill protection.
5.4.1 To meet the spill prevention requirement, equipment that will contain the product in the transfer hose when the transfer hose
is detached from the fill pipe (for example, a catchment basin) should be used to prevent release of product to the environment.
5.4.2 To meet overfill protection requirements, one of the following must be used:
5.4.2.1 Automatic shutoff device,
5.4.2.2 Overfill alarm, or
5.4.2.3 Ball float valve.
5.5 Compatibility—owners and operators of USTs are required to use UST systems made of or lined with materials that are
compatible with the substance stored in the UST system (40 CFR 280.32).
5.6 Periodic Testing—At least once every three years, unless otherwise noted, the following equipment must be tested in
accordance with either the manufacturer’s instructions, a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or
independent testing laboratory, or requirements by the implementing agency.
5.6.1 Spill prevention equipment;
5.6.2 Containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping;
5.6.3 Leak detection equipment must be tested annually:
5.6.3.1 Automatic tank gauge and other controllers,
5.6.3.2 Probes and sensors,
5.6.3.3 Automatic line leak detector,
5.6.3.4 Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges, and
5.6.3.5 Hand-held electronic sampling equipment.
5.7 Visually-based Walkthrough Inspections—At least monthly, unless otherwise noted, the following equipment must be
inspected as indicated or in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent
testing laboratory that checks equipment in a comparable manner as indicated.
5.7.1 Spill Prevention Equipment—Should be checked for damage, to remove liquid and debris and obstructions in fill pipe, ill cap
is securely on the fill pipe, and if the spill prevention equipment is double walled, check for leaks in the interstitial space.
5.7.2 Release Detection Equipment—Should be operating with no alarms or other unusual operating conditions, and records are
current.
5.7.3 Containment sumps should be inspected annually for damage, to remove liquid and debris, and if the sump is double wall,
check for leaks in the interstitial space.
5.7.4 Hand-held release detection equipment such as tank gauge sticks and groundwater bailers should be checked annually to
ensure operability and serviceability.
6. Financial Responsibility
6.1 Financial Responsibility—Owners or operators of USTs which hold petroleum must demonstrate financial responsibility.
E1990 − 22
These requirements are designed to ensure that someone can pay the costs of cleaning up leaks and compensating third-parties for
bodily injury and property damage caused by leaking USTs. The total amount of coverage required under the federal rule is
determined by the type of business, the amount of throughput of the tanks at a facility, and the number of tanks owned nationwide.
Petroleum refiners or marketers must maintain $1 000 000 coverage per occurrence. Nonmarketers with throughput of 10 000
gallons or less per month must maintain $500 000 coverage per occurrence. Owners or operators of 100 or fewer tanks must
maintain $1 000 000 annual aggregate coverage while those with over 100 tanks must maintain $2 000 000 annual aggregate
coverage. The following mechanisms, alone or in combination, may be used to meet the financial responsibility requirements:
6.1.1 Insurance policy,
6.1.2 Guarantee,
6.1.3 Letter of credit,
6.1.4 Self insurance.
6.1.5 State financial assurance fund,
6.1.6 Surety bond,
6.1.7 Dedicated trust fund, and
6.1.8 State approved method.
6.1.9 The following four additional mechanisms may be used by local governments to demonstrate compliance:
6.1.9.1 Bond rating test,
6.1.9.2 Passing a financial test,
6.1.9.3 Guarantee, and
6.1.9.4 Dedicated fund.
7. Notification, Reporting, and Recordkeeping
7.1 Notification—The following are notification requirements listed in the underground storage tank technical requirements at 40
CFR Part 280. This information must be submitted to the implementing agency.
7.1.1 Notification for All UST Systems—If an UST system is brought into use after May 8, 1986, within 30 days of being brought
into use a notification form must be submitted. If an UST system was in the ground on or after May 8, 1986, unless taken out of
operation on or before Jan. 1, 1974, a notification form must be submitted. If an UST system was installed after Dec. 22, 1988,
a certification of installation must also be submitted for that system.
7.1.2 Notification Before Permanent Closure or Change in Service—Owners and operators must notify the implementing agency
at least 30 days before storing greater than 10 % ethanol, 20 % biodiesel, or any other regulated substance identified by the
implementing agency.
7.1.3 Notification Before Permanent Closure or Change in Service—Owners or operators must notify the implementation agency
at least 30 days before permanent closure or change in service begins.
7.2 Reporting—The following are reporting requirements listed in the underground storage tank technical requirements at 40 CFR
Part 280. This information must be submitted to the implementing agency.
7.2.1 Reports of All Releases—Within 24 h or another reasonable time period established by the implementing agency, the
following must be reported:
7.2.1.1 Suspected releases,
E1990 − 22
7.2.1.2 Spills and overfills (if not cleaned up within 24 h, if petroleum over 25 gal or if a hazardous substance over its reportable
quantity under 40 CFR Part 302), and
NOTE 1—State or local jurisdictions may have released reporting requirements with much shorter time frames (for example, 15 min.).
7.2.1.3 Confirmed releases.
7.2.2 Corrective Actions Planned or Taken—This includes:
7.2.2.1 Initial abatement measures,
7.2.2.2 Initial site characterization,
7.2.2.3 Free product removal,
7.2.2.4 Investigation of soil and ground water cleanup, and
7.2.2.5 Corrective action plan.
7.3 Recordkeeping— The following are recordkeeping requirements listed in the underground storage tank technical requirements
at 40 CFR Part 280.
7.3.1 Corrosion Expert’s Analysis—A corrosion expert’s analysis of site corrosion potential if corrosion protection equipment is
not used.
7.3.2 Corrosion Protection—Documentation of operation of corrosion protection equipment is required. This includes the
following:
7.3.2.1 Results from the last two tests for proper operation for all cathodic protection systems. These tests are required within six
months of installation and every three years thereafter. In addition, this test must be conducted within six months following the
repair of any cathodically protected UST system. The test must be done by a qualified cathodic protection tester.
7.3.2.2 Results from the last three inspections for UST systems having an impressed current cathodic protection system. These
inspections must be conducted every 60 days to ensure that the equipment is running properly. This inspection may be performed
by the owner or operator of the system.
7.3.3 Release Detection—Records showing conformance with release detection requirements are required. This includes the
following:
7.3.3.1 All written performance claims pertaining to the release detection system used and the manner in which these claims have
been justified or tested by the vendor or by the equipment manufacturer or installer. These records need to be maintained for five
years from the date of installation.
7.3.3.2 The results of any sampling, testing, or monitoring. These results must be maintained for one year. In the case of tank
tightness testing, the result must be maintained until the next tightness test is conducted.
7.3.3.3 Written documentation of all calibrations, maintenance, and repair of release detection permanently located on-site. This
documentation needs to be maintained for at least one year after the servicing work is completed. In addition, any schedules of
required calibration and maintenance provided by the release detection equipment manufacturer must be retained for five years
from the date of installation.
7.3.4 UST System Repairs—Documentation of UST System Repairs must be maintained for each repair for the remaining
operating life of the UST system.
7.3.5 Permanent Closure Site Assessment—Results of the site assessment conducted at permanent closure must be maintained for
at least three years after completion of the permanent closure or change-in-service.
E1990 − 22
7.3.6 Evidence of Financial Assurance—The following is needed to demonstrate financial assurance:
7.3.6.1 A current “Certification of Financial Responsibility” and
7.3.6.2 Any additional documentation that shows the financial responsibility method is valid and provides details on the method’s
coverage such as signed copies of official letters or newsletters, policies, and state fund agreements.
7.3.7 Compatibility Storing Certain Regulated Substances—In accordance with the EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks July
2020 guidance – UST System Compatibility with Biof
...