(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) Any storage tank system without a method, or combination of methods, of release detection in accordance with this section, shall immediately provide a method of release detection, or immediately empty the storage tank system and place the affected system out-of-service in accordance with subsection 62-762.801(1), 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 section. Interstitial monitoring can be performed with vacuum, pressure, hydrostatic (liquid-level sensing), sensors or probes, or 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 Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.711 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, and reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431 Repairs shall be made in accordance with Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.701 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 62-762.701(4), F.A.C.; and,
    2. Registered in accordance with subsection 62-762.851(2), F.A.C., except that 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 suspected releases shall be printed from any electronic release detection device. 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 containing high viscosity product are exempt from all release detection requirements except for visual inspections.
    (2) Storage tanks with secondary containment.
    (a) One or more of the following release detection methods shall be used:
    1. Liquid level monitoring systems with electronic hydrostatic sensors. These methods 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 and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    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 can not be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that vacuum levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    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 can not be maintained. Any alarm that indicates that pressure levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    4. Electronic sensors in a normally dry interstice. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid 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 and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    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 resevoir. Any visual observation that indicates that liquid levels are not being maintained is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    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 62-762.851(2), F.A.C. Any change indicated above is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    b. Liquid-filled gauges shall be calibrated using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable standards, hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, prior to initial operation. Information on NIST can be obtained from 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070, (301)975-6478, or at http://www.nist.gov/index.html. The gauges shall be operational at all times.
    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 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 Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    8. Visual monitoring of dike fields. This method shall be able to detect the presence of liquid at a low point in the dike field. The accumulation of water or condensation in the low point of the dike field shall not interfere with the ability to detect regulated substances. Any release of regulated substance in the dike field is considered a positive response and shall be reported and investigated as an incident pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    (3) Storage tanks without secondary containment.
    (a) Required release detection methods. Storage tanks that are exempt from secondary containment shall have monthly visual inspections performed in accordance with Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.601(1)(e)
    (b) Performance Requirements. Visual inspections of storage tanks shall include an inspection of the exterior of each tank, the integral piping, and any other storage tank system components.
    (4) Small diameter integral piping with secondary containment.
    (a) One or more of the applicable release detection methods in subsection 62-762.601(2), F.A.C., shall be used.
    (b) In addition, pressurized small diameter 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 restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping when a leak is detected.
    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.
    (5) A positive response is defined as any instance where the release detection system has shut off power to the pump, 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 Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.431
    (6) Bulk product piping and hydrant piping with secondary containment associated with shop fabricated storage tank systems shall meet the requirements of subsection 62-762.602(5), F.A.C.
    (7) Bulk product and hydrant piping without secondary containment associated with shop fabricated storage tank systems shall meet the requirements of subsection 62-762.602(6), F.A.C.
    (8) 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. An annual operability test will be deemed timely if performed within the same calendar month in which the test is due. 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.
    (9) Operability test results shall be maintained and available for inspection by the Department or county in accordance with Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-762.711
Rulemaking Authority 376.303 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 376.303. History-New 6-21-04, Amended 1-11-17, 6-26-23.