API Publ 340:1997 pdf download.Liquid Release Prevention and Detection Measures for Aboveground Storage Facilities
In 1992, API formed a steering group to evaluate the petroleum industry’s approach to aboveground tank facility operation. The group chose two courses of action. The first involved a reassessment of the adequacy of API standards for terminal and tank operations. The second involved a survey of API members to evaluate the current status of facility operations and determine the frequency of groundwater contamination. Under the steering group’s direction, approximately 60 API standards and recommended practices were reviewed. This activity resulted in the revision of several existing standards and development of new ones. Most importantly, API members developed a comprehensive new standard, Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Terminal and Tank Facilities (Standard 26 lo), which addresses the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection of all petroleum terminal and tank facilities associated with marketing, refining, and transportation activities. The standard was designed to fill a need to combine terminal- and tank-related standards and good operating practices into one document. In an effort to further define the extent of operational concerns relating to tank operations and to assess improvements, API conducted a survey of its members’ aboveground storage tank facilities. At EPA’s request, API members in the refining, marketing, and transportation sectors voluntarily participated in a survey of these facilities. Two purposes of the survey were to assess recent facility improvements and to determine the relative sources of groundwater contamination. The survey results indicated that the contribution to groundwater contamination from almost all sources decreased during the five-year period preceding the survey. Respondents in all three industry sectors reported significant reductions in releases because of improved equipment and operating practices.
This report outlines the range of available procedures, technologies, and equipment that can be used to prevent and/or detect liquid releases at existing aboveground storage tank facilities. It is intended to assist in the selection of appropriate options to prevent or detect releases and to protect the environment should a release occur. Additionally, the control measures have been identified according to their ability to prevent or detect types of releases and to protect the environment in the event of a release. Emphasis is given to release prevention measures. The storage components addressed include: tankage, facility piping, loading and unloading areas, ancillary equipment (e.g., vapor processing, additive systems, sumps), and facility operating systems. These components are illustrated in Figure 1-1.