Through the years, independent organizations also developed industry codes and standards for USTs, and compliance to these industry standards became an integral part of federal UST regulations. Guidelines on design and construction, corrosion-protection, the application of quality tank lining products, were some of the comprehensive UST-related topics covered in the industry-developed codes and standards. The standards aim to encourage UST owners and operators to implement the best practices in UST management developed by these nationally-recognized organizations.
All of the industry-developed codes and standards are found in the EPA website. Citing a few of them, the American Petroleum Institute (API) developed the API Recommended Practice 1631, “Interior Lining of Underground Storage Tanks”, covering tank lining guidelines. National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Standard RP-0184 “Recommended Practice: Repair of Lining Systems”, also covers the correct way in tank lining applications. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 326 “Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair”, and National Leak Prevention Association (NLPA) Standard 631 “Entry, Cleaning, Interior Inspection, Repair, and Lining of Underground Storage Tanks”, are some of the standards governing tank lining applications.
The API Publication 1628, “A Guide to the Assessment and Remediation of Underground Petroleum Releases”, covers UST closures, while Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
1746, Standard for Safety: “External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks” covers corrosion protection.
