By: Mike Arozarena
Under normal conditions, EHS Support conducts classroom and in-field tank inspection training for clients; however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we can complete this tank periodic inspection training remotely. Since its inception in 2005, EHS Support has been a virtual environmental consulting firm – we are used to working remotely. Knowing that companies will still be required to keep up with regulatory training despite the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the resources to help you virtually.
Tank Integrity Inspection and Testing Regulations
Federal Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations[1] and supporting EPA SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors (dated August 2013), indicate that aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) containing oil must be inspected following industry standards. Steel Tank Institute (STI) SP001 is an EPA-accepted industry standard and is specifically listed in the SPCC Guidance document.
STI SP001 describes both certified inspections and periodic inspections of ASTs. In order to conduct certified inspections, the tank inspector must possess a SP001 AST Tank System Inspector certification from the STI. Periodic inspections, however, can be performed by facility personnel. Periodic inspections are visual inspections conducted monthly and annually using the generic checklists provided in SP001 or customized checklists.
Over the years, EHS Support has discovered that facility personnel are not always familiar with tank design, configuration, and ancillary equipment. Therefore, completion of the inspection checklists can be frustrating, incomplete, inaccurate, and inconsistent. To ensure the ASTs are inspected in accordance with industry standards, facility personnel often require training on how to perform and document monthly and annual periodic inspections in accordance with SP001. Training facility personnel is needed to ensure the ASTs are truly inspected in accordance with industry standards.
Virtual Tank Inspection Training
During the next few weeks, one of our STI SP001-certified tank inspectors can train your staff remotely. With some input from you, we can tailor a tank training program to your personnel and site. All participants will receive a training certificate after completion of the training.
Bottom line – As a virtual company, EHS Support understands how to prevent gaps in your tank compliance program.
For more information on conducting oil tank periodic inspection training for SPCC plans virtually, contact Mike Arozarena today at 513-773-5364 or mike.arozarena@ehs-support.com
[1] Federal Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations are codified in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 112, Oil Pollution Prevention. The tank integrity inspection and testing regulations in 40 CFR 112.7 and 40 CFR 112.8(c)(6), and the supporting EPA SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors (dated August 2013), state that aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) containing oil must be inspected following industry standards.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Arozarena has over 33 years of technical and project management experience in the environmental field. His diverse work background includes environmental consulting, private industry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Center. His areas of experience include plant-level regulatory compliance; EHS compliance audits; environmental permitting; stormwater and wastewater monitoring; aboveground storage tank testing; ambient air monitoring; and hazardous waste treatment technology evaluations… Read More
