Storage Tank Spill Prevention

NSIGHTS

March 2008
Volume 12

MOTT TANK INSPECTION, INC.

Steel Tank Institute Inspection Frequencies

Inspections
CRDM
LTM
Intervals

The Steel Tank Institute provides inspection and evaluation criteria for aboveground storage
tanks (ASTs) in the Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks (SP001). The
standard applies to portable containers and to shop-fabricated ASTs.

Continuous Release Detection Method

Tanks with Spill Control and CRDM

A Continuous Release Detection Method (CRDM) is a

means of detecting a release of liquid through inherent
design. It must be a passive system that does not
require sensors or power to operate. CRDMs include
release prevention barriers, double-walled or doublebottomed ASTs and elevated ASTs with no part of the
AST in contact with ground.
Leak Testing Method
A Leak Testing Method (LTM) is a point-in-time test
method to determine if an AST is liquid tight. LTMs
include gas pressure decay, gas pressure soap bubble
testing, gas tracers, soil tracers, mass measurement,
level measurement and hydrostatic testing.
Periodic Inspection
All ASTs and portable containers shall have periodic
visual inspections conducted every month. These
inspections do not need to be conducted by a certified
tank inspector but the personnel performing these
inspections must be knowledgeable of the storage
facility operations, type of AST and its associated
components, and characteristics of the liquid stored. In
addition, each tank or portable container must have an
annual inspection. STI standard SP001 provides
Monthly and Annual Inspection Checklists. The
inspections must be documented. Findings from the
monthly and annual inspections shall be provided to the
certified tank inspector during formal external and
internal inspections.

Tanks with capacities of 5,000 gallons or less require periodic

inspections. Tanks with capacities of 5,001 to 50,000 gallons
require formal external inspections every 20 years.
Tanks with Spill Control and without CRDM
Tanks or containers with capacities of 1,100 gallons or less
require periodic inspections. Tanks with capacities of 1,101
to 5,000 gallons require formal external inspections and leak
tests every 10 years. Tanks with capacities of 5,001 to 30,000
gallons require external inspections every 10 years and
internal inspections every 20 years or external inspections
every 5 years and leak tests every 10 years. Tanks with
capacities of 30,001 to 50,000 gallons require formal external
inspections and leak tests every 5 years and internal
inspections every 15 years.
Tanks without Spill Control and without CRDM
Tanks or containers with capacities of 1,100 gallons or less
require formal external inspections and leak tests every 10
years. Tanks with capacities of 1,101 to 5,000 gallons require
formal external inspections and leak tests every 5 years and
internal inspections every 10 years or leak tests every 2 years
and formal external inspections every 5 years. Tanks with
capacities of 5,001 to 30,000 gallons require external
inspections and leak tests every 5 years and an internal
inspection every 10 years or external inspections every 5
years and leak tests every year. Tanks with capacities of
30,001 to 50,000 gallons require formal external inspections
and leak tests every 5 years and internal inspections every 10
years.

Editor: David Wegner, P.E.

The Next Issue: Leak Testing Methods

If you would prefer to receive this newsletter electronically, please email the editor at dwegner@mtitank.com.
Any other newsletter distribution requests can be directed to the Clarks Summit office at 800-577-8279.
Mott Tank Inspection, Inc.

PO Box 394

Clarks Summit, PA 18411

www.mtitank.com

800-577-8279