Underground Storage Tank

Flood Guide

Junction, Texas Flood of 1935. Photo courtesy of Texas Escapes Online Magazine and Texas Department of Transportation

Printed on Recycled Paper

 Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

Effects Of Flooding On Underground Storage Tank Systems ................. 2

What If An UST Is Located In A Flood Area? ......................................... 4

Before A Flood, What Should Owners And Operators Do? .................... 6

After A Flood, What Should Owners And Operators Do? ....................... 7

What If A Tank Floats Out Of Its Excavation? ........................................ 8

What If A Remediation System is Flooded? ........................................... 9

Other Useful Information ...................................................................... 10

Incident Response................................................................................ 11

Financial Assistance............................................................................. 11

References ........................................................................................... 14

Appendix A – API Checklist .................................................................. 16

Appendix B - Selected State Information On Returning Flood Impacted

USTs To Service .................................................................................. 17
Introduction
Floods are caused by many different phenomenon including natural processes such as heavy
rains, snow melt, earthquakes, tsunamis, or hurricanes. Likewise, failure of levees and dams or
inadequate drainage in urban areas can also result in flooding. Floods are often unpredictable
and the aftereffects can be damaging and costly to mitigate.

During floods, underground storage tank (UST) systems can become submerged or displaced by
flood waters, leading to damaged UST systems or even releases of regulated substances into the
environment. If UST facilities are damaged, they need to be returned to normal operation in the
most expedient, safe, and environmentally responsible manner possible.

In the event of a flood, you - the local, state, or tribal underground storage tank authority - may
respond to emergency calls from owners, operators, and other affected parties. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this guide to help provide information to
localities, states, and tribes when addressing relevant compliance challenges that may arise after
a flood. This guide may not cover every possible situation you encounter.

This basic reference guide consolidates published and unpublished information from various
federal, state, non-governmental, and UST industry resources. You may use the information in
this guide to prepare for, prevent, or lessen the catastrophic effects and environmental harm that
could occur as a result of flooded UST systems, as well as help return these UST systems to
service as soon as possible.

Note: EPA designed this underground storage tank guide to provide simple
guidelines and useful information to state, local, and tribal authorities in the
event of a threatened or actual flood. It includes information about preparing
for a flood, important actions after the disaster strikes, and information on
financial assistance.

Checklists in this guide are not comprehensive and owners and operators
may wish to contact other entities for additional information.

This guide does not replace existing federal or state regulations and is not to
be used as a regulation. It also does not impose legally binding requirements.
The word “should” as used in this guide, is intended solely to recommend or
suggest and does not connote a requirement.

For regulatory requirements regarding UST systems, refer to the requirements

listed in 40 CFR 280, or the corresponding state regulations.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 1

Effects Of Flooding On Underground Storage Tank Systems
A flood creates an elevated level of risk for environmental damage from UST systems. For
example, UST systems may become displaced and release their contents into the environment,
causing soil, surface water, and groundwater contamination. While there is little that can be
done to prevent flooding, UST owners can take actions to minimize the damage potential that
impacted USTs have on human health and the environment when flooding occurs.

The following impacts on UST systems could occur as a result of flooding:

• buoyancy

• erosion and scour

• product displacement

• electrical system damage

UST lifted by buoyant force

Buoyancy

During a flood, an UST system surrounded by floodwaters or saturated soil is subjected to

buoyant forces that could offset the restraint of backfill, pavement, or hold-down straps, causing
the tank to shift in the backfill from its location. If the UST is unanchored, it may lift out of the
ground and float, resulting in a rupture or separation of the connecting pipes, releasing product
into the environment.

Erosion And Scour

Forces of rapidly moving water can cause soil erosion (resulting from soil above or around the
UST being carried away by wind and floodwaters) and scour (resulting from the velocity of
flowing water removing soil cover and supporting backfill material around the UST system).
Exposing the system to stressors from flood water pressure or floating debris makes it even more
vulnerable to being undermined or collapse. As a result of erosion and scour, underground
piping can also shift and become detached from the UST, releasing product into the environment.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 2

 Collapsed gasoline tank. Hurricane Katrina – 2005, Biloxi, MS

Product Displacement

During a flood, water or other debris can enter an UST through openings such as fill pipes, vent
pipes, gaskets, loose fittings, covers, sumps, and damaged tank walls. As water and debris settle
on the bottom of the UST, product will rise and float on top until it exits the tank through
openings, releasing product to the environment.

Electrical System Damage

Extended contact with floodwaters may cause damage to electrical

equipment associated with UST systems (such as automatic tank gauging
systems, panel boxes, emergency shutoff switches, submersible turbine
pumps, dispensers, motors, cathodic protection, etc.).

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 3

What If An UST Is Located In A Flood Area?
Because of their locations in or near water or low-lying areas, some USTs are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of flooding. Installation standards such as the Petroleum Equipment
Institute’s (PEI) Recommended Practice 100 and the American Petroleum Institute’s (API)
Recommended Practice 1615 contain information about proper anchoring of USTs.

If there is reason to believe an UST is in a vulnerable location, owners and operators may use the
following methods to help prevent USTs from floating during a rise in water levels:

• Increase the burial depth and/or amount of Soil conditions can

pavement above the UST. The extra weight of the dramatically affect
backfill and pavement may be enough to keep the buoyancy forces.
tank from floating. The burial depth should not Owners should
exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation. consult with a
knowledgeable
professional who is
• Anchor the UST to counteract the buoyancy force
familiar with the
exerted by saturated soil during a flood to prevent local soil conditions
flotation by: when designing
anchors to counter
buoyancy forces.

 using deadmen anchors placed outside

of the tank diameter along the sides of
the UST, with hold-down straps
attached.

Deadmen anchors and straps used to offset buoyancy

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 4

  adding
additional
weight by using
a concrete
collar.

Illustration of adding a concrete collar at the top of the tank to offset buoyancy

 using hold-down
straps to securely
attach the tank to
a bottom hold-
down pad.

Illustration of hold-down pad installation under the UST to offset buoyancy

Owners and operators may also want to consider taking the following precautionary actions:

• Equip fuel lines below the flood elevation level with automatic shut-off valves. This
will help prevent loss of fuel in case of line breaks or disconnects from the UST.

• Add an extension to the vent pipe if it appears the tank may be submerged in deep
flood waters. If water enters the vent pipe, it will settle at the bottom of the tank,
pushing product out.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 5

Before A Flood, What Should Owners And Operators Do?
In order to prevent UST system displacement and prevent water from entering the system,
owners and operators should consider taking these precautions if there is a threat of flood.

• Turn off all electricity to the UST system including power to dispensers, pumps,
turbines, automatic tank gauging (ATG) consoles, lighting, and any other system
components.

• Take product inventory and water level reading of all USTs to help account for
possible product loss.

• Fill the tank to weigh down the tank so it will not

float out of the ground. Tank owners and
operators should
• Secure all openings on top of the tank and make not fill tanks with
sure fill caps are in good condition and fastened water because
securely in place and locked. If fill caps are not they may incur
tightened, tanks will fill with water and release additional costs
product. Empty or near-empty tanks may float up, for the disposal of
destroying overlying concrete/asphalt and distribution contaminated
lines, which can also release product. water.

• Make sure the seal on spill bucket plungers are

operational so water cannot enter the tank.

• Close the shear valve on pressurized piping to prevent releases from product dispenser
lines.

• Temporarily cap off the vent pipes to prevent water from entering the tank and
displacing product.

• Place a dumpster, sand bags, or large containers full of sand or rock over the tank to
reduce the chance of a tank floating out of the ground.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 6

After A Flood, What Should Owners And Operators Do?
After a flood, regional and state UST program
representatives may receive calls from UST owners and
operators with questions concerning problems with tank
systems; or affected parties may call the National Response
Center (NRC), the federal government’s sole point of contact
for reporting all hazardous substance and oil spills. The
following practices may help owners and operators quickly
and safely restart UST systems and bring them back into
service.
Flood of 1977
Matewan/Tug Valley, West Virginia

If the UST has been in a flood, depending on the site-specific situation, owners and operators
may take the following actions after the water has receded and local officials allow for re-entry:

• Make sure the power is off to any UST-related equipment (such as power to the
dispensers, pumps, release detection equipment, and other devices).

• Determine if product leaked from the UST.

• Determine if water or debris entered the UST.

• After inspecting the electrical system, return power to the UST system.

• Check release detection system for proper operation. Perform release detection again,
as soon as possible after the flood.

• Check all equipment including pumps, shear valves, fill pipes, and vent lines for proper
operation.

• Clean and empty spill buckets and sumps, including those under the dispensers and
above the tanks. Inspect the piping and fittings for damage and possible leaks.

• Perform an UST system tightness test to ensure integrity prior to adding product.

• Test spill buckets and sumps to ensure they are tight.

• Test cathodic protection to ensure it is operating properly.

For information and checklists about USTs and floods from API, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana,
Minnesota, and Washington, see Appendices A and B.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 7

What If A Tank Floats Out Of Its Excavation?
The tank may float out of its original backfill site if not adequately anchored. If this occurs, the
following actions may be appropriate:

• Notify the appropriate authorities according to

Remind tank
applicable policies, if there is any evidence of spilled
owners and
product. operators to
follow
• Notify the local fire department. established state
program
• Turn off any power in the vicinity of the tanks and environmental
piping, and immediately call the electric company if any compliance
power lines are down in the area. guidelines for
emergency
response,
• Rope off the area and keep people away from the cleanup, tank
affected area. removal, waste
disposal, and
• Remove all contents of the tank. reinstallation.

• Perform initial leak mitigation and release reporting, if necessary.

• Obtain a contractor to dismantle any piping and/or dispensers, and remove the
piping and tank properly.

Tank floating out of ground, Rockaway River, NJ Iowa flood of 2008

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 8

What If A Remediation System is Flooded?
Some UST facilities have an active soil and/or groundwater remediation system in place that
floods can significantly affect. Owners and operators may take the following precautions to
minimize damage to the system and safely bring it back into service:

Before a flood –
• Shut off power to the remediation system.

• Disconnect the wiring and piping to the trailer and remove from the apparent flood
hazard area, if there are any portable equipment trailers.

• Cap and secure any monitoring, recovery, or injection wells to prevent floodwaters from
entering the wells.

• Remove equipment from the building and store away from flood waters, if remediation
equipment is located in a non-portable building.

• Close all control valves to isolate as much of the system as possible.

After a flood –
• Do not attempt to restart motors until an electrician checks the motors and/or controls
for damage and presence of moisture or silt.

• Reconnect the trailer to the power and piping system, if equipment trailer was removed
from the site.

• Return power to the remediation system after inspecting electrical system. A qualified
professional should disinfect components and systems.

• Remove and discard system components that are contaminated with flood water and
cannot be effectively cleaned and disinfected. Replace them with new components.

• Clear piping of water and/or silt that may have collected in the lines, if piping has been
damaged or flood water enter the piping.

• Inspect monitoring wells for damage.

• Check the valves in the piping system for proper operation.

• Check to see if water and/or silt entered monitoring/extraction/injection wells.

• Notify the implementing agency of any damage that may have occurred.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 9

Other Useful Information
Industry and states developed guides to assist owners and operators in
evaluating flood impact and damage to UST systems. Although federal
UST regulations do not require using these guides, excerpts from selected
guides are available in Appendices A and B.

Note: Leak detection equipment must be operational as soon as

practically possible; however, certain leak detection methods may not be viable.

• Use daily inventory control and monthly reconciliation if electronic method of leak
detection is not operating. EPA provides guidance books and log sheets for daily
inventory control and monthly reconciliation at www.epa.gov/OUST/pubs/doing.htm

• Owners and operators should perform daily checks for water with water-finding paste for
several days until the owner determines the system is tight.

• Owners and operators should empty tank contents and stop using the tank if water checks
indicate excessive water or daily inventory control shows loss of product.

• Owners and operators should notify the appropriate implementing agency, as soon as
possible.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 10

Incident Response
Natural disaster occurrences can damage UST system components, resulting in oil, petroleum, or
hazardous substance releases into the environment. You may receive a call requesting
information such as: Who do I call? My tank is leaking, what should I do? Is there guidance
available for emergency cleanup? Is funding available for cleanups? etc.

What Do I Do If I Get A Phone Call?

Individual owners and operators are If there is a confirmed release,

primarily responsible for initial response visible free product, or a
and cleanup and are expected to be the substantial threat of a release,
first to handle most problems with tell the caller to contain the
leak and notify appropriate
existing resources, but in some cases local and state authorities. If
local assistance may be available. If local the release may reach, or has
response capabilities are overwhelmed, reached, surface water or
state and then regional resources may be shoreline, instruct the caller to
used. In Indian country, local and tribal contact the National
Response Center at 800-424-
officials are the first responders, and EPA is available for further 8802 or 202-267-2675 or
assistance. The federal government generally only becomes submit an incident report via
involved when local and state resources are overwhelmed, or email to
when incidents occur in Indian country. http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp
.html. Also, inform callers to
notify the appropriate local or
Local, state, tribal, and federal agencies engage in environmental state emergency management
cleanup actions on a regular basis and will be involved in natural authority. If a release is
disaster response. Local Emergency Planning Committees reported, the NRC will notify
(LEPCs) plan initial response actions for emergencies within the appropriate designated
their jurisdiction. They do not perform actual incident response, federal on-scene coordinator
(EPA for inland areas or Coast
but attempt to identify potential hazards, find available Guard for coastal areas).
resources, and write emergency plans. However, they are not
available within every locality. For more information or to
locate a specific LEPC, see http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/lepcdb.nsf/HomePage. Owners
and operators may also contact a local emergency management office or fire department.

Other Emergency Contacts

• State emergency response or specific state office of emergency management:

http://www.fema.gov/about/contact/statedr.shtm

• State environmental agency: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/state.htm

• EPA regional emergency response management programs:

http://www.epa.gov/OEM/content/regional.htm

• National Response System (NRS): http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/nrs/index.htm

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 11

Financial Assistance
• Many states have financial assurance programs and/or disaster trust funds that provide
loans and grants to eligible owners and operators for corrective actions and bringing UST
facilities back into operation, where applicable. State trust funds may reimburse
responsible parties or third parties for corrective actions related to UST releases if certain
prerequisites for coverage are met.

• In an emergency, states may use Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund
money to conduct emergency responses, site assessments, or corrective actions. In non-
emergency situations, states may use LUST Trust Fund money to conduct site
assessments or corrective actions where the responsible party is unknown, unwilling, or
unable to respond.

UST system owners and operators should contact their financial responsibility or
insurance provider to file a notice or claim and determine minimum requirements
necessary for continuing coverage. Failure to do so could jeopardize coverage in the
event of a subsequent release.

Other Types Of Financial Assistance Available To Owners And Operators

Businesses may obtain financial assistance To qualify for FEMA assistance, the
following disasters, including floods, from the site must be located in one of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency Presidential declared disaster
counties.
(FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA). After a Presidential declaration has
been made, FEMA will designate the
area eligible for assistance and
announce the types of assistance
available.

FEMA Public Assistance Grant

The objective of FEMA’s public assistance (PA) grant program is to provide assistance to state,
tribal, and local governments as well as certain types of private nonprofit organizations.

Through the PA program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for
debris removal; emergency protective measures; and repair, replacement, or restoration of
disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit
organizations. The PA program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from
future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery
process.

The federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency
measures and permanent restoration. The grantee (usually a state) determines how the non-
federal share (up to 25 percent) is split with the subgrantees (eligible applicants).

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 12

FEMA Disaster Assistance Process

FEMA developed sequential steps owners and operators, as applicants, should follow to obtain
prompt disaster assistance. If FEMA assistance is
needed: SBA Loans

1- Applicants need to register with FEMA for an Through its Office of Disaster
identification number. Applicants may register on Assistance, the SBA provides low-
FEMA’s website interest loans for damage to
businesses that are not fully
www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm or by phone by covered by insurance. After a
calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons with speech declared disaster, SBA will deploy
or hearing disabilities may call TTY at 800-462-7585. loan officers to SBA local disaster
offices to provide face-to-face
2- Once a FEMA identification number is secured, service for disaster victims. Any
business that is located in a
applicants may file with SBA by downloading an declared disaster area and has
application from SBA’s website incurred damage during the
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation- disaster may apply for a loan to
structure/starting-managing-business/starting- help repair or replace damaged
business/forms, or visiting a SBA local disaster property to its pre-disaster
condition.
office. For more information, contact SBA Disaster
Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 Physical disaster loans are for
or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov permanent rebuilding and
www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. replacement of uninsured or
underinsured disaster-damaged
privately-owned real and/or
3- Applicants should send the completed application personal property. SBA’s physical
to SBA. Applicants are encouraged to go to a local disaster loans are available to
disaster recovery center (DRC) for assistance businesses of all sizes.
completing the SBA application. Some DRC
locations will have business recovery centers with staff on the ground to help with paperwork
and questions. In addition, applicants may also go to one of the existing small business
development centers.

Additional State Assistance

During some disasters, states may also request that FEMA assign and fund EPA to
provide direct assistance with oil and hazardous materials cleanup. This is
accomplished under the Oil and Hazardous Materials Response section (i.e., Emergency
Support Function 10 [ESF-10] of the National Response Framework). Facility owners do
not request ESF-10 assistance directly from FEMA or EPA. Only a state can request
assistance under this mechanism, and FEMA may require a state to contribute a
percentage of the ESF-10 costs. For more information on the National Response
Framework and ESF-10, see FEMA’s web page: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 13

References
EPA compiled many of the recommendations contained in this guide from other federal, state,
and industry organizations. Listed below are publications from other organizations that EPA
used to prepare this guide. They may be helpful to owners and operators when inspecting,
installing, repairing, or replacing UST systems that are impacted by flooding.

• American Petroleum Institute. Options for Consideration: Opening a Service Station

after Flooding, 2005

• American Petroleum Institute. API Recommended Practice 1615 (1996, 5th ed),
Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems

• Canadian Petroleum Products Institute. Contingency planning for flood related

emergencies at retail and wholesale petroleum facilities (2001). Retrieved from
http://www.cppi.ca/pdf/FloodProcedures.pdf

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (2006).

Salvageable Flooded Dispensing Facilities with USTs: Recommended Inspection and
Integrity Assessment Protocol for Placing Flooded Facilities Back into Service.
Retrieved from
http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/dnrec2000/Divisions/AWM/ust/Download/pdf/Flooded%20
USTs.pdf

• Federal Emergency Management Agency. Principles and Practices for the Design and
Construction of Flood Resistant Building Utility Systems (1999). Retrieved from
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/pbuffd.shtm

• Federal Emergency Management Agency – NRF Resource Center. Retrieved from

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/aboutNRF.htm

• Federal Emergency Management Agency – State Offices and Agencies of Emergency

Management. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/about/contact/statedr.shtm

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2008). Floods & Submerged USTs: Procedure
to Return Tanks to Service. Retrieved from
http://www.iowadnr.gov/land/ust/documents/ustflood608.html

• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (2005). Plan For Evaluating

Underground Storage Tank Sites Impacted By Hurricane Katrina. Retrieved from
http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/portals/0/news/pdf/UST_Cover_Letter_and_Emerge
ncy_Declaration.pdf

• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (2008). Plan For Evaluating

Underground Storage Tank Sites Impacted By Hurricane Gustav. Retrieved from
http://www.deq.state.la.us/portal/Portals/0/UndergroundStorageTank/hurricane%20packe
t.pdf

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 14

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (2006). Preparing Your Underground Storage Tank
For A Flood. Retrieved from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/t-u1-16.pdf

• National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Code, 2003

• National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing
Facilities and Repair Garages, 2008

• National Response Center – On-line reporting tool. Retrieved from

http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp.html

• Petroleum Equipment Institute. RP900 Recommended Practices for the Inspection and
Maintenance of UST Systems

• Petroleum Equipment Institute. RP100 Recommended Practices for Installation of

Underground Liquid Storage Systems

• Petroleum Equipment Institute. RP500 Recommended Practices for Inspection and

Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing Equipment

• Siciliano, J. (2007). Mitigation funding in the FEMA Public Assistance Program.

Adjusters International, Inc. Disaster Recovery Today (9). Retrieved from
http://www.adjustersinternational.com/DisasterRecoveryToday/?CFID=1274911&CFTO
KEN=17903072

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Underground Storage Tanks - List of

operation and maintenance resources: http://www.epa.gov/oust/ustsystm/tanko&m.htm

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency Management – National

Response Center. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/partners/nrsnrc.htm

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency Management – Local

Emergency Planning Requirements. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/epcra/epcra_plan.htm

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency Management – Regional

Emergency Management Programs. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/OEM/content/regional.htm

• Washington State Department of Ecology (2009). Focus on Flooding Prevention.

Retrieved from http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0909190.html

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 15

Appendix A – API Checklist
Options for Consideration: Opening a Service Station after Flooding
This list is not intended to be a complete checklist. In general, after severe flooding, serious consideration should be
given to having a system test similar to a test done for a new installation completed by a competent technician. All
suggestions may not necessarily be applicable to every station or situation and therefore may not be required.
DOs:

UST
• Check electrical system for continuity and shorts (pumps, turbines, dispensers, emergency shutoff, panel box, etc.)
• Check Critical safety devices (e.g., shear valves, stop switches, isolation relays on dispensers, etc.)
• Check tank bottoms for water and debris (due to surface infiltration) *
• Check tightness testing of tanks
• Check deflection of fiberglass tanks. If deflection is greater than manufacturer’s specification (general guideline is
2%), call the manufacturer for instruction
• Check cathodic protection system to ensure it is connected and operational
• Flush dispensers and entire UST system with nitrogen (or some other inert gas)
• If tanks shifted and problems are found, repair them according to appropriate industry standards (API 1615 and
NFPA 30 and 30A) and regulations (40 CFR 280)
• Follow proper procedures for calibrating tank inventory charts (SIR tank angle)
Dispenser/Lines
• Check vents for blockage and proper operation
• Eliminate water in dispenser sumps, pans, tank sumps, etc. (Sump water should be removed by an authorized
and/or state licensed waste hauler to be taken to an appropriate treatment facility.)
• Check vent and vapor lines (Stage II) for movement and cracking
• Check all Stage II system equipment (e.g., filters, screens, etc., for the presence of dirt, mud, etc.)
• Check dispenser filters and submersible check-valve screens for plugging with dirt or mud
• Check tightness testing of piping
Monitoring Equipment
• Check pressure transducers on product line leak detectors (ensure no water infiltration)
• Check monitoring wells for contamination
• Check with vendors for recommendations on proving equipment
• Ensure that communication system working related to any remote monitoring (GVR and the FMS)
• Ensure security systems are in place (cameras and alarm functions)
Miscellaneous
• Treat and dispose of any hazardous waste (i.e., gasoline contaminated water or water contaminated gasoline)
according to applicable federal (i.e., Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its attendant regulations) and state
laws and regulations
• Ensure payment process is functioning
• Ensure adequate lighting on forecourt
• Clear all stormwater drains of debris
• Notify authorities as appropriate

DON’Ts:

• DO NOT receive new product until system integrity is proven

• DO NOT assume everything is okay because water didn’t actually flood over station. The water table could have
risen and caused problems

* Stick tank or read automatic tank gauge system to determine whether water has entered the UST. If using ethanol
as an oxygenate in your fuels, determine whether ETOH phase-shift has occurred (use an ethanol-water detecting
paste). If water is in the tank and ethanol is not an oxygenate, have the water pumped from your UST by a licensed
and approved waste hauler to be taken to an appropriate treatment facility. If ethanol is used as an oxygenate and a
phase-shift has occurred, which could happen with 5-6 inches of water) consider pumping the UST completely. Again
have the water pumped from your UST by a licensed and approved waste hauler to be taken to an appropriate
treatment facility.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 16

Appendix B – Selected State Information On Returning Flood
Impacted USTs To Service
Delaware Department of Natural Resources recommended guidance on UST inspection and assessment after a
flood

Salvageable Flooded Dispensing Facilities with USTs: Recommended Inspection

and Integrity Assessment Protocol for Placing Flooded Facilities Back into Service

1 Render the facility in a safe condition by turning off all power.

2 Inspect for obvious damage to the dispensing facility. Cover pad movement is an indicator of
possible tank movement. If there is an indication of cover pad movement, especially if the cover pad
is needed to prevent floatation, remove cover pad, inspect tank and replace if tank is O.K.

3 Any evidence of tank, vent or line movement (horizontal or vertical) will necessitate
replacement of affected components. If the tank manufacturer will recertify the tank after removal, it
may be reinstalled.

4 Tanks and all lines need to be checked for water contamination and drained or pumped dry,
cleaned and sanitized where necessary.

5 Interstitial spaces of tanks and lines need to be drained, flushed and sanitized where possible.
Blockage of interstitial spaces will render leak detection useless. Depending on the level of residual
contamination at the facility, certain leak detection methods may no longer be viable. Be prepared to
update leak detection equipment.

6 Salvageable dispensers shall be flushed clean and all filters etc. replaced.

7 Submerged dispensers will have to be replaced. This includes the hanging hardware.

8 All facility sumps and spill buckets need to be pumped dry, cleaned and sanitized. Replace
sump lid gaskets if applicable. If sump lids are missing, replace with new water tight lids. Test for
tightness and replace sumps and spill buckets that fail tightness testing.

9 Shear valves and related safety equipment may be salvaged if they can be cleaned and
lubricated with corrosion preventative. Some will still have to be replaced.

10 Sump sensors submerged for a prolonged period of time will need to be replaced.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 17

11 In-tank pumps, ATG probes, overfill devices, automatic line leak detectors, fill and vapor
dust caps etc. are probably O.K. Assess their condition after cleaning and replace as necessary.

12 Non water-tight conduits will be a problem. Drain and sanitize wherever possible. Check
wiring for shorts. Consider sealing conduits where possible.

13 Submerged ATG consoles and any associated electronics will need to be replaced. If not
submersed, have certified technician perform a programming and operability check.

14 Submerged CP rectifiers and associated aboveground equipment protecting tanks and/or lines
will have to be replaced. If not submersed, have a NACE certified professional perform an
operability check of equipment. Inspect CP lines in saw cuts for damage and replace as necessary. If
CP systems are out of service for an extended period of time, perform integrity assessment of
affected component before placing CP system back into service. A NACE certified professional will
be helpful in assessing the CP system.

15 Check accessible fittings, valves and miscellaneous piping for damage and corrosion. Clean
and replace as necessary.

16 Pressure test tanks, lines and interstitial spaces. Assess interstitial spaces for blockages,
especially if used for leak detection.

17 Perform blockage tests on all lines prior to start up.

18 To assess tightness of vapor spaces, perform pressure decay test of the system.

19 Document all inspection, repair and assessment activities at each flooded facility in
accordance with Tank Management Branch requirements.

20 Check with the Tank Management Branch to verify what Financial Responsibility items that
need to be addressed prior to placing the facility back into service.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 18

Excerpt from Iowa Department of Natural Resources guidance for UST system evaluation

Before flooded UST systems are returned to operation, they must be evaluated by an Iowa licensed
installer, installation inspector or compliance inspector to determine the extent of damage or whether they
are suitable to receive product. The owner or operator must document to the DNR that the system has
been inspected and certified as safe to return to operation. A list of Iowa licensed installers can be found
at DNR’s UST Section website: http://www.iowadnr.com/land/ust/ustinstall.html.

The evaluation of UST status should begin as soon as conditions and officials allow flood area re-entry.
This policy assumes that there is a reasonable likelihood that a release of product may have occurred if
an UST system has been submerged or affected by flood waters. The following procedure is intended to,
in part, comply with the "system check" requirements whenever there is a suspected release as provided
in agency rule 567 Iowa Administrative Code 135.6. This policy further assumes that damage may have
occurred such that inspection, product removal and repairs may need to be undertaken. All submerged
and flood affected USTs must follow the proceeding evaluation before start up.

1. Measure for water in the tank bottoms with your ATG system or by using a gauge stick (capable
of measuring the level of product to within 1/8 inch) and water finding paste. If you have over an
inch of water you will need to remove it. No water is acceptable for tanks containing an ethanol
blend as the water will be absorbed by the ethanol and create fuel quality problems. Contact a
hazardous waste management company (see last page for a list) for more information about
removing water/ethanol mix from ethanol blended tanks. Fuels sold in retail markets must meet
strict ASTM standards; make sure your fuel quality is not compromised. Fine silts are present in
flood waters and may contaminate the fuel. The fine silts will need to be removed if present.
Fuels will have to be removed if the UST system is found to be damaged during the evaluation.

2. Before returning to operation, all flooded UST systems must conduct tank and line tightness
testing (0.1 gph). Tightness testing may be conducted using an Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG)
system or a third party tightness tester. Tanks with secondary containment (double wall) may use
interstitial monitoring in lieu of tightness testing. Tanks with confirmed “Fail” results must be
emptied.

3. If water entered interstitial spaces of tanks and product lines, they must be drained and flushed
where possible. Tanks with brine, vacuum or interstitial sensors may be returned to service if the
levels are normal.

4. Empty and clean all containment sumps, spill buckets and dispenser pans. If there is no
petroleum sheen on the water, you should be able to empty it onto the concrete where it can
evaporate. Water with a petroleum sheen or floating product in a containment sump must be
investigated for a release. The water and petroleum must be removed and properly disposed by
a hazardous waste management company (a list is provided with this guidance memo). Do not
discharge contaminated water to a streets, storm sewers, ditches or sumps. Do not operate
pumps and dispensers if they continue to fill with flood waters as there is chance water could
enter the fueling system and damage components.

5. Submerged dispensers may have to be replaced or repaired if possible. Any submerged suction
system will have damaged motors and pumps. Check hanging hardware for damage.

6. Check sump lid gaskets. After initial cleaning and drying make sure sumps, dispenser pans and
spill buckets are liquid tight and prevent water ingress.

7. If you have more than one inch of water in a diesel or gasoline tank (non-ethanol blend), have it
removed by a hazardous waste management company. More than an inch of water at the bottom
of the tank can contaminate fuel systems in vehicles. Hazardous waste management companies
can remove the water and leave the product in the tank.

8. Check the deflection of fiberglass tanks to make sure they meet the manufacturer’s specification.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 19

 9. Determine whether the tank moved or shifted. If problems are found, repair according to
manufacturer’s instructions and appropriate industry standards and regulations. These tanks
must not receive fuel until that are deemed safe and tight.

10. Check vents for movement, cracking, blockage and proper operation. This is a common area for
water ingress and damage from flooding.

11. Check dispenser filters and submersible check-valve screens for plugging with dirt or mud.

12. Check critical safety devices (e.g., emergency power off controls, line leak detectors, air
compressor pressure limiters, shear valves, stop switches, isolation relays on dispensers, etc.).
Shear valves may be salvaged if they can be cleaned and lubricated with corrosion preventative.
Some may still have to be replaced.
13. Sump sensors may need to be replaced after emergency conditions cease.

14. Submersible turbine pumps, ATG probes, overfill devices, ALLDs and all caps at the top of the
tanks must be assessed for damage and replaced if necessary.

15. After flooding has abated, submerged CP systems must be assessed by a NACE or Steel Tank
Institute certified cathodic protection professional. Submerged rectifiers may have to be replaced,
if not submerged they must be checked for proper operation. Inspect CP wiring in saw cuts for
damage and replacement if necessary.

16. Make sure the electrical system for the ATG, fueling and corrosion prevention systems is checked
for shorts and continuity before restoring power.

17. All electrical junction boxes and conduit should be inspected for the presence of water and dried
or vacuumed and for the presence of electrical shorts or opens. Open all dispenser panels to
inspect and dry out.

18. Make sure tank management tags are present on the fill port. If missing contact the numbers
listed in this guidance.

The following steps should be taken after your UST system is evaluated as safe and operational:

1. Check daily for the presence of water (with water finding paste) to ensure the system is tight. If
these water checks indicate excessive water or you are showing loss of product on daily
inventory, the tanks should be emptied of product and use of the tanks should discontinue. Such
a condition must be reported to DNR (515.281.8879 or 515.281.8779) no later than 24 hours after
discovery. See rule 567 IAC 135.6 .

2. Use daily inventory control and monthly reconciliation if your current electronic method of leak
detection is not operating. Guidance books and log sheets for daily inventory control and monthly
reconciliation are provided on EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/OUST/pubs/doing.htm.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 20

Excerpt from Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality plan for evaluating underground storage tank
sites impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina

GENERAL INFORMATION

UST Owners/Operators will be responsible for evaluating underground storage tank

systems to determine if they are suitable for receiving product. Flooded systems that are
determined to be suitable for receiving product may be put back into service and should
have an integrity test performed as soon as contractors and services become available to
perform the testing and no later than six months after product was first placed into the tank
after flooding. If the tank inspection outlined below (or subsequent monitoring of the tank),
indicates that the system has been comprised; the system should be taken out of
service and repaired or replaced as necessary and an integrity test performed prior to
again putting the system into operation.

General Evaluation Protocol for Contractors

No equipment should be turned on prior to examination. Check all electrical panels and
make sure they are clean and dry. All equipment related to electric power service should be
inspected and any necessary repairs should be made prior to power restoration. This
includes all fueling systems, leak-detection devices and corrosion prevention (impressed
current) equipment. The electrical system should be checked for continuity and shorts
(pumps, turbines, dispensers, ATG consoles, emergency shutoff, panel box, etc.)

Specifically, all electrical junction boxes and dispenser heads should be opened, inspected
and dried if necessary. Conduits should be inspected for the presence of water, insulation
damage, shorts or opens. Conduits exhibiting water should be dried or vacuumed as
appropriate and all defective wiring should be replaced. To apply electrical power to a UST
system before conducting basic examination could be extremely dangerous.

Submerged pumps and dispensers should not be operated if there is the possibility of water
entering into the system as pumping water may damage hydraulic components.

Technical Protocol for Contractors

These protocols should be followed to place tanks back into service:

1. Stick tanks using water finding paste or read automatic tank gauge system, if
operable, to determine whether water has entered the UST.
2. Flooded or water impacted tanks and all lines may need to be drained of water
and dirt/mud or perhaps pumped dry and cleaned as conditions warrant.
Liquids removed must be properly handled and disposed.
3. Interstitial spaces of tanks and lines of double walled systems, if flood-impacted,
will need to be drained and flushed where possible. Blockage of interstitial
spaces will render leak detection useless. Depending on the level of residual
contamination at the facility, certain leak detection methods may no longer be
viable. Tanks with brine or vacuum interstitial sensors may be returned to
service if brine or vacuum levels are normal. Be prepared to update damaged
leak detection equipment after emergency conditions are abated.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 21

4. All facility sumps, pans, and spill buckets need to be pumped dry and cleaned.
Replace sump lid gaskets if applicable. If sump lids are missing, replace with
new water tight lids. Replace sumps and spill buckets that fail to prevent
water intrusion after initial cleaning and drying.
5. Check tank bottoms for water and debris. Remove and dispose as appropriate
(see item #2 above).
6. Check deflection of fiberglass tanks. If deflection is greater than manufacturer’s
specification (general guideline is 2%) call the manufacturer for instruction.
7. If tanks shifted and problems are found, repair or replace them according to
manufacturer’s instructions and appropriate industry standards and
regulations. Obviously, these systems should be shut down and not
receive fuel until they are deemed safe for reuse (tightness tested).
8. Check vents for movement, cracking, blockage and proper operation.
9. Check dispenser filters and submersible check-valve screens for plugging with dirt
or mud.
10. Flush dispensers and UST system if necessary. Collect fluids for proper
disposal.
11. Check critical safety devices (e.g., emergency power off controls, line leak
detectors, air compressor pressure limiters, shear valves, stop switches,
isolation relays on dispensers, etc.) Shear valves may be salvaged if they can
be cleaned and lubricated with corrosion preventative. Some will still have to
be replaced.
12. Sump sensors may need to be replaced after emergency conditions cease.
13. In-tank pumps, Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) probes, overfill devices, automatic
line leak detectors, fill and vapor dust caps, etc. should be assessed. Assess
their condition after cleaning and replace as necessary.
14. ATG consoles and any associated electronics that are not submerged, should
have a programming and operability check performed by a certified technician
after emergency conditions cease.
15. After emergency conditions are abated, submerged Corrosion Protection (CP)
rectifiers and associated aboveground equipment protecting tanks and/or
lines may have to be replaced. If not submersed have a National Association
of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) certified professional perform an operability
check of the equipment. Inspect CP lines in saw cuts for damage and replace
as necessary. If CP systems are out of service for an extended period of time
perform integrity assessment of affected component before placing CP
system back into service. A NACE certified professional will be helpful
assessing the CP system.
16. Check accessible fittings, valves and miscellaneous piping for damage and
corrosion. Clean and replace as necessary.
17. Document all inspection, assessment and repair activities at each UST system
site. Provide this information to the LDEQ in stand-alone report format within
90 days of initiation of operations of that UST facility.
18. Submerged dispensers will have to be replaced or repaired as necessary. This
includes the hanging hardware. Any suction system dispensers will probably
have flood impacted motors and pumps and may need complete
replacement.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 22

General Protocol Upon Resumption of Service:

Depending on the level of residual contamination at the facility, certain leak detection
methods may no longer be viable. Daily inventory control (with strict record keeping) may be
the short-term leak detection method by necessity. Daily checks for water with water-finding
paste should be done for several days until it has been determined that the system is tight.
If these daily water checks indicate excessive water or the daily inventory control shows
loss of product, the tanks should be emptied of product and use of the tanks should
cease. Notification of these conditions should be made to the LDEQ UST hotline (225) 219-
3406) as soon as practical.
Post Start-Up Protocol for Contractors

This protocol should be followed once flood-impacted tanks have been placed back into
service and emergency response and restoration have been completed or as otherwise
directed by LDEQ:

Precision tightness test tanks, lines and interstitial spaces (after emergency conditions
abate). Assess interstitial spaces for blockages, especially if used for leak detection.
Decisions regarding replacement of tanks and lines should be made based on outcome of
these tests. LDEQ field staff should be consulted on these decisions whenever possible.
Cathodic protection systems should be checked to make sure they are connected and
operational.

These actions are being delayed in an effort to expedite fuel delivery capabilities and due to
unavailability of sufficient contractors to perform the otherwise required work in a timely
manner. All leak detection equipment must be put back into operation as soon as practically
possible or as directed by the LDEQ after the emergency has abated.

Other General Provisions for Owner/Operators and Contractors:

At flood-impacted sites, facilities will be allowed to salvage useable fuel in USTs by

checking fuel for water and allow salvage of useable fuel. If flood water covered vent lines,
displacement of fuel would have occurred and large volumes of water may exist in the
affected USTs and require proper storage/disposal. This water should not be discharged to
areas such as streets, storm drains, sumps and ditches that are not permitted to receive
these liquids.

Requirements for remediation of contaminated groundwater via approved corrective action

plans in place prior to the Hurricane are suspended at UST sites in the parishes of
Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard unless otherwise directed by the LDEQ.
However, LDEQ may require systems remediating free phased product to continue pumping
operations.

Sites which have not experienced impacts from the Hurricane shall continue with routine
remedial efforts and reporting (Unless RAC/consulting firm handling the remediation has
been affected and displaced by the storm).

All facilities in which remedial efforts are temporarily suspended or delayed must provide
notice to the LDEQ UST hotline (225) 219-3406 and provide written documentation as
directed.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 23

EVALUATION SCHEDULE

The evaluation of UST status should be initiated as soon as conditions allow flood area re-
entry. Further testing will be performed once emergency conditions and major restoration
efforts are complete and when sufficient contractors are available to perform the work. This
further testing should be performed no later than six months after product was first placed
into the tank after flooding.

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 24

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance on preparing an UST before a flood

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 25

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 26
Washington State Department of Ecology guidance on flood prevention for USTs in high risk areas

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 27

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 28
Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 29
United States Solid Waste And EPA 510-R-10-002
Environmental Emergency Response November 2010
Protection Agency 5401P www.epa.gov/oust/

Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide 30