API PUBL 340 : 1997

Description / Abstract:

API PUBL 340, 1997 Edition, October 1997 - Liquid Release Prevention and Detection Measures for Aboveground Storage Facilities

SCOPE OF REPORT

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. For each of these components, the report:

• Provides a summary of the potential causes of liquid releases;

• Presents an overview of the procedures and equipment available to operators to prevent, detect or provide environmental protection from such releases; and

• Considers the advantages and disadvantages of various control measures including the relative costs, as well as maintenance and operating parameters.

Additionally, the report gives an indication of the relative costs required to install or implement the various measures. These costs are intended to be used only as a basis for comparing control measures. Actual installation and implementation costs will vary depending onsite conditions, facility location, and regional cost factors.

Applicable federal and several state regulations were reviewed during preparation of this document. However, specific regulatory requirements or citations are not discussed, as they are subject to change and may not be universally applicable. Similarly, this report does not address regulatory requirements that may be required by local jurisdictions. Federal, state and local requirements should betaken into consideration in selecting a control measure.

At the time this report was prepared, new release prevention technologies were being developed. Most of these are not listed in the report because their performance has not been thoroughly validated; however, some emerging technologies have been highlighted in the tables for the reader's information. The reader should confirm the suitability and effectiveness of these new technologies prior to using them.

This report does not cover:

• Emergency response, cleanup, remediation, tank cleaning, and decommissioning

• Health, safety and fire prevention issues

• Air emissions