§ 14-151. Installation and removal of above ground and underground storage tanks.

Above ground storage tanks. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to install an above ground storage tank for the use or storage of any flammable or combustible liquid within the town must first comply with the provisions of this section.

(1)

Installation of above ground and underground storage tanks.

a.

A permit as set out in Appendix "A" of the ordinance from which this article derives shall first be obtained from the fire chief or his designee.

b.

At the time the permit is obtained, a copy of the site plan detailing the exact location of the installation of the tank shall be furnished to the fire chief or his designee for review. Upon approval of the site plan, the fire chief or his designee will issue the permit for the installation of the tank.

c.

After installation, but before any flammable or combustible liquid is introduced into the tank, the fire chief or his designee will inspect the installation to insure compliance with all applicable regulations. At this inspection, the fire chief or his designee will witness an approved pressure test of the tank and all piping when required.

d.

After all requirements of this section are met, the fire chief or his designee will approve the tank for the use stated on the permit.

(2)

Removal of above ground storage tanks.

a.

A permit as set out in Appendix "A" of the ordinance from which this article derives shall first be obtained from the fire chief or his designee.

b.

The contents of the tank shall have been pumped out, and the tank purged to remove any vapors or product left in the tank.

c.

The tank shall be opened and left open to allow the escape of any residual vapors.

d.

Prior to the actual removal of the tank, the fire chief or his designee will witness a competent person sample the air in the tank for the presence of a concentration of flammable vapors.

e.

Upon approval of all requirements of this section, the fire chief or his designee will approve the removal of the tank.

(3)

Removal of underground storage tanks.

a.

A permit as set out in Appendix "A" of the ordinance from which this article derives shall first be obtained from the fire chief or his designee.

b.

At the time of application for permit, proof of approval by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources as to notification of removal of an UGST must be shown.

c.

All flammable vapors must be removed by purging with confirmation by monitoring with an appropriate combustible gas monitor by a competent person. Removal of flammable vapors shall be conducted by a schooled operator in the use of such equipment.

d.

All suction, inlet, gauge, and vent lines shall be disconnected.

e.

The tank shall be removed from the excavation hole and placed on a transport vehicle. The tank shall be posted with a sign stating, "Tank has contained petroleum product (not vapor free) Not suitable for storage of food or liquid intended for human or animal consumption."

f.

Tanks shall remain in the ground until ready for removal from site. Tanks are to be removed from site as soon as possible after being removed from the excavation hole. In no case shall a tank remain above ground on site overnight.

g.

In the event of a spill or evidence of a leak, sample(s) of undisturbed soil shall be collected by the property owner or his agent, in accordance with N.C.D.E.N.R. regulations, and analyzed for contamination by a state approved laboratory at the property owners' expense. The site shall be cleaned of contamination according to N.C.D.E.N.R. regulations. The fire chief or his designee shall be notified in writing when the site has been properly cleaned, and may make inspection of the work to assure that the site has been cleaned appropriately.

(4)

Abandoning underground storage tanks in place.

a.

A permit as set out in Appendix "A" shall first be obtained from the fire chief or his designee.

b.

At the time of application for permit, proof of approval by N.C.D.E.N.R. shall be shown.

c.

All flammable or combustible liquids shall be removed from the tank.

d.

The tank shall be purged and checked for flammable vapors with an appropriate combustible gas monitor by a competent person.

e.

Removal of flammable vapors shall be conducted by person(s) schooled in the use of such equipment.

f.

All suction, inlet, gauge, and vent lines shall be disconnected and removed or capped and sealed.

g.

The tank shall be filled with concrete, sand or other approved material.

h.

In the event of a spill or leak, samples of undisturbed soil shall be collected in accordance with N.C.D.E.N.R. regulations, and analyzed for contamination by a state approved laboratory. The site shall be cleaned of contamination in accordance with N.C.D.E.N.R. regulations. The fire chief or his designee shall be notified in writing when the site has been properly cleaned, and may make inspection of the work to assure that the site has been cleaned appropriately.

(Ord. No. O18-025 , § 1, 8-23-2018)