(A) Methods. Underground tanks taken out of service shall be safeguarded or disposed of by any one of the three following means:
(1) Placed in a “temporarily out of service” condition. Tanks shall be rendered “temporarily out of service” only when it is planned that they will be returned to active service within a reasonable period or pending removal or abandonment within 90 days;
(2) Abandoned in place, with proper safeguarding; or
(3) Removed.
(B) Records. In cases where tanks are either rendered temporarily out of service or permanently abandoned, records shall be kept of tank size, location, date of abandonment and method used for placing the abandoned tank in a safe condition. With any of the methods described in division (A) above, no cutting torch or other flame or spark producing equipment shall be used until the tank has been completely purged or otherwise rendered safe. In each case, the steps given shall be carried out successively.
(C) Tanks rendered temporarily out of service. With tanks rendered temporarily out of service:
(1) The fill line, gage opening and pump suction shall be capped and secured against tampering; and
(2) The vent line shall be left open.
(D) Tanks abandoned in place. With underground tanks abandoned in place:
(1) All flammable or combustible liquid shall be removed from the tank and from all connecting lines;
(2) The suction, inlet, gage and vent lines shall be disconnected;
(3) The tank shall be filled completely with an inert solid material; and
(4) The remaining underground piping shall be capped.
(E) Tanks removed. When underground tanks are removed:
(1) All flammable or combustible liquids in the tank and connecting lines shall be removed;
(2) The suction, inlet, gage and vent lines shall be disconnected. Sections of connecting lines which are not to be used shall be removed. Inlets, outlets and leaks, if any, shall be capped or plugged; and
(3) After removal, the tank shall be gas freed on the premises if it can be done safely at that location, or transported to an area not accessible to the public and the tank gas freed at that location.
(F) Tanks that are junked. If a tank is to be disposed of as junk, it shall be retested for flammable vapors, and, if necessary, rendered gas free. After junking and before releasing to junk dealer, a sufficient number of holes or openings shall be made in it to render it unfit for further use.
(G) Tanks that are reused. Used tanks which are to be reused for flammable or combustible liquid service shall meet all the provisions of this Fire Prevention Code for the installation of underground tanks.
(H) Conflicts. In the event of conflict of any provision of this section with some other provision of this code, the more stringent provision shall prevail.
(Prior Code, § 1519.20)