During a temporary closure, are owners and operators required to perform release detection if the UST is empty?

During a temporary closure of an underground storage tank (UST) that is empty, the owners and operators are not required to perform release detection. This is based on regulations that recognize the condition of the UST. When the tank is completely empty, the risk of a release is significantly diminished, as there are no hazardous substances that could potentially leak into the environment.

However, it’s important to note that while release detection is not mandated for empty tanks during temporary closure, other maintenance and environmental safety measures might still be required to ensure that the tank and site remain compliant with regulatory standards.

Understanding when release detection is necessary involves recognizing the conditions in which a tank operates. In cases where the UST is not being used, but is still retaining product, or is planned to remain closed for an extended period, different rules may apply, prompting a need for more rigorous monitoring and compliance checks.