Posted by John McAllister on Wed, Feb 08, 2012 @ 08:22 AM
Aboveground storage tanks (AST) that hold any fluid other than water (gasoline, diesel, oils) in quantities greater than 10,000 gallons are required to be inspected annually by the Department of Fire Services (DFS). The inspection program was originally born out of the molasses spill and flood of 1919. Then, an AST containing over 2,000,000 gallons of molasses collapsed and sent a tidal wave of molasses through the north end, killing 21 people and injuring over 150 people.
While we've come a long way since those days, AST regulations are changing again, with the first phase of the new program to begin on May 1, 2012. The DFS will be issuing new inspection forms and creating a more accurate database of registered ASTs. As part of the program, AST owners will be recieving renewal notices three months prior to the expiration of the AST Use permit.
Norfolk employees recently attended a meeting at the DFS offices to go over the changes in the programs and its effects on inspectors and inspections. To learn more about the AST program or Spill Prevention and Counter Control Measures (SPCC) please contact John McAllister at (508) 747-7900 extension 117.
Download our free SPCC Compliance Kit here.