N.M. Admin. Code § 20.5.108.806

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 20.5.108.806 - VAPOR MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR USTS

Owners and operators of underground storage tanks may use vapor monitoring or testing as a method of release detection as long as the testing or monitoring for vapors within the soil gas of the excavation zone meets all of the following requirements:

A. The materials used as backfill are sufficiently porous (e.g., gravel, sand, crushed rock) to readily allow diffusion of vapors from releases into the excavation area.

B. The stored regulated substance, or a tracer compound placed in the UST system, is sufficiently volatile (e.g., gasoline) to result in a vapor level that is detectable by the monitoring devices located in the excavation zone in the event of a release from the UST.

C. The measurement of vapors by the monitoring device is not rendered inoperative by groundwater, rainfall, soil moisture or other known interferences so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days.

D. The level of background contamination in the excavation zone will not interfere with the method used to detect releases from the UST, and

E. The vapor monitors are designed and operated to detect any significant increase in concentration above background of the regulated substance stored in the UST system, a component or components of that substance, or a tracer compound placed in the UST system.

F. In the UST excavation zone, the site is assessed:

(1) to ensure compliance with the requirements in Subsections A through D of this section; and

(2) to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells that will detect releases within the excavation zone from any portion of the tank that routinely contains a regulated substance.

G. Site assessments conducted after the effective date of these regulations are signed by a professional engineer or professional geologist, or equivalent licensed professional with experience in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, or other relevant technical discipline acceptable to the department and approved in advance by the department.

H. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

I. Hand-held electronic sampling equipment that is used for vapor monitoring is:

(1) annually checked to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly; and

(2) calibrated prior to each sampling event in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

J. All records of the site assessment and vapor monitoring system are maintained in accordance with 20.5.108.815 NMAC, and

K. Monthly reports of vapor monitoring and annual reports of functionality checks of electronic sampling equipment are maintained and provided to the department in accordance with 20.5.108.815 NMAC and 20.5.108.816 NMAC.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.5.108.806

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXIX, Issue 14, July 24, 2018, eff. 7/24/2018