Current through Reg. 49, No. 44; November 1, 2024
Section 334.2 - DefinitionsThe following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Abandonment in-place--A method of permanent removal of an underground storage tank from service where the tank is left in the ground after appropriate preparation and filling with an acceptable solid inert material in accordance with the requirements of § 334.55 of this title (relating to Permanent Removal from Service).(2) Abatement--The process of reducing in sufficient degree or intensity the source of the release or impacted area, and potential fire, explosion, or vapor hazards, such that immediate threats to human health no longer exist. This includes the removal, as necessary, of all regulated substances from any confirmed or suspected release source (including associated aboveground or underground tanks, individual tank compartments, or associated piping) and the removal of phase-separated regulated substances from the impacted area.(3) Aboveground release--Any release to the surface of the land or to surface water, including, but not limited to, releases from the aboveground portion of an underground storage tank (UST) system and releases associated with overfills and transfer operations during the dispensing, delivering, or removal of regulated substances into or out of a UST system.(4) Aboveground storage tank (AST)--A non-vehicular device (including any associated piping) that is made of non-earthen materials; located on or above the surface of the ground, or on or above the surface of the floor of a structure below ground, such as mineworking, basement, or vault; and designed to contain an accumulation of petroleum products.(5) Action level--The concentration of constituents of any substance or product listed in § 334.1(a)(1) of this title (relating to Purpose and Applicability) in the soil or water at which corrective action will be required.(6) Airport hydrant system--An underground storage tank system which fuels aircraft and operates under high pressure with large diameter piping that typically terminates into one or more hydrants (fill stands). The airport hydrant system begins where fuel enters one or more tanks from an external source such as a pipeline, barge, railcar, or other motor fuel carrier.(7) Allowable cost--As defined by § 334.308 of this title (relating to Allowable Costs and Restrictions on Allowable Costs).(8) American National Standards Institute (ANSI)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for consumer products and services.(9) American Petroleum Institute (API)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for petroleum equipment and services.(10) Ancillary equipment--Any devices that are used to distribute, meter, or control the flow of petroleum substances or hazardous substances into or out of an underground storage tank, including, but not limited to, piping, fittings, flanges, valves, and pumps.(11) Appropriate regional office--The agency's regional field office which has jurisdiction for conducting authorized agency regulatory activities in the area where a particular underground storage tank system or aboveground storage tank system is located.(12) Association for Composite Tanks (ACT)--A trademark of the former Association for Composite Tanks, now a licensed trademark of the Steel Tank Institute.(13) ASTM International (formerly known as American Society of Testing and Materials)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for products and services.(14) Backfill--The volume of materials or soils surrounding the underground storage tank bounded by the ground surface, walls, and floor of the tank pit.(15) Below-ground release--Any release to the subsurface of the land or to groundwater, including, but not limited to, releases from the below-ground portions of an underground storage tank (UST) system and releases associated with overfills and transfer operations during the dispensing, delivering, or removal of regulated substances into or out of a UST system.(16) Beneath the surface of the ground--Beneath the ground surface or otherwise covered with earthen material.(17) Cathodic protection--A technique to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell, normally by means of either the attachment of galvanic anodes or the application of impressed current.(18) Change-in-service--A method of permanent removal from service involving the permanent conversion of a regulated underground storage tank to a tank which is not regulated under this chapter, where all regulated substances are properly removed by emptying and cleaning, and the tank is left in the ground for the storage of materials other than regulated substances.(19) Closure letter--A letter issued by the agency which states that, based on the information available, the agency agrees that corrective action has been completed for the referenced release in accordance with agency requirements.(20) Commingled--A combination or mixture of a petroleum product and a substance other than a petroleum product (excluding soil and/or water).(21) Common carrier--With respect to delivery prohibitions, a person (as defined in this section) who physically delivers a regulated substance into an underground storage tank or an aboveground storage tank directly from a cargo tank which is affixed or mounted to a self-propelled, towable, or pushable vehicle (e.g., wagon, truck, trailer, railcar, aircraft, boat, or barge).(22) Compatible--The ability of two or more substances to maintain their respective physical and chemical properties upon contact with one another for the design life of the tank system under conditions likely to be encountered in the underground storage tank.(23) Composite tank--A single-wall or double-wall steel tank, to which a fiberglass-reinforced plastic laminate or cladding has been factory-applied to the external surface of the outer tank wall.(24) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)--The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.(25) Consumptive use--With respect to heating oil, the utilization and consumption of heating oil on the premises where stored.(26) Containment sump--A liquid tight container that protects the environment by containing leaks and spills of regulated substances from piping, dispensers, pumps and related components in the containment area. Containment sumps may be single walled or secondarily contained and located at the top of tank (tank top or submersible turbine pump sump), underneath the dispenser (under dispenser containment sump), or at other points in the piping run (transition or intermediate sump).(27) Corporate fiduciary--An entity chartered by the Texas Department of Banking, the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, or the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that acts as a receiver, conservator, guardian, executor, administrator, trustee, or fiduciary of real or personal property.(28)Corrective action--Any assessment, monitoring, and remedial activities undertaken to investigate the extent of, and to remediate, contamination.(29) Corrective action plan (or remedial action plan)--A detailed plan developed to address site remediation of soil, groundwater, or surface water contamination that provides for required protection of human health, safety, and the environment. The selection of the most effective and efficient remedial method will be dictated by the nature and location of the release, the site soils, hydrogeological conditions, and the required degree of remediation. The remedial method selection should take into consideration such factors as cost, time, and state compliance requirements with each method. The title of any report which contains a corrective action plan must include the designation "remedial action plan."(30) Corrosion specialist--A person who, by reason of a thorough knowledge of the physical sciences and the principles of engineering and mathematics acquired by a professional education and related practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of corrosion control on buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks, and who is either:(A) certified as a corrosion specialist or a cathodic protection specialist by NACE International; or(B) licensed as a professional engineer by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers in a branch of engineering that includes education and experience in corrosion control of buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks.(31) Corrosion technician--A person who can demonstrate an understanding of the principles of soil resistivity, stray current, structure-to-soil potential, and component electrical isolation measurements related to corrosion protection and control on buried or submerged metal tanks and metal piping systems; who is qualified by appropriate training and experience to engage in the practice of inspection and testing for corrosion protection and control on such systems, including the inspection and testing of all common types of cathodic protection systems; and who is either: (A) certified by NACE International as a corrosion technician, corrosion technologist, or senior corrosion technologist;(B) employed under the direct supervision of a corrosion specialist (as defined in this section), where the corrosion specialist maintains responsible control and oversight over all corrosion testing and inspection activities; or(C) certified as a cathodic protection tester, in a manner satisfactory to the agency, by either NACE International or the Steel Tank Institute.(32) Date installation is complete--The date any regulated substance is initially placed in an underground storage tank or the date any petroleum product is initially placed in an aboveground storage tank.(33) Dielectric material--A material that does not conduct direct electrical current, as related to coatings, bushings, and other equipment and materials used with underground storage tank systems.(34) Dispenser--Equipment located aboveground that dispenses regulated substances from the underground storage tank system.(35) Electrical equipment--Underground equipment which contains dielectric fluid which is necessary for the operation of equipment such as transformers and buried electrical cable.(36) Emergency generator--A standby electrical generating system powered by an internal combustion engine (including a turbine), where such system is designed to supply temporary electrical service only when service from the normal or primary electrical source is disrupted. Such systems include, but are not necessarily limited to, those providing emergency electrical service for hospitals, life support systems, and other medical service facilities; telephone and electrical utilities; heating, lighting, ventilation, security, elevator, fire control, and other essential building operations systems; uninterruptible power systems; essential air conditioning and refrigeration; and motors, machinery, and controls used for other essential or critical purposes.(37) Excavation zone--The space containing the underground storage tank (UST) system and backfill material, which is bounded by the ground surface and the walls and floor of the pit and trenches into which the UST system is placed at the time of installation.(38) Existing underground storage tank (UST) system--A UST system which is used or designed to contain an accumulation of regulated substances for which installation either had commenced prior to December 22, 1988, or had been completed on or prior to December 22, 1988. Installation will be considered to have commenced if the owner or operator had obtained all federal, state, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction at the site or installation of the tank system, and if either a continuous on-site physical construction or installation program had begun or the owner or operator had entered into contractual obligations (which could not be canceled or modified without substantial loss) which required that the physical construction at the site or installation of the tank system was to be completed within a reasonable time.(39) External release detection--A method of release detection which includes equipment or procedures designed to effectively monitor or measure for the presence of regulated substances in the excavation zone, soil, or other media outside of a single-wall or double-wall underground storage tank system.(40) Facility--The site, tract, or other defined area where one or more underground storage tank systems or one or more aboveground storage tank systems are located.(41) Farm--A tract or tracts of land (including all associated structures and improvements) which are principally devoted to the raising of agricultural or other types of crops, domestic or other types of animals, or fish for the production of food, fiber, or other products or for other useful purposes, including fish hatcheries, rangeland, and plant nurseries with growing operations, but not including timber-growing land and operations dedicated primarily to recreational, aesthetic, or other non-agricultural activities (e.g., golf courses and parks).(42) Farm tank--A tank located on a farm where the stored regulated substance is or will be utilized directly in the farm activities.(43) Field-constructed tank--A tank constructed in the field. For example, a tank constructed of concrete that is poured in the field or a steel or fiberglass tank primarily fabricated in the field is considered field-constructed.(44) Flow-through process tank--A tank through which regulated substances flow in a steady, variable, recurring, or intermittent manner during, and as an integral part of, a production process (such as petroleum refining, chemical production, and industrial manufacturing), but specifically excluding any tank used for the static storage of regulated substances prior to their introduction into the production process and any tank used for the static storage of regulated substances which are products or by-products of the production process.(45) Free product (or non-aqueous phase liquid)--A regulated substance in its free-flowing non-aqueous liquid phase at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (i.e., that portion of the product not dissolved in water or adhering to soil).(46) Gathering lines--Any pipeline, equipment, facility, or building used in the transportation of oil or gas during oil or gas production or gathering operation.(47) Hazardous substance--Any substance defined or listed in the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, §101(14) (42 United States Code (USC), §§9601, et seq.), and which is not regulated as a hazardous waste under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, Subtitle C (42 USC, §§ 6921, et seq.).(48) Hazardous substance underground storage tank (UST) system--A UST system that contains an accumulation of either a hazardous substance, a mixture of two or more hazardous substances, or a mixture of one or more petroleum substances with one or more hazardous substances, and which does not meet the definition of a petroleum UST system in this section.(49) Heating oil--A petroleum substance which is typically used in the operation of heating, boiler, or furnace equipment and which either is one of the following seven technical grades of fuel oil: Number 1, Number 2, Number 4-light, Number 4-heavy, Number 5-light, Number 5-heavy, and Number 6; is a residual fuel oil derivative of the refining process (such as Navy Special and Bunker C residual fuel oils); or is another fuel (such as kerosene or diesel) used for heating purposes as a substitute for one of the fuel oils or residual fuel oil derivatives listed in this paragraph.(50) Hydraulic fluid--Any regulated substance that is normally used in a hydraulic lift system.(51) Hydraulic lift tank--A tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed-loop mechanical system that uses compressed air and hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, elevators, or other similar devices.(52) Impressed current system--A method of cathodic protection where a rectifier is used to convert alternating current to direct current, where the current then flows in a controlled electrically connected circuit to non-sacrificial anodes, then through the surrounding soil or backfill to the protected metallic structure or component, and back to the rectifier.(53) In operation--The description of an in-service underground storage tank which is currently being used on a regular basis for its intended purpose.(54) In service--The status of an underground storage tank (UST) beginning at the time that regulated substances are first placed into the tank and continuing until the tank is permanently removed from service by means of either removal from the ground, abandonment in-place, or change-in-service. An in-service UST may or may not contain regulated substances, and may be either in operation or out of operation at any specific time.(55) Installer--A person who participates in or supervises the installation, repair, or removal of underground storage tanks.(56) Inventory control--Techniques used to identify a loss of product that are based on volumetric measurements in the tank and reconciliation of those measurements with product delivery and withdrawal records.(57) Jacketed tank--A factory-constructed tank consisting of a single-wall or double-wall steel internal (or primary) tank that is completely enclosed in an external secondary-containment jacket made of noncorrodible material, and which is designed so that releases of stored substances from the internal tank can be contained and monitored within a liquid-tight interstitial space between the internal tank and the external jacket.(58) Lender--A state or national bank; a state or federal savings bank; a credit union; a state or federal savings and loan association; a state or federal government agency that customarily provides financing; or an entity that is registered with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner under Chapter 7, Title 79, Revised Statutes (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5069-7.01, et seq.) if the entity is regularly engaged in the business of extending credit and if extending credit represents the majority of the entity's total business activity.(59) Liquid trap--A collection device (such as a sump, well cellar, and other trap) which is used in association with oil and gas production, gathering, and extraction operations (including gas production plants) for the purpose of collecting oil, water, and other liquids, and which either may temporarily collect liquids for subsequent disposition or reinjection into a production or pipeline stream, or may collect and separate liquids from a gas stream.(60) Leaking petroleum storage tank (LPST) site--A site at which a confirmed release of a petroleum substance from an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank has occurred. Petroleum substance contamination which results from multiple sources may be deemed as one LPST site by the agency.(61) Maintenance--The normal and routine operational upkeep of underground storage tank systems necessary for the prevention of releases of stored regulated substances.(62) Monitoring well--An artificial excavation constructed to measure or monitor the quantity or movement of substances, elements, chemicals, or fluids below the surface of the ground. The term does not include any monitoring well which is used in conjunction with the production of oil, gas, or any other minerals.(63) Motor fuel--A complex blend of hydrocarbons typically used for the operation of a motor engine, such as and which is one of the following types of fuels: motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, Number 1 or Number 2 diesel fuel, or any blend containing one or more of these substances (for example, motor gasoline blended with alcohol).(64) NACE International (NACE) (formerly National Association of Corrosion Engineers)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for corrosion protection services.(65) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for fire protection equipment and services.(66) New dispenser--A dispenser system is considered new when both the dispenser and the equipment needed to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system are installed at an underground storage tank facility. The equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system includes check valves, shear valves, unburied risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that are underneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground piping.(67) New underground storage tank (UST) system--A UST system which is used or designed to contain an accumulation of regulated substances for which installation commenced after December 22, 1988, or an underground storage system which is converted from the storage of materials other than regulated substances to the storage of regulated substances after December 22, 1988.(68) Non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL)--See "Free product (or non-aqueous phase liquid)" as defined in this section.(69) Non-commercial purposes--With respect to motor fuel, all purposes except resale.(70) Noncorrodible material--A material used in the construction, maintenance, or upgrading of any component of an underground storage tank (UST) system which is designed to retain its physical and chemical properties without significant deterioration or failure for the operational life of the UST system when placed in contact with (and subjected to the resulting electrical and chemical forces associated with) any surrounding soil, backfill, or groundwater, any connected components constructed of dissimilar material, or the stored regulated substance.(71) Observation well--A monitoring well or other vertical tubular structure which is constructed, installed, or placed within any portion of an underground storage tank excavation zone (including the tank hole and piping trench), and which is designed or used for the observation or monitoring of groundwater, or for the observation, monitoring, recovery, or withdrawal of either released regulated substances (in liquid or vapor phase) or groundwater contaminated by such released regulated substances.(72) Occurrence--An incident, including continuous or repeated exposure to conditions, which results in a release from an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank or tank system.(73) On the premises where stored--With respect to heating oil, refers to underground storage tank systems located on the same property where the stored heating oil is used.(74) Operational life--The actual or anticipated service life of an underground storage tank system, which begins when regulated substances are first placed into the tank system and which continues until the tank system is permanently removed from service by means of either removal from the ground, abandonment in-place, or change-in-service.(75) Operator--Any person in day-to-day control of, and having responsibility for, the daily operation of the underground storage tank system or the aboveground storage tank system, as applicable.(76) Out of operation--The description of an in-service underground storage tank which is not currently being used on a regular basis for its intended purpose.(77) Overfill--A release that occurs when an underground storage tank system is filled beyond its capacity, thereby resulting in a discharge of a regulated substance to the surface or subsurface environment.(78) Owner--Any person who holds legal possession or ownership of an interest in an underground storage tank (UST) system or an aboveground storage tank (AST). For the purposes of this chapter, if the actual ownership of a UST system or an AST is uncertain, unknown, or in dispute, the fee simple owner of the surface estate of the tract on which the UST system or the AST is located is considered the UST system or AST owner unless that person can demonstrate by appropriate documentation, including a deed reservation, invoice, bill of sale, or by other legally acceptable means that the UST system or AST is owned by another person. A person who has registered as an owner of a UST system or AST with the commission under § 334.7 of this title (relating to Registration for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) and UST Systems) (or a preceding rule section concerning tank registration) after September 1, 1987, shall be considered the UST system owner and/or AST owner until such time as documentation demonstrates to the executive director's satisfaction that the legal interest in the UST system or AST was transferred to a different person subsequent to the date of the tank registration. This definition is subject to the limitations found in Texas Water Code (TWC), §26.3514, Limits on Liability of Lender; TWC, §26.3515, Limits on Liability of Corporate Fiduciary; and TWC, §26.3516, Limits on Liability of Taxing Unit.(79) Permanent removal from service--The termination of the use and the operational life of an underground storage tank by means of either removal from the ground, abandonment in-place, or change-in-service.(80) Person--As defined in § 3.2 of this title (relating to Definitions).(81) Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for petroleum equipment and services.(82) Petroleum marketing facilities--All facilities at which a petroleum substance is produced or refined and all facilities from which a petroleum substance is sold or transferred to other petroleum substance marketers or to the public.(83) Petroleum marketing firms--All firms owning petroleum marketing facilities. Firms owning other types of facilities with underground storage tanks as well as petroleum marketing facilities are considered to be petroleum marketing firms.(84) Petroleum product--A petroleum substance obtained from distilling and processing crude oil that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and that is capable of being used as a fuel for the propulsion of a motor vehicle or aircraft, including, but not limited to, motor gasoline, gasohol, other alcohol blended fuels, aviation gasoline, kerosene, distillate fuel oil, Number 1 and Number 2 diesel, and biodiesel blended with Number 1 or Number 2 diesel. The term does not include naphtha-type jet fuel, kerosene-type jet fuel, or a petroleum product destined for use in chemical manufacturing or feedstock of that manufacturing.(85) Petroleum storage tank-- (A) Any one or combination of aboveground storage tanks that contain petroleum products and that are regulated by the commission; or(B) Any one or combination of underground storage tanks and all connecting underground pipes that contain petroleum products and that are regulated by the commission.(86) Petroleum substance--A crude oil or any refined or unrefined fraction or derivative of crude oil which is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (except for any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, Subtitle C (42 United States Code, §§ 6921, et seq.)). For the purposes of this chapter, a petroleum substance is limited to one or a combination of the substances or mixtures in the following list: (A) basic petroleum substances (crude oils, crude oil fractions, petroleum feedstocks, and petroleum fractions);(B) motor fuels (see definition for "Motor fuel" in this section);(C) aviation gasolines (e.g., Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 100-LL);(D) aviation jet fuels (e.g., Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, JP-4, JP-5, and JP-8);(E) distillate fuel oils (e.g., Number 1-D, Number 1, Number 2-D, and Number 2);(F) residual fuel oils (e.g., Number 4-D, Number 4-light, Number 4, Number 5-light, Number 5-heavy, and Number 6);(G) gas-turbine fuel oils (e.g., Grade 0-GT, Grade 1-GT, Grade 2-GT, Grade 3-GT, and Grade 4-GT);(H) illuminating oils (e.g., kerosene, mineral seal oil, long-time burning oils, 300 oil, and mineral colza oil);(I) solvents (e.g., Stoddard solvent, petroleum spirits, mineral spirits, petroleum ether, varnish makers' and painters' naphthas, petroleum extender oils, and commercial hexane);(J) lubricants (automotive and industrial lubricants);(K) building materials (e.g., liquid asphalt and dust-laying oils);(L) insulating and waterproofing materials (e.g., transformer oils and cable oils); or(M) used oils (see definition for "Used oil" in this section).(87) Petroleum underground storage tank (UST) system--A UST system that contains, has contained, or will contain a petroleum substance (as defined in this section), a mixture of two or more petroleum substances, or a mixture of one or more petroleum substances with very small amounts of one or more hazardous substances. In order for a UST system containing a mixture of petroleum substances with small amounts of hazardous substances to be classified as a petroleum UST system, the hazardous substance must be at such a dilute concentration that the overall release detectability, effectiveness of corrective action, and toxicity of the basic petroleum substance is not altered to any significant degree.(88) Pipeline facilities (including gathering lines)--New and existing pipeline rights-of-way, including any equipment, facilities, or buildings therein which are used in the transportation or associated treatment (during transportation) of gas or hazardous liquids (which include petroleum and other liquids as designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation), and which are regulated under the federal Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 United States Code, §§ 60101, et seq. and its subsequent amendments or a succeeding law); or (for intrastate pipeline facilities) the Texas Natural Resources Code, Chapter 111 or 117, or Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 6053-1 and 6053-2.(89) Piping--All underground pipes in an underground storage tank system, including valves, elbows, joints, flanges, flexible connectors, and other fittings attached to a tank system through which regulated substances flow or in which regulated substances are contained or stored.(90) Piping trench--The portion of the excavation zone at an underground storage tank facility which contains the piping system and associated backfill materials.(91) Pressurized piping--Product or delivery piping in an underground storage tank system which typically operates at greater than atmospheric pressure.(92) Professional engineer--A person who is currently duly licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to engage in the practice of engineering in the State of Texas.(93) Professional geoscientist--A person who is currently duly licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists to engage in the public practice of geoscience in the State of Texas.(94) Qualified personnel--Persons who possess the appropriate competence, skills, and ability (as demonstrated by sufficient education, training, experience, and/or, when applicable, any required certification or licensing) to perform a specific activity in a timely and complete manner consistent with the applicable regulatory requirements and generally accepted industry standards for such activity.(95) Radioactive materials--Radioactive substances or radioactive waste materials (e.g., high-level radioactive wastes and low-level radioactive cooling waters) which are classified as hazardous substances under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, §101(14), 42 United States Code (USC), §§9601, et seq., except for radioactive materials regulated as a hazardous waste under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, Subtitle C, 42 USC, §§ 6921, et seq.(96) Regulated substance--An element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance that, when released into the environment, may present substantial danger to the public health, welfare, or the environment. For the purposes of this chapter, a regulated substance is limited to any hazardous substance (as defined in this section), any petroleum substance (as defined in this section), any mixture of two or more hazardous substances and/or petroleum substances, and any other substance designated by the commission to be regulated under the provisions of this chapter.(97) Release--Any spilling including overfills, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching, or disposing from an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank into groundwater, surface water, or subsurface soils. In this definition, the term "subsurface soils" does not include backfill or native material in the tank hole that is placed immediately adjacent to or surrounding an underground storage tank system when the system is installed or the system's individual components are replaced unless petroleum free product is present in the backfill or native material.(98) Release detection--The process of determining whether a release of a regulated substance is occurring, or has occurred, from an underground storage tank system.(99) Repair--The restoration, renovation, or mending of a damaged or malfunctioning tank or underground storage tank system component.(100) Replaced-- (A) For a tank - to remove a tank and install another tank.(B) For piping - to remove 35% or more of piping and install other piping, excluding connectors, connected to a single tank. For tanks with multiple piping runs, this definition applies independently to each piping run.(101) Residential tank--A tank located on property used primarily for dwelling purposes.(102) Retail service station--A facility where flammable liquids used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles and where such dispensing is an act of retail sale.(103) Risk-based corrective action--Site assessment or site remediation, the timing, type, and degree of which is determined according to case-by-case consideration of actual or potential risk to public health from environmental exposure to a regulated substance released from a leaking underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank.(104) Secondary containment--A containment method by which a secondary wall, jacket, or barrier is installed around the primary storage vessel (e.g., tank or piping) in a manner designed to prevent a release from migrating beyond the secondary wall or barrier before the release can be detected. Secondary containment systems include, but are not limited to: double-wall tank and/or piping systems, impervious liners, jackets, containment boots, sumps, or vaults surrounding a primary (single-wall) tank and/or piping system.(105) Septic tank--As defined in § 285.2 of this title (relating to Definitions).(106) Spill--A release of a regulated substance which results during the filling, placement, or transfer of regulated substances into an underground storage tank (UST) or an aboveground storage tank (AST), or during the transfer or removal of regulated substances from a UST system or an AST.(107) Standard conditions of temperature and pressure--A temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and an atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute.(108) Steel Tank Institute (STI)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for steel tanks.(109) Stormwater or wastewater collection system--The piping, pumps, conduits, and any other equipment necessary to collect and transport surface water runoff resulting from precipitation, or domestic, commercial, or industrial wastewater to and from retention areas or any areas where treatment is designated to occur. The collection of stormwater and wastewater does not include treatment except where incidental to conveyance.(110) Suction piping--Product or delivery piping in an underground storage tank system which typically operates below atmospheric pressure.(111) Sump--Any man-made pit or reservoir that meets the definition of a tank in this section (including any connected troughs or trenches) that serves to collect and temporarily store regulated substances.(112) Surface impoundment--A natural topographic depression, man-made excavation, or diked area formed primarily of earthen materials (but possibly lined with man-made materials) that is designed to hold an accumulation of regulated substances.(113) Tank--A stationary device (generally exclusive of any associated ancillary equipment) designed or used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances which is constructed of a non-earthen material (e.g., concrete, steel, or plastic) that provides structural support.(114) Tank hole--The portion of the excavation zone at an underground storage tank facility which contains the tanks and associated backfill materials.(115) Tank system--An underground storage tank system.(116) Temporary removal from service--The procedure by which an underground storage tank system may be temporarily taken out of operation without being permanently removed from service.(117) Tightness test (or tightness testing)--A procedure for testing and analyzing a tank or piping system to determine whether the system(s) is capable of preventing the inadvertent release of a stored substance into the environment.(118) Under-dispenser containment (UDC)--Containment underneath a dispenser system designed to prevent leaks from the dispenser and piping within or above the UDC from reaching soil or groundwater.(119) Underground area--An underground room, basement, cellar, shaft, or vault, which provides enough space for physical inspection of the exterior of a tank or tank system situated on or above the surface of the floor.(120) Underground storage tank (UST)--Any one or combination of underground tanks and any connecting underground pipes used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, the volume of which, including the volume of the connecting underground pipes, is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground.(121) Underground storage tank (UST) system--An underground storage tank, all associated underground piping and underground ancillary equipment, spill and overfill prevention equipment, release detection equipment, corrosion protection system, secondary containment equipment (as applicable), and all other related systems and equipment.(122) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)--A nationally recognized organization which provides certifications and standards for consumer products and services.(123) Unsaturated zone--The subsurface zone containing water under pressure less than that of the atmosphere (including water held by capillary forces within the soil) and containing air or gases generally under atmospheric pressure. This zone is bounded at the top by the ground surface and at the bottom by the upper surface of the zone of saturation (i.e., the water table).(124) Upgrading--The addition, improvement, retrofitting, or renovation of an existing underground storage tank system with equipment or components as required to meet the corrosion protection, spill and overfill prevention, and release detection requirements of this chapter.(125) Used oil--Any oil that has been refined from crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.(126) Vent lines--All pipes including valves, elbows, joints, flanges, flexible connectors, and other fittings attached to a tank system, which are intended to convey the vapors emitted from a regulated substance stored in an underground storage tank to the atmosphere.(127) Wastewater treatment tank--A tank that is designed to receive and treat an influent wastewater through physical, chemical, or biological methods.30 Tex. Admin. Code § 334.2
The provisions of this §334.2 adopted to be effective September 29, 1989, 14 TexReg 4714; amended to be effective June 25, 1990, 15 TexReg 3424; amended to be effective August 15, 1994, 19 TexReg 5843; amended to be effective November 8, 1995, 20 TexReg 8800; amended to be effective November 23, 2000, 25 TexReg 11442; amended to be effective April 2, 2002, 27 TexReg 2522; amended to be effective November 18, 2004, 29 TexReg 10532; amended to be effective November 9, 2006, 31 TexReg 9034; amended to be effective October 30, 2008, 33 TexReg 8790; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 43, Number 21, May 25, 2018, TexReg 3416, eff. 5/31/2018