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California State Fire Marshal <br /> Information Bulletin 14-005 <br /> Issued: July 25, 2014 <br /> Underground Fuel Storage Tanks Prohibited for Use <br /> as Aboveground Fuel Storage Tanks <br /> This information bulletin has been developed to inform and advise the public on the prohibited <br /> use of converted steel underground storage tanks (UST) as aboveground storage tanks (AST) <br /> storing flammable or combustible liquids. <br /> Section 5704.2.7, California Fire Code, 2013 Edition states, "The design, fabrication and <br /> construction of tanks shall comply with NFPA 30. Each tank shall bear a permanent nameplate <br /> or marking indicating the standard used as the basis of design." The National Fire Protection <br /> Association (NFPA) Standard 30, 2012 Edition, Section 3.3.51.1, defines an aboveground <br /> tank as a storage tank that is installed above grade, at grade, or below grade without backfill. <br /> NFPA 30 Section 21.3.4 states, "Tanks designed and intended for underground use shall not be <br /> used as aboveground tanks." <br /> The design, construction, and installation standards of USTs are different than ASTs. Since the <br /> core structure of the USTs is designed for an underground placement, it is difficult, dangerous <br /> and costly to convert USTs for aboveground placement. For example, tank heads of a UST lack <br /> the reinforcement necessary to support the heads if converted into an AST. The soil around a <br /> UST provides additional structural support and, therefore, no additional reinforcement is <br /> necessary. However, an AST requires larger tank heads to be reinforced with structural steel to <br /> stiffen and strengthen the heads. <br /> It is vitally important to recognize the proper installation, maintenance and inspection of ASTs. <br /> Tanks which are not listed by industry standards or approved by fire code officials, specifically for <br /> aboveground flammable or combustible liquid storage, pose a significant danger and safety <br /> threat to owners, operators and others working around these tanks. <br /> See references at the end of this bulletin. <br /> If you have questions regarding this Informational Bulletin, please contact Senior Environmental <br /> Scientist Denise Gibson at denise.gibson@fire.ca.gov or(916)445-8289. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />