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4 API RECOMMENOED PRACTICE 1604 3.2.2 Observe the special precautions described in 1.3 through 3.2.9.3 are intended to minimize any surface through 1.3.2.2. settling subsequent to disposal of the tank in place. 3.2.3 Drain product piping into the tank, being care- ful to avoid any spillage to the excavation area. Discon- 3.2.9.1 Sand will flow readily and is generally availa- ble. Any kind of sand is suitable if it is fret of rocks, nect product piping from the tank, and cap or remove the piping. which might limit leveling-out in the tank. The sand may be introduced dry as long as it flows in freely. 3.2.4 Remove liquids and residues from the tank by When the sand cone nears the top of the tank, the sand using explosion-proof or air-driven pumps. Pump can be washed into the tank with a nominal amount of motors and suction hoses must be bonded to the tank or water and puddled to cause it to flow to the ends. The otherwise grounded to prevent electrostatic ignition use of larger amounts of water should be avoided since hazards. It may be necessary to use a hand pump to the tank might be filled with water before it is filled with remove the last few inches of liquid from the bottom of sand. the tank. If a vacuum truck is used for removal of liquids or residues, the area of operation for the vacuum 3.2.9.2 Almost complete filling of the tank can be truck must be vapor-free. The truck should be located achieved by using a combination of sand and earth. Fill upwind from the tank and outside the path of probable the tank with sand to approximately 80 percent of vapor travel.The vacuum pump exhaust gases should be calculated capacity. Mix soil and water to make a free- discharged through a hose of adequate size and length flowing mud and pour the mixture into the tank open- downwind of the truck and tank area. See API Publica- ing. Puddle the mixture until the tank is full and tion 2219 for vacuum truck operating and safety prat- overflows the fill opening. tices. 3.2.5 Excavate to the top of the tank. 3.2.9.3 Other types of inert materials, slurries, or expandable materials such as polyurethane-type foams 3.2.6 Remove the drop tube, fill pipe, gauge pipe, may be used when approved by regulatory officials. vapor recovery truck connection, submersible pumps, and other tank fixtures. Cap or remove all non-product 3.2.10 After the tank is filled with an inert material, lines, such as vapor recovery Iines, except for the vent all tank openings should be plugged or capped unless it line. The vent line should remain connected until the was necessary to cut open the tank top (sec 3.2.8). tank is purged (see 4.2.2 through 4.2.7). Temporarily plug all other tank openings. 3.2.11 Disconnect and cap or remove the vent line. 3.2.7 Purge the tank of flammable vapors. This may 3.3 Reeordkeeping be accomplished using methods outlined in 4.2.2 through 4.2.7. Vent all vapors a minimum of 12 feet 3.3.1 When underground tanks are disposed in place, above grade and 3 feet above any adjacent roof lines. the owner of the tank should keep a permanent record Monitor the tank for flammable vapor with a combusti- of the tank location, the date of disposal in place, and ble gas indicator until the tank atmosphere has been the method of conditioning the tank for disposal. All brought to less than 20 percent of the lower flammable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements for limit (see 4.3). tank disposal/closure and notification must be ob- served. 3.2.8 One or more holes may be cut in the tank top if existing tank openings are not adequate for introduction 3.3.2 It is recommended that the tank owner inform a of the inert material to be used to fill the tank. potential buyer of the presence of abandoned under- ground tanks when properties are sold. A property 3.2.9 Proceed to introduce a suitable solid inert owner should also be informed at the termination of the material through openings in the top of the tank. It is property lease. In some areas this may be a regulatory important to fill the tank as full as possible with the requirement. It may be desirable to obtain an acknowl- sand or other inert material. The procedures in 3.2.9.1 edgement or a release from the property owner.