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LG 166 - GUIDELINES FOR TESTING SPILL BUCKETS Enclosure 1 INTRODUCTION This document is intended to provide underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators with a practical test method that can be used to meet the requirement for annual spill bucket testing. Typically, spill bucket testing can be completed with minimal added time or expense by the service technician while performing the annual Monitoring System Certification. These guidelines are intended to assist owners and operators with all spill buckets, both direct buried (in contact with earthen material) and located within secondary containment sumps, regardless of the date of installation. Although annual testing is required for spill buckets installed on UST fill pipes, we also recommend annual testing of spill buckets on vapor recovery risersZ. Spill buckets on vapor recovery risers may be exposed to liquid (condensed vapor) hazardous substances during fuel delivery. Therefore, ensuring that these buckets are liquid -tight helps reduce the risk of a release to the environment. APPLICABLE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Health and Safety Code (HSC), Chapter 6.7, Section 25284.2 requires that spill buckets be tested annually. California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 23, Section 2635(b) requires that all USTs be equipped with a spill bucket which has a minimum capacity of 5 gallons and is protected from galvanic corrosion. The purpose of the spill bucket is to collect and contain any product/waste that spills during filling of the UST. A spill bucket is neither intended nor designed for the storage of hazardous substance, but rather to contain a small spill. Therefore, any hazardous substance collected in a spill bucket must be promptly removed, either by draining it into the primary storage tank or collecting it and disposing of it properly. The purpose of spill bucket testing is to ensure that the spill bucket is capable of containing the substance until it is detected and properly removed. SPILL BUCKET TESTING These procedures should be followed when conducting visual inspection and vacuum or hydrostatic testing of spill buckets. Note: This document does not cover all site safety provisions that may be applicable when performing this type of work. When working at UST facilities, personnel must adhere to applicable federal, state, and local safety standards. Part I: Spill Bucket Testing Preparation A. Notify the Local Agency. Owners/operators should notify the local UST regulatory agency at least 48 hours prior to conducting the test. B. Spill Bucket Testing Qualifications. We recommend that testing be conducted by a qualified service technician as defined in CCR, Title 23, Section 2715(i). Spill bucket testing performed by anyone other than a service technician should only be conducted when approved and witnessed by the local UST regulatory agency. Note: Some local UST regulatory agencies do not accept test results unless an agency inspector is present during the test and/or the test is performed by a qualified service technician. C. Secure the Work Area as Appropriate. Use caution tape, cones, or other barricade to prevent traffic from entering the work area. When working at an UST facility, adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local safety standards. D. Cleaning and Visual Inspection of the Spill Bucket. Spill buckets should be kept clean and free of liquid (water and fuel) and debris. If liquid or debris is found in the spill bucket it should be 2 Some regulatory agencies may require testing of vapor recovery spill buckets pursuant to local ordinance. 3 The term "should," as used in these guidelines, is to be construed as a recommendation and not a mandate.