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PEI/RP1200-12 <br />6.1 General. Spill buckets and containment sumps for <br />tank systems are neither intended nor designed for the <br />storage of petroleum products, but rather to contain small <br />leaks and spills for short periods of time. This section <br />describes the procedures used to test the integrity of spill <br />buckets and containment sumps to ensure that they do not <br />leak. <br />6.2 Spill Bucket Integrity Testing —Hydrostatic <br />Test Method. <br />NIP! : Do not use fuels such as gaso- <br />line, E85 or diesel as a test fluid because <br />they present a serious fire and safety <br />hazard. Gasoline vapors are flammable <br />and can explode if exposed to an ignition <br />source such as a spark or open flame. If <br />a tank or containment area is not tight, <br />using fuel as the test fluid will cause a <br />release into the soil or groundwater. <br />Water Level <br />FIGURE 6-1. The hydrostatic method of determining <br />spill bucket integrity uses water to detect leaks. The <br />measuring stick must be placed in the same location <br />at the beginning and end of the test period to ensure <br />accurate water level readings. <br />6.2.1 Purpose. This method is used to test the <br />integrity of single -walled spill buckets or the pri- <br />mary containment of secondarily contained spill <br />buckets. <br />6.2.2 Description of Test. The spill bucket is <br />filled with water. The water level is measured at the <br />beginning and end of the test. <br />6.2.3 Test Equipment. Test equipment shall <br />include: <br />• water; <br />• measuring stick that is accurate to within 1/16 <br />(0.063) inch and of sufficient length; <br />• plumber's plug (appropriate size, if used); <br />• stopwatch or other time -measurement device <br />capable of measuring a 1 -second increment. <br />6.2.4 Preparation. <br />1. Care should be taken when conducting the test <br />in the rain or during freezing weather con& <br />tions. <br />2. Remove and properly dispose of any liquid and <br />debris (leaves, sediment and trash) in the spill <br />bucket. Clean the spill bucket and examine it for <br />damage, defects or improperly installed compo- <br />nents. If there are loose components (e.g., loose <br />band clamps or bolts), tighten these items before <br />conducting the integrity test. If there are items <br />that must be repaired or replaced (e.g., deterio- <br />rated gaskets/seals or drain valves), notify the <br />owner/operator. <br />3. Examine the fill cap an <br />d adapter fitting for <br />loose, missing or damaged parts, and make <br />necessary repairs. Complete any repairs before <br />putting water in the spill bucket. Make sure that <br />the seal on the fill cap is present and in good <br />condition. The cap must fit securely and be leak - <br />tight on the riser. The water level during the test <br />typically will be above the cap, so a leaking cap <br />will result in a failed test. As an alternative to a <br />tight fill cap, use a plumber's plug in the fill riser <br />if approved by the authority having jurisdiction <br />(AHJ) and tank owner. <br />4. The spill -bucket drain valve, if present, must <br />be leak -tight to pass the test. If it is not leak - <br />tight, it may be possible to simply remove and <br />permanently plug the drain valve. However, if <br />you choose to permanently plug, ensure that the <br />local regulations allow this modification. <br />pei.org <br />