Removal of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Surveyors and Architects

Removal of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Course Outline

This course covers Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) that are subject to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle I. Activities associated with each phase of tank removal will be studied including initial field investigations, data gathering, tank removal and site remediation.

This 15 hour course will examine the regulatory guidelines that will aid the reader to successfully plan and execute and underground tank removal project. Emphasis will be placed on Removal, sampling methods and Personnel safety.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:

The intent of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle I;
The amendments to the RCRA;
How to define and underground storage tank (UST);
Characteristics of hazardous wastes;
How to define a release;
How as-built drawings are used at UST sites;
When a tank closure report should be submitted;
When permits to remediate sites should be completed;
The EPA regulation for detection requirements;
Volumetric tests for tank tightness;
Types of tests for tank tightness;
When to contact agencies before removing tanks;
Geophysical methods to determine tank locations;
The density of various hazardous fuels;
When permits are needed for USTs;
How to perform soil gas surveys;
Where VOCs are located in the soil;
How to calculate well casings;
How to determine the volume of saturated sand filter packs;
How to determine equilibrium in a monitoring well;
How hydrocarbons are detected;
How to define surface soil sampling;
How to be safe around excavation sites;
What to include in the Site Safety and Health Plan;
The major cause of physical injury at UST removal sites;
When visitors should be briefed at UST removal sites;
What should be included in a sampling and analysis plan (SAP);
What should be included on sample bottles;
How to describe a soil sample;
Methods of decontaminating equipment;
The use of explosimeters;
The use of the lower explosive limit (LEL);
Federal regulations regarding hazardous wastes;
How to achieve inerting;
The safest way to purge a tank;
How to use vacuum tanks to remove product from USTs;
Typical wastes generated during tank removal;
The definition of confined spaces;
Information that should be recorded in logbooks;
Advantages and disadvantages of flushing tanks with water;
How UST workers can protect against frostbite when working in cold weather;
How to adjust temperature by the percent sunshine;
Safety equipment to use for confined spaces;
The uses of thermal treatment;
Frequency that density tests should be performed on soil backfill;
ASTM testing method for backfilling;
When to notify the fire department before removing a UST;
How to locate USTs visually;
The various types of middle distillate fuels;
The allowable level of various metals in oil;
Various soil remediation practices;
Federal regulations that cover respiratory protection requirements;
How to define the exclusion zones;
How to coordinate UST sites;
How to characterize sites;
How to sample at UST sites;
Personal hygiene and decontamination;
Emergency equipment and first-aid requirements;
Quality assurance methods; and
Tank coating issues.

Intended Audience and Benefit

This is intended for project managers, military engineers, environmental engineers, geotechnical engineers, persons working in the tank removal or related profession or anyone with an interest in the removal of underground storage tanks.

Course Introduction

Underground storage tanks can be dangerous to the environment if not maintained and or removed properly. Harmful products can enter the surrounding soils through leaks and poorly waste- removal methods. This course will provide regulatory guidelines and management responsibilities to that can aid in effectively removing underground storage tanks. Technical information is provided giving examples of problems that may be encountered in the field.

Course Content

This course will examine the regulatory guidelines that will aid the reader to successfully plan and execute and underground tank removal project. Emphasis will be placed on Removal, sampling methods and Personnel safety. You are required to study 1 through 13 and Appendices C, D, & E of this document.

Removal of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

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Course Summary

The information presented in this course could be used to enhance the student’s knowledge of the Removal of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs). Methods of removal as well as federal regulations and personnel safety will be studied.

Using good engineering judgment is always paramount in any situation. Utilizing good judgment and the knowledge gained in this course will aid the reader in the safe and efficient removal of underground storage tanks.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://www.usace.army.mil/
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.nrc.gov/waste.html

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.