National Oilheat Research Alliance 41
Chapter 9
Abandonment
• All waste products removed must be
disposed in accordance with all local,
state and federal regulations with the
records retained
• All connecting supply lines must be
disconnected, removed and properly
disposed of
• Fill pipe and tank gauge must be
removed and properly disposed of
• All tappings except the vent tapping
must be securely plugged
• Tank must be rendered free of vapors
and provision must be made for natural
breathing to ensure the tank remains
vapor free
• Tank should be stenciled with the date
of abandonment
• Tank must be protected from flotation
in accordance with good engineering
practices
Normally, fuel tanks that are
permanently out of service should
be removed from the property and
disposed of properly. However, in
some situations it may be impossible
or extremely expensive to
remove the tank and it must be
abandoned in place.
Companies performing closure
of underground storage tanks are
required to be registered and certified in many
jurisdictions.
In areas where it is legal to abandon oil tanks
in place, the guidelines of the local authority
having jurisdiction must be followed. The
requirements generally include the following
procedures.
Above Ground Tanks
NORA recommends the guidelines
of NFPA 31 be followed whenever an
aboveground storage tank is being
abandoned.
Above Ground Tanks
Abandonment Procedure
• Remove liquid and residue from the tank
and connecting lines and keep a record
of removal
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