N.J. Admin. Code § 7:1E-2.16 - Integrity testing

(a) (Reserved).

(b) Aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons installed or placed into service on or after July 22, 1990, and all appurtenant piping to the first valve shall be subject to integrity testing prior to being placed into service, in accordance with the following:

1. New field-erected storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with the standard used for their construction.

2. Existing storage tanks being returned to service or relocated shall be tested in accordance with the applicable protocol at (d) through (i) below.

3. Shop-built storage tanks shall be tested after installation on site to ensure the integrity of the tank and all connections to it, using a test such as a static head test.

(c) Records of all integrity testing shall be kept in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:1E-2.15.

(d) Field-erected steel aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing in accordance with the following:

1. Tanks operated at atmospheric pressure shall follow API 653 and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in that standard, except that similar service and risk based inspection scheduling contained in API 653 are not permitted.

2. Tanks operated under pressure shall follow API 510 or ASME Section VIII, as applicable, and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in the applicable standard, except that similar service and risk-based inspection scheduling set forth at API 510 are not permitted.

(e) Shop-built steel aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing in accordance with the following:

1. Tanks operated at atmospheric pressure shall follow API 653 or SP001, incorporated by reference, and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in the applicable standard, except that similar service and risk-based inspection scheduling contained in API 653 are not permitted.

2. Tanks operated under pressure shall follow API 510 or ASME Section VIII and the schedule and series of tests and inspections established in the applicable standard, except that similar service and risk-based inspection scheduling set forth at API 510 are not permitted.

(f) Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing every five years consisting of acoustic emission testing, in accordance with ASTM E1067, in combination with internal and external inspections of the tank and all appurtenant structures by an experienced, qualified inspector.

(g) Homogenous plastic tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons shall undergo integrity testing every five years consisting of internal and external visual inspections of the tank and all appurtenant structures by an experienced, qualified inspector.

(h) For aboveground storage tanks with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons that do not fall into one of the categories outlined above, the owner or operator shall perform integrity testing conducted by an experienced, qualified inspector every five years in accordance with the following, as appropriate:

1. A shell thickness test performed to an industry standard appropriate to the material and configuration of the tank, and capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, or other wall thinning to less than a predetermined minimum thickness to ensure sufficient structural strength;

2. A bottom thickness test, performed to an industry standard appropriate to the material and configuration of the tank, and capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, or other bottom thinning to less than a predetermined minimum thickness to ensure sufficient structural strength;

3. Visual inspection of the interior of the tank checking for corrosion, cracks, and deteriorations;

4. Visual inspection of the exterior of the tank, checking for corrosion, distortions, cracks, and leaks; and

5. Visual inspection of the foundation or supports and ancillary equipment, such as inlet and outlet pipes and valves, checking for settlement, cracks, leaks, corrosion, and other indications of structural problems.

(i) If none of the protocols for integrity testing outlined in this section are practicable for a given aboveground storage tank with a storage capacity greater than 2,000 gallons, the owner or operator may propose a protocol to the Department, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:1E-1.11(e).

(j) If a tank has been tested or inspected as required by (a) through (i) above and fails to meet the applicable standards as to structural integrity or where a condition has been determined to exist for which there is no standard as set forth in (a) through (i) above, but which, in the opinion of the person performing the tests or inspection as set forth in the report, constitutes a condition which will threaten structural integrity, the tank shall be emptied and remain empty until it is repaired or replaced. Conditions threatening structural integrity may include, but are not limited to, wall thinning, leaks, or extensive corrosion, pitting, or cracking.

(k) The tank integrity test report or checklist, which must be kept for the lifetime of the tank, shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. Name of the major facility;

2. Tank identification;

3. Test method used;

4. Date of the test or inspection;

5. Date the report was completed;

6. Results, including calculations and the date of the next test;

7. Recommendations, including any that necessitate immediate action;

8. Name and affiliation of the person(s) who prepared the report; and

9. Inspector's qualifications, including, but not limited to, API or STI certification.

(l) Within 120 days of receipt of the completed tank integrity test report or checklist or before an out-of-service tank is placed in service, whichever is later, the owner/operator shall review the inspection findings and recommendations, establish a repair scope, if needed, and determine the appropriate timing for repairs, monitoring, and/or maintenance activities. The owner/ operator shall implement the repair schedule, document, in writing, the disposition of all recommended repairs and monitoring, and provide reasons for recommended actions that are delayed or deemed unnecessary.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:1E-2.16

New Rule, R.2007 d.93, effective 4/2/2007.
See: 38 N.J.R. 4285(a), 39 N.J.R. 1253(a). Amended by 57 N.J.R. 1253(b), effective 6/16/2025