Storage Tanks

Inventory and Mapping of Storage Tanks

With the cooperation of tenants and terminal operators, data on all storage tanks in each port will be collected and mapped, above ground and below ground. Data to be collected on each tank includes the following:

• Owner of the tank, and details of the lessor if leased
• Capacity of the tank and surrounding containment area
• Nature of chemicals or substances stored and compliance with permits in relation to which chemicals for which storage is authorized
• Details of the construction of the tank, e.g. materials used, whether double or single sided, etc
• Age and physical condition of the tank
• Maintenance schedule and records
• Party responsible for maintenance
• In the case of underground storage tanks, location of monitoring borehole/s, if any
• In the case of flammable substances being stored, the nature of adjoining premises
• In cases where tanks fall under the Hazardous Installations Regulations, evidence of compliance or otherwise with the regulations

Procedures for Maintenance of Storage Tanks

Procedures will be compiled at each port, following consultation with the owners of the storage tanks, to ensure compliance with national, provincial and local legislation. These procedures would include some or all of the following, as appropriate:

• Installation and monitoring of boreholes to monitor groundwater pollution
• Remediation measures where groundwater pollution is found to have taken place
• Award of permit for storage of different chemicals or substances to those originally authorized
• Scheduling of maintenance and leak checks, for instance pressure testing
• Leak detection and monitoring devices
• Inspection of tanks and containment walls
• Emergency response procedures in place on the part of the tank owners (or responsible parties, if different) and adequacy of training of responsible staff

Management of Feeder Pipelines

In some cases, the state of repair of feeder and other pipelines is a matter of concern. Owners of pipelines are to be required to investigate the conditions of their pipelines, and report their findings to the NPA. The owners must be required to consult an independent person or company to carryout the investigation. The results will be sent by the consultant to NPA and to the owner of the pipeline at the same time. In cases where these pipelines are associated with facilities governed by the Hazardous Installations Regulations, this aspect is specifically required by law.

Where pipelines are found to be damaged, or likely to be damaged due to poor condition, then the owner must be required to take appropriate remedial action.