Title of Regulation: 2VAC5-111. Public and Private Animal Shelters.

Contact Information: Dr. Kathryn MacDonald, Program Manager, Office of Animal Care and Emergency Response, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483, or email kathryn.macdonald@vdacs.virginia.gov.

FORMS (2VAC5-111)

Animal Facility Inspection Report, VDACS AC-10 (rev. 7/2015)

Animal Facility Inspection Form - Shelter, VDACS AC-10-A (eff. 3/2016)

Animal Facility Inspection Form – Animal Care, VDACS AC-10-B (rev. 7/2015)

Animal Facility Inspection Form – Operations, VDACS AC-10-C (rev. 7/2015)

Animal Shelter Inspection Form, VDACS AC-10 (rev. 8/2017)

Title of Regulation: 2VAC5-150. Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of Companion Animals.

Contact Information: Dr. Kathryn MacDonald, Program Manager, Office of Animal Care and Emergency Response, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483, or email kathryn.macdonald@vdacs.virginia.gov.

FORMS (2VAC5-150)

Animal Facility Inspection Report, VDACS AC-10 (rev. 7/15)

Animal Facility Inspection Form – Animal Transport, VDACS AC-10-1 (rev. 7/15)

Animal Shelter Inspection Form, VDACS AC-10 (rev. 8/2017)

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC25-20. Board of Coal Mining Examiners Certification Requirements (amending 4VAC25-20-15, 4VAC25-20-50, 4VAC25-20-70, 4VAC25-20-180, 4VAC25-20-340 through 4VAC25-20-400; adding 4VAC25-20-185).

4VAC25-35. Certification Requirements for Mineral Miners (amending 4VAC25-35-110).

Statutory Authority: §§ 45.1-161.28 and 45.1-161.34 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: October 4, 2017.

Effective Date: October 19, 2017.

Agency Contact: Michael Skiffington, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email mike.skiffington@dmme.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 45.1-161.28 of the Code of Virginia grants authority to the Board of Coal Mining Examiners to regulate the certification of persons who work in coal mines in the Commonwealth.

Purpose: The purpose of the regulatory action is to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth by modifying or eliminating obsolete language in the regulations. Doing so will allow the department to inspect its permitted sites more safely and efficiently.

Rationale for Using Fast-Track Rulemaking Process: This action will be noncontroversial because it is clarifying regulations and does not create additional regulatory burdens on individuals or businesses.

Substance: The substantive changes to the regulations are the modification of language for clarity or the removal of obsolete language. Obsolete language is removed to keep the regulation up to date. Language has been added to illustrate the distinction between surface mine foremen and inspectors and underground mine foremen and inspectors. Finally, language is added to allow individuals carrying a valid coal surface mine inspector certification to receive a certification to inspect mineral mines.

Issues: The advantages to the Commonwealth and the public are increased safety and efficiency at the permitted mine sites. There are no known disadvantages.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board of Coal Mining Examiners (Board) proposes to separate the Mine Inspector designation into Underground Mine Inspector and Surface Mine Inspector. Additionally, the Board proposes to amend language for improved clarity and to remove obsolete text.

Result of Analysis. The benefits likely exceed the costs for all proposed changes.

Estimated Economic Impact. Mine inspectors are employed by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). The current regulation specifies the requirements to become a certified (coal) Mine Inspector in section 4VAC25-20-180, titled Mine Inspector. The Board proposes to change the title of section 4VAC25-20-180 to Underground Mine Inspector, and create a new section 4VAC25-20-185 titled Surface Mine Inspector. There are already separate sections and requirements for Underground Mine Foreman certification and Surface Mine Foreman certification.

The proposed new Surface Mine Inspector certification section specifies that "Applicants who already possess a valid underground mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-180 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section." Thus current certified Mine Inspectors and future certified Underground Mine Inspectors would be certified for inspecting both surface mines and underground mines under the existing and unchanging requirements. Individuals who become certified as Surface Mine Inspectors by completing the requirements listed in the proposed section 4VAC25-20-185 would not be certified to inspect underground mines unless they also satisfied the requirements in the Underground Mine Inspector certification section.

The requirements under the proposed new Surface Mine Inspector certification section differ from the existing Mine Inspector and proposed Underground Mine Inspector certification sections by requiring that applicants: 1) hold a valid Surface Mine Foreman Certificate rather than a valid Underground Mine Foreman Certificate, and 2) meet the continuing education requirements for surface mine foreman rather than underground mine foreman, and 3) pass the surface mine inspector examination rather than the underground mine inspector examination. According to DMME, the Surface Mine Inspector certification requirements are easier to meet than the Underground Mine Inspector certification requirements as there are specific dangers associated with underground mines that are not present on the surface. Thus introducing the new proposed Surface Mine Inspector certification would be beneficial in that individuals who are qualified for such certification and would only be doing surface inspection would not need to spend the time and effort obtaining additional training for underground safety issues that would not be applicable to their work.

Businesses and Entities Affected. The proposed amendments affect DMME and coal mine inspectors. All coal mine inspectors are employed by DMME.

Localities Particularly Affected. Coal is only mined in counties in far Southwest Virginia (Russell, Lee, Scott, Wise, Tazewell, Dickenson and Buchanan).

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed amendments would be unlikely to significantly affect employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed amendments are unlikely to significantly affect the use and value of private property.

Real Estate Development Costs. The proposed amendments are unlikely to significantly affect real estate development costs.

Small Businesses:

Definition. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

Costs and Other Effects. The proposed amendments are unlikely to affect costs for small businesses.

Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect small businesses.

Adverse Impacts:

Businesses. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect businesses.

Localities. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect localities.

Other Entities. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect other entities.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy concurs with the economic impact analysis conducted by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

The amendments clarify distinctions between underground mine certifications and surface mine certifications and remove or modify obsolete language.

Part I
General and Specific Requirements for Certification

4VAC25-20-15. Definitions.

A. This chapter works with the Virginia Mine Safety Act, Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia. Refer to § 45.1-161.8 for other definitions related to this chapter.

B. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Appropriately related work experience" means work experience which demonstrates the applicant's skill and level of responsibility in performing tasks, and prepares and equips him to perform in the capacity of a certified person.

"BCME" means Board of Coal Mining Examiners.

"Chief" means the Chief of the Division of Mines.

"DMME" means the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Division" means the Division of Mines.

"DMLR" means Division of Mined Land Reclamation.

"EMT" means emergency medical technician.

"GCM" means general coal miner.

"MSHA" means the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

"Virginia coal mine safety regulations" mean 4VAC25-50-10 et seq. means 4VAC25-60 through 4VAC25-120-10 et seq. 4VAC25-125.

"Virginia Mine Safety Act" means Chapters 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) through 14.6 (§ 45.1-161.304 et seq.) and Chapter 18 (§ 45.1-221 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Part II
Certification Requirements

4VAC25-20-50. First class Underground mine foreman.

A. Applicants shall possess five years mining experience, three of which shall be underground, and shall pass the first class underground mine foreman, map, and gas detection examinations.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college or two years credit for a degree in mining technology.

C. Applicants shall be at least 23 years of age.

D. Beginning August 20, 1997, certified Certified mine foremen shall complete the continuing education requirements in this section within two years from the date of their certification and every two years thereafter. The holder of the certificate shall submit documentation to the division indicating the required continuing education has been completed prior to these deadlines.

E. The holder of the certificate, in order to receive continuing education credit, shall satisfactorily complete a first class an underground mine foreman continuing education course approved by the chief and taught by a certified instructor or other instructor approved by the chief.

F. The first class underground mine foreman shall complete at least four hours of continuing education every two years.

G. The content of the continuing education course shall include, but is not limited to, the:

1. Coal Mine Safety Act, Chapter 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Virginia coal mine safety regulations;

3. Responsibilities of first class underground mine foreman;

4. Virginia coal mine safety policies and division operators' memos; and

5. Review of fatalities and accident trends in Virginia underground coal mines.

H. A maximum of four hours in excess of the required hours may be carried over to the next continuing education period.

I. Failure to complete continuing education requirements shall result in suspension of a person's certification pending completion of continuing education. If the continuing education requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

J. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last address the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

4VAC25-20-70. Surface mine foreman.

A. Applicants shall possess five years of surface coal mining experience.

B. Applicants shall pass the surface mine foreman, first aid, and gas detection examinations.

C. Beginning August 20, 1997, certified Certified persons shall complete the continuing education requirements in this section within two years from the date of their certification and every two years thereafter. The holder of the certificate shall submit documentation to the division indicating the required continuing education has been completed prior to these deadlines.

D. The holder of the certificate, in order to receive continuing education credit, shall satisfactorily complete a surface mine foreman continuing education course approved by the chief and taught by a certified instructor or other instructor approved by the chief.

E. The surface mine foreman shall complete at least four hours of continuing education every two years.

F. The content of the continuing education course shall include, but is not limited to, the:

1. Coal Mine Safety Act, Chapter 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Virginia coal mine safety regulations;

3. Responsibilities of surface mine foreman;

4. Virginia coal mine safety policies and division operators' memos; and

5. Review of fatalities and accident trends in Virginia surface coal mines.

G. A maximum of four hours in excess of the required hours may be carried over to the next continuing education period.

H. Failure to complete continuing education requirements shall result in suspension of a person's certification pending completion of continuing education. If the continuing education requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

I. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last known address of the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

4VAC25-20-180. Mine Underground mine inspector.

A. Applicants shall possess mining experience as described in § 45.1-161.20 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college.

C. Applicants shall hold a valid First Class Underground Mine Foreman Certificate.

D. Applicants shall meet the continuing education requirements of 4VAC25-20-50 for first class underground mine foreman.

E. Applicants shall pass the underground mine inspector examination.

F. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by the DMME and shall only remain valid while the person is employed by the department.

4VAC25-20-185. Surface mine inspector.

A. Applicants shall possess mining experience as described in § 45.1-161.20 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college.

C. Applicants shall hold a valid Surface Mine Foreman Certificate.

D. Applicants shall meet the continuing education requirements of 4VAC25-20-70 for surface mine foreman.

E. Applicants shall pass the surface mine inspector examination.

F. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by DMME and shall only remain valid while the person is employed by the department.

G. Applicants who already possess a valid underground mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-20-180 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section.

Part IV
On-Site Examination of Underground Mine Foreman

4VAC25-20-340. Examinations.

A. When a an underground mine is issued a closure order or violation related to a hazardous roof or ventilation condition, the underground mine foreman may be examined to determine his knowledge of the roof control plan and ventilation requirements in the area of his responsibility at the mine. The examination shall be conducted on the surface at the mine site on the day the violation or closure order is issued.

B. The chief shall develop a pool of no more than 50 questions addressing the areas listed in subsection D of this section, which shall be approved by the BCME. These questions shall be available on request and should be incorporated as part of continuing education and other training for underground mine foremen.

C. A division inspector shall administer a written examination using 10 questions from the approved pool. The foreman shall answer eight out of 10 questions correctly to demonstrate thorough understanding of the mine's roof or ventilation plans. The inspector shall select questions from the pool which are most relevant to the conditions or practices resulting in the order of closure or violation.

D. The underground mine foreman may refer to roof control, ventilation, bleeder, or other plans available to him when examined at the surface of an underground mine. Any underground mine foreman performing tasks requiring certification or otherwise directing work in ventilation or roof support shall be able to provide the following information:

1. Describe the roof control requirements set out in the mine's roof control plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

2. Describe the frequency and methods of any required testing of roof, face and ribs in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

3. Show how the roof control practices in the area of the foreman's responsibility comply with the requirements of the roof control plan.

4. Describe the frequency and contents of any pre-shift, on-shift, and, when applicable, weekly examinations of mine ventilation required in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

5. Describe the requirements for action under the mine's fan stoppage plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

6. Describe any requirements for face ventilation controls used in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

7. Describe any requirements under the mine bleeder plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

8. Describe the requirements for mine ventilation controls such as regulators, ventilation doors, and other similar controls in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

9. Describe the minimum volume of air required in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

10. Describe the minimum requirements for quality of air (oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane) in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

11. Describe the procedure to follow in the area of the foreman's responsibility upon an accumulation of methane at:

a. 1.0% or greater not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, ribs, or floor;

b. Greater than 1.0% in a split that ventilates any group of active areas;

c. 1.5% (or 2.0% as applicable) in a split of air returning from areas where coal is being extracted or is capable of being extracted; or

d. 5.0% or greater in any area of the mine.

E. The division inspector completing an examination of a an underground mine foreman under this part shall discuss the results of the exam with the foreman before leaving the mine.

4VAC25-20-350. Actions brought before the BCME.

A. The examination shall be the basis of any enforcement action brought before the board for failure to display a thorough understanding of the roof control plan and ventilation for the area of the mine for which he is responsible.

B. Refusal of the underground mine foreman to submit to examination will constitute just cause to be brought before the board and may result in suspension of certification and revocation of certification by the board.

Part V
Guidelines for On-Site Examination of a an Underground Mine Foreman

4VAC25-20-360. Purpose and scope.

A. Section 45.1-161.35 A of the Code of Virginia provides for on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman by a mine inspector to determine that the foreman has a thorough understanding of the roof control plan and ventilation for the area of the mine for which he is responsible. The procedures followed by the inspector in conducting an on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman must be consistent with requirements in Part IV (4VAC25-20-340 et seq.) of this chapter. This includes the use of questions approved by the board which are administered in accordance with this chapter.

B. The purpose of examining a an underground mine foreman is to measure and evaluate his knowledge and understanding of mine roof control and ventilation for the areas of his responsibility. Mine Underground mine foremen are required to demonstrate this and other elements of mine safety when they become certified to act as mine foremen in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

C. An on-site examination by the mine inspector will only be initiated when there is just cause that the underground mine foreman has failed to maintain safe roof control and ventilation for his area of responsibility at the mine. Just cause for an on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman by a mine inspector must be based on issuance of an order of closure or violation related to a hazardous condition pertaining to roof control or ventilation.

4VAC25-20-370. Determination by the inspector to conduct an on-site examination.

A. An order of closure issued in accordance with § 45.1-161.91 of the Code of Virginia, or notice of violation issued in accordance with § 45.1-161.90 of the Code of Virginia that relate to roof control or ventilation hazards, shall be reviewed at the time it is issued for evidence of underground mine foreman negligence, which could require on-site examination of the mine foreman by the mine inspector. In making the determination whether or not to conduct an on-site examination, the mine inspector must establish the following:

1. The roof or ventilation hazards cited resulted from performing his duties with less than ordinary care. Ordinary care means the use of such care as a reasonably prudent and careful underground mine foreman could use under similar circumstances.

2. The underground mine foreman knew or should have known of the existence of the hazardous condition.

B. When these criteria have been established, the mine inspector will undertake an on-site examination of the underground mine foreman.

4VAC25-20-380. Notification of intent to conduct an on-site examination.

A. The mine inspector will notify the underground mine foreman of an order of closure or notice of violation for a hazardous condition related to roof control or ventilation in the area of the foreman's responsibility. The inspector will let him know that he intends to invoke the provision of the law for an on-site examination of the foreman.

B. The following approach will be taken by the mine inspector in giving notice to the underground mine foreman:

1. The notification will be given by the inspector in private.

2. The inspector will be courteous and professional in explaining the reason for the on-site examination.

3. The inspector will explain the procedures he will follow in conducting the on-site examination.

4VAC25-20-390. Procedures for conducting on-site examination.

A. The on-site examination of the underground mine foreman will be handled in such a way as to not prevent the foreman from performing his duties. The on-site examination must be conducted, to the extent possible, immediately on arrival outside on the surface on the day the order of closure or notice of violation is issued.

B. These procedures will be followed in conducting the on-site examination:

1. The examination will be administered in a written format.

2. The mine inspector will choose the 10 questions from the approved pool related to the condition or practice being cited by the order of closure or notice of violation.

3. The underground mine foreman will be provided sufficient time to write out his answers to the questions. He may refer to plans or other information available to him. However, no other person may assist him in answering the questions. The mine inspector will remain with the mine foreman during the written examination.

4. The mine inspector will read the questions being asked to the underground mine foreman if requested and should answer any questions from the mine foreman which could help to clarify his understanding of the questions.

5. The underground mine foreman may respond to the questions orally. In this case, the mine inspector will record the response of the mine foreman to each question on the examination form, have the foreman sign the form as accurately representing the response, and provide the mine foreman a copy promptly upon completion.

4VAC25-20-400. Results of the on-site examination.

A. The mine inspector will promptly check the responses given by the underground mine foreman for each of the 10 questions asked. At least eight of the 10 questions must be answered correctly to successfully complete the on-site examination. The results of the on-site examination will be reviewed promptly with the underground mine foreman. A copy of the written on-site examination competed by the underground mine foreman will be provided to him promptly by the mine inspector.

B. The circumstances related to the on-site examination of the underground mine foreman, including pass or fail results, will be described in the inspector's report, and will be reviewed as part of the closeout of the scheduled inspection activity for the mine.

C. The chief will notify the underground mine foreman and mine operator in writing of the petition to the BCME for a formal hearing. Should a petition for a hearing be requested, the hearing would be conducted in accordance with Part VI (4VAC25-20-410 et seq.) of this chapter.

D. If a an underground mine foreman successfully appeals a violation which resulted in an on-site evaluation and further establishes to the BCME that he had a thorough knowledge of such plans, then the failure of the on-site examination shall not be used in any other revocation against the foreman.

4VAC25-35-110. Mine Mineral mine inspector.

In addition to the requirements set forth in § 45.1-161.292:11 of the Code of Virginia, mine inspector applicants shall demonstrate knowledge and competence in those areas specified in § 45.1-161.292:12 of the Code of Virginia through the examination process. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by the department. Applicants who already possess a valid coal mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-20-180 or 4VAC25-20-185 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC25-20. Board of Coal Mining Examiners Certification Requirements (amending 4VAC25-20-15, 4VAC25-20-50, 4VAC25-20-70, 4VAC25-20-180, 4VAC25-20-340 through 4VAC25-20-400; adding 4VAC25-20-185).

4VAC25-35. Certification Requirements for Mineral Miners (amending 4VAC25-35-110).

Statutory Authority: §§ 45.1-161.28 and 45.1-161.34 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: October 4, 2017.

Effective Date: October 19, 2017.

Agency Contact: Michael Skiffington, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email mike.skiffington@dmme.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 45.1-161.28 of the Code of Virginia grants authority to the Board of Coal Mining Examiners to regulate the certification of persons who work in coal mines in the Commonwealth.

Purpose: The purpose of the regulatory action is to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth by modifying or eliminating obsolete language in the regulations. Doing so will allow the department to inspect its permitted sites more safely and efficiently.

Rationale for Using Fast-Track Rulemaking Process: This action will be noncontroversial because it is clarifying regulations and does not create additional regulatory burdens on individuals or businesses.

Substance: The substantive changes to the regulations are the modification of language for clarity or the removal of obsolete language. Obsolete language is removed to keep the regulation up to date. Language has been added to illustrate the distinction between surface mine foremen and inspectors and underground mine foremen and inspectors. Finally, language is added to allow individuals carrying a valid coal surface mine inspector certification to receive a certification to inspect mineral mines.

Issues: The advantages to the Commonwealth and the public are increased safety and efficiency at the permitted mine sites. There are no known disadvantages.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board of Coal Mining Examiners (Board) proposes to separate the Mine Inspector designation into Underground Mine Inspector and Surface Mine Inspector. Additionally, the Board proposes to amend language for improved clarity and to remove obsolete text.

Result of Analysis. The benefits likely exceed the costs for all proposed changes.

Estimated Economic Impact. Mine inspectors are employed by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME). The current regulation specifies the requirements to become a certified (coal) Mine Inspector in section 4VAC25-20-180, titled Mine Inspector. The Board proposes to change the title of section 4VAC25-20-180 to Underground Mine Inspector, and create a new section 4VAC25-20-185 titled Surface Mine Inspector. There are already separate sections and requirements for Underground Mine Foreman certification and Surface Mine Foreman certification.

The proposed new Surface Mine Inspector certification section specifies that "Applicants who already possess a valid underground mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-180 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section." Thus current certified Mine Inspectors and future certified Underground Mine Inspectors would be certified for inspecting both surface mines and underground mines under the existing and unchanging requirements. Individuals who become certified as Surface Mine Inspectors by completing the requirements listed in the proposed section 4VAC25-20-185 would not be certified to inspect underground mines unless they also satisfied the requirements in the Underground Mine Inspector certification section.

The requirements under the proposed new Surface Mine Inspector certification section differ from the existing Mine Inspector and proposed Underground Mine Inspector certification sections by requiring that applicants: 1) hold a valid Surface Mine Foreman Certificate rather than a valid Underground Mine Foreman Certificate, and 2) meet the continuing education requirements for surface mine foreman rather than underground mine foreman, and 3) pass the surface mine inspector examination rather than the underground mine inspector examination. According to DMME, the Surface Mine Inspector certification requirements are easier to meet than the Underground Mine Inspector certification requirements as there are specific dangers associated with underground mines that are not present on the surface. Thus introducing the new proposed Surface Mine Inspector certification would be beneficial in that individuals who are qualified for such certification and would only be doing surface inspection would not need to spend the time and effort obtaining additional training for underground safety issues that would not be applicable to their work.

Businesses and Entities Affected. The proposed amendments affect DMME and coal mine inspectors. All coal mine inspectors are employed by DMME.

Localities Particularly Affected. Coal is only mined in counties in far Southwest Virginia (Russell, Lee, Scott, Wise, Tazewell, Dickenson and Buchanan).

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed amendments would be unlikely to significantly affect employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed amendments are unlikely to significantly affect the use and value of private property.

Real Estate Development Costs. The proposed amendments are unlikely to significantly affect real estate development costs.

Small Businesses:

Definition. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

Costs and Other Effects. The proposed amendments are unlikely to affect costs for small businesses.

Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect small businesses.

Adverse Impacts:

Businesses. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect businesses.

Localities. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect localities.

Other Entities. The proposed amendments do not adversely affect other entities.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy concurs with the economic impact analysis conducted by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

The amendments clarify distinctions between underground mine certifications and surface mine certifications and remove or modify obsolete language.

Part I
General and Specific Requirements for Certification

4VAC25-20-15. Definitions.

A. This chapter works with the Virginia Mine Safety Act, Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia. Refer to § 45.1-161.8 for other definitions related to this chapter.

B. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Appropriately related work experience" means work experience which demonstrates the applicant's skill and level of responsibility in performing tasks, and prepares and equips him to perform in the capacity of a certified person.

"BCME" means Board of Coal Mining Examiners.

"Chief" means the Chief of the Division of Mines.

"DMME" means the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

"Division" means the Division of Mines.

"DMLR" means Division of Mined Land Reclamation.

"EMT" means emergency medical technician.

"GCM" means general coal miner.

"MSHA" means the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

"Virginia coal mine safety regulations" mean 4VAC25-50-10 et seq. means 4VAC25-60 through 4VAC25-120-10 et seq. 4VAC25-125.

"Virginia Mine Safety Act" means Chapters 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) through 14.6 (§ 45.1-161.304 et seq.) and Chapter 18 (§ 45.1-221 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Part II
Certification Requirements

4VAC25-20-50. First class Underground mine foreman.

A. Applicants shall possess five years mining experience, three of which shall be underground, and shall pass the first class underground mine foreman, map, and gas detection examinations.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college or two years credit for a degree in mining technology.

C. Applicants shall be at least 23 years of age.

D. Beginning August 20, 1997, certified Certified mine foremen shall complete the continuing education requirements in this section within two years from the date of their certification and every two years thereafter. The holder of the certificate shall submit documentation to the division indicating the required continuing education has been completed prior to these deadlines.

E. The holder of the certificate, in order to receive continuing education credit, shall satisfactorily complete a first class an underground mine foreman continuing education course approved by the chief and taught by a certified instructor or other instructor approved by the chief.

F. The first class underground mine foreman shall complete at least four hours of continuing education every two years.

G. The content of the continuing education course shall include, but is not limited to, the:

1. Coal Mine Safety Act, Chapter 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Virginia coal mine safety regulations;

3. Responsibilities of first class underground mine foreman;

4. Virginia coal mine safety policies and division operators' memos; and

5. Review of fatalities and accident trends in Virginia underground coal mines.

H. A maximum of four hours in excess of the required hours may be carried over to the next continuing education period.

I. Failure to complete continuing education requirements shall result in suspension of a person's certification pending completion of continuing education. If the continuing education requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

J. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last address the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

4VAC25-20-70. Surface mine foreman.

A. Applicants shall possess five years of surface coal mining experience.

B. Applicants shall pass the surface mine foreman, first aid, and gas detection examinations.

C. Beginning August 20, 1997, certified Certified persons shall complete the continuing education requirements in this section within two years from the date of their certification and every two years thereafter. The holder of the certificate shall submit documentation to the division indicating the required continuing education has been completed prior to these deadlines.

D. The holder of the certificate, in order to receive continuing education credit, shall satisfactorily complete a surface mine foreman continuing education course approved by the chief and taught by a certified instructor or other instructor approved by the chief.

E. The surface mine foreman shall complete at least four hours of continuing education every two years.

F. The content of the continuing education course shall include, but is not limited to, the:

1. Coal Mine Safety Act, Chapter 14.2 (§ 45.1-161.7 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Virginia coal mine safety regulations;

3. Responsibilities of surface mine foreman;

4. Virginia coal mine safety policies and division operators' memos; and

5. Review of fatalities and accident trends in Virginia surface coal mines.

G. A maximum of four hours in excess of the required hours may be carried over to the next continuing education period.

H. Failure to complete continuing education requirements shall result in suspension of a person's certification pending completion of continuing education. If the continuing education requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

I. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last known address of the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

4VAC25-20-180. Mine Underground mine inspector.

A. Applicants shall possess mining experience as described in § 45.1-161.20 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college.

C. Applicants shall hold a valid First Class Underground Mine Foreman Certificate.

D. Applicants shall meet the continuing education requirements of 4VAC25-20-50 for first class underground mine foreman.

E. Applicants shall pass the underground mine inspector examination.

F. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by the DMME and shall only remain valid while the person is employed by the department.

4VAC25-20-185. Surface mine inspector.

A. Applicants shall possess mining experience as described in § 45.1-161.20 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Applicants shall be given three years credit for a degree in mining engineering from an approved four-year college.

C. Applicants shall hold a valid Surface Mine Foreman Certificate.

D. Applicants shall meet the continuing education requirements of 4VAC25-20-70 for surface mine foreman.

E. Applicants shall pass the surface mine inspector examination.

F. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by DMME and shall only remain valid while the person is employed by the department.

G. Applicants who already possess a valid underground mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-20-180 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section.

Part IV
On-Site Examination of Underground Mine Foreman

4VAC25-20-340. Examinations.

A. When a an underground mine is issued a closure order or violation related to a hazardous roof or ventilation condition, the underground mine foreman may be examined to determine his knowledge of the roof control plan and ventilation requirements in the area of his responsibility at the mine. The examination shall be conducted on the surface at the mine site on the day the violation or closure order is issued.

B. The chief shall develop a pool of no more than 50 questions addressing the areas listed in subsection D of this section, which shall be approved by the BCME. These questions shall be available on request and should be incorporated as part of continuing education and other training for underground mine foremen.

C. A division inspector shall administer a written examination using 10 questions from the approved pool. The foreman shall answer eight out of 10 questions correctly to demonstrate thorough understanding of the mine's roof or ventilation plans. The inspector shall select questions from the pool which are most relevant to the conditions or practices resulting in the order of closure or violation.

D. The underground mine foreman may refer to roof control, ventilation, bleeder, or other plans available to him when examined at the surface of an underground mine. Any underground mine foreman performing tasks requiring certification or otherwise directing work in ventilation or roof support shall be able to provide the following information:

1. Describe the roof control requirements set out in the mine's roof control plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

2. Describe the frequency and methods of any required testing of roof, face and ribs in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

3. Show how the roof control practices in the area of the foreman's responsibility comply with the requirements of the roof control plan.

4. Describe the frequency and contents of any pre-shift, on-shift, and, when applicable, weekly examinations of mine ventilation required in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

5. Describe the requirements for action under the mine's fan stoppage plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

6. Describe any requirements for face ventilation controls used in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

7. Describe any requirements under the mine bleeder plan in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

8. Describe the requirements for mine ventilation controls such as regulators, ventilation doors, and other similar controls in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

9. Describe the minimum volume of air required in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

10. Describe the minimum requirements for quality of air (oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane) in the area of the foreman's responsibility.

11. Describe the procedure to follow in the area of the foreman's responsibility upon an accumulation of methane at:

a. 1.0% or greater not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, ribs, or floor;

b. Greater than 1.0% in a split that ventilates any group of active areas;

c. 1.5% (or 2.0% as applicable) in a split of air returning from areas where coal is being extracted or is capable of being extracted; or

d. 5.0% or greater in any area of the mine.

E. The division inspector completing an examination of a an underground mine foreman under this part shall discuss the results of the exam with the foreman before leaving the mine.

4VAC25-20-350. Actions brought before the BCME.

A. The examination shall be the basis of any enforcement action brought before the board for failure to display a thorough understanding of the roof control plan and ventilation for the area of the mine for which he is responsible.

B. Refusal of the underground mine foreman to submit to examination will constitute just cause to be brought before the board and may result in suspension of certification and revocation of certification by the board.

Part V
Guidelines for On-Site Examination of a an Underground Mine Foreman

4VAC25-20-360. Purpose and scope.

A. Section 45.1-161.35 A of the Code of Virginia provides for on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman by a mine inspector to determine that the foreman has a thorough understanding of the roof control plan and ventilation for the area of the mine for which he is responsible. The procedures followed by the inspector in conducting an on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman must be consistent with requirements in Part IV (4VAC25-20-340 et seq.) of this chapter. This includes the use of questions approved by the board which are administered in accordance with this chapter.

B. The purpose of examining a an underground mine foreman is to measure and evaluate his knowledge and understanding of mine roof control and ventilation for the areas of his responsibility. Mine Underground mine foremen are required to demonstrate this and other elements of mine safety when they become certified to act as mine foremen in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

C. An on-site examination by the mine inspector will only be initiated when there is just cause that the underground mine foreman has failed to maintain safe roof control and ventilation for his area of responsibility at the mine. Just cause for an on-site examination of a an underground mine foreman by a mine inspector must be based on issuance of an order of closure or violation related to a hazardous condition pertaining to roof control or ventilation.

4VAC25-20-370. Determination by the inspector to conduct an on-site examination.

A. An order of closure issued in accordance with § 45.1-161.91 of the Code of Virginia, or notice of violation issued in accordance with § 45.1-161.90 of the Code of Virginia that relate to roof control or ventilation hazards, shall be reviewed at the time it is issued for evidence of underground mine foreman negligence, which could require on-site examination of the mine foreman by the mine inspector. In making the determination whether or not to conduct an on-site examination, the mine inspector must establish the following:

1. The roof or ventilation hazards cited resulted from performing his duties with less than ordinary care. Ordinary care means the use of such care as a reasonably prudent and careful underground mine foreman could use under similar circumstances.

2. The underground mine foreman knew or should have known of the existence of the hazardous condition.

B. When these criteria have been established, the mine inspector will undertake an on-site examination of the underground mine foreman.

4VAC25-20-380. Notification of intent to conduct an on-site examination.

A. The mine inspector will notify the underground mine foreman of an order of closure or notice of violation for a hazardous condition related to roof control or ventilation in the area of the foreman's responsibility. The inspector will let him know that he intends to invoke the provision of the law for an on-site examination of the foreman.

B. The following approach will be taken by the mine inspector in giving notice to the underground mine foreman:

1. The notification will be given by the inspector in private.

2. The inspector will be courteous and professional in explaining the reason for the on-site examination.

3. The inspector will explain the procedures he will follow in conducting the on-site examination.

4VAC25-20-390. Procedures for conducting on-site examination.

A. The on-site examination of the underground mine foreman will be handled in such a way as to not prevent the foreman from performing his duties. The on-site examination must be conducted, to the extent possible, immediately on arrival outside on the surface on the day the order of closure or notice of violation is issued.

B. These procedures will be followed in conducting the on-site examination:

1. The examination will be administered in a written format.

2. The mine inspector will choose the 10 questions from the approved pool related to the condition or practice being cited by the order of closure or notice of violation.

3. The underground mine foreman will be provided sufficient time to write out his answers to the questions. He may refer to plans or other information available to him. However, no other person may assist him in answering the questions. The mine inspector will remain with the mine foreman during the written examination.

4. The mine inspector will read the questions being asked to the underground mine foreman if requested and should answer any questions from the mine foreman which could help to clarify his understanding of the questions.

5. The underground mine foreman may respond to the questions orally. In this case, the mine inspector will record the response of the mine foreman to each question on the examination form, have the foreman sign the form as accurately representing the response, and provide the mine foreman a copy promptly upon completion.

4VAC25-20-400. Results of the on-site examination.

A. The mine inspector will promptly check the responses given by the underground mine foreman for each of the 10 questions asked. At least eight of the 10 questions must be answered correctly to successfully complete the on-site examination. The results of the on-site examination will be reviewed promptly with the underground mine foreman. A copy of the written on-site examination competed by the underground mine foreman will be provided to him promptly by the mine inspector.

B. The circumstances related to the on-site examination of the underground mine foreman, including pass or fail results, will be described in the inspector's report, and will be reviewed as part of the closeout of the scheduled inspection activity for the mine.

C. The chief will notify the underground mine foreman and mine operator in writing of the petition to the BCME for a formal hearing. Should a petition for a hearing be requested, the hearing would be conducted in accordance with Part VI (4VAC25-20-410 et seq.) of this chapter.

D. If a an underground mine foreman successfully appeals a violation which resulted in an on-site evaluation and further establishes to the BCME that he had a thorough knowledge of such plans, then the failure of the on-site examination shall not be used in any other revocation against the foreman.

4VAC25-35-110. Mine Mineral mine inspector.

In addition to the requirements set forth in § 45.1-161.292:11 of the Code of Virginia, mine inspector applicants shall demonstrate knowledge and competence in those areas specified in § 45.1-161.292:12 of the Code of Virginia through the examination process. A certificate will not be issued until an applicant is employed by the department. Applicants who already possess a valid coal mine inspector certification pursuant to 4VAC25-20-180 or 4VAC25-20-185 shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section.

Title of Regulation: 7VAC13-20. Regulations to Govern the Certification of Small, Women-Owned, and Minority-Owned Businesses (amending 7VAC13-20-80, 7VAC13-20-140, 7VAC13-20-150, 7VAC13-20-160, 7VAC13-20-200; adding 7VAC13-20-155).

Statutory Authority: § 2.2-1606 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: October 4, 2017.

Agency Contact: Reba O'Connor, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, 101 North 14th Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 593-2005, or email reba.oconnor@sbsd.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments are promulgated as a result of legislation enacted at the 2017 Session of the General Assembly. The amendments (i) extend the small, women-owned, and minority-owned (SWaM) certification period from three years to five years (Chapter 836); (ii) provide that any out-of-state business applying for certification in Virginia as a SWaM business must possess the equivalent certification in its home state as a prerequisite for approval in Virginia and provide that an out-of-state business with a state of origin that does not have a SWaM business certification program is exempt from the requirements of this provision (Chapter 573); and (iii) mandate certification without any additional paperwork of any SWaM business that has obtained certification under any federal SWaM business certification program (Chapter 380).

7VAC13-20-80. Eligible out-of-state business enterprise.

The department may certify a non-Virginia-based business if:

1. It meets the applicable eligibility standards for certification as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business; and

2. The state in which the business has its principal place of business does not deny a like certification to a Virginia-based small, women-owned, or minority-owned business or provide a preference to small, women-owned, or minority-owned firms that is not available to Virginia-based businesses.

3. Effective July 1, 2017, any out-of-state business applying for certification in Virginia as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business must have the equivalent certification in the state in which the business has its principal place of business. An out-of-state business that has its principle place of business in a state that does not have a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business certification program shall be exempt from the requirements of this provision.

7VAC13-20-140. Procedures for initial certification of businesses previously certified by other qualifying local, state, or private sector, or federal certification programs.

A. A business certified by the department under this section shall be certified for a period of up to three five years unless:

1. The certification is revoked by the department or the program issuing the original certification;

2. The business is no longer in business; or

3. The business is no longer eligible as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business.

B. A business certified under this section is responsible for notifying the department of any change in legal structure, ownership, control, management, or status of the business or its certification within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so may be grounds for revocation of certification.

C. It shall be the responsibility of the certified business to notify the department of any change of name, address, or contact information and to keep the department informed of its current address and contact information. Changes of name and address must be reported to the department in writing within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so may be grounds for revocation of certification. The department shall not be liable or responsible if a certified business fails to receive notices, communications, or correspondence based upon the certified business's failure to notify the department of any change of address or to provide correct address and contact information.

7VAC13-20-150. Procedures for initial certification.

A. Any business that meets the criteria for certification may file an official application with the department.

B. The application will be reviewed initially for completeness. The department may conduct an onsite visit of the business to obtain or clarify any information. The onsite visit may be scheduled or unannounced.

C. The department may request the applicant to provide additional information or documentation to provide clarification and substantiation of certain criteria or to resolve any ambiguities or inconsistencies in an application.

D. The department may impose a time limit in which the applicant must provide the requested information. A reasonable extension may be given by the department for good cause shown by the applicant. Requests for time extensions must be made to the department in writing and should specify the length of time for which the extension is being requested and the reasons for the request. Failure to provide such information or documentation shall render the application administratively closed.

E. After reviewing the application, the department shall issue either a notice of certification or a notice of denial of certification stating the reasons for denial.

F. A business certified by the department under this section shall be certified for a period of three five years unless (i) the certification is revoked before the end of the three-year five-year period, (ii) the business is no longer in business, or (iii) the business is no longer eligible as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business.

G. The applicant shall be responsible for notifying the department immediately of any change in legal structure, ownership, control, management, or status of the business within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so may be grounds for revocation of certification.

H. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant, the certified business, or both to notify the department of any change of name, address, or contact information and to keep the department informed of the current address and contact information. Changes of name and address must be reported to the department in writing within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so within 30 calendar days of such change may be grounds for revocation of certification. The department shall not be liable or responsible if a certified business fails to receive notices, communications, or correspondence based upon the certified business's failure to notify the department of any change of address or to provide correct address and contact information.

7VAC13-20-155. Procedures for initial certification of businesses certified under certain federal certification programs.

A. Any business that has obtained certification as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business from an agency of the United States government through a formal, regulatory certification process, other than a self-certification process, may receive the corresponding certification as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business from the department by filing an application with the department.

B. The application will be reviewed initially for completeness. The application need not include additional paperwork beyond that necessary to (i) accurately identify the business name, type, location, and ownership; (ii) provide proof of the corresponding federal certification, including the duration of such certification; and (iii) provide contact information for the designated representative of the business.

C. After reviewing the application, the department shall issue either a notice of certification or a notice of denial of certification stating the reasons for denial.

D. A business certified by the department under this section shall be certified for a period of five years unless (i) the certification is revoked before the end of the five-year period, (ii) the business is no longer in business, or (iii) the corresponding federal certification of the business expires or is otherwise revoked or terminated.

E. The applicant shall be responsible for notifying the department immediately of any change in status of the business or its corresponding federal certification within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so may be grounds for revocation of certification.

F. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant, the certified business, or both to notify the department of any change of name, address, or contact information and to keep the department informed of the current address and contact information. Changes of name and address must be reported to the department in writing within 30 calendar days of such change. Failure to do so within 30 calendar days of such change may be grounds for revocation of certification. The department shall not be liable or responsible if a certified business fails to receive notices, communications, or correspondence based upon the certified business's failure to notify the department of any change of address or to provide correct address and contact information.

7VAC13-20-160. Procedures for renewal of certification or recertification.

A. To maintain its certification status, a certified business must apply to renew its certification prior to the end of the three-year five-year certification period using the forms and procedures specified by the department.

B. The certification of a business that fails to apply for renewal or recertification prior to the end of the three-year five-year certification period shall terminate automatically on the expiration of the certification.

C. The department may, but in no event shall be required to, notify the business of the pending expiration of its certification prior to the certification expiration.

7VAC13-20-200. Criteria for revocation of certification.

The department may revoke the certification of a business that it finds no longer qualifies as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business. Grounds for revocation of certification may include the following:

1. The organization, structure, management, or control of the certified women-owned or minority-owned business has changed to the extent that it no longer satisfies the requirement of ownership, control, and active management of the business by women or minority individuals.

2. The number of employees or revenues exceeds the requirements for certification of a small business or the small business no longer satisfies the requirements to be independently owned and operated.

3. The business fails to submit the required documentation or to comply with a reasonable request from the department for records or information within the allotted time.

4. The business knowingly provides false or misleading information in support of its initial application or its application for recertification or in response to the department's request for records or information.

5. The business is based in a state that denies like certifications to Virginia-based small, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses or that provides a preference for small, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses that is not available to Virginia-based businesses.

6. Effective July 1, 2017, any out-of-state business applying for recertification in Virginia as a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business must have the equivalent certification in the state in which the business has its principal place of business. An out-of-state business which has its principle place of business in a state that does not have a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business certification program shall be exempt from the requirements of this provision.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC20-90. Solid Waste Management Permit Action Fees and Annual Fees.

Contact Information: Melissa Porterfield, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 698-4238, or email melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov.

FORMS (9VAC20-90)

Solid Waste Information and Assessment Program - Reporting Table, Form DEQ 50-25 with Statement of Economic Benefits Form and Instructions (rev. 11/2014)

Solid Waste Annual Permit Fee Quarter Payment Form PF001 (rev. 8/2016)

Solid Waste Annual Permit Fee Quarter Payment Form PF001 (rev. 7/2017)

Titles of Regulations: 9VAC25-580. Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements (amending 9VAC25-580-10 through 9VAC25-580-190, 9VAC25-580-210, 9VAC25-580-250, 9VAC25-580-260, 9VAC25-580-280, 9VAC25-580-310, 9VAC25-580-320, 9VAC25-580-330, 9VAC25-580-370; adding 9VAC25-580-82, 9VAC25-580-85, 9VAC25-580-380, 9VAC25-580-390; repealing Appendices I and II).

9VAC25-590. Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements (amending 9VAC25-590-10, 9VAC25-590-20, 9VAC25-590-30, 9VAC25-590-40, 9VAC25-590-60, 9VAC25-590-160, 9VAC25-590-170, 9VAC25-590-180, 9VAC25-590-190, 9VAC25-590-240, 9VAC25-590-250, 9VAC25-590-260; adding 9VAC25-590-15).

Statutory Authority: §§ 62-1.44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR "part"s 280 and 281.

Effective Date: January 1, 2018.

Agency Contact: Russell P. Ellison, De"part"ment of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4269, FAX (804) 698-4266, or email russell.ellison@deq.virginia.gov.

"summary":

On July 15, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule titled "Revising Underground Storage Tank Regulations - Revisions to Existing Requirements and New Requirements for Secondary Containment and Operator Training" in 80 FR 41566-41683. This federal rule modified regulatory requirements concerning underground storage tanks (USTs) found in 40 CFR "part" 280 and was adopted in response to the federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005. This regulatory action revises Virginia's Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements (9VAC25-580) and Virginia's Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements (9VAC25-590) for consistency with the modifications and requirements found in 40 CFR "part" 280.

Amendments to Virginia's Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements address the following: (i) secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping; (ii) compatibility requirements; (iii) notification changes; (iv) periodic operation, inspection, and maintenance requirements for UST systems; (v) UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation; (vi) inclusion of new release prevention and detection technologies; (vii) codes of practice updates; and (viii) editorial corrections and technical amendments. In addition, the amendments revise secondary containment requirements to be consistent with EPA's regulatory requirements. Existing operator training and delivery prohibition requirements, which were based on EPA's previous guidance, are retained with minor revisions.

The July 15, 2015, final rule also revised 40 CFR 280 Sub"part" H - Financial Responsibility. Therefore, this regulatory action revises the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements so that USTs previously deferred from regulation, airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, field constructed tanks, and USTs that are temporarily closed are now required to comply with financial responsibility requirements.

Part I
Definitions, Applicability, and Interim Prohibition Installation Requirements for "part"ially Excluded UST Systems

9VAC25-580-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Aboveground release" means any release to the surface of the land or to surface water. This includes, but is not limited to, releases from the aboveground portion of a UST system and aboveground releases associated with overfills and transfer operations as the regulated substance moves to or from a UST system.

"Airport hydrant fuel distribution system" or "airport hydrant system" means an UST system that fuels aircraft and operates under high pressure with large diameter piping that typically terminates into one or more hydrants (fill stands). The airport hydrant system begins where fuel enters one or more tanks from an external source such as a pipeline, barge, rail car, or other motor fuel carrier.

"Ancillary equipment" means any devices including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves, and pumps used to distribute, meter, or control the flow of regulated substances to and from an UST.

"Below ground Belowground release" means any release to the subsurface of the land and to ground water groundwater. This includes, but is not limited to, releases from the belowground portions of an underground storage tank system and belowground releases associated with overfills and transfer operations as the regulated substance moves to or from an underground storage tank.

"Beneath the surface of the ground" means beneath the ground surface or otherwise covered with earthen materials.

"Board" means the State Water Control Board.

"Building official" means the executive official of the local government building de"part"ment empowered by § 36-105 of the Code of Virginia to enforce and administer the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Cathodic protection" is a technique to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. For example, a tank system can be cathodically protected through the application of either galvanic anodes or impressed current.

"Cathodic protection tester" means a person who can demonstrate an understanding of the principles and measurements of all common types of cathodic protection systems as applied to buried or submerged metal piping and tank systems. At a minimum, such persons must have education and experience in soil resistivity, stray current, structure-to-soil potential, and component electrical isolation measurements of buried metal piping and tank systems.

"CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 USC § 9601 et seq.).

"Compatible" means the ability of two or more substances to maintain their respective physical and chemical properties upon contact with one another for the design life of the tank system under conditions likely to be encountered in the UST.

"Community water system" means a public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.

"Connected piping" means all underground piping including valves, elbows, joints, flanges, and flexible connectors attached to a tank system through which regulated substances flow. For the purpose of determining how much piping is connected to any individual UST system, the piping that joins two UST systems should be allocated equally between them.

"Containment sump" means a liquid-tight container that protects the environment by containing leaks and spills of regulated substances from piping, dispensers, pumps, and related components in the containment area. Containment sumps may be single walled or secondarily contained and located at the top of the tank (tank top or submersible turbine pump sump), underneath the dispenser (under-dispenser containment sump), or at other points in the piping run (transition or intermediate sump).

"Corrosion expert" means a person who, by reason of thorough knowledge of the physical sciences and the principles of engineering and mathematics acquired by a professional education and related practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of corrosion control on buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks. Such a person must be accredited or certified as being qualified by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers or be a registered professional engineer who has certification or licensing that includes education and experience in corrosion control of buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks.

"De minimis" means trivial and beyond the intent of regulation, as that term is used at 53 Fed. Reg. FR 37108-37109.

"Delivery prohibition" is prohibiting the delivery, deposit, or acceptance of product to an underground storage tank system that has been determined to be ineligible by the board for such delivery, deposit, or acceptance.

"Delivery prohibition tag" means a tag, device, or mechanism on the tank's fill pipes that clearly identifies an underground storage tank system as ineligible for product delivery. The tag or device is easily visible to the product deliverer and clearly states and conveys that it is unlawful to deliver to, deposit into, or accept product into the ineligible underground storage tank system. The tag, device, or mechanism is generally tamper resistant.

"Dielectric material" means a material that does not conduct direct electrical current. Dielectric coatings are used to electrically isolate UST systems from the surrounding soils. Dielectric bushings are used to electrically isolate portions of the UST system (e.g., tank from piping).

"Director" means the director of the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality.

"Dispenser" means equipment located aboveground that dispenses regulated substances from the UST system.

"Dispenser system" means the dispenser and the equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system.

"Electrical equipment" means underground equipment that contains dielectric fluid that is necessary for the operation of equipment such as transformers and buried electrical cable.

"Excavation zone" means the volume containing the tank system and backfill material bounded by the ground surface, walls, and floor of the pit and trenches into which the UST system is placed at the time of installation.

"Existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well" means a community water system or potable drinking water well is in place when a new installation or replacement of an underground tank, piping, or motor fuel dispensing system begins.

"Existing tank system" means a tank system used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances or for which installation has commenced on or before December 22, 1988. Installation is considered to have commenced if:

1. The owner or operator has obtained all federal, state, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction of the site or installation of the tank system; and if

2. a. Either a continuous on-site onsite physical construction or installation program has begun; or

b. The owner or operator has entered into contractual obligations, which cannot be cancelled canceled or modified without substantial loss, for physical construction at the site or installation of the tank system to be completed within a reasonable time.

"Farm tank" is a tank located on a tract of land devoted to the production of crops or raising animals, including fish, and associated residences and improvements. A farm tank must be located on the farm property. "Farm" includes fish hatcheries, rangeland and nurseries with growing operations.

"Field-constructed tank" means a tank constructed in the field. For example, a tank constructed of concrete that is poured in the field, or a steel or fiberglass tank primarily fabricated in the field is considered field constructed.

"Flow-through process tank" is a tank that forms an integral "part" of a production process through which there is a steady, variable, recurring, or intermittent flow of materials during the operation of the process. Flow-through process tanks do not include tanks used for the storage of materials prior to their introduction into the production process or for the storage of finished products or by-products from the production process.

"Free product" refers to a regulated substance that is present as a nonaqueous phase liquid (e.g., liquid not dissolved in water).

"Gathering lines" means any pipeline, equipment, facility, or building used in the transportation of oil or gas during oil or gas production or gathering operations.

"Hazardous substance UST system" means an underground storage tank system that contains a hazardous substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (42 USC § 9601 et seq.) (but not including any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of RCRA) or any mixture of such substances and petroleum, and which is not a petroleum UST system.

"Heating oil" means petroleum that is No. 1, No. 2, No. 4-light, No. 4-heavy, No. 5-light, No. 5-heavy, and No. 6 technical grades of fuel oil; other residual fuel oils (including Navy Special Fuel Oil and Bunker C); and other fuels when used as substitutes for one of these fuel oils. Heating oil is typically used in the operation of heating equipment, boilers, or furnaces.

"Hydraulic lift tank" means a tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed-loop mechanical system that uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, elevators, and other similar devices.

"Liquid trap" means sumps, well cellars, and other traps used in association with oil and gas production, gathering, and extraction operations (including gas production plants), for the purpose of collecting oil, water, and other liquids. These liquid traps may temporarily collect liquids for subsequent disposition or reinjection into a production or pipeline stream, or may collect and separate liquids from a gas stream.

"Maintenance" means the normal operational upkeep to prevent an underground storage tank system from releasing product.

"Motor fuel" means petroleum or a petroleum-based substance that is motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel, or any grade of gasohol, and is a complex blend of hydrocarbons typically used in the operation of a motor engine. This definition applies to blended petroleum motor fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol blends that contain more than a de minimis amount of petroleum or petroleum-based substance, such as motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel, or any blend containing one or more of these substances (for example, motor gasoline blended with alcohol).

"Motor fuel dispenser system" means the motor fuel dispenser and the equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system. The equipment necessary to connect the motor fuel dispenser to the underground storage tank system may include check valves, shear valves, unburied risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground piping.

"New tank system" means a tank system that will be used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances and for which installation has commenced after December 22, 1988 (See also "existing tank system").

"Noncommercial purposes" with respect to motor fuel means not for resale.

"On the premises where stored" with respect to heating oil means UST systems located on the same property where the stored heating oil is used.

"Operational life" refers to the period beginning when installation of the tank system has commenced until the time the tank system is properly closed under "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter.

"Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the UST system.

"Overfill release" is a release that occurs when a tank is filled beyond its capacity, resulting in a discharge of the regulated substance to the environment.

"Owner" means:

1. In the case of a UST system in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person who owns an UST system used for storage, use, or dispensing of regulated substances; and

2. In the case of any UST system in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in use on that date, any person who owned such UST immediately before the discontinuation of its use.

The term "owner" shall not include any person who, without "part"icipating in the management of an underground storage tank or being otherwise engaged in petroleum production, refining, and marketing, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect the holder's security interest in the tank.

"Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation, including a government corporation, "part"nership, association, any state or agency thereof, municipality, county, town, commission, political subdivision of a state, any interstate body, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, the government of the United States or any unit or agency thereof.

"Petroleum UST system" means an underground storage tank system that contains petroleum or a mixture of petroleum with de minimis quantities of other regulated substances. Such systems include those containing motor fuels, jet fuels, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.

"Pipe" or "piping" means a hollow cylinder or the tubular conduit that is constructed of nonearthen materials that routinely contains and conveys regulated substances from the underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s) or other end-use equipment. Such piping includes any elbows, couplings, unions, valves, or other in-line fixtures that contain and convey regulated substances from the underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s). Pipe or piping does not include vent, vapor recovery, or fill lines.

"Pipeline facilities (including gathering lines)" are new and existing pipe rights-of-way and any associated equipment, facilities, or buildings.

"Potable drinking water well" means any hole (dug, driven, drilled, or bored) that extends into the earth until it meets groundwater that supplies water for a noncommunity public water system, or otherwise supplies water for household use (consisting of drinking, bathing, cooking, or other similar uses). Such wells may provide water to entities such as a single-family residence, group of residences, businesses, schools, parks, campgrounds, and other permanent or seasonal communities.

"Product deliverer" is any person who delivers or deposits product into an underground storage tank.

"Public water system" means a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or, after August 5, 1998, other constructed conveyances, if such system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. Such term includes (i) any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system and (ii) any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control that are used primarily in connection with such system. Such term does not include any "special irrigation district." A public water system is either a "community water system" or a "noncommunity water system."

"RCRA" means the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 as amended (42 USC § 6901 et seq.).

"Regulated substance" means an element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance that, when released into the environment, may present substantial danger to the public health or welfare, or the environment. The term "regulated substance" includes:

1. Any substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (42 USC § 9601 et seq.), but not any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 USC § 6901 et seq.); and

2. Petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (60°F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute). The term "regulated substance" includes but is not limited to petroleum and petroleum-based substances comprised of a complex blend of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through processes of separation, conversion, upgrading, and finishing, such as motor fuels, jet fuels, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.

"Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing from an UST into ground water groundwater, surface water or subsurface soils.

"Release detection" means determining whether a release of a regulated substance has occurred from the UST system into the environment or a leak has occurred into the interstitial space between the UST system and its secondary barrier or secondary containment around it.

"Repair" means to restore to proper operating condition a tank, a pipe, spill prevention equipment, overfill prevention equipment, corrosion protection equipment, release detection equipment, or other UST system component that has caused a release of product from the UST system or has failed to function properly.

"Replace" means, when applied to underground storage tanks and piping, to remove an underground storage tank and install a new underground storage tank or to remove and put back greater than 50% of the length of a piping run excluding connectors (such as flexible connectors) connected to an underground storage tank.

"Replaced" means:

1. For a tank - to remove a tank and install another tank.

2. For piping - to remove 50% or more of piping and install other piping, excluding connectors, connected to a single tank. For tanks with multiple piping runs, this definition applies independently to each piping run.

"Residential tank" is a tank located on property used primarily for dwelling purposes.

"SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.

"Secondary containment" or "secondarily contained" means a release prevention and release detection system for an underground a tank and/or or piping. For purposes of this definition, release prevention means an underground tank and/or piping having an inner and outer barrier and release detection means a method of monitoring the space between the inner and outer barriers for a leak or release of regulated substances from the underground tank and/or piping. This system has an inner and outer barrier with an interstitial space that is monitored for leaks. This term includes containment sumps when used for interstitial monitoring of piping.

"Septic tank" is a water-tight covered receptacle designed to receive or process, through liquid separation or biological digestion, the sewage discharged from a building sewer. The effluent from such receptacle is distributed for disposal through the soil, and settled solids and scum from the tank are pumped out periodically and hauled to a treatment facility.

"Storm water or waste water wastewater collection system" means piping, pumps, conduits, and any other equipment necessary to collect and transport the flow of surface water run-off resulting from precipitation, or domestic, commercial, or industrial wastewater to and from retention areas or any areas where treatment is designated to occur. The collection of storm water and wastewater does not include treatment except where incidental to conveyance.

"Surface impoundment" is a natural topographic depression, man-made excavation, or diked area formed primarily of earthen materials (although it may be lined with man-made materials) that is not an injection well.

"Tank" is a stationary device designed to contain an accumulation of regulated substances and constructed of nonearthen materials (e.g., concrete, steel, plastic) that provide structural support.

"Underdispenser Under-dispenser containment" or "UDC" means containment underneath a dispenser that will system designed to prevent leaks from the dispenser and piping within or above the UDC from reaching soil or groundwater.

"Underground area" means an underground room, such as a basement, cellar, shaft or vault, providing enough space for physical inspection of the exterior of the tank situated on or above the surface of the floor.

"Underground release" means any belowground release.

"Underground storage tank" or "UST" means any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which (including the volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground. This term does not include any:

1. Farm or residential tank of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes;

2. Tank used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored;

3. Septic tank;

4. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines):

a. Regulated under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 USC § 1671 et seq.);

b. Regulated under the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 USC § 2001 et seq.); or

c. Which is an intrastate pipeline facility regulated under state laws comparable to the provisions of the law referred to in subdivisions subdivision 4 a or 4 b of this definition;

5. Surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon;

6. Storm water or wastewater collection system;

7. Flow-through process tank;

8. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or

9. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as a basement, cellar, mineworking, drift, shaft, or tunnel) if the storage tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.

The term "underground storage tank" or "UST" does not include any pipes connected to any tank which that is described in subdivisions 1 through 9 of this definition.

"Upgrade" means the addition or retrofit of some systems such as cathodic protection, lining, or spill and overfill controls to improve the ability of an underground storage tank system to prevent the release of product.

"UST system" or "tank system" means an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any.

"Wastewater treatment tank" means a tank that is designed to receive and treat an influent wastewater through physical, chemical, or biological methods.

9VAC25-580-20. Applicability.

A. The requirements of this chapter apply to all owners and operators of an UST system as defined in 9VAC25-580-10 except as otherwise provided in subsections B, and C, and D of this section. Any UST system listed in subsection C of this section must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30.

1. Previously deferred UST systems. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, UST systems with field-constructed tanks, and UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators must meet the requirements of this chapter as follows:

a. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks must meet the requirements in "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter.

b. UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed before September 15, 2010, must have met all applicable requirements of this chapter before September 15, 2010, except that the requirements of "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter must be met before (insert date three years after effective date of rule).

c. UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed on or after September 15, 2010, must meet all applicable requirements of this chapter at installation.

2. Any UST system listed in subsection C of this section must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30.

B. Exclusions. The following UST systems are excluded from the requirements of this chapter:

1. Any UST system holding hazardous wastes listed or identified under Subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.), (42 USC § 6901) or a mixture of such hazardous waste and other regulated substances.

2. Any wastewater treatment tank system that is "part" of a wastewater treatment facility regulated under § 402 or § 307(b) of the Clean Water Act.

3. Equipment or machinery that contains regulated substances for operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks.

4. Any UST system whose capacity is 110 gallons or less.

5. Any UST system that contains a de minimis concentration of regulated substances.

6. Any emergency spill or overflow containment UST system that is expeditiously emptied after use.

C. Deferrals. "part"ial Exclusions. "part"s II (9VAC25-580-50 et seq.), III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.), IV, V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.), VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.), and IX (9VAC25-580-370 et seq.), and X of this chapter do not apply to any of the following types of UST systems:

1. Wastewater treatment tank systems not covered under 9VAC25-580-20 B 2 of this section;

2. Aboveground storage tanks associated with:

a. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems regulated under "part" X of this chapter; and

b. UST systems with field-constructed tanks regulated under "part" X of this chapter.

3. Any UST systems containing radioactive material that are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC § 2011 et seq.); and

3. 4. Any UST system that is "part" of an emergency generator system at nuclear power generation facilities regulated licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under and subject to Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements regarding design and quality criteria, including 10 CFR "part" 50, Appendix A;.

4. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems; and

5. UST systems with field-constructed tanks.

D. Deferrals. "part" IV does not apply to any UST system that was installed before September 15, 2010 (i.e., the effective date of the secondary containment requirements in subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50) and stores fuel solely for use by emergency power generators.

9VAC25-580-30. Interim prohibition for deferred Installation requirements for "part"ially excluded UST systems.

No person may Owners and operators must install an UST system listed in subsection C of 9VAC25-580-20 for the purpose of storing regulated substances unless the UST system (whether of single-wall or double-wall construction) that meets the following requirements:

1. Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system;

2. Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad with a noncorrodible material, or designed in a manner to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored substance; and

3. Is constructed or lined with material that is compatible with the stored substance.

Note: The following codes of practice may be used as guidance for complying with this section:

(a) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection;

(b) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(c) American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1632, Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems; or

(d) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R892, Recommended Practice for Corrosion Protection of Underground Piping Networks Associated with Liquid Storage and Dispensing Systems.

9VAC25-580-40. Permitting and inspection requirements for all UST systems.

In all instances of installation, upgrade, repair and closure where a UST system is constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired or closed all UST systems must be permitted and inspected in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50, 9VAC25-580-60, 9VAC25-580-110, 9VAC25-580-160, 9VAC25-580-170, 9VAC25-580-310 and, 9VAC25-580-320, 9VAC25-580-380, and 9VAC25-580-390.

"part" II
UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation, and Notification

9VAC25-580-50. Performance standards for new UST systems.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit, the required inspections and a Certificate of Use issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. No UST system shall be installed or placed into use without the owner and operator having obtained the required permit, inspections and Certificate of Use from the building official under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code ( § 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit, the required inspections and a Certificate of Use must be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In order to prevent releases due to structural failure, corrosion, or spills and overfills for as long as the UST system is used to store regulated substances, all owners and operators of new UST systems must meet the following requirements in this section.

Tanks and piping installed or replaced on or after September 15, 2010, must be secondarily contained and use interstitial monitoring in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160, except for suction piping that meets the requirements of subdivisions 2 a (2) (a) through (e) of 9VAC25-580-140. Secondary containment must be able to contain regulated substances leaked from the primary containment until they are detected and removed and prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system. For cases where the piping is considered to be replaced, the entire piping run must be secondarily contained.

1. Tanks.

Each tank must be properly designed and constructed, and any portion underground that routinely contains product must be protected from corrosion, in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory as specified below:

a. The tank is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic;

NOTE: The following industry codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 a of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1316, "Standard for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Underground Storage Tanks for Petroleum Products", Alcohols, and Alcohol-Gasoline Mixtures; Underwriters or

(2) Underwriter's Laboratories of Canada CAN4-S615-M83, "S615 Standard for Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products"; or American Society of Testing and Materials Standard D4021-86, "Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks." Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

b. The tank is constructed of steel and cathodically protected in the following manner:

(1) The tank is coated with a suitable dielectric material;

(2) Field-installed cathodic protection systems are designed by a corrosion expert;

(3) Impressed current systems are designed to allow determination of current operating status as required in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-90; and

(4) Cathodic protection systems are operated and maintained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90; or

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 b of this section:

(a) Steel Tank Institute "Specification for STI-P3 System of STI-P3^® Specification and Manual for External Corrosion Protection of Underground Steel Storage Tanks";

(b) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1746, "External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks";

(c) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada CAN4-S603-M85, "S603, Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," and CAN4-G03.1-M85, S603.1, "Standard for Galvanic External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," and CAN4-S631-M84, and S631, Standard for Isolating Bushings for Steel Underground Tanks Protected with Coatings and Galvanic Systems External Corrosion Protection Systems"; or

(d) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," and Underwriters Laboratories Standard 58 "Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids."

(d) Steel Tank Institute Standard F841, Standard for Dual Wall Underground Steel Storage Tanks; or

(e) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection, and Underwriters Laboratories Standard 58, Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

c. The tank is constructed of a steel-fiberglass-reinforced-plastic composite steel and clad or jacketed with a noncorrodible material; or

NOTE: The following industry codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 c of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1746, "External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks," or the Association for Composite Tanks ACT-100, "Specification for the Fabrication of FRP Clad Underground Storage Tanks.";

(2) Steel Tank Institute ACT-100^® Specification F894, Specification for External Corrosion Protection of FRP Composite Steel Underground Storage Tanks;

(3) Steel Tank Institute ACT-100-U^® Specification F961, Specification for External Corrosion Protection of Composite Steel Underground Storage Tanks; or

(4) Steel Tank Institute Specification F922, Steel Tank Institute Specification for Permatank^®.

d. The tank construction and corrosion protection are determined by the board to be designed to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than subdivisions 1 a through, 1 b, and 1 c of this section.

2. Piping. The piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be properly designed, constructed, and protected from corrosion in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory as specified below:

a. The piping is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. a noncorrodible material.

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 a of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Subject Standard 971, "Nonmetallic Underground Piping for Flammable Liquids"; or

(2) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 567, "Pipe Connectors for Flammable and Combustible and LP Gas"; of Canada Standard S660, Standard for Nonmetallic Underground Piping for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

(3) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Guide ULC-107, "Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable Liquids"; and

(4) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Standard CAN 4-S633-M81, "Flexible Underground Hose Connectors."

b. The piping is constructed of steel and cathodically protected in the following manner:

(1) The piping is coated with a suitable dielectric material;

(2) Field-installed cathodic protection systems are designed by a corrosion expert;

(3) Impressed current systems are designed to allow determination of current operating status as required in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-90; and

(4) Cathodic protection systems are operated and maintained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90; or

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 b of this section:

(a) National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code";

(b) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1615, "Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems";

(c) (a) American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1632, "Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems"; and

(d) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-01-69, "Control of External Corrosion on Submerged Metallic Piping Systems."

(b) Underwriters Laboratories Subject 971A, Outline of Investigation for Metallic Underground Fuel Pipe;

(c) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R892, Recommended Practice for Corrosion Protection of Underground Piping Networks Associated with Liquid Storage and Dispensing Systems;

(d) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems; or

(e) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection.

c. The piping construction and corrosion protection are determined by the board to be designed to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements in subdivisions 2 a through and 2 b of this section.

3. Spill and overfill prevention equipment.

a. Except as provided in subdivision subdivisions 3 b and 3 c of this section, to prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, owners and operators must use the following spill and overfill prevention equipment:

(1) Spill prevention equipment that will prevent release of product to the environment when the transfer hose is detached from the fill pipe (for example, a spill catchment basin); and

(2) Overfill prevention equipment that will:

(a) Automatically shut off flow into the tank when the tank is no more than 95% full;

(b) Alert the transfer operator when the tank is no more than 90% full by restricting the flow into the tank or triggering a high-level alarm; or

(c) Restrict the flow 30 minutes prior to overfilling, alert the transfer operator with a high level alarm one minute before overfilling, or automatically shut off flow into the tank so that none of the fittings located on top of the tank are exposed to product due to overfilling.

b. Owners and operators are not required to use the spill and overfill prevention equipment specified in subdivision 3 a of this section if:

(1) Alternative equipment is used that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the equipment specified in subdivision 3 a (1) or 3 a (2) of this section; or

(2) The UST system is filled by transfers of no more than 25 gallons at one time.

c. Flow restrictors used in vent lines may not be used to comply with subdivision 3 a (2) of this section when overfill protection is installed or replaced on or after (insert effective date of the amendment).

d. Spill and overfill protection equipment must be periodically tested or inspected in accordance with 9VAC25-580-82.

4. Installation. All tanks and piping

a. The UST system must be properly installed in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

b. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). No UST system shall be installed or placed into use without the owner and operator having obtained the required permit and inspections from the building official under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In the case of state-owned facilities, the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities, the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections must be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

NOTE: Tank and piping system installation practices and procedures described in the following codes of practice may be used to comply with the requirements of subdivision 4 of this section:

a. (1) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1615, "Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage System";

b. (2) Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP100, "Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems"; or

c. American National Standards Institute Standard B31.3, "Petroleum Refinery Piping," and American National Standards Institute Standard B31.4 "Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping System." (3) National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code and Standard 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.

NOTE: These industry codes require that prior to bringing the system into use the following tests be performed: (i) tank tightness test (air); (ii) pipe tightness test (air or hydrostatic); and (iii) precision system test in accordance with NFPA 329 (detection of.05 gal/hr leak rate).

5. Certification of installation. All owners and operators must ensure that one or more of options a through d of the following methods of certification, testing, or inspection in subdivisions 5 a through 5 d of this section is performed, and a Certificate of Use permit has been issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code to demonstrate compliance with subdivision 4 of this section. A certification of compliance on the UST Notification form must be submitted to the board in accordance with 9VAC25-580-70.

a. The installer has been certified by the tank and piping manufacturers;

b. The installation has been inspected and certified by a registered professional engineer with education and experience in UST system installation;

c. All work listed in the manufacturer's installation checklists has been completed; or

d. The owner and operator have complied with another method for ensuring compliance with subdivision 4 of this section that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment.

6. Release detection. Release detection shall be provided in accordance with "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter.

7. Secondary containment.

a. Each new or replaced petroleum underground storage tank, or piping connected to any petroleum underground storage tank, installed within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well must be secondarily contained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-140 A. In the case of a replacement of a petroleum underground storage tank or the piping connected to the petroleum underground storage tank, the secondary containment requirements shall apply only to the specific petroleum underground storage tank or piping run being replaced, not to other petroleum underground storage tanks and connected pipes comprising such system. The entire piping run must be secondarily contained if more than 50% of the length of a piping run connected to a petroleum underground storage tank is to be replaced.

b. Motor fuel dispenser systems. Each new motor fuel dispenser system installed within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well shall have underdispenser containment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-140 B. A motor fuel dispenser system is considered new when:

(1) A dispenser is installed at a location where there previously was no dispenser (new UST system or new dispenser location at an existing UST system), or

(2) An existing dispenser is removed and replaced with another dispenser and the equipment used to connect the dispenser to the UST system is replaced. This equipment may include unburied flexible connectors or risers or other transitional components that are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the piping.

c. If an owner or operator intends to install a new petroleum UST system that is located greater than 1,000 feet from any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well and the owner or operator will install a potable drinking water well at the new facility that is within 1,000 feet of the petroleum underground storage tanks, piping, or motor fuel dispenser systems as "part" of the new UST installation, then secondary containment and underdispenser containment are required, regardless of whether the well is installed before or after the petroleum underground storage tanks, piping, and motor fuel dispenser systems are installed.

d. A tank owner or operator who intends to install an UST system or motor fuel dispenser system that will not meet the requirements in subdivision 7 a or c of this subsection must demonstrate to the board that the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well is greater than 1,000 feet.

(1) The tank owner or operator shall make such a demonstration by submitting to the board a map showing the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well. If the distance is greater than 1,000 feet but less than 2,000 feet, the map must be prepared by a licensed professional surveyor. If the distance is greater than 2,000 feet, the map is not required to be prepared by a licensed professional surveyor. The tank owner or operator must submit the map to the board at least 30 days prior to the installation.

(2) The map must delineate the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the closest existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well. The distance must be measured from the closest "part" of the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to:

(a) The closest "part" of the nearest existing community water system including such components as the location of the wellhead(s) for ground water or location of the intake point(s) for surface water, water lines, processing tanks, and water storage tanks; and water distribution or service lines under the control of the community water system operator; and

(b) The wellhead of the nearest existing potable drinking water well.

e. The requirement for secondary containment does not apply to:

(1) Petroleum underground storage tanks that are not new or not replaced in a manifolded UST system;

(2) Piping runs that are not new or not replaced on petroleum underground storage tanks with multiple piping runs;

(3) Suction piping that meets the requirements at 9VAC 25-580-140 C 2 b (1) through (5) or piping that manifolds two or more petroleum USTs together;

(4) Repairs meant to restore a petroleum underground storage tank, pipe, or dispenser to operating condition. For purposes of this subsection, a repair is any activity that does not meet the definition of "replace"; and

(5) Other instances approved by the board where equivalent protection is provided.

7. Dispenser systems. Each UST system must be equipped with under-dispenser containment for any new dispenser system installed on or after September 15, 2010.

a. A dispenser system is considered new when both the dispenser and the equipment needed to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system are installed at an UST facility. The equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system includes check valves, shear valves, unburied risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that are underneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground piping.

b. Under-dispenser containment must be liquid-tight on its sides, bottom, and at any penetrations. Under-dispenser containment must allow for visual inspection and access to the components in the containment system or be periodically monitored for leaks from the dispenser system.

9VAC25-580-60. Upgrading of existing UST systems.

Owners and operators must permanently close in accordance with "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter any UST system that does not meet the new UST system performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 or has not been upgraded in accordance with subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 of this section. This does not apply to previously deferred UST systems described in "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter and where an upgrade is determined to be appropriate by the board.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to upgrading any UST system. No upgraded UST system shall be placed into use unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities, the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

1. Alternatives allowed. Not later than December 22, 1998, all All existing UST systems must comply with one of the following requirements:

a. New UST system performance standards under 9VAC25-580-50;

b. The upgrading requirements in subsections subdivisions 2 through 5, 3, and 4 of this section; or

c. Closure requirements under "part" VII of this chapter, including applicable requirements for corrective action under "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter.

2. Tank upgrading requirements. Steel tanks must be upgraded to meet one of the following requirements in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory:

a. Interior lining. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by internal lining if must meet the following:

(1) The lining is was installed in accordance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-110,; and

(2) Within 10 years after lining, and every five years thereafter, the lined tank is internally inspected and found to be structurally sound with the lining still performing in accordance with original design specifications. If the internal lining is no longer performing in accordance with original design specifications and cannot be repaired in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory, then the lined tank must be permanently closed in accordance with "part" VII of this chapter.

b. Cathodic protection. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by cathodic protection if the cathodic protection system meets must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-50 1 b (2), (3), and (4) and the integrity of the tank is must have been ensured using one of the following methods:

(1) The tank is was internally inspected and assessed to ensure that the tank is was structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to installing the cathodic protection system; or

(2) The tank has had been installed for less than 10 years and is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with subsections 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; or

(3) The tank has had been installed for less than 10 years and is was assessed for corrosion holes by conducting two tightness tests that meet the requirements of subsection 3 of 9VAC25-580-160. The first tightness test must be have been conducted prior to installing the cathodic protection system. The second tightness test must be have been conducted between three and six months following the first operation of the cathodic protection system; or

(4) The tank is was assessed for corrosion holes by a method that is determined by the board to prevent releases in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than subdivisions 2 b (1) through, (2), and (3) of this section.

c. Internal lining combined with cathodic protection. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by both internal lining and cathodic protection if must meet the following:

(1) The lining is was installed in accordance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-110; and

(2) The cathodic protection system meets the requirements of subdivisions 1 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50.

NOTE: The following historical codes and standards may be used to comply of practice were listed as options for complying with subdivision 2 of this section:

(a) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1631, "Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel Underground Storage Tanks";

(b) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, "Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection";

(c) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems"; and

(d) American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1632, "Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems."

NOTE: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with the periodic lining inspection requirement in subdivision 2 a (2) of this section:

(a) American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1631, Interior Lining and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks;

(b) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, Chapter B Future Internal Inspection Requirements for Lined Tanks; or

(c) Ken Wilcox Associates Recommended Practice, Recommended Practice for Inspecting Buried Lined Steel Tanks Using a Video Camera.

3. Piping upgrading requirements. Metal piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be cathodically protected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and must meet the requirements of subdivisions 2 b (2), (3) and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50.

NOTE: The codes and standards of practice listed in the note following subdivision 2 b of 9VAC25-580-50 may be used to comply with this requirement.

4. Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, all existing UST systems must comply with new UST system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements specified in subsection 3 of 9VAC25-580-50.

5. Release detection. Release detection shall be provided in accordance with "part" IV of this chapter.

9VAC25-580-70. Notification requirements.

A. Any owner who brings an underground storage tank system into use after After May 8, 1986, an owner must submit notice of a tank system's existence to the board within 30 days of bringing such the underground storage tank system into use, submit, in the form prescribed in APPENDIX I of this chapter, a notice of existence of such tank system to the board. Owners must use a UST Notification form approved by the board.

B. Any change in ownership, tank status (e.g., temporarily/permanently closed out), tank/piping systems (e.g., upgrades such as addition of corrosion protection, internal lining, release detection), or substance stored (e.g., change from petroleum to hazardous substance) requires the UST owner to submit an amended notification form, or other documentation approved by the board, within 30 days after such change/upgrade change or upgrade occurs or is brought into use. Owners may provide notice for several tanks using one notification form, but owners with tanks located at more than one place of operation must file a separate notification form for each separate place of operation.

B. C. Under Virginia UST notification requirements effective July 1, 1987, owners of property who have actual knowledge of underground storage tanks on such property that were taken out of service before January 1, 1974, yet are still in the ground, must notify the board on the notification form.

NOTE: Under the federal UST Notification Program, owners and operators of UST systems that were in the ground on or after May 8, 1986, unless taken out of operation on or before January 1, 1974, were required to notify the board in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, P.L. 98-616 (42 USC § 9603), on a form published by EPA on November 8, 1985, (50 FR 46602) unless notice was given pursuant to § 103(c) of CERCLA. Owners and operators who have not complied with the notification requirements may use portions I through VI of the notification form contained in APPENDIX I of this chapter UST Notification form approved by the board.

C. Notices required to be submitted under subsection A of this section must provide all of the information in Sections I through VI of the prescribed form (APPENDIX I) for each tank for which notice must be given. Notices for tanks installed after December 22, 1988, must also provide all of the information in Section VII of the prescribed form (APPENDIX I) for each tank for which notice must be given.

D. All owners and operators of new UST systems must certify in the notification form compliance with the following requirements:

1. Installation of tanks and piping under subsection subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-50;

2. Cathodic protection of steel tanks and piping under subsections subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-50;

3. Financial responsibility under financial responsibility regulations promulgated by the board under 9VAC25-590.

4. Release detection under 9VAC25-580-140 and 9VAC25-580-150.

E. All owners and operators of new UST systems must ensure that the installer certifies in the notification form that the methods used to install the tanks and piping comply with the requirements in subsection 4 of 9VAC25-580-50.

F. Beginning October 24, 1988, any person who sells a tank intended to be used as an underground storage tank must notify the purchaser of such tank of the owner's notification obligations under subsection A of this section. The statement provided in APPENDIX II of this chapter the following note, when used on shipping tickets and invoices, may be used to comply with this requirement.:

NOTE: A federal law (the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 USC § 6901 et seq.) requires owners of certain underground storage tanks to notify implementing agencies of the existence of their tanks. Notifications must be made within 30 days of bringing the tank into use. Consult EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 280.22 to determine if you are affected by this law.

"part" III
General Operating Requirements

9VAC25-580-80. Spill and overfill control.

A. Owners and operators must ensure that releases due to spilling or overfilling do not occur. The owner and operator must ensure that the volume available in the tank is greater than the volume of product to be transferred to the tank before the transfer is made and that the transfer operation is monitored constantly to prevent overfilling and spilling.

NOTE: The transfer procedures described in National Fire Protection Association Publication Standard 385 Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids or American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1007, Loading and Unloading of MC 306/DOT 406 Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles may be used to comply with this subsection A of this section. Further guidance on spill and overfill prevention appears in American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621, "Recommended Practice 1621, for Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," and National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code."

B. The owner and operator must report, investigate, and clean up any spills and overfills in accordance with 9VAC25-580-220.

9VAC25-580-82. Periodic testing of spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping and periodic inspection of overfill prevention equipment.

A. Owners and operators of UST systems with spill and overfill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must meet these requirements to ensure the equipment is operating properly and will prevent releases to the environment:

1. Spill prevention equipment (such as a catchment basin, spill bucket, or other spill containment device) and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must prevent releases to the environment by meeting one of the following:

a. The equipment is double walled and the integrity of both walls is periodically monitored as described in 9VAC25-580-85 A 1 a (1) at a frequency not less than the frequency of the walkthrough inspections described in 9VAC25-580-85. Within 30 days of discontinuing periodic monitoring under this subdivision, owners and operators must conduct a test in accordance with subdivision A 1 b of this section and begin meeting the requirements of that subdivision; or

b. The spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping are tested at least once every three years to ensure the equipment is liquid tight by using vacuum, pressure, or liquid testing in accordance with one of the following criteria:

(1) Requirements developed by the manufacturer (Note: Owners and operators may use this option only if the manufacturer has developed requirements);

(2) Code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or

(3) Requirements determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements listed in subdivisions A 1 b (1) and (2) of this section.

2. Overfill prevention equipment must be inspected at least once every three years. At a minimum, the inspection must ensure that overfill prevention equipment is set to activate at the correct level specified in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-50 and will activate when regulated substance reaches that level. Inspections must be conducted in accordance with one of the criteria in subdivisions 1 b (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivisions A 1 b and A 2 of this section: Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP 1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

B. Owners and operators must begin meeting these requirements as follows:

1. For UST systems in use before (insert effective date of amendment), the initial spill prevention equipment test, containment sump test, and overfill prevention equipment inspection must be conducted not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment).

2. For UST systems brought into use on or after (insert effective date of amendment), these requirements apply at installation.

C. Owners and operators must maintain records as follows in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 for spill prevention equipment, containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping, and overfill prevention equipment:

1. All records of testing or inspection must be maintained for three years; and

2. For spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping not tested every three years, documentation showing that the prevention equipment is double walled and the integrity of both walls is periodically monitored must be maintained for as long as the equipment is periodically monitored.

9VAC25-580-85. Periodic operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections.

A. To properly operate and maintain UST systems, not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment) owners and operators must meet one of the following:

1. Conduct a walkthrough inspection that, at a minimum, checks the following equipment as specified below:

a. Every 30 days (Exception: spill prevention equipment at UST systems receiving deliveries at intervals greater than every 30 days may be checked prior to each delivery):

(1) Spill prevention equipment – visually check for damage; remove liquid or debris; check for and remove obstructions in the fill pipe; check the fill cap to make sure it is securely on the fill pipe; and, for double walled spill prevention equipment with interstitial monitoring, check for a leak in the interstitial area; and

(2) Release detection equipment – check to make sure the release detection equipment is operating with no alarms or other unusual operating conditions present and ensure records of release detection testing are reviewed and current; and

b. Annually:

(1) Containment sumps – visually check for damage, leaks to the containment area, or releases to the environment; remove liquid (in contained sumps) or debris; and, for double walled sumps with interstitial monitoring, check for a leak in the interstitial area; and

(2) Handheld release detection equipment – check devices such as tank gauge sticks or groundwater bailers for operability and serviceability;

2. Conduct operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections according to a standard code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory that checks equipment comparable to subdivision 1 of this subsection; or

3. Conduct operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections according to a protocol developed by the board that checks equipment comparable to subdivision 1 of this subsection.

B. Owners and operators must maintain records (in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120) of operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections for one year. Records must include a list of each area checked, whether each area checked was acceptable or needed action taken, a description of actions taken to correct an issue, and delivery records if spill prevention equipment is checked less frequently than every 30 days due to infrequent deliveries.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivision A 2 of this section: Petroleum Equipment Institute Recommended Practice RP 900, Recommended Practices for the Inspection and Maintenance of UST Systems.

9VAC25-580-90. Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

All owners and operators of steel metal UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the following requirements to ensure that releases due to corrosion are prevented for as long as until the UST system is used to store regulated substances: permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service pursuant to 9VAC25-580-320:

1. All corrosion protection systems must be operated and maintained to continuously provide corrosion protection to the metal components of that portion of the tank and piping that routinely contain regulated substances and are in contact with the ground.

2. All UST systems equipped with cathodic protection systems must be inspected for proper operation by a qualified cathodic protection tester in accordance with the following requirements:

a. Frequency. All cathodic protection systems must be tested within six months of installation and at least every three years thereafter; and

b. Inspection criteria. The criteria that are used to determine that cathodic protection is adequate as required by this section must be in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association.

NOTE: National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 b of this section.:

(1) NACE International Test Method TM0101, Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection of Underground Storage Tank Systems;

(2) NACE International Test Method TM0497, Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(3) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R051, Cathodic Protection Testing Procedures for STI-P3^® USTs;

(4) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection; or

(5) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems.

3. UST systems with impressed current cathodic protection systems must also be inspected every 60 days to ensure the equipment is running properly. These systems only provide the necessary corrosion protection when in continuous operation. Such equipment shall be installed so that it cannot be inadvertently shut off.

4. For UST systems using cathodic protection, records of the operation of the cathodic protection must be maintained (in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120) to demonstrate compliance with the performance standards in this section. These records must provide the following:

a. The results of the last three inspections required in subdivision 3 of this section; and

b. The results of testing from the last two inspections required in subdivision 2 of this section.

9VAC25-580-100. Compatibility.

A. Owners and operators must use an UST system made of or lined with materials that are compatible with the substance stored in the UST system.

B. Owners and operators must notify the board at least 30 days prior to switching to a regulated substance containing greater than 10% ethanol, greater than 20% biodiesel, or any other regulated substance identified by the board. In addition, owners and operators with UST systems storing these regulated substances must meet one of the following:

1. Demonstrate compatibility of the UST system, including the tank, piping, containment sumps, pumping equipment, release detection equipment, spill equipment, and overfill equipment. Owners and operators may demonstrate compatibility of the UST system by using one of the following options:

a. Certification or listing of UST system equipment or components by a nationally recognized, independent testing laboratory for use with the regulated substance stored; or

b. Equipment or component manufacturer approval. The manufacturer's approval must be in writing, indicate an affirmative statement of compatibility, specify the range of biofuel blends the equipment or component is compatible with, and be from the equipment or component manufacturer; or

2. Use another option determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the options listed in subdivision 1 of this subsection.

C. Owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-120 documenting compliance with subsection B of this section for as long as the UST system is used to store the regulated substance.

NOTE: Owners and operators storing alcohol blends may use the following codes to comply with the requirements of this section: The following code of practice may be useful in complying with this section:

1. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1626, "Storing and Handling Ethanol and Gasoline-Ethanol Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Filling Stations"; and.

2. American Petroleum Institute Publication 1627, "Storage and Handling of Gasoline-Methanol/Cosolvent Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations."

9VAC25-580-110. Repairs allowed.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to repairing any UST system. No repaired UST system shall be placed into use unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Owners and operators of UST systems must ensure that repairs will prevent releases due to structural failure or corrosion as long as the UST system is used to store regulated substances. The repairs must meet the following requirements:

1. Repairs to UST systems must be properly conducted in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 of this section:

a. National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code";

b. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice RP 2200, "Repairing Crude Oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and Product Pipelines";

c. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice RP 1631, "Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks"; and

d. National Fire Protection Association Standard 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair;

e. National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, "Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection." Chapter A, Entry, Cleaning, Interior Inspection, Repair, and Lining of Underground Storage Tanks;

f. Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R972, Recommended Practice for the Addition of Supplemental Anodes to STI-P3^® Tanks;

g. NACE International Standard Practice SP 0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection; or

h. Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute Recommended Practice T-95-02, Remanufacturing of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Underground Storage Tanks.

2. Repairs to fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks may be made by the manufacturer's authorized representatives or in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.

3. Metal pipe sections and fittings that have released product as a result of corrosion or other damage must be replaced. Fiberglass Noncorrodible pipes and fittings may be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

4. Repairs to secondary containment areas of tanks and piping used for interstitial monitoring and to containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must have the secondary containment tested for tightness according to the manufacturer's instructions, a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory, or according to requirements established by the board within 30 days following the date of completion of the repair.

Repaired 5. All other repairs to tanks and piping must be tightness tested in accordance with subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 and subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 within 30 days following the date of the completion of the repair except as provided in subdivisions 4 a through c of this section below:

a. The repaired tank is internally inspected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory;

b. The repaired portion of the UST system is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with a method specified in subsections subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; or

c. Another test method is used that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than those listed above in subdivisions a and b of this subdivision 5.

NOTE: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivisions 4 and 5 of this section:

(1) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R012, Recommended Practice for Interstitial Tightness Testing of Existing Underground Double Wall Steel Tanks; or

(2) Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute Protocol, Field Test Protocol for Testing the Annular Space of Installed Underground Fiberglass Double and Triple-Wall Tanks With Dry Annular Space.

(3) Petroleum Equipment Institute Recommended Practice RP1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

5. 6. Within six months following the repair of any cathodically protected UST system, the cathodic protection system must be tested in accordance with subdivisions 2 and 3 of 9VAC25-580-90 to ensure that it is operating properly.

7. Within 30 days following any repair to spill or overflow prevention equipment, the repaired spill or overflow prevention equipment must be tested or inspected as appropriate, in accordance with 9VAC25-580-82 to ensure it is operating properly.

6. 8. UST system owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 of each repair for the remaining operating life of until the UST system that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section is permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service pursuant to 9VAC25-580-320.

9VAC25-580-120. Reporting and recordkeeping.

Owners and operators of UST systems must cooperate fully with inspections, monitoring and testing conducted by the board, as well as requests for document submission, testing, and monitoring by the owner or operator pursuant to § 9005 of Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended.

1. Reporting. Owners and operators must submit the following information to the board:

a. Notification for all UST systems (9VAC25-580-70), which includes certification of installation for new UST systems (subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-50), and notification when any person assumes ownership of an UST system (9VAC25-580-70);

b. Notification prior to UST systems switching to certain regulated substances (subsection B of 9VAC25-580-100);

c. Reports of all releases including suspected releases (9VAC25-580-190), spills and overfills (9VAC25-580-220), and confirmed releases (9VAC25-580-240);

c. d. Corrective actions planned or taken including initial abatement measures (9VAC25-580-250), site characterization (9VAC25-580-260), free product removal (9VAC25-580-270), and corrective action plan (9VAC25-580-280); and

d. e. An amended notification form must be submitted within 30 days after permanent closure or change-in-service (9VAC25-580-320).

2. Recordkeeping. Owners and operators must maintain the following information:

a. Documentation of operation of corrosion protection equipment (9VAC25-580-90); (subdivision 4 of 9VAC25-580-90);

b. Documentation of compatibility for UST systems (subsection C of 9VAC25-580-100);

c. Documentation of UST system repairs (subdivision 6 8 of 9VAC25-580-110);

c. Recent d. Documentation of compliance and applicable installation records for spill and overfill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping (subsection C of 9VAC25-580-82);

e. Documentation of periodic walkthrough inspections (subsection B of 9VAC25-580-85);

f. Documentation of compliance with release detection requirements (9VAC25-580-180); and

d. g. Results of the site investigation conducted at permanent closure (9VAC25-580-350).; and

e. h. Documentation of operator training required by 9VAC25-580-125, including verification of training for current Class A, Class B, and Class C operators, and current list of operators and written instructions or procedures for Class C operators in accordance with (9VAC25-580-125) (relating to operator training).

3. Availability and maintenance of records. Owners and operators must keep the records required either:

a. At the UST site and immediately available for inspection by the board; or

b. At a readily available alternative site and be provided for inspection to the board upon request.

In the case of permanent closure records required under 9VAC25-580-350, owners and operators are also provided with the additional alternative of mailing closure records to the board if they cannot be kept at the site or an alternative site as indicated above.

9VAC25-580-125. Operator training.

A. Definitions.

1. For purposes of this section, "Class A operator" means an operator who has primary responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system and facility. The Class A operator's responsibilities include managing resources and personnel, such as establishing work assignments, to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. In general, Class A operators focus on the broader aspects of the underground storage tank statutory and regulatory requirements and standards necessary to properly operate and maintain the underground storage tank system and facility.

2. For purposes of this section, "Class B operator" means an operator who implements applicable underground storage tank regulatory requirements and standards in the field or at the underground storage tank facility. A Class B operator oversees and implements the day-to-day aspects of operations, maintenance, and recordkeeping for the underground storage tanks at one or more facilities.

3. For purposes of this section, "Class C operator" means the person responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills or releases from underground storage tank systems and equipment failures. A Class C operator, generally, is the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions.

B. Requirements for trained operators.

1. Owners and operators of UST systems shall designate Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for each UST system or facility that has underground storage tanks.

a. A person may be designated for more than one class of operator.

b. Any person designated for more than one class of operator shall successfully complete the required training under subsection C of this section for each operator class for which he is designated.

c. Persons trained in accordance with subsection C of this section may perform operator duties consistent with their training when employed or contracted by the tank owner or operator to perform these functions.

2. Designated operators shall successfully complete required training under subsection C of this section no later than August 8, 2012.

3. Class A operators shall be familiar with training requirements for each class of operator and may provide required training for Class C operators.

4. 3. Class B operators shall be familiar with Class B and Class C operator responsibilities and may provide training for Class C operators.

5. 4. Trained operators shall be readily available to respond to suspected/confirmed releases, other unusual operating conditions and equipment shut-offs or failures.

a. The Class A or Class B operator shall be available for immediate telephone consultation when an UST facility is in operation. A Class A or Class B operator shall be able to be onsite at the facility within a reasonable time to perform necessary functions.

b. For manned facilities, a Class C operator shall be onsite whenever the UST facility is in operation. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be maintained and visible at manned UST facilities for persons performing duties of the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

c. For unmanned facilities, a Class C operator shall be available for immediate telephone consultation and shall be able to be onsite within a reasonable time to perform necessary functions. Emergency contact information shall be prominently displayed at the site. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be maintained and visible at unmanned UST facilities for persons performing duties of the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

C. Required training.

1. Class A operators shall successfully complete a training course approved by the board that includes a general knowledge of UST system requirements. Training shall provide information that should enable the operator to make informed decisions regarding compliance and ensuring that appropriate persons are fulfilling operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements and standards of this chapter and/or federal underground storage tank requirements in 40 CFR "part" 280 (relating to technical standards and corrective action requirements for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (UST)), including, at a minimum, the following:

a. Spill and overfill prevention;

b. Release detection and related reporting requirements;

c. Corrosion protection;

d. Emergency response;

e. Product and equipment compatibility;

f. Financial responsibility;

g. Notification and storage tank registration requirements;

h. Temporary and permanent closure requirements; and

i. Class B and Class C operator training requirements.

2. Class B operators shall successfully complete a training course approved by the board that includes an in-depth understanding of operation and maintenance aspects of UST systems and related regulatory requirements. Training shall provide specific information on the components of UST systems, materials of construction, methods of release detection and release prevention applied to UST systems and components. Training shall address operation and maintenance requirements of this chapter and/or federal underground storage tank requirements in 40 CFR "part" 280, including, at a minimum, the following:

a. Spill and overfill prevention;

b. Release detection and related reporting requirements;

c. Corrosion protection and related testing;

d. Emergency response;

e. Product and equipment compatibility;

f. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; and

g. Class C operator training requirements.

3. Class C operators. At a minimum, training provided by the tank owner or Class A or Class B operator shall enable the Class C operator to take action in response to emergencies caused by spills or releases and alarms from an underground storage tank. Training shall include written instructions or procedures for the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

4. Successful completion for Class A and Class B operators means completion of the entire training course and demonstration of knowledge of the course material as follows:

a. Receipt of a passing grade (a score of 80% or better) on an examination of material presented in the training course, or demonstration through practical (hands-on) application to the trainer of operation and maintenance checks of underground storage tank equipment, including performance of release detection at the UST facility, at the conclusion of onsite training; and

b. Receipt of a training certificate by an approved trainer upon verification of successful completion of training under this section.

5. Reciprocity. The board may also recognize successful completion of Class A and Class B operator training on regulatory standards consistent with 40 CFR "part" 280, which is recognized by other state or implementing agencies and which is approved by EPA as meeting operator training grant guidelines published by EPA.

6. The tank owner and operator shall incur the costs of the training.

D. Timing of training.

1. An owner and operator shall ensure that Class A, Class B and Class C operators are trained as soon as practicable after September 15, 2010, contingent upon availability of approved training providers, but not later than August 8, 2012.

2. When a Class A or Class B operator is replaced after August 8, 2012, a new operator shall be trained within 60 days of assuming duties for that class of operator.

3. Class C operators shall be trained before assuming duties of a Class C operator. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be provided to Class C operators to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions. Class C operators shall be briefed on these instructions or procedures at least annually (every 12 months), which may be concurrent with annual safety training required under Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR "part" 1910 (relating to Occupational Safety and Health Standards).

E. Retraining.

1. Owners and operators of UST systems shall ensure that Class A and B operators in accordance with subsection C of this section are retrained if the board determines that the UST system is out of compliance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30 through 9VAC25-580-190. At a minimum, Class A and Class B operators shall successfully complete retraining in the areas identified as out of compliance.

2. Class A and B operators shall complete training pursuant to this subsection no later than 90 days from the date the board identifies the noncompliance.

F. Documentation.

1. Owners and operators of underground storage tank facilities shall prepare and maintain a list of designated Class A, Class B, and Class C operators. The list shall represent the current Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for the UST facility and shall include:

a. The name of each operator, class of operation trained for, and the date each operator successfully completed initial training and refresher training, if any.

b. For Class A and Class B operators that are not permanently onsite or assigned to more than one facility, telephone numbers to contact the operators.

2. A copy of the certificates of training for Class A and Class B operators shall be on file as long as each operator serves in that capacity at the facility or three years, whichever is longer, and readily available, and a copy of the facility list of Class A, Class B, and Class C operators and Class C operator instructions or procedures shall be kept onsite and immediately available for manned UST facilities and readily available for unmanned facilities (see subdivision 2 e h of 9VAC25-580-120 relating to reporting and recordkeeping).

3. Class C operator and owner contact information, including names and telephone numbers, and any emergency information shall be conspicuously posted at unmanned facilities.

"part" IV
Release Detection

9VAC25-580-130. General requirements for all petroleum and hazardous substance UST systems.

A. Owners and operators of new and existing UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

1. Can detect a release from any portion of the tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;

2. Is installed, and calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including routine maintenance and service checks for operability or running condition; and

3. Beginning on (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: (i) manufacturer's instructions; (ii) a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or (iii) requirements determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria:

a. Automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm; verify system configuration; test battery backup;

b. Probes and sensors: inspect for residual buildup; ensure floats move freely; ensure shaft is not damaged; ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; test alarm operability and communication with controller;

c. Automatic line leak detector: test operation to meet criteria in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170 by simulating a leak;

d. Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges: ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and

e. Handheld electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring: ensure proper operation.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 3 of this subsection. Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP 1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

3. 4. Meets the performance requirements in 9VAC25-580-160 or 9VAC25-580-170, or "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter as applicable with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, the methods used after December 22, 1990, listed in subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-170; and "part" X except for methods permanently installed prior to that date, must be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for that method in subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 of 9VAC25-580-160 or subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 the corresponding section of the regulation with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.

B. When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in 9VAC25-580-160 or, 9VAC25-580-170, or "part" X of this chapter indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the board in accordance with "part" V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) of this chapter.

C. Owners and operators of all UST systems must comply with the release detection requirements of this "part" by December 22 of the year listed in the following table:

SCHEDULE FOR PHASE-IN OF RELEASE DETECTION
Year system was installed	Year when release detection is required (by December 22 of the year indicated)
	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
Before 1965 or date unknown	RD	P
1965-1969		P/RD
1970-1974		P	RD
1975-1979		P		RD
1980-1988		P			RD

New tanks (after December 22, 1988) immediately upon installation.

P = Must begin release detection for all pressurized piping in accordance with subdivision C 2 a of 9VAC25-580-140.

RD = Must begin release detection for tanks and suction piping in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and C 2 b of 9VAC25-580-140, and 9VAC25-580-150.

D. C. Any existing UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this "part" must complete the closure procedures in "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter. by the date on which release detection is required for that UST system under subsection C of this section. For previously deferred UST systems described in "part"s I (9VAC25-580-10 et seq.) and X of this chapter, this requirement applies on or after the effective dates described in 9VAC25-580-20 A 1 b and c and 9VAC25-580-380 A 1.

9VAC25-580-140. Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

A. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must provide secondary containment and release detection for tanks and piping as follows:

1. Secondary containment systems must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain regulated substances released from the tank system until they are detected and removed;

b. Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system; and

c. Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.

2. Double-walled tanks must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain a release from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall; and

b. Detect the failure of the inner wall.

3. External liners (including vaults) must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary;

b. Prevent the interference of precipitation or groundwater intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances; and

c. Surround the tank completely (i.e., it is capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances).

4. Underground piping must be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection (e.g., trench liners, jacketing of double-walled pipe). In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

5. Perform interstitial monitoring in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC 25-580-160.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum USTs required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must have motor fuel underdispenser containment that is liquid-tight on its sides, bottom, and at any penetrations; be compatible with the substance conveyed by the piping; and allow for visual inspection and access to the components in the containment system or be monitored.

C. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems not required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows:

1. Tanks. Tanks must be monitored for releases as follows:

a. Tanks installed before September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days for releases using one of the methods listed in subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 except that:

a. (1) UST systems that meet the performance standards in subdivisions 1 through 5 of 9VAC25-580-50 or subdivisions 1 through 4 of 9VAC25-580-60 may use both monthly inventory control requirements in subdivision 1 or 2 of 9VAC25-580-160, and tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160) at least every five years until December 22, 1998, or until 10 years after the tank is was installed or upgraded under subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-60, whichever is later; and

b. UST systems that do not meet the performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 may use monthly inventory controls (conducted in accordance with subdivision 1 or 2 of 9VAC25-580-160) and annual tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160) until December 22, 1998, when the tank must be upgraded under 9VAC25-580-60 or permanently closed under 9VAC25-580-320; and

c. (2) Tanks with capacity of 550 gallons or less may use weekly and tanks with a capacity of 551 to 1000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160 may use manual tank gauging (conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160).

b. Tanks installed on or after September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160.

2. Piping. Underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances must be monitored for releases in a manner that meets one of the following requirements:

a. Piping installed before September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must:

(1) (a) Be equipped with an automatic line leak detector conducted in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170; and

(2) (b) Have an annual line tightness test conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 or have monthly monitoring conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170.

b. (2) Suction piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under suction must either have a line tightness test conducted at least every three years and in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170, or use a monthly monitoring method conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170. No release detection is required for suction piping that is designed and constructed to meet the following standards:

(1) (a) The below-grade piping operates at less than atmospheric pressure;

(2) (b) The below-grade piping is sloped so that the contents of the pipe will drain back into the storage tank if the suction is released;

(3) (c) Only one check valve is included in each suction line;

(4) (d) The check valve is located directly below and as close as practical to the suction pump; and

(5) (e) A method is provided that allows compliance with subdivisions 2 b a (2) (b) through (4), (c), and (d) of this subsection to be readily determined.

b. Piping installed or replaced on or after September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 and be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

(2) Suction piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160. No release detection is required for suction piping that meets the requirements of subdivisions 2 a (2) (a) through (e) of this section.

9VAC25-580-150. Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

Owners and operators of hazardous substance UST systems must provide release detection containment that meets the following requirements and monitor these systems using subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 at least every 30 days:

1. Release detection at existing UST systems must meet the requirements for petroleum UST systems in 9VAC25-580-140. By December 22, 1998, all existing hazardous substance UST systems must meet the release detection requirements for new systems in subdivision 2 of this section.

2. Release detection at new hazardous substance UST systems must meet the following requirements:

a. 1. Secondary containment systems must be designed, constructed and installed to:

(1) a. Contain regulated substances released leaked from the tank system primary containment until they are detected and removed;

(2) b. Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system; and

(3) c. Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.

NOTE: The provisions of 40 CFR 265.193, Containment and Detection of Releases, may be used to comply with these requirements for tanks installed before September 15, 2010.

b. 2. Double-walled tanks must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

(1) a. Contain a release leak from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall; and

(2) b. Detect the failure of the inner wall.

c. 3. External liners (including vaults) must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

(1) a. Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary;

(2) b. Prevent the interference of precipitation or ground-water groundwater intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances; and

(3) c. Surround the tank completely (i.e., it is capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances).

d. 4. Underground piping must be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of subdivision 2 a of this section (e.g., trench liners, jacketing of double-walled pipe). In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

e. Other 5. For hazardous substance UST systems installed before September 15, 2010, other methods of release detection may be used if owners and operators:

(1) a. Demonstrate to the board that an alternate method can detect a release of the stored substance as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subsections 2 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 can detect a release of petroleum;

(2) b. Provide information to the board on effective corrective action technologies, health risks, and chemical and physical properties of the stored substance, and the characteristics of the UST site; and

(3) c. Obtain approval from the board to use the alternate release detection method before the installation and operation of the new UST system.

9VAC25-580-160. Methods of release detection for tanks.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the methods of installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subsections subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 this section.

Each method of release detection for tanks used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following and be designed to detect releases at the earliest possible time for the specific method chosen:

1. Inventory control. Product inventory control (or another test of equivalent performance) must be conducted monthly to detect a release of at least 1.0% of flow-through plus 130 gallons on a monthly basis in the following manner:

a. Inventory volume measurements for regulated substance inputs, withdrawals, and the amount still remaining in the tank are recorded each operating day;

b. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest one-eighth 1/8 of an inch;

c. The regulated substance inputs are reconciled with delivery receipts by measurement of the tank inventory volume before and after delivery;

d. Deliveries are made through a drop tube that extends to within one foot of the tank bottom;

e. Product dispensing is metered and recorded according to regulations of the Bureau of Weights and Measures of the Virginia De"part"ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services for meter calibration within their jurisdiction; for all other product dispensing meter calibration, an accuracy of six cubic inches for every five gallons of product withdrawn is required; and

f. The measurement of any water level in the bottom of the tank is made to the nearest one-eighth 1/8 of an inch at least once a month.

NOTE: Practices described in the American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621," Recommended Practice for RP 1621 Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," may be used, where applicable, as guidance in meeting the requirements of this subsection.

2. Manual tank gauging. Manual tank gauging must meet the following requirements:

a. Tank liquid level measurements are taken at the beginning and ending of a period of at least 36 hours using the appropriate minimum duration of test value in the table below during which no liquid is added to or removed from the tank;

b. Level measurements are based on an average of two consecutive stick readings at both the beginning and ending of the period;

c. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest ⅛ 1/8 of an inch;

d. A leak release is suspected and subject to the requirements of "part" V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) if the variation between beginning and ending measurements exceeds the weekly or monthly standards in the following table:

	Nominal tank capacity	Weekly standard (one test)	Monthly standard (average of four tests)
	550 gallons or less	10 gallons	5 gallons
	551-1,000 gallons	13 gallons	7 gallons
	1,001-2,000 gallons	26 gallons	13 gallons

	Nominal Tank Capacity	Minimum Duration of Test	Weekly Standard (One Test)	Monthly Standard (Four Test Average)
	550 gallons or less	36 hours	10 gallons	5 gallons
	551 - 1,000 gallons (when tank diameter is 64 inches)	44 hours	9 gallons	4 gallons
	551 - 1,000 gallons (when tank diameter is 48 inches)	58 hours	12 gallons	6 gallons
	551 -1,000 gallons (also requires periodic tank tightness testing)	36 hours	13 gallons	7 gallons
	1001 - 2,000 gallons (also requires periodic tank tightness testing)	36 hours	26 gallons	13 gallons

e. Only tanks Tanks of 550 gallons or less nominal capacity and tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 1,000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in the table in subsection 2 d of this section may use this as the sole method of release detection. Tanks All other tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 2,000 gallons may use the method in place of manual inventory control in subsection subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160 this section. Tanks of greater than 2,000 gallons nominal capacity may not use this method to meet the requirements of this "part".

3. Tank tightness testing. Tank tightness testing (or another test of equivalent performance) must be capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product while accounting for the effects of thermal expansion or contraction of the product, vapor pockets, tank deformation, evaporation or condensation, and the location of the water table.

4. Automatic tank gauging. Equipment for automatic tank gauging that tests for the loss of product and conducts inventory control must meet the following requirements:

a. The automatic product level monitor test can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

b. Inventory The automatic tank gauging equipment must meet the inventory control (or another other test of equivalent performance) is conducted in accordance with the requirements of subsection subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160. this section; and

c. The test must be performed with the system operating in one of the following modes:

(1) In-tank static testing conducted at least once every 30 days; or

(2) Continuous in-tank leak detection operating on an uninterrupted basis or operating within a process that allows the system to gather incremental measurements to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days.

5. Vapor monitoring. Testing or monitoring for vapors within the soil gas of the excavation zone must meet the following requirements:

a. The materials used as backfill are sufficiently porous (e.g., gravel, sand, crushed rock) to readily allow diffusion of vapors from releases into the excavation area;

b. The stored regulated substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system, is sufficiently volatile (e.g., gasoline) to result in a vapor level that is detectable by the monitoring devices located in the excavation zone in the event of a release from the tank;

c. The measurement of vapors by the monitoring device is not rendered inoperative by the ground water groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture or other known interferences so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

d. The level of background contamination in the excavation zone will not interfere with the method used to detect releases from the tank;

e. The vapor monitors are designed and operated to detect any significant increase in concentration above background of the regulated substance stored in the tank system, a component or components of that substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system;

f. In the UST excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions 5 a through d of this section subdivision 5 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells that will detect releases within the excavation zone from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

g. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

6. Ground water Groundwater monitoring. Testing or monitoring for liquids on the ground water groundwater must meet the following requirements:

a. The regulated substance stored is not readily miscible in water and has a specific gravity of less than one;

b. Ground water Groundwater is never more than 20 feet from the ground surface and the hydraulic conductivity of the soils between the UST system and the monitoring wells or devices is not less than 0.01 cm/sec (e.g., the soil should consist of gravels, coarse to medium sands, coarse silts or other permeable materials);

c. The slotted portion of the monitoring well casing must be designed to prevent migration of natural soils or filter pack into the well and to allow entry of regulated substance on the water table into the well under both high and low ground water groundwater conditions;

d. Monitoring wells shall be sealed from the ground surface to the top of the filter pack;

e. Monitoring wells or devices intercept the excavation zone or are as close to it as is technically feasible;

f. The continuous monitoring devices or manual methods used can detect the presence of at least ⅛ 1/8 of an inch of free product on top of the ground water groundwater in the monitoring wells;

g. Within and immediately below the UST system excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions 6 a through e of this section subdivision 6 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells or devices that will detect releases from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

h. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

7. Interstitial monitoring. Interstitial monitoring between the UST system and a secondary barrier immediately around or beneath it may be used, but only if the system is designed, constructed and installed to detect a leak from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product and also meets one of the following requirements:

a. For double-walled UST systems, the sampling or testing method can detect a release leak through the inner wall in any portion of the tank that routinely contains product;

NOTE: The provisions outlined in the Steel Tank Institute's "Standard for Dual Wall Underground Storage Tanks" may be used as guidance for aspects of the design and construction of underground steel double-walled tanks.

b. For UST systems with a secondary barrier within the excavation zone, the sampling or testing method used can detect a release leak between the UST system and the secondary barrier;

(1) The secondary barrier around or beneath the UST system consists of artificially constructed material that is sufficiently thick and impermeable (at least 10^-6 cm/sec for the regulated substance stored) to direct a release leak to the monitoring point and permit its detection;

(2) The barrier is compatible with the regulated substance stored so that a release leak from the UST system will not cause a deterioration of the barrier allowing a release to pass through undetected;

(3) For cathodically protected tanks, the secondary barrier must be installed so that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the cathodic protection system;

(4) The ground water groundwater, soil moisture, or rainfall will not render the testing or sampling method used inoperative so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

(5) The site is assessed to ensure that the secondary barrier is always above the ground water groundwater and not in a 25-year flood plain, unless the barrier and monitoring designs are for use under such conditions; and,

(6) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

c. For tanks with an internally fitted liner, an automated device can detect a release leak between the inner wall of the tank and the liner, and the liner is compatible with the substance stored.

8. Statistical inventory reconciliation. Release detection methods based on the application of statistical principles to inventory data similar to those described in subdivision 1 of this section must meet the following requirements:

a. Report a quantitative result with a calculated leak rate;

b. Be capable of detecting a leak rate of 0.2 gallon per hour or a release of 150 gallons within 30 days; and

c. Use a threshold that does not exceed one-half the minimum detectible leak rate.

9. Other methods. Any other type of release detection method, or combination of methods, can be used if:

a. It can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate or a release of 150 gallons within a month with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05; or

b. The board may approve another method if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subsections subdivisions 3 through 8 of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability with which it can be detected. If the method is approved, the owner and operator must comply with any conditions imposed by the board on its use to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.

9VAC25-580-170. Methods of release detection for piping.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the methods installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subdivisions 1 through 3 of 9VAC25-580-170 of this section.

Each method of release detection for piping used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following:

1. Automatic line leak detectors. Methods which that alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping or triggering an audible or visual alarm may be used only if they detect leaks of three gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure within one hour. An annual test of the operation of the leak detector must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements subdivision A 3 c of 9VAC25-580-130.

2. Line tightness testing. A periodic test of piping may be conducted only if it can detect a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at one and one-half times the operating pressure.

3. Applicable tank methods. Any Except as described in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-140, any of the methods in subsections subdivisions 5 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 may be used if they are designed to detect a release from any portion of the underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances.

9VAC25-580-180. Release detection recordkeeping.

All UST system owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 demonstrating compliance with all applicable requirements of this "part". These records must include the following:

1. All written performance claims pertaining to any release detection system used, and the manner in which these claims have been justified or tested by the equipment manufacturer or installer, must be maintained for five years from the date of installation or as long as the method of release detection is used, whichever is greater. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), records of site assessments required under subdivisions 5 f and 6 g of 9VAC25-580-160 must be maintained for as long as the methods are used. Records of site assessments developed after (insert effective date of amendment) must be signed by a professional engineer or professional geologist, or equivalent licensed professional with experience in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, or other relevant technical discipline acceptable to the board;

2. The results of any sampling, testing, or monitoring must be maintained for at least one year, or for another reasonable period of time determined by the board, except that the as follows:

a. The results of annual operation tests conducted in accordance with subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 must be maintained for three years. At a minimum, the results must list each component tested, indicate whether each component tested meets criteria in subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 or needs to have action taken, and describe any action taken to correct an issue;

b. The results of tank tightness testing conducted in accordance with subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

c. The results of tank tightness testing, line tightness testing, and vapor monitoring using a tracer compound placed in the tank system conducted in accordance with 9VAC25-580-390 D must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

3. Written documentation of all calibration, maintenance, and repair of release detection equipment permanently located on-site must be maintained for at least one year after the servicing work is completed or for such longer period as may be required by the board. Any schedules of required calibration and maintenance provided by the release detection equipment manufacturer must be retained for five years from the date of installation.

"part" V
Release Reporting, Investigation, and Confirmation

9VAC25-580-190. Reporting of suspected releases.

Owners and operators of UST systems must report to the board within 24 hours and follow the procedures in 9VAC25-580-210 for any of the following conditions:

1. The discovery by owners and operators or others of released regulated substances at the UST site or in the surrounding area (such as the presence of free product or vapors in soils, basements, sewer and utility lines, and nearby surface water);

2. Unusual operating conditions observed by owners and operators (such as the erratic behavior of product dispensing equipment, the sudden loss of product from the UST system, or an unexplained presence of water in the tank) tank, or liquid in the interstitial space of secondarily contained systems), unless system equipment is found to be defective but not leaking, and is immediately repaired or replaced;:

a. The system equipment or component is found not to be releasing regulated substances to the environment;

b. Any defective system equipment or component is immediately repaired or replaced; and

c. For secondarily contained systems, except as provided for in subdivision 7 b (4) of 9VAC25-580-160, any liquid in the interstitial space not used as "part" of the interstitial monitoring method (for example, brine filled) is immediately removed.

3. Monitoring results, including investigation of an alarm, from a release detection method required under 9VAC25-580-140 and 9VAC25-580-150 that indicate a release may have occurred unless:

a. The monitoring device is found to be defective, and is immediately repaired, recalibrated or replaced, and additional monitoring does not confirm the initial result; or

b. The leak is contained in the secondary containment and:

(1) Except as provided for in subdivision 7 b (4) of 9VAC25-580-160, any liquid in the interstitial space not used as "part" of the interstitial monitoring method (for example, brine filled) is immediately removed; and

(2) Any defective system equipment or component is immediately repaired or replaced;

c. In the case of inventory control, described in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160, a second month of data or in the case of manual tank gauging, a second week or month as prescribed in the chart under subdivision 2 d of 9VAC25-580-160 does not confirm the initial result. or the investigation determines no release has occurred; or

d. The alarm was investigated and determined to be a nonrelease event (for example, from a power surge or caused by filling the tank during release detection testing).

9VAC25-580-210. Release investigation and confirmation steps.

Unless corrective action is initiated in accordance with "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter, owners and operators must immediately investigate and confirm all suspected releases of regulated substances requiring reporting under 9VAC25-580-190 within seven days, or another reasonable time period specified by the board upon written request made and approved within seven days after reporting of the suspected release.

The following steps are required for release investigation and confirmation:

1. System test. Owners and operators must conduct tests (according to the requirements for tightness testing in subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 and subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170) that determine whether a leak exists in that portion of the tank that routinely contains product, or the attached delivery piping, or both or, as appropriate, secondary containment testing described in subdivision 4 of 9VAC25-580-110.

a. Owners The test must determine whether:

(1) A leak exists in that portion of the tank that routinely contains product or in the attached delivery piping; or

(2) A breach of either wall of the secondary containment has occurred.

b. If the system test confirms a leak into the interstice or a release, owners and operators must repair, replace or, upgrade, or close the UST system,. In addition, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI if the test results for the system, tank, or delivery piping indicate that a leak release exists.

b. c. Further investigation is not required if the test results for the system, tank, and delivery piping do not indicate that a leak release exists and if environmental contamination is not the basis for suspecting a release.

c. d. Owners and operators must conduct a site check as described in subdivision 2 of this section if the test results for the system, tank, and delivery piping do not indicate that a leak release exists but environmental contamination is the basis for suspecting a release.

2. Site check. Owners and operators must measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site. In selecting sample types, sample locations, and measurement methods, owners and operators must consider the nature of the stored substance, the type of initial alarm or cause for suspicion, the type of backfill, the depth of ground water groundwater, and other factors appropriate for identifying the presence and source of the release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board.

a. If the test results for the excavation zone or the UST site indicate that a release has occurred, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI of this chapter.

b. If the test results for the excavation zone or the UST site do not indicate that a release has occurred, further investigation is not required.

9VAC25-580-250. Initial abatement measures and site check.

A. Unless directed to do otherwise by the board, owners and operators must perform the following abatement measures:

1. Remove as much of the regulated substance from the UST system as is necessary to prevent further release to the environment;

2. Visually inspect any aboveground releases or exposed below ground belowground releases and prevent further migration of the released substance into surrounding soils and ground water groundwater;

3. Continue to monitor and mitigate any additional fire and safety hazards posed by vapors or free product that have migrated from the UST excavation zone and entered into subsurface structures (such as sewers or basements);

4. Remedy hazards posed by contaminated soils that are excavated or exposed as a result of release confirmation, site investigation, abatement, or corrective action activities. If these remedies include treatment or disposal of soils, the owner and operator must comply with applicable state and local requirements;

5. Measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site, unless the presence and source of the release have been confirmed in accordance with the site check required by subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-210 or the closure site assessment of subsection A of 9VAC25-580-330. In selecting sample types, sample locations, and measurement methods, the owner and operator must consider the nature of the stored substance, the type of backfill, depth to ground water groundwater and other factors as appropriate for identifying the presence and source of the release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved the board; and

6. Investigate to determine the possible presence of free product, and begin free product removal as soon as practicable and in accordance with 9VAC25-580-270.

B. Within 20 days after release confirmation, or within another reasonable period of time determined by the board upon written request made and approved within 20 days after release confirmation, owners and operators must submit a report to the board summarizing the initial abatement steps taken under subsection A of this section and any resulting information or data.

9VAC25-580-260. Site characterization.

A. Owners and operators must assemble information about the site and the nature of the release, including information gained while confirming the release or completing the initial abatement measures in 9VAC25-580-230 and 9VAC25-580-240. This information must include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. Data on the material released and the estimated quantity of release;

2. Data from available sources or site investigations concerning the following:

a. Site assessment to include: data on the physical/chemical properties of the contaminant; nature and quantity and extent of the release; evidence that free product is found to need recovery; geologic/hydrologic site characterization; current and projected land/water uses; water quality; subsurface soil conditions; evidence that contaminated soils are in contact with the ground water groundwater; locations of subsurface conduits (e.g., sewers, utility lines, etc.); and climatological conditions. Samples collected for this site characterization shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board;

b. Risk (exposure) assessment to include: evidence that wells of the area have been affected; use and approximate locations of wells potentially affected by the release; identification of potential and impacted receptors; migration routes; surrounding populations; potential for additional environmental damage;

c. Remediation assessment to include: potential for remediation and applicability of different remediation technologies to the site.

3. Results of the site check required under subdivision A 5 of 9VAC25-580-250; and

4. Results of the free product investigations required under subdivision A 6 of 9VAC25-580-250, to be used by owners and operators to determine whether free product must be recovered under 9VAC25-580-270.

B. Within 45 days of release confirmation or another reasonable period of time determined by the board upon written request made and approved within 45 days after release confirmation, owners and operators must submit the information collected in compliance with subsection A of this section to the board in a manner that demonstrates its applicability and technical adequacy, or in a format and according to the schedule required by the board.

9VAC25-580-280. Corrective action plan.

A. At any point after reviewing the information submitted in compliance with 9VAC25-580-240 through, 9VAC25-580-250, and 9VAC25-580-260, the board may require owners and operators to submit additional information or to develop and submit a corrective action plan for responding to contaminated soils and ground water groundwater. If a plan is required, owners and operators must submit the plan according to a schedule and format established by the board. Alternatively, owners and operators may, after fulfilling the requirements of 9VAC25-580-240 through, 9VAC25-580-250, and 9VAC25-580-260, choose to submit a corrective action plan for responding to contaminated soil and ground water groundwater. In either case, owners and operators are responsible for submitting a plan that provides for adequate protection of human health and the environment as determined by the board, and must modify their plan as necessary to meet this standard.

B. In conjunction with the information provided under subdivision A 2 of 9VAC25-580-260 (site assessment, risk (exposure) assessment, and remediation assessment), the corrective action plan must include the following information:

1. Detailed conceptual design including narrative description of technologies and how they will be applied at the site;

2. Projected remediation end points/degree of remediation;

3. Schedule of project implementation;

4. Schedule to achieve projected end points;

5. Operational and post-operational monitoring schedules (to include data submittals);

6. Proposed disposition of any wastes and discharges (if applicable);

7. Actions taken to obtain any necessary federal, state and local permits to implement the plan; and

8. Proposed actions to notify persons directly affected by the release or the planned corrective action.

C. The board will approve the corrective action plan only after ensuring that implementation of the plan will adequately protect human health, safety, and the environment. In making this determination, the board will consider the following factors as appropriate:

1. The physical and chemical characteristics of the regulated substance, including its toxicity, persistence, and potential for migration;

2. The hydrogeologic characteristics of the facility and the surrounding area;

3. The proximity, quality, and current and future uses of nearby surface water and ground water groundwater;

4. The potential effects of residual contamination on nearby surface water and ground water groundwater;

5. The site, risk (exposure), and remediation assessments as required by subdivision A 2 of 9VAC25-580-260; and

6. Any information assembled in compliance with this "part".

D. Upon approval of the corrective action plan or as directed by the board, owners and operators must implement the plan, including modifications to the plan made by the board. They must monitor, evaluate, and report the results of implementing the plan in accordance with a schedule and in a format established by the board.

E. Owners and operators may, in the interest of minimizing environmental contamination and promoting more effective cleanup, begin cleanup of soil and ground water groundwater before the corrective action plan is approved provided that they:

1. Notify the board of their intention to begin cleanup and obtain written approval to proceed with an agreed upon activity;

2. Comply with any conditions imposed by the board, including halting cleanup or mitigating adverse consequences from cleanup activities; and

3. Incorporate these self-initiated cleanup measures in the corrective action plan that is submitted to the board for approval.

"part" VII
Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure

9VAC25-580-310. Temporary closure.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to temporary tank closure. No UST system shall be temporarily closed unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

1. When an UST system is temporarily closed, owners and operators must continue operation and maintenance of corrosion protection in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90, and any release detection in accordance with "part" "part"s IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) and X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter. "part"s V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) and VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter must be complied with if a release is suspected or confirmed. However, release detection is and release detection operation and maintenance testing and inspections in "part"s III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.) and IV of this chapter are not required as long as the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly employed practices so that no more than 2.5 centimeters (one inch) of residue, or 0.3% by weight of the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. In addition, spill and overfill operation and maintenance testing and inspections in "part" III of this chapter are not required.

2. When an UST system is temporarily closed for three months or more, owners and operators must also comply with the following requirements:

a. Leave vent lines open and functioning; and

b. Cap and secure all other lines, pumps, manways, and ancillary equipment.

3. When an UST system is temporarily closed for more than 12 months, owners and operators must permanently close the UST system if it does not meet either performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 for new UST systems or the upgrading requirements in 9VAC25-580-60, except that the spill and overfill equipment requirements do not have to be met. Owners and operators must permanently close the substandard UST systems at the end of this 12-month period in accordance with 9VAC25-580-320 through 9VAC25-580-350, unless the building official provides an extension of the 12-month temporary closure period. Owners and operators must complete a site assessment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-330 before such an extension can be applied for.

9VAC25-580-320. Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-47 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to permanent tank closure or a change-in-service. No UST system shall be permanently closed or changed-in-service unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-47 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

If such closure is in response to immediate corrective actions that necessitate timely tank removal, then the building official must be notified and the official's directions followed until a permit is issued.

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

1. Owners and operators must within 30 days after either permanent closure or a change-in-service submit an amended UST notification form (Appendix I) to the board.

2. The required assessment of the excavation zone under 9VAC25-580-330 must be performed after notifying the building official but before completion of the permanent closure or a change-in-service.

3. To permanently close a tank, owners and operators must empty and clean it by removing all liquids and accumulated sludges. When the owner or operator suspects that the residual sludges are hazardous in nature the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality regulations shall be followed to facilitate the proper treatment, storage, manifesting, transport, and disposal. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or, filled with an inert solid material, or closed in place in a manner approved by the board.

4. Continued use of an UST system to store a nonregulated substance is considered a change-in-service. Before a change-in-service, owners and operators must empty and clean the tank by removing all liquid and accumulated sludge and conduct a site assessment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-330.

NOTE: The following cleaning and closure procedures may be used to comply with this section:

a. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP 1604, "Removal and Disposal Closure of Used Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks";

b. American Petroleum Institute Publication Standard 2015, "Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks, Planning and Managing Tank Entry from Decommissioning through Recommissioning";

c. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 2016, Guidelines and Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks;

d. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP 1631, "Interior Lining and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks," may be used as guidance for compliance with this section; and

e. National Fire Protection Association Standard 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair; and

d. f. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Publication 80-106, "Criteria for a Recommended Standard *** Working in Confined Space" may be used as guidance for conducting safe closure procedures at some hazardous substance tanks.

9VAC25-580-330. Assessing the site at closure or change-in-service.

A. Before permanent closure or a change-in-service is completed, owners and operators must measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site. In selecting sample type or types (soil or water) and sample location or locations, and measurement methods, owners and operators must consider the method of closure, the nature of the stored substance, the type of backfill, the depth to ground water, groundwater and other factors appropriate for identifying the presence of a release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board. Where the suspected release is a petroleum product, the samples shall be analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The requirements of this section are satisfied if one of the external release detection methods allowed in subsections subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 is operating in accordance with the requirements in 9VAC25-580-160 at the time of closure, and indicates no release has occurred.

B. In all cases where a sample or samples are analyzed, the owner and operator shall submit, along with the amended UST notification form as required in subsection 1 of 9VAC25-580-320, a copy of the laboratory results (including a statement as to the test method used), a description of the area sampled, and a site map depicting tanks, piping, and sample location or locations.

C. If contaminated soils, contaminated ground water, groundwater or free product as a liquid or vapor is discovered under subsection A of this section, or by any other manner, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI of this chapter.

"part" IX
Delivery Prohibition

9VAC25-580-370. Requirements for delivery prohibition.

A. No person shall deliver to, deposit into, or accept a petroleum product or other regulated substance into an underground storage tank that has been identified under subdivision G 2 of this section by the board to be ineligible for such delivery, deposit, or acceptance. Unless authorized in writing by the board, no person shall alter, deface, remove, or attempt to remove a tag that prohibits delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance to an underground storage tank.

B. When an inspection or other information provides reason to believe one or more of the following violations exists, the board shall initiate a proceeding in accordance with subsection D of this section:

1. Spill prevention equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

2. Overfill protection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

3. Release detection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly or is disabled or a release detection method is not being performed as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60;

4. Corrosion protection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

5. Secondary containment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50, 9VAC25-580-60, or 9VAC25-580-150 or is disabled; or

6. The board has reason to believe that an UST system is leaking and the owner or operator has failed to initiate and complete the investigation and confirmation requirements of 9VAC25-580-190 through, 9VAC25-580-200, and 9VAC25-580-210.

C. For purposes of subsection B of this section, spill prevention, overfill prevention, corrosion protection, release detection, or secondary containment equipment that is not verifiable as installed is not installed.

D. The board shall provide written notice to the owner and operator pursuant to subdivision G 1 of this section that it will conduct an informal fact finding pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether the underground storage tank(s) tank shall be ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance. The fact finding shall be scheduled as soon as practicable after the notice, and within 10 business days in any event. Upon a finding to impose delivery prohibition, the board shall affix a tag to the fill pipe of the underground storage tank(s) tank prohibiting delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance.

E. When the board issues a notice of alleged violation based on an inspection or other information that provides reason to believe a UST system is not in compliance with the requirements of "part" II (9VAC25-580-50 et seq.), III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.), or IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.), or X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter not listed in subsection B of this section, the requirements of 9VAC25-580-240 through 9VAC25-580-280, or the requirements of 9VAC25-590 (Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements), and the owner or operator fails to comply with the notice of alleged violation within the time prescribed by the board, the board may proceed in accordance with subsection D of this section.

F. The board may classify all underground storage tanks containing petroleum or any other regulated substance at a facility as ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance if one or more underground storage tanks at the facility has been classified as ineligible for more than 90 days and the ineligible underground storage tank(s) tank has neither been closed in accordance with 9VAC25-580-310 or 9VAC25-580-320 nor returned to compliance. The board shall provide written notice to the owner and operator pursuant to subdivision G 1 of this section that it will conduct an informal fact finding pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether all the underground storage tanks shall be ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance. The fact finding shall be scheduled as soon as practicable after the notice, and within 10 business days in any event.

G. Notice.

1. The board shall provide written notice of an informal fact finding to consider delivery prohibition to the owner and operator. The notice shall meet the requirements of § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. The notice shall further advise the owner and operator of the possibility of a special order pursuant to subsection I of this section.

2. The presence of the delivery prohibition tag on the fill pipe of an ineligible underground storage tank shall be sufficient notice to any person, including the owner, the operator, and product deliverers, that the underground storage tank is ineligible for delivery or deposit. The board may use other methods in addition to the delivery prohibition tag to provide notice to product deliverers.

H. An owner or operator shall notify the board in writing once an ineligible underground storage tank has been returned to compliance and provide a written report detailing all actions that have been taken to return the UST system to compliance, as well as supporting evidence such as test reports, invoices, receipts, inventory records, etc. As soon as practicable after confirming that the underground storage tank is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or 9VAC25-590, or both, but in no event later than two business days, the board shall remove or authorize the owner or operator, in writing, to remove the delivery prohibition tag.

I. If the board determines that a violation exists that warrants the imposition of delivery prohibition, the board may further consider whether the threat posed by the violation is outweighed by the need for fuel from the underground storage tank(s) tank in question to meet an emergency situation or the need for availability of or access to motor fuel in any rural and remote area. If the board finds that such a condition outweighs the immediate risk of the violation, the board may defer imposition of delivery prohibition for up to 180 days. In every such case the director shall consider (i) issuing a special order under the authority of subdivision 10 9 of § 10.1-1186 of the Code of Virginia prescribing a prompt schedule for abating the violation and (ii) imposing a civil penalty.

J. The board may temporarily authorize an owner or operator to accept delivery into an ineligible underground storage tank(s) tank if such activity is necessary to test or calibrate the underground storage tank(s) tank or dispenser system.

K. Nothing in this section shall prevent the board or the director from exercising any other enforcement authority including, without limitation, their authority to issue emergency orders and their authority to seek injunctive relief.

APPENDIX I. VIRGINIA UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK NOTIFICATION FORMS. (Repealed.)

Notification for Underground Storage Tanks, EPA Form (50 FR 46602).

APPENDIX II. STATEMENT FOR SHIPPING TICKETS AND INVOICES. (Repealed.)

A Federal law (the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended (Pub.L. 98-616)) requires owners of certain underground storage tanks to notify designated state or local agencies by May 8, 1986, of the existence of their tanks. Notifications for tanks brought into use after May 8, 1986, must be made within 30 days. Consult EPA's regulations, issued on November 8, 1985, (40 CFR "part" 280) to determine if you are affected by this law.

"part" X
UST Systems with Field-Constructed Tanks and Airport Hydrant Fuel Distribution Systems

9VAC25-580-380. General requirements.

A. Implementation of requirements. Owners and operators must comply with the requirements of this "part" for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems as follows:

1. For UST systems installed before (insert effective date of amendment) the requirements are effective according to the following schedule:

	Requirement	Effective Date
	Upgrading UST systems; general operating requirements; and operator training	(insert date three years after effective date of amendment)
	Release detection	(insert date three years after effective date of amendment)
	Release reporting, response, and investigation; closure; financial responsibility and notification (except as provided in subsection B of this section)	(insert effective date of amendment)

2. For UST systems installed on or after (insert effective date of amendment), the requirements apply at installation.

B. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), all owners of previously deferred UST systems must submit a one-time notice of tank system existence to the board, using the UST Notification Form. Owners and operators of UST systems in use as of (insert effective date of amendment) must demonstrate financial responsibility at the time of submission of the notification form.

C. Except as provided in 9VAC25-580-390, owners and operators must comply with the requirements of "part"s I (9VAC25-580-10 et seq.) through VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) and IX (9VAC25-580-370 et seq.) of this chapter and 9VAC25-590.

D. In addition to the codes of practice listed in 9VAC25-580-50, owners and operators may use military construction criteria, such as Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 3-460-01, Petroleum Fuel Facilities, when designing, constructing, and installing airport hydrant systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks.

9VAC25-580-390. Additions, exceptions, and alternatives for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems.

A. Exception to piping secondary containment requirements. Owners and operators may use single walled piping when installing or replacing piping associated with UST systems with field-constructed tanks greater than 50,000 gallons and piping associated with airport hydrant systems. Piping associated with UST systems with field-constructed tanks less than or equal to 50,000 gallons not "part" of an airport hydrant system must meet the secondary containment requirement when installed or replaced.

B. Upgrade requirements. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), airport hydrant systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks where installation commenced before (insert effective date of amendment) must meet the following requirements or be permanently closed pursuant to "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter.

1. Corrosion protection. UST system components in contact with the ground that routinely contain regulated substances must meet one of the following:

a. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, the new UST system performance standards for tanks at subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-50 and for piping at subdivision 2 at 9VAC25-580-50; or

b. Be constructed of metal and cathodically protected according to a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and meets the following:

(1) Cathodic protection must meet the requirements of subdivisions 1 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50 for tanks and subdivisions 2 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50 for piping.

(2) Tanks older than 10 years without cathodic protection must be assessed to ensure the tank is structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to adding cathodic protection. The assessment must be by internal inspection or another method determined by the board to adequately assess the tank for structural soundness and corrosion holes.

Note: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subsection B of this section:

(a) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection;

(b) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(c) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, Chapter C, Internal Inspection of Steel Tanks for Retrofit of Cathodic Protection; or

(d) American Society for Testing and Materials Standard G158, Standard Guide for Three Methods of Assessing Buried Steel Tanks.

2. Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, all UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems must comply with new UST system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements specified in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-50.

C. Walkthrough inspections. In addition to the walkthrough inspection requirements in 9VCA25-580-85, owners and operators must inspect the following additional areas for airport hydrant systems at least once every 30 days if confined space entry according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (see 29 CFR "part" 1910) is not required or at least annually if confined space entry is required and keep documentation of the inspection according to 9VAC25-580-85 B.

1. Hydrant pits – visually check for any damage, remove any liquid or debris, and check for any leaks; and

2. Hydrant piping vaults – check for any hydrant piping leaks.

D. Release detection. Owners and operators of UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems must begin meeting the release detection requirements described in this "part" not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment).

1. Methods of release detection for field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems. Owners and operators of shop fabricated USTs that are "part" of airport hydrant systems and field-constructed tanks with a capacity less than or equal to 50,000 gallons must meet the release detection requirements in "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter. Owners and operators of field-constructed tanks with a capacity greater than 50,000 gallons must meet either the requirements in "part" IV of this chapter (except subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be combined with inventory control as stated in this subdivision) or use one or a combination of the following alternative methods of release detection:

a. Conduct an annual tank tightness test that can detect a 0.5 gallon per hour leak rate;

b. Use an automatic tank gauging system to perform release detection at least every 30 days that can detect a leak rate less than or equal to one gallon per hour. This method must be combined with a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate performed at least every three years;

c. Use an automatic tank gauging system to perform release detection at least every 30 days that can detect a leak rate less than or equal to two gallons per hour. This method must be combined with a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate performed at least every two years;

d. Perform vapor monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-160 for a tracer compound placed in the tank system) capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years;

e. Perform inventory control (conducted in accordance with De"part"ment of Defense Directive 4140.25, ATA Airport Fuel Facility Operations and Maintenance Guidance Manual, or equivalent procedures) at least every 30 days that can detect a leak equal to or less than 0.5% of flow-through; and

(1) Perform a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.5 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years; or

(2) Perform vapor monitoring or groundwater monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 or 6 of 9VAC25-580-160, respectively, for the stored regulated substance) at least every 30 days; or

f. Another method approved by the board if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions D 1 a through D 1 e of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability of detection.

2. Methods of release detection for piping. Owners and operators of underground piping associated with field-constructed tanks less than or equal to 50,000 gallons must meet the release detection requirements in "part" IV of this chapter. Owners and operators of underground piping associated with airport hydrant systems and field-constructed tanks greater than 50,000 gallons must follow either the requirements in "part" IV (except subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be combined with inventory control as stated in this subdivision) or use one or a combination of the following alternative methods of release detection:

a. (1) Perform a semiannual or annual line tightness test at or above the piping operating pressure in accordance with the following table:

	Maximum Leak Detection Rate Per Test Section Volume
	Test Section Volume (Gallons)	Semiannual Test - Leak Detection Rate Not To Exceed (Gallons Per Hour)	Annual Test - Leak Detection Rate Not To Exceed (Gallons Per Hour)
	< 50,000	1.0	0.5
	≥ 50,000 to < 75,000	1.5	0.75
	≥ 75,000 to < 100,000	2.0	1.0
	≥ 100,000	3.0	1.5

(2) Piping segment volumes equal to or greater than 100,000 gallons not capable of meeting the maximum 3.0 gallons per hour leak rate for the semiannual test may be tested at a leak rate up to 6.0 gallons per hour according to the following schedule:

	Phase in for Piping Segments ≥ 100,000 Gallons in Volume
	First test	Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment) (may use up to 6.0 gph leak rate)
	Second test	Between (insert date three years after effective date of rule) and (insert date six years after effective date of amendment) (may use up to 6.0 gph leak rate)
	Third test	Between (insert date six years after effective date of rule) and (insert date seven years after effective date of amendment) (must use 3.0 gph for leak rate)
	Subsequent tests	After (insert date seven years after effective date of amendment), begin using semiannual or annual line testing according to the Maximum Leak Detection Rate Per Test Section Volume table above

b. Perform vapor monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-160 for a tracer compound placed in the tank system) capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years;

c. Perform inventory control (conducted in accordance with De"part"ment of Defense Directive 4140.25, ATA Airport Fuel Facility Operations and Maintenance Guidance Manual, or equivalent procedures) at least every 30 days that can detect a leak equal to or less than 0.5% of flow-through; and

(1) Perform a line tightness test (conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 a of this subsection using the leak rates for the semiannual test) at least every two years; or

(2) Perform vapor monitoring or groundwater monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 or 6 of 9VAC25-580-160, respectively, for the stored regulated substance) at least every 30 days; or

d. Another method approved by the board if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions D 2 a, D 2 b, and D 2 c of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability of detection.

3. Recordkeeping for release detection. Owners and operators must maintain release detection records according to the recordkeeping requirements in 9VAC25-580-180.

E. Applicability of closure requirements to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the board, the owner and operator of an UST system with field-constructed tanks or airport hydrant system permanently closed before (effective date of rule) must assess the excavation zone and close the UST system in accordance with "part" VII of this chapter if releases from the UST may, in the judgment of the board, pose a current or potential threat to human health and the environment.

FORMS (9VAC25-580)

Notification for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), Virginia DEQ Water Form 7530–2 (rev. 01–03). 1/2003)

Notification Form, EPA Form (50FR 46602). 7530‑1 (rev. 6/2015), 80 CFR 41670

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (9VAC25-580)

"Standard for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Underground Storage Tanks for Petroleum Products." Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1316, Underwriters Laboratories.

"Standard for Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S615-M83.

"Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Society of Testing and Materials Standard D4021-86.

"Specification for STI-P3 System of External Corrosion Protection of Underground Steel Storage Tanks," Steel Tank Institute.

"Corrosion Protection System for Underground Storage Tanks," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 1746.

"Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S603-M85.

"Standard for Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Underground Tanks for Flammable Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-G03.1-M88.

"Isolating Bushings for Steel Underground Tanks Protected with Coatings and Galvanic Systems," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S641-M84.

"Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Standard RP-02-85.

"Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 58.

"Specification for the Fabrication of FRP Clad Underground Storage Tank," Association for Composite Tanks, ACT-100.

"UL Listed Non-Metal Pipe," Underwriters Laboratories, Subject 971.

"Pipe Connectors for Flammable and Combustible and LP Gas," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 567.

"Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Guide ULC-107.

"Flexible Underground Hose Connectors," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Standard CAN4-S633-M81.

"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code," National Fire Protection Association, Standard 30.

"Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 1632.

"Control of External Corrosion on Submerged Metallic Piping Systems," National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Standard RP-01-69.

"Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage System," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 1615.

"Recommended Practice for Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621.

National Fire Protection Association Publication 385.

"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code," National Fire Protection Association Standard 30.

"Storing and Handling Ethanol and Gasoline - Ethanol Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1626.

"Storage and Handling of Gasoline - Methanol/Cosolvent Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1627.

"Repairing Crude Oil, Liquified Petroleum Gas and Product Pipelines," American Petroleum Institute Publication 2200.

"Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel Underground Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1631.

"Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection," National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631.

"Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems," Petroleum Equipment Institute, Publication RP100.

"Petroleum Refinery Piping," American National Standards Institute, Standard B31.3.

"Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping System," American National Standards Institute, Standard B31.4.

NFPA 329.

"Standard for Dual Wall Underground Storage Tanks," Steel Tank Institute.

"Removal and Disposal of Used Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1604.

"Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 2015.

"Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Working in Confined Space," National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

9VAC25-590-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Accidental release" means any sudden or nonsudden release of petroleum arising from operating an underground storage tank that results in a need for corrective action or compensation for bodily injury or property damage, or both, neither expected nor intended by the tank owner or operator.

"Annual aggregate" means the maximum financial responsibility requirement that an owner or operator is required to demonstrate annually.

"Board" means the State Water Control Board.

"Bodily injury" means the death or injury of any person incident to an accidental release from a petroleum underground storage tank; but not including any death, disablement, or injuries covered by workers' compensation, disability benefits or unemployment compensation law or other similar law. Bodily injury may include payment of medical, hospital, surgical, and funeral expenses arising out of the death or injury of any person. This term shall not include those liabilities which, consistent with standard insurance industry practices, are excluded from coverage in liability insurance policies for bodily injury.

"Chief financial officer" in the case of local government owners and operators, means the individual with the overall authority and responsibility for the collection, disbursement, and use of funds by the local government.

"Controlling interest" means direct ownership of at least 50% of the voting stock of another entity.

"Corrective action" means all actions necessary to abate, contain and cleanup a release from an underground storage tank to mitigate the public health or environmental threat from such releases and to rehabilitate state waters in accordance with "part"s V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) and VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580, Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements. The term does not include those actions normally associated with closure or change in service as set out in "part" VII (9VAC25-580-320 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580 or the replacement of an underground storage tank.

"Facility" means any development or installation within the Commonwealth that deals in, stores or handles oil, and includes a pipeline.

"Financial reporting year" means the latest consecutive 12-month period for which any of the following reports used to support a financial test is prepared: (i) a 10 K report submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (ii) an annual report of tangible net worth submitted to Dun and Bradstreet; (iii) annual reports submitted to the Energy Information Administration or the Rural Utilities Service; or (iv) a year-end financial statement authorized under 9VAC25-590-60 B or C of this chapter. "Financial reporting year" may thus comprise a fiscal or calendar year period.

"Gallons of petroleum pumped" means either the amount pumped into or the amount pumped out of a petroleum underground storage tank.

"Group self-insurance pool" or "pool" means a pool organized by two or more owners and/or operators of underground storage tanks for the purpose of forming a group self-insurance pool in order to demonstrate financial responsibility as required by § 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia.

"Legal defense cost" means any expense that an owner or operator or provider of financial assurance incurs in defending against claims or actions brought (i) by the federal government or the board to require corrective action or to recover the costs of corrective action, or to collect civil penalties under federal or state law or to assert any claim on behalf of the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund; (ii) by or on behalf of a third "part"y for bodily injury or property damage caused by an accidental release; or (iii) by any person to enforce the terms of a financial assurance mechanism.

"Local government" means a municipality, county, town, commission, separately chartered and operated special district, school board, political subdivision of a state, or other special purpose government which provides essential services.

"Member" means an owner or operator of an underground storage tank who has entered into a member agreement and thereby becomes a member of a group self-insurance pool.

"Member agreement" means the written agreement executed between each member and the pool, which sets forth the conditions of membership in the pool, the obligations, if any, of each member to the other members, and the terms, coverages, limits, and deductibles of the pool plan.

"Occurrence" means an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to conditions, which results in a release from an underground storage tank.

NOTE: This definition is intended to assist in the understanding of this chapter and is not intended either to limit the meaning of "occurrence" in a way that conflicts with standard insurance usage or to prevent the use of other standard insurance terms in place of "occurrence."

"Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the UST system.

"Owner" means:

1. In the case of an UST system in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person who owns an UST system used for storage, use, or dispensing of regulated substances; and

2. In the case of any UST system in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in use on that date, any person who owned such UST immediately before the discontinuation of its use.

The term "owner" shall not include any person, who, without "part"icipating in the management of an underground storage tank or being otherwise engaged in petroleum production, refining, and marketing, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect the holder's security interest in the tank.

"Owner" or "operator," when the owner or operator are separate "part"ies, refers to the person that is obtaining or has obtained financial assurances.

"Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation, including a government corporation, "part"nership, association, any state or agency thereof, municipality, county, town, commission, political subdivision of a state, any interstate body, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, the government of the United States or any unit or agency thereof.

"Petroleum" means petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (60°F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute).

"Petroleum marketing facilities" includes all facilities at which petroleum is produced or refined and all facilities from which petroleum is sold or transferred to other petroleum marketers or to the public.

"Petroleum marketing firms" means all firms owning petroleum marketing facilities. Firms owning other types of facilities with USTs as well as petroleum marketing facilities are considered to be petroleum marketing firms.

"Pool plan" means the plan of self-insurance offered by the pool to its members as specifically designated in the member agreement.

"Property damage" means the loss or destruction of, or damage to, the property of any third "part"y including any loss, damage or expense incident to an accidental release from a petroleum underground storage tank. This term shall not include those liabilities which, consistent with standard insurance industry practices, are excluded from coverage in liability insurance policies for property damage. However, such exclusions for property damage shall not include corrective action associated with releases from tanks which are covered by the policy.

"Provider of financial assurance" means a person that provides financial assurance to an owner or operator of an underground storage tank through one of the mechanisms listed in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250, including a guarantor, insurer, group self-insurance pool, surety, issuer of a letter of credit or certificate of deposit.

"Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing from an UST into ground water, surface water, or upon lands, subsurface soils or storm drain systems.

"Responsible person" means any person who is an owner or operator of an underground storage tank at the time the release is reported to the board.

"Substantial business relationship" means the extent of a business relationship necessary under Virginia law to make a guarantee contract issued incident to that relationship valid and enforceable. A guarantee contract is issued "incident to that relationship" if it arises from and depends on existing economic transactions between the guarantor and the owner or operator.

"Tangible net worth" means the tangible assets that remain after deducting liabilities; such assets do not include intangibles such as goodwill and rights to patents or royalties. For purposes of this definition, "assets" means all existing and all probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by a "part"icular entity as a result of past transactions.

"Termination" under Appendix III and Appendix IV means only those changes that could result in a gap in coverage as where the insured has not obtained substitute coverage or has obtained substitute coverage with a different retroactive date than the retroactive date of the original policy.

"Underground storage tank" or "UST" means any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which (including the volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground. This term does not include any:

1. Farm or residential tank of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes;

2. Tank used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored;

3. Septic tank;

4. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under:

a. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 USC App. 1671, et seq.),

b. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 USC App. 2001, et seq.), or

c. Which is an intrastate pipeline facility regulated under state laws comparable to the provisions of the law referred to in subdivision 4 a or 4 b of this definition;

5. Surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon;

6. Stormwater or wastewater collection system;

7. Flow-through process tank;

8. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or

9. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as a basement, cellar, mineworking, drift, shaft, or tunnel) if the storage tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.

The term "underground storage tank" or "UST" does not include any pipes connected to any tank which is described in subdivisions 1 through 9 of this definition.

"UST system" or "tank system" means an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any.

"9VAC25-580" means the Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements regulation promulgated by the board.

9VAC25-590-15. Applicability of incorporated references based on the dates that they became effective.

Except as noted, when a regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is referenced or adopted in this chapter and incorporated by reference, that regulation shall be as it exists and has been published as of July 1, 2016.

9VAC25-590-20. Applicability.

A. This chapter applies to owners and operators of all petroleum UST systems regulated under 9VAC25-580, except as otherwise provided in this section and 9VAC25-590-210.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems are subject to these requirements if they are in operation on or after the date for compliance established in accordance with 9VAC25-590-30.

C. State and federal government entities whose debts and liabilities are the debts and liabilities of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States have the requisite financial strength and stability to fulfill their financial assurance requirements and are relieved of the requirements to further demonstrate an ability to provide financial responsibility under this chapter.

D. The requirements of this chapter do not apply to owners and operators of any UST system described in 9VAC25-580-20 B or C, 9VAC25-580-20 C 1, C 3, or C 4.

E. If the owner and operator of a petroleum underground storage tank are separate persons, only one person is required to demonstrate financial responsibility; however, both "part"ies are liable in event of noncompliance.

9VAC25-590-30. Compliance dates.

Owners of petroleum underground storage tanks are required to must comply with the requirements of this chapter by the following dates:. Previously deferred UST systems must comply with the requirements of this chapter according to the schedule in 9VAC25-580-380.

1. All petroleum marketing firms owning 1,000 or more USTs and all other UST owners that report a tangible net worth of $20 million or more to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dun and Bradstreet, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service: January 24, 1989; except that compliance for owners and operators using the mechanisms specified in 9VAC25-590-70 or 9VAC25-590-90 is required by July 24, 1989.

2. All petroleum marketing firms owning 100-999 USTs: October 26, 1989;

3. All petroleum marketing firms owning 13-99 USTs at more than one facility: April 26, 1991;

4. All petroleum UST owners not described in subdivision 1, 2, or 3 of this section, excluding local government entities: December 31, 1993;

5. All local government entities (including Indian tribes) not included in subdivision 6 of this section: February 18, 1994; or

6. Indian tribes that own USTs on Indian lands which meet the applicable technical requirements of 9VAC25-580: December 31, 1998.

9VAC25-590-40. Amount and scope of financial responsibility requirement.

A. Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks shall demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks at least in the following per-occurrence amounts:

1. For owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks that are located at petroleum marketing facilities, or that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum per month based on annual throughput for the previous calendar year; $1 million.

2. For all other owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks; $500,000.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tanks shall demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following annual aggregate amounts:

1. For owners and operators of 1 to 100 petroleum underground storage tanks, $1 million; and

2. For owners and operators of 101 or more petroleum underground storage tanks, $2 million.

C. Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tanks may use the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund in combination with one or more of the mechanisms specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250 to satisfy the financial responsibility as required by this section. The fund may be used to demonstrate financial responsibility for the owner or operator in excess of the amounts specified in 9VAC25-590-210 C 1 up to the per occurrence and annual aggregate requirements specified in this section for both taking corrective action and compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases from petroleum underground storage tanks.

D. Owners and operators who demonstrate financial responsibility shall maintain copies of those records on which the determination is based. The following documents may be used for purposes of demonstrating financial responsibility by owners or operators to support a financial responsibility requirement determination:

1. Copies of invoices from petroleum suppliers which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped into all underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

2. Copies of disposal or recycling receipts which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped out of all underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

3. Letters from petroleum suppliers or disposal or recycling firms on the supplier's, disposer's or recycler's letterhead, which are signed by the appropriate financial officer and which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped into or out of all of the owner's or operator's underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

4. Any other form of documentation which the board may deem to be acceptable evidence to support the financial responsibility requirement determination.

E. For the purposes of this section, "a petroleum underground storage tank" means a single containment unit and does not mean combinations of single containment units.

F. If the owner or operator uses separate mechanisms or separate combinations of mechanisms to demonstrate financial responsibility for: (i) taking corrective action; (ii) compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden accidental releases; or (iii) compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by nonsudden accidental releases, the amount of assurance provided by each mechanism or combination of mechanisms shall be in the full amount specified in subsection subsections A and B of this section.

G. If an owner or operator uses separate mechanisms or separate combinations of mechanisms to demonstrate financial responsibility for different petroleum underground storage tanks, the annual aggregate required for each mechanism shall be the amount specified in subsection B of this section.

H. If assurance is being demonstrated by a combination of mechanisms, the owner or operator shall demonstrate financial responsibility in the appropriate amount of annual aggregate assurance specified in subsection B of this section, by the first-occurring effective date anniversary of any one of the mechanisms combined (other than a financial test or guarantee) to provide assurance.

I. The amounts of assurance required under this section exclude legal defense costs.

J. The required per-occurrence and annual aggregate coverage amounts do not in any way limit the liability of the owner or operator.

9VAC25-590-60. Financial test of self-insurance.

A. An owner or operator and/or guarantor, may satisfy the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40 by passing a financial test as specified in this section. To pass the financial test of self-insurance, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall meet the requirements of subsection B or C and subsection D of this section based on year-end financial statements for the latest completed financial reporting year.

B. 1. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a tangible net worth at least equal to the total of:

a. The applicable aggregate financial responsibility amount required by 9VAC25-590-40 B for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility, except as provided in 9VAC25-590-210; and

b. The aggregate aboveground storage tank financial responsibility amount required under 9VAC25-640, for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility.

2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall also have a tangible net worth of at least 10 times:

a. The sum of the corrective action cost estimates, the current closure and postclosure care cost estimates, and amount of liability coverage for which a financial test for self-insurance is used in each state of business operations to demonstrate financial responsibility to the EPA under 40 CFR §§ 264.101(b), 264.143, 264.145, 265.143, 265.145, 264.147, and 265.147 (1997), to another state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 271 (1997) or the Virginia Waste Management Board under 40 CFR 264.143, 264.145 and 264.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-264) and 40 CFR 265.143, 265.145 and 265.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-265) of the Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations; and

b. The sum of current plugging and abandonment cost estimates for which a financial test for self-insurance is used in each state of business operations to demonstrate financial responsibility to EPA under 40 CFR 144.63 (1997) or to a state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 (1997) (Underground Injection Control Program).

3. The owner or operator, and/or guarantor shall comply with either subdivision a or b below of this subdivision:

a. (1) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall be examined by an independent certified public accountant and be accompanied by the accountant's report of the examination; and

(2) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

b. (1) (a) File financial statements annually with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service; or

(b) Report annually the tangible net worth of the owner or operator and/or guarantor to Dun and Bradstreet, and Dun and Bradstreet shall have assigned a financial strength rating which at least equals the amount of financial responsibility required by the owner or operator under subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. Relevant Dun and Bradstreet ratings are as follows (current Dun and Bradstreet ratings will be used for demonstration requirements which exceed the annual aggregate amounts listed below):

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to 9,999,999); and

(2) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor, if, independently audited, cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

4. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a letter signed by the chief financial officer worded identically as specified in Appendix I/Alternative I or Appendix XI.

C. 1. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a tangible net worth at least equal to the total of:

a. The applicable aggregate amount required by 9VAC25-590-40 B for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility, except as provided in 9VAC25-590-210; and

b. The aggregate aboveground storage tank financial responsibility amount required under 9VAC25-640 for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility.

2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall also have a tangible net worth of at least six times:

a. The financial test requirements for self insurance of the corrective action cost estimates, the current closure and post-closure care cost estimates, and amount of liability coverage in each state of business operations to the EPA under 40 CFR 264.101(b), 264.143, 264.145, 265.143, 265.145, 264.147, and 265.147 (1997), to another state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 271 (1997) or the Virginia Waste Management Board under 40 CFR 264.143, 264.145 and 264.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-264) and 40 CFR 265.143, 265.145, and 265.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-265) of the Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations; and

b. The financial test requirements for self-insurance of current plugging and abandonment cost estimates in each state of business operations to EPA under 40 CFR 144.63 (1997) or to a state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 (1997) (Underground Injection Control Program).

3. The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall be examined by an independent certified public accountant and be accompanied by the accountant's report of the examination.

4. The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

5. If the financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor are not submitted annually to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Energy Information Administration or the Rural Utilities Service, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall obtain a special report by an independent certified public accountant stating that:

a. The accountant has compared the data that the letter from the chief financial officer specified as having been derived from the latest financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor with the amounts in such financial statements; and

b. In connection with that comparison, no matters came to the accountant's attention which caused him to believe that the specified data should be adjusted.

6. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a letter signed by the chief financial officer, worded identically as specified in Appendix I/Alternative II or Appendix XI.

D. To meet the financial demonstration test under subsection B or C of this section, the chief financial officer of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall sign, within 120 days of the close of each financial reporting year, as defined by the 12-month period for which financial statements used to support the financial test are prepared, a letter worded identically as specified in Appendix I with the appropriate alternative or Appendix XI, except that the instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

E. If an owner or operator using the financial test to provide financial assurance finds that he no longer meets the requirements of the financial test based on the financial reporting year-end financial statements, the owner or operator shall obtain alternative coverage within 150 days of the end of the year for which financial statements have been prepared.

F. The board may require reports of financial condition at any time from the owner or operator and/or guarantor. If the board finds, on the basis of such reports or other information, that the owner or operator and/or guarantor no longer meets the financial test requirements of subsection B or C and subsection D of this section, the owner or operator shall obtain alternate coverage within 30 days after notification of such finding.

G. If the owner or operator fails to obtain alternate assurance within 150 days of finding that he no longer meets the requirements of the financial test based on the financial reporting year-end financial statements, or within 30 days of notification by the board that he or she no longer meets the requirements of the financial test, the owner or operator shall notify the board of such failure within 10 days.

9VAC25-590-160. Recordkeeping.

A. Owners or operators shall maintain evidence of all financial assurance mechanisms used to demonstrate financial responsibility under this chapter for an underground storage tank until released from the requirements of this chapter under 9VAC25-590-180. An owner or operator shall maintain such evidence at the underground storage tank site or the owner's or operator's place of work in this Commonwealth. Records maintained off-site shall be made available upon request of the board.

B. Owners or operators shall maintain the following types of evidence of financial responsibility:

1. An owner or operator using an assurance mechanism specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of the instrument worded as specified.

2. An owner or operator using a financial test or guarantee, or a local government financial test or a local government guarantee supported by the local government financial test, shall maintain a copy of the chief financial officer's letter based on year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year. Such evidence shall be on file no later than 120 days after the close of the financial reporting year.

3. A local government owner or operator using the local government bond rating test under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of its bond rating published within the last 12 months by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.

4. A local government owner or operator using the local government guarantee under 9VAC25-590-250, where the guarantor's demonstration of financial responsibility relies on the bond rating test under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of the guarantor's bond rating published within the last 12 months by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.

5. An owner or operator using an insurance policy or group self-insurance pool coverage shall maintain a copy of the signed insurance policy or group self-insurance pool plan and membership agreement, with the endorsement or certificate of insurance and any amendments to the agreements.

6. An owner or operator using a local government fund under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain the following documents:

a. A copy of the state constitutional provision or local government statute, charter, ordinance or order dedicating the fund; and

b. Year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year showing the amount in the fund. If the fund is established under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3) (1997) 40 CFR 280.107(c) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250) using incremental funding backed by bonding authority, the financial statements shall show the previous year's balance, the amount of funding during the year, and the closing balance in the fund.

If the fund is established under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3) (1997) 40 CFR 280.107(c) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250) using incremental funding backed by bonding authority, the owner or operator shall also maintain documentation of the required bonding authority, including either the results of a voter referendum (under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3)(i) (1997)) 40 CFR 280.107(c)(1)) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250), or attestation by the Virginia Attorney General as specified under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3)(ii) (1997)) 40 CFR 280.107(c)(2) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250).

7. A local government owner or operator using the local government guarantee supported by the local government fund shall maintain a copy of the guarantor's year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year showing the amount of the fund.

8. a. An owner or operator using an assurance mechanism specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110, 9VAC25-590-210, or 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain an updated copy of a certification of financial responsibility worded identically as specified in Appendix IX, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

b. The owner or operator shall update this certification whenever the financial assurance mechanism or mechanisms used to demonstrate financial responsibility changes.

9VAC25-590-170. Drawing on financial assurance mechanism.

A. Except as specified in subsection D of this section, the board may shall require the guarantor, surety, or institution issuing a letter of credit or certificate of deposit to pay to the board an amount up to the limit of funds provided by the financial assurance mechanism if:

1. The owner or operator fails to establish alternate financial assurance within 60 days after receiving notice of cancellation of the guarantee, surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit; or

2. The conditions of subsection B of this section are satisfied.

B. The board shall deposit the financial assurance funds forfeited pursuant to subsection A of this section into the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund. The board may use the financial responsibility funds obtained pursuant to subsection A of this section to conduct corrective action or to pay a third "part"y claim when:

1. The board makes a final determination that a release has occurred and immediate or long-term corrective action for the release is needed, and the owner or operator, after appropriate notice and opportunity to comply, has not conducted corrective action as required under "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of 9VAC25-580; or

2. The board has received either:

a. Certification from the owner or operator and the third "part"y liability claimant or claimants and from attorneys representing the owner or operator and the third "part"y liability claimant or claimants that a third "part"y liability claim should be paid. The certification shall be worded identically as specified in Appendix X, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted; or

b. A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the owner or operator for bodily injury or property damage caused by an accidental release from an underground storage tank covered by financial assurance under this chapter and the board determines that the owner or operator has not satisfied the judgment.

C. If the board determines that the amount of corrective action costs and third "part"y liability claims eligible for payment under subsection B of this section may exceed the obligation of the provider of financial assurance, the first priority for payment shall be corrective action costs necessary to protect human health and the environment. The board shall direct payment of the financial responsibility funds for third "part"y liability claims in the order in which the board receives certifications under subdivision B 2 a of this section and valid court orders under subdivision B 2 b of this section.

D. A local government acting as guarantor under 40 CFR 280.106(e) (1997) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250), the local government guarantee without standby trust, shall make payments as directed by the board under the circumstances described in subsection A, B or C of this section.

9VAC25-590-180. Release from the requirements.

An owner or operator is no longer required to maintain financial responsibility under this chapter for an underground storage tank after the tank has been properly permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service to an unregulated use properly completed or, if corrective action is required, after corrective action has been completed and the tank has been properly permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service as required by "part" VII (9VAC25-580-320 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580 9VAC25-580.

9VAC25-590-190. Bankruptcy or other incapacity of owner, operator or provider of financial assurance.

A. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming an owner or operator as debtor, the owner or operator shall notify the board by certified mail of such commencement and submit the appropriate forms listed in 9VAC25-590-160 B documenting current financial responsibility.

B. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a guarantor providing financial assurance as debtor, such guarantor shall notify the owner or operator and the board by certified mail of such commencement as required under the terms of the guarantee specified in 9VAC25-590-70.

C. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a local government owner or operator as debtor, the local government owner or operator shall notify the board by certified mail of such commencement and submit the appropriate forms listed in 9VAC25-590-160 B documenting current financial responsibility.

D. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a guarantor providing a local government financial assurance as debtor, such guarantor shall notify the local government owner or operator and the board by certified mail of such commencement as required under the terms of the guarantee specified in 40 CFR 280.106 (1997) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250).

E. An owner or operator that obtains financial assurance by a mechanism other than the financial test of self-insurance will be deemed to be without the required financial assurance in the event of a bankruptcy or incapacity of its provider of financial assurance, or a suspension or revocation of the authority of the provider of financial assurance to issue a guarantee, insurance policy, group self-insurance pool plan, surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit. The owner or operator shall obtain alternate financial assurance as specified in this regulation within 30 days after receiving notice of such an event. If the owner or operator does not obtain alternate coverage within 30 days after such notification, he shall immediately notify the board in writing.

F. Within 30 days after receipt of written notification that the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund has become incapable of covering assured corrective action or third "part"y compensation costs, the owner or operator shall obtain alternate financial assurance in accordance with 9VAC25-590-40.

9VAC25-590-240. Lender liability.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on lender liability contained in the Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) (40 CFR 280.200 through 280.230 (1997))) are incorporated by reference into this chapter as amended by the word or phrase substitutions given in 9VAC25-590-260.

9VAC25-590-250. Local government financial responsibility demonstration.

A. Except as otherwise provided, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on local government financial responsibility demonstration contained in the Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) (40 CFR 280.104 through 280.107 (1997))) are incorporated by reference into this chapter as amended by the word or phrase substitutions given in 9VAC25-590-260.

B. A local government demonstrating financial responsibility pursuant to 40 CFR 280.106 shall demonstrate using the guarantee arrangement entitled "Local Government Guarantee Without Standby Trust Made by a Local Government."

9VAC25-590-260. Word or phrase substitutions Modifications to language incorporated by reference.

In 9VAC25-590-240 and 9VAC25-590-250, the following substitutions apply:

1. All terms which are defined in 9VAC25-590-10 shall be given the definition contained in 9VAC25-590-10;

2. a. Director of the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality for director of the implementing agency;

b. De"part"ment of Environmental Quality for the implementing agency;

c. UST preventative and operating requirements under 9VAC25-580 for UST technical standards;

d. 9VAC25-580 and 9VAC25-590 for 40 CFR "part" 280 (1997);

e. 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300 for 40 CFR "part" 280, Sub"part" F (1997);

f. 9VAC25-590 for 40 CFR "part" 280, Sub"part" H (1997);

g. 9VAC25-580-50 for 40 CFR 280.20;

h. 9VAC25-580-60 for 40 CFR 280.21;

i. 9VAC25-580-70 for 40 CFR 280.22 (1997) 9VAC25-580-90 for 40 CFR 280.31;

j. 9VAC25-580-90 for 40 CFR 280.31 9VAC25-580-190 for 40 CFR 280.50;

k. 9VAC25-580-200 through 9VAC25-580-300 for 40 CFR 280.51 through 280.67;

l. 9VAC25-580-310 for 40 CFR 280.70;

m. 9VAC25-580-320 through 9VAC25-580-350 for 40 CFR 280.71 through 280.74;

n. 9VAC25-580-330 for 40 CFR 280.72;

o. 9VAC25-590-20 9VAC25-590-10 through 9VAC25-590-160 for 40 CFR 280.90 through 280.111;

p. 9VAC25-590-40 for 40 CFR 280.93;

q. 9VAC25-590-170 for 40 CFR 280.112 (1997); and

r. 9VAC25-590-190 for 40 CFR 280.114.

APPENDIX I. LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

[NOTE: Owners or operators demonstrating financial responsibility using the financial test who do not also own or operate hazardous waste facilities or underground injection wells are eligible to use Appendix XI (Letter from Chief Financial Officer—Short Form) instead of Appendix I.]

I am the chief financial officer of [insert name and address of the owner or operator or guarantor]. This letter is in support of the use of [insert "the financial test of self-insurance," and/or "Guarantee"] to demonstrate financial responsibility for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by [insert "sudden accidental releases" and/or or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] in the amount of at least [insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence and [insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence and [insert dollar amount] annual aggregate arising from operating (an) underground storage tank(s).

Underground storage tanks at the following facilities are assured by this financial test by this [insert "owner or operator," and/or "guarantor"]: [List for each facility the name and address of the facility where tanks assured by this financial test are located, and whether tanks are assured by this financial test. If separate mechanisms or combinations of mechanisms are being used to assure any of the tanks at this facility, list each tank assured by this financial test by the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks; Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements)].

A [insert "financial test," and/or "guarantee"] is also used by this [insert "owner or operator" or "guarantor"] to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in the following amounts under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part"s 271 and 145 (1997):

EPA Regulation for each state of business operations (specify state):

		Amount
	Closure (Sections 264.143 and 265.143)	$_____
	Post Closure Care (Sections 264.145 and 265.145)	$_____
	Liability Coverage (Sections 264.147 and 265.147)	$_____
	Corrective Action (Section 264.101(b))	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment (Section 144.63)	$_____
	Other State Programs (specify state):
	Closure	$_____
	Post-Closure Care	$_____
	Liability Coverage	$_____
	Corrective Action	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment	$_____
	Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations:
	Closure (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265 C)	$_____
	Post-Closure Care (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265)	$_____
	Liability Coverage (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265)	$_____
	Corrective Action (9VAC20-60-264)	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment (40 CFR Section 144.63) (1997)	$_____
	TOTAL	$_____

This [insert "owner or operator," or "guarantor"] has not received an adverse opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification from an independent auditor on his financial statements for the latest completed fiscal year.

[Fill in the information for Alternative I if the criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B are being used to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements. Fill in the information for Alternative II if the criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 C are being used to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements.]

ALTERNATIVE I

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee....................$__________

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee pursuant to 9VAC25-640....................$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)....................$__________

4. Amount of corrective action, closure and post-closure care costs, liability coverage, [and] plugging and abandonment costs covered by a financial test, and/or guarantee under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 or 271 (1997)....................$__________

5. Sum of lines 3 and 4....................$__________

6. Total tangible assets....................$__________

7. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 5 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 8]....................$__________

8. Tangible net worth [subtract line 7 from line 6]....................$__________

9. Is line 8 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes.... No.....

10. Is line 8 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 10 times line 4? Yes.... No....

11. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission? Yes.... No....

12. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Energy Information Administration? Yes.... No....

13. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Rural Utilities Service? Yes.... No....

14. Has financial information been provided to Dun and Bradstreet, and has Dun and Bradstreet provided a financial strength rating at least equal to the total amount of annual aggregate coverage being assured as entered on line 5, according to the table below?

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to 9,999,999)

[Answer "Yes" only if both criteria have been met.]
Yes.... No....

15. If you did not answer yes to one of lines 11 through 14, please attach a report from an independent-certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 6 through 10 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.

ALTERNATIVE II

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee.

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee pursuant to 9VAC25-640....................$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)....................$__________

4. Amount of corrective action closure and post-closure care costs, liability coverage, [and] plugging and abandonment costs covered by a financial test, and/or guarantee under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part"s 271 or 145....................$__________

5. Sum of lines 3 and 4....................$__________

6. Total tangible assets....................$__________

7. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 5 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 8]....................$__________

8. Tangible net worth [subtract line 7 from line 6]....................$__________

9. Total assets in the U.S. [required only if less than 90% of assets are located in the U.S.]....................$__________

10. Is line 8 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes___ No___

11. Is line 8 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

12. Are at least 90% of assets located in the U.S.? [If "No," complete line 13.] Yes___ No___

13. Is line 9 at least equal to the sum of line 1 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

[Fill in either lines 14-17 or lines 18-20:]

14. Current assets....................$__________

15. Current liabilities....................$__________

16. Net working capital subtract line 15 from line 14....................$__________

17. Is line 16 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

18. Current bond rating of most recent bond issue?____________

19. Name of rating service____________

20. Date of maturity of bond____________

21. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the SEC, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service? Yes___ No___

[If "no," please attach a report from an independent certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 6-20 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.]

[For Alternatives I and II complete the certification with this statement.]

I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in Appendix I of this chapter 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature]

[Name]

[Title]

[Date]

APPENDIX II. GUARANTEE.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity], a business entity organized under the laws of the state of [insert name of state], herein referred to as guarantor, to the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to any and all third "part"ies, and obligees, on behalf of [owner or operator] of [business address].

Recitals.

(1) Guarantor meets or exceeds the financial test criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B or C and D of Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements, 9VAC25-590, and agrees to comply with the requirements for guarantors as specified in 9VAC25-590-70 B.

(2) [Owner or operator] owns or operates the following underground storage tank(s) covered by this guarantee: [List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility]. This guarantee satisfies this chapter's requirements for assuring funding for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" [if coverage is different for different tanks or locations, indicate the type of coverage applicable to each tank or location] arising from operating the above-identified underground storage tank(s) in the amount of [insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, [insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and [insert dollar amount] annual aggregate.

(3) [Insert appropriate phrase: "On behalf of our subsidiary" (if guarantor is corporate parent of the owner or operator); "On behalf of our affiliate" (if guarantor is a related firm of the owner or operator); or "Incident to our business relationship with" (if guarantor is providing the guarantee as an incident to a substantial business relationship with owner or operator)] [owner or operator], guarantor guarantees to the State Water Control Board and to any and all third "part"ies that:

In the event that [owner or operator] fails to provide alternate coverage within 60 days after receipt of a notice of cancellation of this guarantee and the State Water Control Board has determined or suspects that a release has occurred at an underground storage tank covered by this guarantee, the guarantor, upon instructions from the State Water Control Board, shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170, in an amount not to exceed the coverage limits specified above.

In the event that the State Water Control Board determines that [owner or operator] has failed to perform corrective action for releases arising out of the operation of the above-identified tank(s) in accordance with 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), the guarantor upon written instructions from the State Water Control Board shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170, in an amount not to exceed the coverage limits specified above.

If [owner or operator] fails to satisfy a judgment or award based on a determination of liability for bodily injury or property damage to third "part"ies caused by ["sudden" and/or "nonsudden"] accidental releases arising from the operation of the above-identified tank(s), or fails to pay an amount agreed to in settlement of a claim arising from or alleged to arise from such injury or damage, the guarantor, upon written instructions from the State Water Control Board, shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170 to satisfy such judgment(s), award(s), or settlement agreement(s) up to the limits of coverage specified above.

(4) Guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before cancellation of this guarantee, the guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B or C and D, guarantor shall send within 120 days of such failure, by certified mail, notice to [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board. The guarantee will terminate 120 days from the date of receipt of the notice by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipts.

(5) Guarantor agrees to notify [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board by certified mail of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming guarantor as debtor, within 10 days after commencement of the proceeding.

(6) Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee notwithstanding any modification or alteration of any obligation of [owner or operator] pursuant to 9VAC25-580 and 9VAC25-590.

(7) Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for so long as [owner or operator] shall must comply with the applicable financial responsibility requirements of 9VAC25-590 for the above-identified tank(s), except that guarantor may cancel this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, such cancellation to become effective no earlier than 120 days after receipt of such notice by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipt.

(8) The guarantor's obligation does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily damage or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

(9) Guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the State Water Control Board, by any or all third "part"ies, or by [owner or operator].

I hereby certify that the wording of this guarantee is identical to the wording specified in Appendix II of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the effective date shown immediately below.

Effective date:

[Name of guarantor]

[Authorized signature for guarantor]

[Name of person signing]

[Title of person signing]

Signature of witness or notary:

APPENDIX V. PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BOND.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Date bond executed:

Period of coverage:

Principal: [legal name and business address of owner or operator.]

Type of organization: [insert "individual," "joint venture," ""part"nership," or "corporation"]

State of incorporation (if applicable):

Surety(ies): [name(s) and business address(es)]

Scope of coverage: [List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility. List the coverage guaranteed by the bond: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" "arising from operating the underground storage tank"].

Penal sums of bond:

Corrective Action (per occurrence) $.....

Third "part"y Liability (per occurrence) $.....

Annual aggregate $.....

Surety's bond number:

Know all Persons by These Presents, that we, the principal and Surety(ies), hereto are firmly bound to the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the above penal sums for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns jointly and severally; provided that, where the Surety(ies) are corporations acting as co-sureties, we, the Sureties, bind ourselves in such sums jointly and severally only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each surety binds itself, jointly and severally with the Principal, for the payment of such sums only as is set forth opposite the name of such Surety, but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the full amount of the penal sums.

Whereas said Principal is required under § 62.1-44.34:8 through 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia, Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended, and under the Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Requirements Regulation (9VAC25-590), to provide financial assurance for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases";] [if coverage is different for different tanks or locations, indicate the type of coverage applicable to each tank or location] arising from operating the underground storage tanks identified above;

Now, therefore, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the Principal shall faithfully ["take corrective action, in accordance with "part" VI of 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300. (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements) and the State Water Control Board's instructions for," and/or "compensate injured third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden" and/or "nonsudden" or "sudden and nonsudden"] accidental releases arising from operating the tank(s) identified above, or if the Principal shall provide alternate financial assurance, as specified in 9VAC25-590, within 120 days after the date the notice of cancellation is received by the Principal from the Surety(ies), then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect.

Such obligation does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

The Surety(ies) shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the Principal has failed to fulfill the conditions described above.

Upon notification by the State Water Control Board that the Principal has failed to ["take corrective action, in accordance with "part" VI of 9VAC25-580-230 through 25-580-300 and the State Water Control Board's instructions," and/or "compensate injured third "part"ies"] as guaranteed by this bond, the Surety(ies) shall either perform ["corrective action in, accordance with 9VAC25-580 and the board's instructions," and/or "third "part"y liability compensation"] or pay the funds in an amount up to the annual aggregate penal sum to the State Water Control Board as directed by the State Water Control Board under 9VAC25-590-170. The State Water Control Board in its sole discretion may elect to require the surety to pay the funds or to take corrective action and compensate third "part"ies or any combination up to the annual aggregate penal sum.

Upon notification by the State Water Control Board that the Principal has failed to provide alternate financial assurance within 60 days after the date the notice of cancellation is received by the Principal from the Surety(ies) and that the State Water Control Board has determined or suspects that a release has occurred, the Surety(ies) shall pay the funds in an amount not exceeding the annual aggregate penal sum to the State Water Control Board as directed by the State Water Control Board under 9VAC25-590-170.

The Surety(ies) submit to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond to adjudicate any claim against it(them) by the State Water Control Board and waive any objection to venue in that court. Interest shall accrue at the judgment rate of interest on the amount due beginning seven days after the date of notification by the State Water Control Board. In the event the State Water Control Board shall institute legal action to compel performance by the Surety under this agreement, the Surety shall be liable for all costs and legal fees incurred by the board to enforce this agreement.

The Surety(ies) hereby waive(s) notification of amendments to applicable laws, statutes, rules, and regulations and agrees that no such amendment shall in any way alleviate its (their) obligation on this bond. The Surety(ies) hereby agree(s) that it(they) has been notified of all material facts regarding this contract of suretyship and waive(s) any defense founded in concealment of material facts. The Surety(ies) represents that the person executing this agreement has full authority to execute the agreement. Surety(ies) hereby waive(s) any right to notice of breach or default of the Principal. The State Water Control Board may enforce this agreement against the Surety(ies) without bringing suit against the principal. The State Water Control Board shall not be required to exhaust the assets of the Principal before demanding performance or funding of the trust fund by the Surety. No lawful act of the State Water Control Board, including without limitation any extension of time to the Principal, shall serve to release any surety, whether or not that act may be construed to alter or vary this agreement. Release of one co-surety shall not act as the release of another. This agreement shall be construed to effect its purpose to provide remedial action for petroleum releases and to provide compensation for third "part"ies injured by such releases.

The liability of the Surety(ies) shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in the annual aggregate to the penal sum shown on the face of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the Surety(ies) hereunder exceed the amount of said annual aggregate penal sum.

The Surety(ies) may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certified mail to the principal and the State Water Control Board, provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur during the 120 days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation by the principal and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipts.

The Principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the Surety(ies).

In Witness Thereof, the Principal and Surety(ies) have executed this Bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.

The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to execute this surety bond on behalf of the Principal and Surety(ies) and that the wording of this surety bond is identical to the wording specified in Appendix V of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date this bond was executed.

PRINCIPAL

[Signature(s)]

[Name(s)]

[Title(s)]

[Corporate seal]

CORPORATE SURETY(IES)

[Name and address]

State of Incorporation:

Liability limit........................$...

[Signature(s)]

[Name(s) and title(s)]

[Corporate seal]

[For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other information in the same manner as for surety above.]

Bond premium:....................$...

APPENDIX VI. IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

[Name and address of issuing institution]

[Name and address of the Executive Director of the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Director(s) of other state implementing agency(ies)]

Dear Sir or Madam: We hereby establish our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No.... in your favor, at the request and for the account of [owner or operator name] of [address] up to the aggregate amount of in words U.S. dollars ($[insert dollar amount]), available upon presentation [insert, if more than one director of a state implementing agency is a beneficiary, "by any one of you"] of

(1) your sight draft, bearing reference to this letter of credit, No... and

(2) your signed statement reading as follows: "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable pursuant to regulations issued under authority of 62.1-44.34:8 through 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia and Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended."

This letter of credit may be drawn on to cover [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] arising from operating the underground storage tank(s) identified below in the amount of in words $[insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, [in words] $[insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and [in words] $[insert dollar amount] annual aggregate:

[List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility.]

The letter of credit may not be drawn on to cover any of the following:

(a) Any obligation, of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40 (Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements).

This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date], but such expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of [at least the length of the original term] on [expiration date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least 120 days before the current expiration date, we notify [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board by certified mail that we have decided not to extend this letter of credit beyond the current expiration date. In the event that [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board are so notified, any unused portion of the credit shall be available upon presentation of your sight draft for 120 days after the date of receipt by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as shown on the signed return receipts.

"part"ial draws are permitted under this Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit.

Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of this credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon presentation to us, and we shall pay to you the amount of the draft promptly and directly in accordance with your instructions.

We certify that the wording of this letter of credit is identical to the wording specified in Appendix VI of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature(s) and title(s) of official(s) of issuing institution]

[Date]

This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published and copyrighted by the International Chamber of Commerce," or "the Uniform Commercial Code"].

APPENDIX VII. TRUST AGREEMENT.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Trust agreement, the "Agreement," entered into as of [date] by and between [name of the owner or operator], a [name of state] [insert "corporation," ""part"nership," "association," or "proprietorship"], the "Grantor," and [name of corporate trustee], [insert "Incorporated in the state of..... " or "a national bank"], the "Trustee."

Whereas, the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia has established certain regulations applicable to the Grantor, requiring that an owner or operator of an underground storage tank shall provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for corrective action and third "part"y compensation for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden and nonsudden accidental releases arising from the operation of the underground storage tank. The attached Schedule A lists the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located that are covered by the trust agreement.

Whereas, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee;

Now, therefore, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) The term "Grantor" means the owner or operator who enters into this Agreement and any successors or assigns of the Grantor.

(b) The term "Trustee" means the Trustee who enters into this Agreement and any successor Trustee.

(c) "9VAC25-590" is the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Requirements Regulation promulgated by the State Water Control Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Section 2. Establishment of Fund.

The Grantor and the Trustee hereby establish a trust fund, the "Fund," for the benefit of the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Grantor and the Trustee intend that no third "part"y have access to the Fund except as herein provided. Payments made by the provider of financial assurance pursuant to the State Water Control Board's instruction are transferred to the Trustee and are referred to as the Fund, together with all earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement. The Fund shall be held by the Trustee, IN TRUST, as hereinafter provided. The Trustee shall not be responsible nor shall it undertake any responsibility for the amount or adequacy of, nor any duty to collect from the Grantor as provider of financial assurance, any payments necessary to discharge any liability of the Grantor established by the State Water Control Board.

Section 3. Payment for ["Corrective Action" and/or "Third "part"y Liability Claims"].

The Trustee shall make payments from the Fund as the State Water Control Board shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage] caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" arising from operating the tanks covered by this Agreement.

The Fund may not be drawn upon to cover any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

The Trustee shall reimburse the Grantor, or other persons as specified by the State Water Control Board, from the Fund for corrective action expenditures and/or third "part"y liability claims in such amounts as the State Water Control Board shall direct in writing. In addition, the Trustee shall refund to the Grantor such amounts as the State Water Control Board specifies in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute "part" of the Fund as defined here.

Section 4. Payments Comprising the Fund.

Payments made to the Trustee for the Fund shall consist of cash and securities acceptable to the Trustee.

Section 5. Trustee Management.

The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the Fund and keep the Fund invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the Grantor may communicate in writing to the Trustee from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of this section. In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing the Fund, the Trustee shall discharge his duties with respect to the trust fund solely in the interest of the beneficiaries and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims, except that:

(i) Securities or other obligations of the Grantor, or any other owner or operator of the tanks, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 15 USC § 80a-2(a), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the federal or a state government;

(ii) The Trustee is authorized to invest the Fund in time or demand deposits of the Trustee, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and

(iii) The Trustee is authorized to hold cash awaiting investment or distribution uninvested for a reasonable time and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.

Section 6. Commingling and Investment.

The Trustee is expressly authorized in its discretion:

(a) To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the Fund to any common, commingled, or collective trust fund created by the Trustee in which the Fund is eligible to "part"icipate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the assets of other trusts "part"icipating therein; and

(b) To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 USC § 80a-1 et seq., including one which may be created, managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered or the shares of which are sold by the Trustee. The Trustee may vote such shares in its discretion.

Section 7. Express Powers of Trustee.

Without in any way limiting the powers and discretions conferred upon the Trustee by the other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the Trustee is expressly authorized and empowered:

(a) To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by public or private sale. No person dealing with the Trustee shall be bound to see to the application of the purchase money or to inquire into the validity or expediency of any such sale or other disposition;

(b) To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted;

(c) To register any securities held in the Fund in its own name or in the name of a nominee and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the Trustee in other fiduciary capacities, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee of such depository with other securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the United States Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the Trustee shall at all times show that all such securities are "part" of the Fund;

(d) To deposit any cash in the Fund in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings certificates issued by the Trustee, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other banking institution affiliated with the Trustee, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and

(e) To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the Fund.

Section 8. Taxes and Expenses.

All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against or in respect of the Fund and all brokerage commissions incurred by the Fund shall be paid from the Fund. All other expenses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of this Trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the Trustee, the compensation of the Trustee to the extent not paid directly by the Grantor, and all other proper charges and disbursements of the Trustee shall be paid from the Fund.

Section 9. Advice of Counsel.

The Trustee may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Grantor, with respect to any questions arising as to the construction of this Agreement or any action to be taken hereunder. The Trustee shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting upon the advice of counsel.

Section 10. Trustee Compensation.

The Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the Grantor.

Section 11. Successor Trustee.

The Trustee may resign or the Grantor may replace the Trustee, but such resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the Grantor has appointed a successor trustee and this successor accepts the appointment. The successor trustee shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the Trustee hereunder. Upon the successor trustee's acceptance of the appointment, the Trustee shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor trustee the funds and properties then constituting the Fund. If for any reason the Grantor cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the Trustee, the Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee or for instructions. The successor trustee shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the trust in writing sent to the Grantor and the present Trustee by certified mail 10 days before such change becomes effective. Any expenses incurred by the Trustee as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this Section shall be paid as provided in Section 9 8.

Section 12. Instructions to the Trustee.

All orders, requests, and instructions by the Grantor to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are designated in the attached Schedule B or such other designees as the Grantor may designate by amendment to Schedule B. The trustee shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in accordance with the Grantor's orders, requests, and instructions. All orders, requests and instructions by the State Water Control Board to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by the Executive Director of the State Water Control Board, and the Trustee shall act and shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions. The Trustee shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the Grantor or the State Water Control Board hereunder has occurred. The Trustee shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the Grantor and/or the State Water Control Board, except as provided for herein.

Section 13. Amendment of Agreement.

This Agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the Grantor and the Trustee, or by the Trustee and the State Water Control Board if the Grantor ceases to exist.

Section 14. Irrevocability and Termination.

Subject to the right of the "part"ies to amend this Agreement as provided in Section 14 13, this Trust shall be irrevocable and shall continue until terminated at the written direction of the Grantor and the Trustee, or by the Trustee and the State Water Control Board, if the Grantor ceases to exist. Upon termination of the Trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration expenses, shall be delivered to the Grantor.

Section 15. Immunity and Indemnification.

The Trustee shall not incur personal liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of this Trust, or in carrying out any directions by the Grantor or the State Water Control Board issued in accordance with this Agreement. The Trustee shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Grantor, from and against any personal liability to which the Trustee may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the Grantor fails to provide such defense.

Section 16. Choice of Law.

This Agreement shall be administered, construed, and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the Comptroller of the Currency in the case of National Association banks.

Section 17. Interpretation.

As used in this Agreement, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. The descriptive headings for each section of this Agreement shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this Agreement.

In Witness whereof the "part"ies have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers duly authorized and their corporate seals (if applicable) to be hereunto affixed and attested as of the date first above written. The "part"ies below certify that the wording of this Agreement is identical to the wording specified in Appendix VII of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date written above.

[Signature of Grantor]

[Name of the Grantor]

[Title]

Attest:

[Signature of Trustee]

[Name of the Trustee]

[Title]

[Seal]

[Signature of Witness]

[Name of Witness]

[Title]

[Seal]

APPENDIX XI. LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (SHORT FORM).

[Note: This Appendix may only be used by owners or operators who do not own or operate hazardous waste facilities, or underground injection control wells.]

[Note: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

I am the chief financial officer of [insert: name and address of the owner or operator or guarantor]. This letter is in support of the use of [insert "the financial test of self-insurance," and/or "Guarantee"] to demonstrate financial responsibility for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by [insert "sudden accidental releases" and/or or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] in the amount of at least $[insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, $[insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and $[insert dollar amount] annual aggregate arising from operating (an) underground storage tank(s).

Underground storage tanks at the following facilities are assured by this financial test by this [insert: "owner or operator," and/or "guarantor"]: [List for each facility the name and address of the facility where tanks assured by this financial test are located, and whether tanks are assured by this financial test. If separate mechanisms or combinations of mechanisms are being used to assure any of the tanks at this facility, list each tank assured by this financial test by the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements)].

I am not required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for any other EPA regulation or state programs authorized by EPA.

This [insert: "owner or operator," or "guarantor"] has not received an adverse opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification from an independent auditor on the financial statements for the latest completed financial reporting year.

[Fill in the information below to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements.]

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee...$__________

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee...$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)...$__________

4. Total tangible assets...$__________

5. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 3 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 6]...$__________

6. Tangible net worth [subtract line 5 from line 4]...$__________

7. Is line 4 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes... No...

8. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission? Yes... No...

9. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Energy Information Administration? Yes... No...

10. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Rural Utilities Service? Yes... No...

11. Has financial information been provided to Dun and Bradstreet, and has Dun and Bradstreet provided a financial strength rating at least equal to the amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured according to the table below?

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to $9,999,999)

[Answer "Yes" only if BOTH criteria have been met.] Yes... No...

12. If you did not answer yes to one of lines 8 through 11, please attach a report from a certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 4 through 7 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.

I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in Appendix XI of this chapter as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature]

[Name]

[Title]

[Date]

Titles of Regulations: 9VAC25-580. Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements (amending 9VAC25-580-10 through 9VAC25-580-190, 9VAC25-580-210, 9VAC25-580-250, 9VAC25-580-260, 9VAC25-580-280, 9VAC25-580-310, 9VAC25-580-320, 9VAC25-580-330, 9VAC25-580-370; adding 9VAC25-580-82, 9VAC25-580-85, 9VAC25-580-380, 9VAC25-580-390; repealing Appendices I and II).

9VAC25-590. Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements (amending 9VAC25-590-10, 9VAC25-590-20, 9VAC25-590-30, 9VAC25-590-40, 9VAC25-590-60, 9VAC25-590-160, 9VAC25-590-170, 9VAC25-590-180, 9VAC25-590-190, 9VAC25-590-240, 9VAC25-590-250, 9VAC25-590-260; adding 9VAC25-590-15).

Statutory Authority: §§ 62-1.44.15 and 62.1-44.34:9 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6901 et seq.; 40 CFR "part"s 280 and 281.

Effective Date: January 1, 2018.

Agency Contact: Russell P. Ellison, De"part"ment of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4269, FAX (804) 698-4266, or email russell.ellison@deq.virginia.gov.

"summary":

On July 15, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule titled "Revising Underground Storage Tank Regulations - Revisions to Existing Requirements and New Requirements for Secondary Containment and Operator Training" in 80 FR 41566-41683. This federal rule modified regulatory requirements concerning underground storage tanks (USTs) found in 40 CFR "part" 280 and was adopted in response to the federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005. This regulatory action revises Virginia's Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements (9VAC25-580) and Virginia's Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements (9VAC25-590) for consistency with the modifications and requirements found in 40 CFR "part" 280.

Amendments to Virginia's Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements address the following: (i) secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping; (ii) compatibility requirements; (iii) notification changes; (iv) periodic operation, inspection, and maintenance requirements for UST systems; (v) UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation; (vi) inclusion of new release prevention and detection technologies; (vii) codes of practice updates; and (viii) editorial corrections and technical amendments. In addition, the amendments revise secondary containment requirements to be consistent with EPA's regulatory requirements. Existing operator training and delivery prohibition requirements, which were based on EPA's previous guidance, are retained with minor revisions.

The July 15, 2015, final rule also revised 40 CFR 280 Sub"part" H - Financial Responsibility. Therefore, this regulatory action revises the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements so that USTs previously deferred from regulation, airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, field constructed tanks, and USTs that are temporarily closed are now required to comply with financial responsibility requirements.

Part I
Definitions, Applicability, and Interim Prohibition Installation Requirements for "part"ially Excluded UST Systems

9VAC25-580-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Aboveground release" means any release to the surface of the land or to surface water. This includes, but is not limited to, releases from the aboveground portion of a UST system and aboveground releases associated with overfills and transfer operations as the regulated substance moves to or from a UST system.

"Airport hydrant fuel distribution system" or "airport hydrant system" means an UST system that fuels aircraft and operates under high pressure with large diameter piping that typically terminates into one or more hydrants (fill stands). The airport hydrant system begins where fuel enters one or more tanks from an external source such as a pipeline, barge, rail car, or other motor fuel carrier.

"Ancillary equipment" means any devices including, but not limited to, such devices as piping, fittings, flanges, valves, and pumps used to distribute, meter, or control the flow of regulated substances to and from an UST.

"Below ground Belowground release" means any release to the subsurface of the land and to ground water groundwater. This includes, but is not limited to, releases from the belowground portions of an underground storage tank system and belowground releases associated with overfills and transfer operations as the regulated substance moves to or from an underground storage tank.

"Beneath the surface of the ground" means beneath the ground surface or otherwise covered with earthen materials.

"Board" means the State Water Control Board.

"Building official" means the executive official of the local government building de"part"ment empowered by § 36-105 of the Code of Virginia to enforce and administer the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Cathodic protection" is a technique to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. For example, a tank system can be cathodically protected through the application of either galvanic anodes or impressed current.

"Cathodic protection tester" means a person who can demonstrate an understanding of the principles and measurements of all common types of cathodic protection systems as applied to buried or submerged metal piping and tank systems. At a minimum, such persons must have education and experience in soil resistivity, stray current, structure-to-soil potential, and component electrical isolation measurements of buried metal piping and tank systems.

"CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 USC § 9601 et seq.).

"Compatible" means the ability of two or more substances to maintain their respective physical and chemical properties upon contact with one another for the design life of the tank system under conditions likely to be encountered in the UST.

"Community water system" means a public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.

"Connected piping" means all underground piping including valves, elbows, joints, flanges, and flexible connectors attached to a tank system through which regulated substances flow. For the purpose of determining how much piping is connected to any individual UST system, the piping that joins two UST systems should be allocated equally between them.

"Containment sump" means a liquid-tight container that protects the environment by containing leaks and spills of regulated substances from piping, dispensers, pumps, and related components in the containment area. Containment sumps may be single walled or secondarily contained and located at the top of the tank (tank top or submersible turbine pump sump), underneath the dispenser (under-dispenser containment sump), or at other points in the piping run (transition or intermediate sump).

"Corrosion expert" means a person who, by reason of thorough knowledge of the physical sciences and the principles of engineering and mathematics acquired by a professional education and related practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of corrosion control on buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks. Such a person must be accredited or certified as being qualified by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers or be a registered professional engineer who has certification or licensing that includes education and experience in corrosion control of buried or submerged metal piping systems and metal tanks.

"De minimis" means trivial and beyond the intent of regulation, as that term is used at 53 Fed. Reg. FR 37108-37109.

"Delivery prohibition" is prohibiting the delivery, deposit, or acceptance of product to an underground storage tank system that has been determined to be ineligible by the board for such delivery, deposit, or acceptance.

"Delivery prohibition tag" means a tag, device, or mechanism on the tank's fill pipes that clearly identifies an underground storage tank system as ineligible for product delivery. The tag or device is easily visible to the product deliverer and clearly states and conveys that it is unlawful to deliver to, deposit into, or accept product into the ineligible underground storage tank system. The tag, device, or mechanism is generally tamper resistant.

"Dielectric material" means a material that does not conduct direct electrical current. Dielectric coatings are used to electrically isolate UST systems from the surrounding soils. Dielectric bushings are used to electrically isolate portions of the UST system (e.g., tank from piping).

"Director" means the director of the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality.

"Dispenser" means equipment located aboveground that dispenses regulated substances from the UST system.

"Dispenser system" means the dispenser and the equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system.

"Electrical equipment" means underground equipment that contains dielectric fluid that is necessary for the operation of equipment such as transformers and buried electrical cable.

"Excavation zone" means the volume containing the tank system and backfill material bounded by the ground surface, walls, and floor of the pit and trenches into which the UST system is placed at the time of installation.

"Existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well" means a community water system or potable drinking water well is in place when a new installation or replacement of an underground tank, piping, or motor fuel dispensing system begins.

"Existing tank system" means a tank system used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances or for which installation has commenced on or before December 22, 1988. Installation is considered to have commenced if:

1. The owner or operator has obtained all federal, state, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction of the site or installation of the tank system; and if

2. a. Either a continuous on-site onsite physical construction or installation program has begun; or

b. The owner or operator has entered into contractual obligations, which cannot be cancelled canceled or modified without substantial loss, for physical construction at the site or installation of the tank system to be completed within a reasonable time.

"Farm tank" is a tank located on a tract of land devoted to the production of crops or raising animals, including fish, and associated residences and improvements. A farm tank must be located on the farm property. "Farm" includes fish hatcheries, rangeland and nurseries with growing operations.

"Field-constructed tank" means a tank constructed in the field. For example, a tank constructed of concrete that is poured in the field, or a steel or fiberglass tank primarily fabricated in the field is considered field constructed.

"Flow-through process tank" is a tank that forms an integral "part" of a production process through which there is a steady, variable, recurring, or intermittent flow of materials during the operation of the process. Flow-through process tanks do not include tanks used for the storage of materials prior to their introduction into the production process or for the storage of finished products or by-products from the production process.

"Free product" refers to a regulated substance that is present as a nonaqueous phase liquid (e.g., liquid not dissolved in water).

"Gathering lines" means any pipeline, equipment, facility, or building used in the transportation of oil or gas during oil or gas production or gathering operations.

"Hazardous substance UST system" means an underground storage tank system that contains a hazardous substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (42 USC § 9601 et seq.) (but not including any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of RCRA) or any mixture of such substances and petroleum, and which is not a petroleum UST system.

"Heating oil" means petroleum that is No. 1, No. 2, No. 4-light, No. 4-heavy, No. 5-light, No. 5-heavy, and No. 6 technical grades of fuel oil; other residual fuel oils (including Navy Special Fuel Oil and Bunker C); and other fuels when used as substitutes for one of these fuel oils. Heating oil is typically used in the operation of heating equipment, boilers, or furnaces.

"Hydraulic lift tank" means a tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed-loop mechanical system that uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, elevators, and other similar devices.

"Liquid trap" means sumps, well cellars, and other traps used in association with oil and gas production, gathering, and extraction operations (including gas production plants), for the purpose of collecting oil, water, and other liquids. These liquid traps may temporarily collect liquids for subsequent disposition or reinjection into a production or pipeline stream, or may collect and separate liquids from a gas stream.

"Maintenance" means the normal operational upkeep to prevent an underground storage tank system from releasing product.

"Motor fuel" means petroleum or a petroleum-based substance that is motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel, or any grade of gasohol, and is a complex blend of hydrocarbons typically used in the operation of a motor engine. This definition applies to blended petroleum motor fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol blends that contain more than a de minimis amount of petroleum or petroleum-based substance, such as motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, No. 1 or No. 2 diesel fuel, or any blend containing one or more of these substances (for example, motor gasoline blended with alcohol).

"Motor fuel dispenser system" means the motor fuel dispenser and the equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system. The equipment necessary to connect the motor fuel dispenser to the underground storage tank system may include check valves, shear valves, unburied risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground piping.

"New tank system" means a tank system that will be used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances and for which installation has commenced after December 22, 1988 (See also "existing tank system").

"Noncommercial purposes" with respect to motor fuel means not for resale.

"On the premises where stored" with respect to heating oil means UST systems located on the same property where the stored heating oil is used.

"Operational life" refers to the period beginning when installation of the tank system has commenced until the time the tank system is properly closed under "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter.

"Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the UST system.

"Overfill release" is a release that occurs when a tank is filled beyond its capacity, resulting in a discharge of the regulated substance to the environment.

"Owner" means:

1. In the case of a UST system in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person who owns an UST system used for storage, use, or dispensing of regulated substances; and

2. In the case of any UST system in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in use on that date, any person who owned such UST immediately before the discontinuation of its use.

The term "owner" shall not include any person who, without "part"icipating in the management of an underground storage tank or being otherwise engaged in petroleum production, refining, and marketing, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect the holder's security interest in the tank.

"Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation, including a government corporation, "part"nership, association, any state or agency thereof, municipality, county, town, commission, political subdivision of a state, any interstate body, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, the government of the United States or any unit or agency thereof.

"Petroleum UST system" means an underground storage tank system that contains petroleum or a mixture of petroleum with de minimis quantities of other regulated substances. Such systems include those containing motor fuels, jet fuels, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.

"Pipe" or "piping" means a hollow cylinder or the tubular conduit that is constructed of nonearthen materials that routinely contains and conveys regulated substances from the underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s) or other end-use equipment. Such piping includes any elbows, couplings, unions, valves, or other in-line fixtures that contain and convey regulated substances from the underground tank(s) to the dispenser(s). Pipe or piping does not include vent, vapor recovery, or fill lines.

"Pipeline facilities (including gathering lines)" are new and existing pipe rights-of-way and any associated equipment, facilities, or buildings.

"Potable drinking water well" means any hole (dug, driven, drilled, or bored) that extends into the earth until it meets groundwater that supplies water for a noncommunity public water system, or otherwise supplies water for household use (consisting of drinking, bathing, cooking, or other similar uses). Such wells may provide water to entities such as a single-family residence, group of residences, businesses, schools, parks, campgrounds, and other permanent or seasonal communities.

"Product deliverer" is any person who delivers or deposits product into an underground storage tank.

"Public water system" means a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or, after August 5, 1998, other constructed conveyances, if such system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. Such term includes (i) any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system and (ii) any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control that are used primarily in connection with such system. Such term does not include any "special irrigation district." A public water system is either a "community water system" or a "noncommunity water system."

"RCRA" means the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 as amended (42 USC § 6901 et seq.).

"Regulated substance" means an element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance that, when released into the environment, may present substantial danger to the public health or welfare, or the environment. The term "regulated substance" includes:

1. Any substance defined in § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (42 USC § 9601 et seq.), but not any substance regulated as a hazardous waste under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 USC § 6901 et seq.); and

2. Petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (60°F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute). The term "regulated substance" includes but is not limited to petroleum and petroleum-based substances comprised of a complex blend of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through processes of separation, conversion, upgrading, and finishing, such as motor fuels, jet fuels, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.

"Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing from an UST into ground water groundwater, surface water or subsurface soils.

"Release detection" means determining whether a release of a regulated substance has occurred from the UST system into the environment or a leak has occurred into the interstitial space between the UST system and its secondary barrier or secondary containment around it.

"Repair" means to restore to proper operating condition a tank, a pipe, spill prevention equipment, overfill prevention equipment, corrosion protection equipment, release detection equipment, or other UST system component that has caused a release of product from the UST system or has failed to function properly.

"Replace" means, when applied to underground storage tanks and piping, to remove an underground storage tank and install a new underground storage tank or to remove and put back greater than 50% of the length of a piping run excluding connectors (such as flexible connectors) connected to an underground storage tank.

"Replaced" means:

1. For a tank - to remove a tank and install another tank.

2. For piping - to remove 50% or more of piping and install other piping, excluding connectors, connected to a single tank. For tanks with multiple piping runs, this definition applies independently to each piping run.

"Residential tank" is a tank located on property used primarily for dwelling purposes.

"SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.

"Secondary containment" or "secondarily contained" means a release prevention and release detection system for an underground a tank and/or or piping. For purposes of this definition, release prevention means an underground tank and/or piping having an inner and outer barrier and release detection means a method of monitoring the space between the inner and outer barriers for a leak or release of regulated substances from the underground tank and/or piping. This system has an inner and outer barrier with an interstitial space that is monitored for leaks. This term includes containment sumps when used for interstitial monitoring of piping.

"Septic tank" is a water-tight covered receptacle designed to receive or process, through liquid separation or biological digestion, the sewage discharged from a building sewer. The effluent from such receptacle is distributed for disposal through the soil, and settled solids and scum from the tank are pumped out periodically and hauled to a treatment facility.

"Storm water or waste water wastewater collection system" means piping, pumps, conduits, and any other equipment necessary to collect and transport the flow of surface water run-off resulting from precipitation, or domestic, commercial, or industrial wastewater to and from retention areas or any areas where treatment is designated to occur. The collection of storm water and wastewater does not include treatment except where incidental to conveyance.

"Surface impoundment" is a natural topographic depression, man-made excavation, or diked area formed primarily of earthen materials (although it may be lined with man-made materials) that is not an injection well.

"Tank" is a stationary device designed to contain an accumulation of regulated substances and constructed of nonearthen materials (e.g., concrete, steel, plastic) that provide structural support.

"Underdispenser Under-dispenser containment" or "UDC" means containment underneath a dispenser that will system designed to prevent leaks from the dispenser and piping within or above the UDC from reaching soil or groundwater.

"Underground area" means an underground room, such as a basement, cellar, shaft or vault, providing enough space for physical inspection of the exterior of the tank situated on or above the surface of the floor.

"Underground release" means any belowground release.

"Underground storage tank" or "UST" means any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which (including the volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground. This term does not include any:

1. Farm or residential tank of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes;

2. Tank used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored;

3. Septic tank;

4. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines):

a. Regulated under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 USC § 1671 et seq.);

b. Regulated under the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 USC § 2001 et seq.); or

c. Which is an intrastate pipeline facility regulated under state laws comparable to the provisions of the law referred to in subdivisions subdivision 4 a or 4 b of this definition;

5. Surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon;

6. Storm water or wastewater collection system;

7. Flow-through process tank;

8. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or

9. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as a basement, cellar, mineworking, drift, shaft, or tunnel) if the storage tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.

The term "underground storage tank" or "UST" does not include any pipes connected to any tank which that is described in subdivisions 1 through 9 of this definition.

"Upgrade" means the addition or retrofit of some systems such as cathodic protection, lining, or spill and overfill controls to improve the ability of an underground storage tank system to prevent the release of product.

"UST system" or "tank system" means an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any.

"Wastewater treatment tank" means a tank that is designed to receive and treat an influent wastewater through physical, chemical, or biological methods.

9VAC25-580-20. Applicability.

A. The requirements of this chapter apply to all owners and operators of an UST system as defined in 9VAC25-580-10 except as otherwise provided in subsections B, and C, and D of this section. Any UST system listed in subsection C of this section must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30.

1. Previously deferred UST systems. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems, UST systems with field-constructed tanks, and UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators must meet the requirements of this chapter as follows:

a. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks must meet the requirements in "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter.

b. UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed before September 15, 2010, must have met all applicable requirements of this chapter before September 15, 2010, except that the requirements of "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter must be met before (insert date three years after effective date of rule).

c. UST systems that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators installed on or after September 15, 2010, must meet all applicable requirements of this chapter at installation.

2. Any UST system listed in subsection C of this section must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30.

B. Exclusions. The following UST systems are excluded from the requirements of this chapter:

1. Any UST system holding hazardous wastes listed or identified under Subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.), (42 USC § 6901) or a mixture of such hazardous waste and other regulated substances.

2. Any wastewater treatment tank system that is "part" of a wastewater treatment facility regulated under § 402 or § 307(b) of the Clean Water Act.

3. Equipment or machinery that contains regulated substances for operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks and electrical equipment tanks.

4. Any UST system whose capacity is 110 gallons or less.

5. Any UST system that contains a de minimis concentration of regulated substances.

6. Any emergency spill or overflow containment UST system that is expeditiously emptied after use.

C. Deferrals. "part"ial Exclusions. "part"s II (9VAC25-580-50 et seq.), III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.), IV, V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.), VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.), and IX (9VAC25-580-370 et seq.), and X of this chapter do not apply to any of the following types of UST systems:

1. Wastewater treatment tank systems not covered under 9VAC25-580-20 B 2 of this section;

2. Aboveground storage tanks associated with:

a. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems regulated under "part" X of this chapter; and

b. UST systems with field-constructed tanks regulated under "part" X of this chapter.

3. Any UST systems containing radioactive material that are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC § 2011 et seq.); and

3. 4. Any UST system that is "part" of an emergency generator system at nuclear power generation facilities regulated licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under and subject to Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements regarding design and quality criteria, including 10 CFR "part" 50, Appendix A;.

4. Airport hydrant fuel distribution systems; and

5. UST systems with field-constructed tanks.

D. Deferrals. "part" IV does not apply to any UST system that was installed before September 15, 2010 (i.e., the effective date of the secondary containment requirements in subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50) and stores fuel solely for use by emergency power generators.

9VAC25-580-30. Interim prohibition for deferred Installation requirements for "part"ially excluded UST systems.

No person may Owners and operators must install an UST system listed in subsection C of 9VAC25-580-20 for the purpose of storing regulated substances unless the UST system (whether of single-wall or double-wall construction) that meets the following requirements:

1. Will prevent releases due to corrosion or structural failure for the operational life of the UST system;

2. Is cathodically protected against corrosion, constructed of noncorrodible material, steel clad with a noncorrodible material, or designed in a manner to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored substance; and

3. Is constructed or lined with material that is compatible with the stored substance.

Note: The following codes of practice may be used as guidance for complying with this section:

(a) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection;

(b) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(c) American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1632, Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems; or

(d) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R892, Recommended Practice for Corrosion Protection of Underground Piping Networks Associated with Liquid Storage and Dispensing Systems.

9VAC25-580-40. Permitting and inspection requirements for all UST systems.

In all instances of installation, upgrade, repair and closure where a UST system is constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired or closed all UST systems must be permitted and inspected in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50, 9VAC25-580-60, 9VAC25-580-110, 9VAC25-580-160, 9VAC25-580-170, 9VAC25-580-310 and, 9VAC25-580-320, 9VAC25-580-380, and 9VAC25-580-390.

"part" II
UST Systems: Design, Construction, Installation, and Notification

9VAC25-580-50. Performance standards for new UST systems.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit, the required inspections and a Certificate of Use issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. No UST system shall be installed or placed into use without the owner and operator having obtained the required permit, inspections and Certificate of Use from the building official under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code ( § 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit, the required inspections and a Certificate of Use must be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In order to prevent releases due to structural failure, corrosion, or spills and overfills for as long as the UST system is used to store regulated substances, all owners and operators of new UST systems must meet the following requirements in this section.

Tanks and piping installed or replaced on or after September 15, 2010, must be secondarily contained and use interstitial monitoring in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160, except for suction piping that meets the requirements of subdivisions 2 a (2) (a) through (e) of 9VAC25-580-140. Secondary containment must be able to contain regulated substances leaked from the primary containment until they are detected and removed and prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system. For cases where the piping is considered to be replaced, the entire piping run must be secondarily contained.

1. Tanks.

Each tank must be properly designed and constructed, and any portion underground that routinely contains product must be protected from corrosion, in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory as specified below:

a. The tank is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic;

NOTE: The following industry codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 a of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1316, "Standard for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Underground Storage Tanks for Petroleum Products", Alcohols, and Alcohol-Gasoline Mixtures; Underwriters or

(2) Underwriter's Laboratories of Canada CAN4-S615-M83, "S615 Standard for Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products"; or American Society of Testing and Materials Standard D4021-86, "Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks." Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

b. The tank is constructed of steel and cathodically protected in the following manner:

(1) The tank is coated with a suitable dielectric material;

(2) Field-installed cathodic protection systems are designed by a corrosion expert;

(3) Impressed current systems are designed to allow determination of current operating status as required in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-90; and

(4) Cathodic protection systems are operated and maintained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90; or

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 b of this section:

(a) Steel Tank Institute "Specification for STI-P3 System of STI-P3^® Specification and Manual for External Corrosion Protection of Underground Steel Storage Tanks";

(b) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1746, "External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks";

(c) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada CAN4-S603-M85, "S603, Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," and CAN4-G03.1-M85, S603.1, "Standard for Galvanic External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," and CAN4-S631-M84, and S631, Standard for Isolating Bushings for Steel Underground Tanks Protected with Coatings and Galvanic Systems External Corrosion Protection Systems"; or

(d) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," and Underwriters Laboratories Standard 58 "Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids."

(d) Steel Tank Institute Standard F841, Standard for Dual Wall Underground Steel Storage Tanks; or

(e) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection, and Underwriters Laboratories Standard 58, Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

c. The tank is constructed of a steel-fiberglass-reinforced-plastic composite steel and clad or jacketed with a noncorrodible material; or

NOTE: The following industry codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 c of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1746, "External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks," or the Association for Composite Tanks ACT-100, "Specification for the Fabrication of FRP Clad Underground Storage Tanks.";

(2) Steel Tank Institute ACT-100^® Specification F894, Specification for External Corrosion Protection of FRP Composite Steel Underground Storage Tanks;

(3) Steel Tank Institute ACT-100-U^® Specification F961, Specification for External Corrosion Protection of Composite Steel Underground Storage Tanks; or

(4) Steel Tank Institute Specification F922, Steel Tank Institute Specification for Permatank^®.

d. The tank construction and corrosion protection are determined by the board to be designed to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than subdivisions 1 a through, 1 b, and 1 c of this section.

2. Piping. The piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be properly designed, constructed, and protected from corrosion in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory as specified below:

a. The piping is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. a noncorrodible material.

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 a of this section:

(1) Underwriters Laboratories Subject Standard 971, "Nonmetallic Underground Piping for Flammable Liquids"; or

(2) Underwriters Laboratories Standard 567, "Pipe Connectors for Flammable and Combustible and LP Gas"; of Canada Standard S660, Standard for Nonmetallic Underground Piping for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

(3) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Guide ULC-107, "Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable Liquids"; and

(4) Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Standard CAN 4-S633-M81, "Flexible Underground Hose Connectors."

b. The piping is constructed of steel and cathodically protected in the following manner:

(1) The piping is coated with a suitable dielectric material;

(2) Field-installed cathodic protection systems are designed by a corrosion expert;

(3) Impressed current systems are designed to allow determination of current operating status as required in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-90; and

(4) Cathodic protection systems are operated and maintained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90; or

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 b of this section:

(a) National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code";

(b) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1615, "Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems";

(c) (a) American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1632, "Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems"; and

(d) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-01-69, "Control of External Corrosion on Submerged Metallic Piping Systems."

(b) Underwriters Laboratories Subject 971A, Outline of Investigation for Metallic Underground Fuel Pipe;

(c) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R892, Recommended Practice for Corrosion Protection of Underground Piping Networks Associated with Liquid Storage and Dispensing Systems;

(d) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems; or

(e) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Corrosion Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection.

c. The piping construction and corrosion protection are determined by the board to be designed to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements in subdivisions 2 a through and 2 b of this section.

3. Spill and overfill prevention equipment.

a. Except as provided in subdivision subdivisions 3 b and 3 c of this section, to prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, owners and operators must use the following spill and overfill prevention equipment:

(1) Spill prevention equipment that will prevent release of product to the environment when the transfer hose is detached from the fill pipe (for example, a spill catchment basin); and

(2) Overfill prevention equipment that will:

(a) Automatically shut off flow into the tank when the tank is no more than 95% full;

(b) Alert the transfer operator when the tank is no more than 90% full by restricting the flow into the tank or triggering a high-level alarm; or

(c) Restrict the flow 30 minutes prior to overfilling, alert the transfer operator with a high level alarm one minute before overfilling, or automatically shut off flow into the tank so that none of the fittings located on top of the tank are exposed to product due to overfilling.

b. Owners and operators are not required to use the spill and overfill prevention equipment specified in subdivision 3 a of this section if:

(1) Alternative equipment is used that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the equipment specified in subdivision 3 a (1) or 3 a (2) of this section; or

(2) The UST system is filled by transfers of no more than 25 gallons at one time.

c. Flow restrictors used in vent lines may not be used to comply with subdivision 3 a (2) of this section when overfill protection is installed or replaced on or after (insert effective date of the amendment).

d. Spill and overfill protection equipment must be periodically tested or inspected in accordance with 9VAC25-580-82.

4. Installation. All tanks and piping

a. The UST system must be properly installed in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

b. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). No UST system shall be installed or placed into use without the owner and operator having obtained the required permit and inspections from the building official under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In the case of state-owned facilities, the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities, the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections must be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

NOTE: Tank and piping system installation practices and procedures described in the following codes of practice may be used to comply with the requirements of subdivision 4 of this section:

a. (1) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1615, "Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage System";

b. (2) Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP100, "Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems"; or

c. American National Standards Institute Standard B31.3, "Petroleum Refinery Piping," and American National Standards Institute Standard B31.4 "Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping System." (3) National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code and Standard 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.

NOTE: These industry codes require that prior to bringing the system into use the following tests be performed: (i) tank tightness test (air); (ii) pipe tightness test (air or hydrostatic); and (iii) precision system test in accordance with NFPA 329 (detection of.05 gal/hr leak rate).

5. Certification of installation. All owners and operators must ensure that one or more of options a through d of the following methods of certification, testing, or inspection in subdivisions 5 a through 5 d of this section is performed, and a Certificate of Use permit has been issued in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code to demonstrate compliance with subdivision 4 of this section. A certification of compliance on the UST Notification form must be submitted to the board in accordance with 9VAC25-580-70.

a. The installer has been certified by the tank and piping manufacturers;

b. The installation has been inspected and certified by a registered professional engineer with education and experience in UST system installation;

c. All work listed in the manufacturer's installation checklists has been completed; or

d. The owner and operator have complied with another method for ensuring compliance with subdivision 4 of this section that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment.

6. Release detection. Release detection shall be provided in accordance with "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter.

7. Secondary containment.

a. Each new or replaced petroleum underground storage tank, or piping connected to any petroleum underground storage tank, installed within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well must be secondarily contained in accordance with 9VAC25-580-140 A. In the case of a replacement of a petroleum underground storage tank or the piping connected to the petroleum underground storage tank, the secondary containment requirements shall apply only to the specific petroleum underground storage tank or piping run being replaced, not to other petroleum underground storage tanks and connected pipes comprising such system. The entire piping run must be secondarily contained if more than 50% of the length of a piping run connected to a petroleum underground storage tank is to be replaced.

b. Motor fuel dispenser systems. Each new motor fuel dispenser system installed within 1,000 feet of any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well shall have underdispenser containment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-140 B. A motor fuel dispenser system is considered new when:

(1) A dispenser is installed at a location where there previously was no dispenser (new UST system or new dispenser location at an existing UST system), or

(2) An existing dispenser is removed and replaced with another dispenser and the equipment used to connect the dispenser to the UST system is replaced. This equipment may include unburied flexible connectors or risers or other transitional components that are beneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the piping.

c. If an owner or operator intends to install a new petroleum UST system that is located greater than 1,000 feet from any existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well and the owner or operator will install a potable drinking water well at the new facility that is within 1,000 feet of the petroleum underground storage tanks, piping, or motor fuel dispenser systems as "part" of the new UST installation, then secondary containment and underdispenser containment are required, regardless of whether the well is installed before or after the petroleum underground storage tanks, piping, and motor fuel dispenser systems are installed.

d. A tank owner or operator who intends to install an UST system or motor fuel dispenser system that will not meet the requirements in subdivision 7 a or c of this subsection must demonstrate to the board that the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well is greater than 1,000 feet.

(1) The tank owner or operator shall make such a demonstration by submitting to the board a map showing the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well. If the distance is greater than 1,000 feet but less than 2,000 feet, the map must be prepared by a licensed professional surveyor. If the distance is greater than 2,000 feet, the map is not required to be prepared by a licensed professional surveyor. The tank owner or operator must submit the map to the board at least 30 days prior to the installation.

(2) The map must delineate the distance from the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to the closest existing community water system or existing potable drinking water well. The distance must be measured from the closest "part" of the proposed new or replacement petroleum underground storage tank or piping or motor fuel dispenser system to:

(a) The closest "part" of the nearest existing community water system including such components as the location of the wellhead(s) for ground water or location of the intake point(s) for surface water, water lines, processing tanks, and water storage tanks; and water distribution or service lines under the control of the community water system operator; and

(b) The wellhead of the nearest existing potable drinking water well.

e. The requirement for secondary containment does not apply to:

(1) Petroleum underground storage tanks that are not new or not replaced in a manifolded UST system;

(2) Piping runs that are not new or not replaced on petroleum underground storage tanks with multiple piping runs;

(3) Suction piping that meets the requirements at 9VAC 25-580-140 C 2 b (1) through (5) or piping that manifolds two or more petroleum USTs together;

(4) Repairs meant to restore a petroleum underground storage tank, pipe, or dispenser to operating condition. For purposes of this subsection, a repair is any activity that does not meet the definition of "replace"; and

(5) Other instances approved by the board where equivalent protection is provided.

7. Dispenser systems. Each UST system must be equipped with under-dispenser containment for any new dispenser system installed on or after September 15, 2010.

a. A dispenser system is considered new when both the dispenser and the equipment needed to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system are installed at an UST facility. The equipment necessary to connect the dispenser to the underground storage tank system includes check valves, shear valves, unburied risers or flexible connectors, or other transitional components that are underneath the dispenser and connect the dispenser to the underground piping.

b. Under-dispenser containment must be liquid-tight on its sides, bottom, and at any penetrations. Under-dispenser containment must allow for visual inspection and access to the components in the containment system or be periodically monitored for leaks from the dispenser system.

9VAC25-580-60. Upgrading of existing UST systems.

Owners and operators must permanently close in accordance with "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter any UST system that does not meet the new UST system performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 or has not been upgraded in accordance with subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 of this section. This does not apply to previously deferred UST systems described in "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter and where an upgrade is determined to be appropriate by the board.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to upgrading any UST system. No upgraded UST system shall be placed into use unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities, the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

1. Alternatives allowed. Not later than December 22, 1998, all All existing UST systems must comply with one of the following requirements:

a. New UST system performance standards under 9VAC25-580-50;

b. The upgrading requirements in subsections subdivisions 2 through 5, 3, and 4 of this section; or

c. Closure requirements under "part" VII of this chapter, including applicable requirements for corrective action under "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter.

2. Tank upgrading requirements. Steel tanks must be upgraded to meet one of the following requirements in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory:

a. Interior lining. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by internal lining if must meet the following:

(1) The lining is was installed in accordance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-110,; and

(2) Within 10 years after lining, and every five years thereafter, the lined tank is internally inspected and found to be structurally sound with the lining still performing in accordance with original design specifications. If the internal lining is no longer performing in accordance with original design specifications and cannot be repaired in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory, then the lined tank must be permanently closed in accordance with "part" VII of this chapter.

b. Cathodic protection. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by cathodic protection if the cathodic protection system meets must meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-50 1 b (2), (3), and (4) and the integrity of the tank is must have been ensured using one of the following methods:

(1) The tank is was internally inspected and assessed to ensure that the tank is was structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to installing the cathodic protection system; or

(2) The tank has had been installed for less than 10 years and is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with subsections 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; or

(3) The tank has had been installed for less than 10 years and is was assessed for corrosion holes by conducting two tightness tests that meet the requirements of subsection 3 of 9VAC25-580-160. The first tightness test must be have been conducted prior to installing the cathodic protection system. The second tightness test must be have been conducted between three and six months following the first operation of the cathodic protection system; or

(4) The tank is was assessed for corrosion holes by a method that is determined by the board to prevent releases in a manner that is no less protective of human health and the environment than subdivisions 2 b (1) through, (2), and (3) of this section.

c. Internal lining combined with cathodic protection. A tank may be Tanks upgraded by both internal lining and cathodic protection if must meet the following:

(1) The lining is was installed in accordance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-110; and

(2) The cathodic protection system meets the requirements of subdivisions 1 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50.

NOTE: The following historical codes and standards may be used to comply of practice were listed as options for complying with subdivision 2 of this section:

(a) American Petroleum Institute Publication 1631, "Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel Underground Storage Tanks";

(b) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, "Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection";

(c) National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems"; and

(d) American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1632, "Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks and Piping Systems."

NOTE: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with the periodic lining inspection requirement in subdivision 2 a (2) of this section:

(a) American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1631, Interior Lining and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks;

(b) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, Chapter B Future Internal Inspection Requirements for Lined Tanks; or

(c) Ken Wilcox Associates Recommended Practice, Recommended Practice for Inspecting Buried Lined Steel Tanks Using a Video Camera.

3. Piping upgrading requirements. Metal piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be cathodically protected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and must meet the requirements of subdivisions 2 b (2), (3) and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50.

NOTE: The codes and standards of practice listed in the note following subdivision 2 b of 9VAC25-580-50 may be used to comply with this requirement.

4. Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, all existing UST systems must comply with new UST system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements specified in subsection 3 of 9VAC25-580-50.

5. Release detection. Release detection shall be provided in accordance with "part" IV of this chapter.

9VAC25-580-70. Notification requirements.

A. Any owner who brings an underground storage tank system into use after After May 8, 1986, an owner must submit notice of a tank system's existence to the board within 30 days of bringing such the underground storage tank system into use, submit, in the form prescribed in APPENDIX I of this chapter, a notice of existence of such tank system to the board. Owners must use a UST Notification form approved by the board.

B. Any change in ownership, tank status (e.g., temporarily/permanently closed out), tank/piping systems (e.g., upgrades such as addition of corrosion protection, internal lining, release detection), or substance stored (e.g., change from petroleum to hazardous substance) requires the UST owner to submit an amended notification form, or other documentation approved by the board, within 30 days after such change/upgrade change or upgrade occurs or is brought into use. Owners may provide notice for several tanks using one notification form, but owners with tanks located at more than one place of operation must file a separate notification form for each separate place of operation.

B. C. Under Virginia UST notification requirements effective July 1, 1987, owners of property who have actual knowledge of underground storage tanks on such property that were taken out of service before January 1, 1974, yet are still in the ground, must notify the board on the notification form.

NOTE: Under the federal UST Notification Program, owners and operators of UST systems that were in the ground on or after May 8, 1986, unless taken out of operation on or before January 1, 1974, were required to notify the board in accordance with the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, P.L. 98-616 (42 USC § 9603), on a form published by EPA on November 8, 1985, (50 FR 46602) unless notice was given pursuant to § 103(c) of CERCLA. Owners and operators who have not complied with the notification requirements may use portions I through VI of the notification form contained in APPENDIX I of this chapter UST Notification form approved by the board.

C. Notices required to be submitted under subsection A of this section must provide all of the information in Sections I through VI of the prescribed form (APPENDIX I) for each tank for which notice must be given. Notices for tanks installed after December 22, 1988, must also provide all of the information in Section VII of the prescribed form (APPENDIX I) for each tank for which notice must be given.

D. All owners and operators of new UST systems must certify in the notification form compliance with the following requirements:

1. Installation of tanks and piping under subsection subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-50;

2. Cathodic protection of steel tanks and piping under subsections subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-50;

3. Financial responsibility under financial responsibility regulations promulgated by the board under 9VAC25-590.

4. Release detection under 9VAC25-580-140 and 9VAC25-580-150.

E. All owners and operators of new UST systems must ensure that the installer certifies in the notification form that the methods used to install the tanks and piping comply with the requirements in subsection 4 of 9VAC25-580-50.

F. Beginning October 24, 1988, any person who sells a tank intended to be used as an underground storage tank must notify the purchaser of such tank of the owner's notification obligations under subsection A of this section. The statement provided in APPENDIX II of this chapter the following note, when used on shipping tickets and invoices, may be used to comply with this requirement.:

NOTE: A federal law (the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 USC § 6901 et seq.) requires owners of certain underground storage tanks to notify implementing agencies of the existence of their tanks. Notifications must be made within 30 days of bringing the tank into use. Consult EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 280.22 to determine if you are affected by this law.

"part" III
General Operating Requirements

9VAC25-580-80. Spill and overfill control.

A. Owners and operators must ensure that releases due to spilling or overfilling do not occur. The owner and operator must ensure that the volume available in the tank is greater than the volume of product to be transferred to the tank before the transfer is made and that the transfer operation is monitored constantly to prevent overfilling and spilling.

NOTE: The transfer procedures described in National Fire Protection Association Publication Standard 385 Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids or American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1007, Loading and Unloading of MC 306/DOT 406 Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles may be used to comply with this subsection A of this section. Further guidance on spill and overfill prevention appears in American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621, "Recommended Practice 1621, for Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," and National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code."

B. The owner and operator must report, investigate, and clean up any spills and overfills in accordance with 9VAC25-580-220.

9VAC25-580-82. Periodic testing of spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping and periodic inspection of overfill prevention equipment.

A. Owners and operators of UST systems with spill and overfill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must meet these requirements to ensure the equipment is operating properly and will prevent releases to the environment:

1. Spill prevention equipment (such as a catchment basin, spill bucket, or other spill containment device) and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must prevent releases to the environment by meeting one of the following:

a. The equipment is double walled and the integrity of both walls is periodically monitored as described in 9VAC25-580-85 A 1 a (1) at a frequency not less than the frequency of the walkthrough inspections described in 9VAC25-580-85. Within 30 days of discontinuing periodic monitoring under this subdivision, owners and operators must conduct a test in accordance with subdivision A 1 b of this section and begin meeting the requirements of that subdivision; or

b. The spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping are tested at least once every three years to ensure the equipment is liquid tight by using vacuum, pressure, or liquid testing in accordance with one of the following criteria:

(1) Requirements developed by the manufacturer (Note: Owners and operators may use this option only if the manufacturer has developed requirements);

(2) Code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or

(3) Requirements determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements listed in subdivisions A 1 b (1) and (2) of this section.

2. Overfill prevention equipment must be inspected at least once every three years. At a minimum, the inspection must ensure that overfill prevention equipment is set to activate at the correct level specified in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-50 and will activate when regulated substance reaches that level. Inspections must be conducted in accordance with one of the criteria in subdivisions 1 b (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivisions A 1 b and A 2 of this section: Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP 1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

B. Owners and operators must begin meeting these requirements as follows:

1. For UST systems in use before (insert effective date of amendment), the initial spill prevention equipment test, containment sump test, and overfill prevention equipment inspection must be conducted not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment).

2. For UST systems brought into use on or after (insert effective date of amendment), these requirements apply at installation.

C. Owners and operators must maintain records as follows in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 for spill prevention equipment, containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping, and overfill prevention equipment:

1. All records of testing or inspection must be maintained for three years; and

2. For spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping not tested every three years, documentation showing that the prevention equipment is double walled and the integrity of both walls is periodically monitored must be maintained for as long as the equipment is periodically monitored.

9VAC25-580-85. Periodic operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections.

A. To properly operate and maintain UST systems, not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment) owners and operators must meet one of the following:

1. Conduct a walkthrough inspection that, at a minimum, checks the following equipment as specified below:

a. Every 30 days (Exception: spill prevention equipment at UST systems receiving deliveries at intervals greater than every 30 days may be checked prior to each delivery):

(1) Spill prevention equipment – visually check for damage; remove liquid or debris; check for and remove obstructions in the fill pipe; check the fill cap to make sure it is securely on the fill pipe; and, for double walled spill prevention equipment with interstitial monitoring, check for a leak in the interstitial area; and

(2) Release detection equipment – check to make sure the release detection equipment is operating with no alarms or other unusual operating conditions present and ensure records of release detection testing are reviewed and current; and

b. Annually:

(1) Containment sumps – visually check for damage, leaks to the containment area, or releases to the environment; remove liquid (in contained sumps) or debris; and, for double walled sumps with interstitial monitoring, check for a leak in the interstitial area; and

(2) Handheld release detection equipment – check devices such as tank gauge sticks or groundwater bailers for operability and serviceability;

2. Conduct operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections according to a standard code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory that checks equipment comparable to subdivision 1 of this subsection; or

3. Conduct operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections according to a protocol developed by the board that checks equipment comparable to subdivision 1 of this subsection.

B. Owners and operators must maintain records (in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120) of operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections for one year. Records must include a list of each area checked, whether each area checked was acceptable or needed action taken, a description of actions taken to correct an issue, and delivery records if spill prevention equipment is checked less frequently than every 30 days due to infrequent deliveries.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivision A 2 of this section: Petroleum Equipment Institute Recommended Practice RP 900, Recommended Practices for the Inspection and Maintenance of UST Systems.

9VAC25-580-90. Operation and maintenance of corrosion protection.

All owners and operators of steel metal UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the following requirements to ensure that releases due to corrosion are prevented for as long as until the UST system is used to store regulated substances: permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service pursuant to 9VAC25-580-320:

1. All corrosion protection systems must be operated and maintained to continuously provide corrosion protection to the metal components of that portion of the tank and piping that routinely contain regulated substances and are in contact with the ground.

2. All UST systems equipped with cathodic protection systems must be inspected for proper operation by a qualified cathodic protection tester in accordance with the following requirements:

a. Frequency. All cathodic protection systems must be tested within six months of installation and at least every three years thereafter; and

b. Inspection criteria. The criteria that are used to determine that cathodic protection is adequate as required by this section must be in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association.

NOTE: National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard RP-02-85, "Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 2 b of this section.:

(1) NACE International Test Method TM0101, Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection of Underground Storage Tank Systems;

(2) NACE International Test Method TM0497, Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(3) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R051, Cathodic Protection Testing Procedures for STI-P3^® USTs;

(4) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection; or

(5) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems.

3. UST systems with impressed current cathodic protection systems must also be inspected every 60 days to ensure the equipment is running properly. These systems only provide the necessary corrosion protection when in continuous operation. Such equipment shall be installed so that it cannot be inadvertently shut off.

4. For UST systems using cathodic protection, records of the operation of the cathodic protection must be maintained (in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120) to demonstrate compliance with the performance standards in this section. These records must provide the following:

a. The results of the last three inspections required in subdivision 3 of this section; and

b. The results of testing from the last two inspections required in subdivision 2 of this section.

9VAC25-580-100. Compatibility.

A. Owners and operators must use an UST system made of or lined with materials that are compatible with the substance stored in the UST system.

B. Owners and operators must notify the board at least 30 days prior to switching to a regulated substance containing greater than 10% ethanol, greater than 20% biodiesel, or any other regulated substance identified by the board. In addition, owners and operators with UST systems storing these regulated substances must meet one of the following:

1. Demonstrate compatibility of the UST system, including the tank, piping, containment sumps, pumping equipment, release detection equipment, spill equipment, and overfill equipment. Owners and operators may demonstrate compatibility of the UST system by using one of the following options:

a. Certification or listing of UST system equipment or components by a nationally recognized, independent testing laboratory for use with the regulated substance stored; or

b. Equipment or component manufacturer approval. The manufacturer's approval must be in writing, indicate an affirmative statement of compatibility, specify the range of biofuel blends the equipment or component is compatible with, and be from the equipment or component manufacturer; or

2. Use another option determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the options listed in subdivision 1 of this subsection.

C. Owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-120 documenting compliance with subsection B of this section for as long as the UST system is used to store the regulated substance.

NOTE: Owners and operators storing alcohol blends may use the following codes to comply with the requirements of this section: The following code of practice may be useful in complying with this section:

1. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice 1626, "Storing and Handling Ethanol and Gasoline-Ethanol Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Filling Stations"; and.

2. American Petroleum Institute Publication 1627, "Storage and Handling of Gasoline-Methanol/Cosolvent Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations."

9VAC25-580-110. Repairs allowed.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to repairing any UST system. No repaired UST system shall be placed into use unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Owners and operators of UST systems must ensure that repairs will prevent releases due to structural failure or corrosion as long as the UST system is used to store regulated substances. The repairs must meet the following requirements:

1. Repairs to UST systems must be properly conducted in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.

NOTE: The following codes and standards of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 1 of this section:

a. National Fire Protection Association Standard 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code";

b. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice RP 2200, "Repairing Crude Oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and Product Pipelines";

c. American Petroleum Institute Publication Recommended Practice RP 1631, "Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks"; and

d. National Fire Protection Association Standard 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair;

e. National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, "Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection." Chapter A, Entry, Cleaning, Interior Inspection, Repair, and Lining of Underground Storage Tanks;

f. Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R972, Recommended Practice for the Addition of Supplemental Anodes to STI-P3^® Tanks;

g. NACE International Standard Practice SP 0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection; or

h. Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute Recommended Practice T-95-02, Remanufacturing of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Underground Storage Tanks.

2. Repairs to fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks may be made by the manufacturer's authorized representatives or in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory.

3. Metal pipe sections and fittings that have released product as a result of corrosion or other damage must be replaced. Fiberglass Noncorrodible pipes and fittings may be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

4. Repairs to secondary containment areas of tanks and piping used for interstitial monitoring and to containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping must have the secondary containment tested for tightness according to the manufacturer's instructions, a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory, or according to requirements established by the board within 30 days following the date of completion of the repair.

Repaired 5. All other repairs to tanks and piping must be tightness tested in accordance with subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 and subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 within 30 days following the date of the completion of the repair except as provided in subdivisions 4 a through c of this section below:

a. The repaired tank is internally inspected in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or an independent testing laboratory;

b. The repaired portion of the UST system is monitored monthly for releases in accordance with a method specified in subsections subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; or

c. Another test method is used that is determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than those listed above in subdivisions a and b of this subdivision 5.

NOTE: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subdivisions 4 and 5 of this section:

(1) Steel Tank Institute Recommended Practice R012, Recommended Practice for Interstitial Tightness Testing of Existing Underground Double Wall Steel Tanks; or

(2) Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute Protocol, Field Test Protocol for Testing the Annular Space of Installed Underground Fiberglass Double and Triple-Wall Tanks With Dry Annular Space.

(3) Petroleum Equipment Institute Recommended Practice RP1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

5. 6. Within six months following the repair of any cathodically protected UST system, the cathodic protection system must be tested in accordance with subdivisions 2 and 3 of 9VAC25-580-90 to ensure that it is operating properly.

7. Within 30 days following any repair to spill or overflow prevention equipment, the repaired spill or overflow prevention equipment must be tested or inspected as appropriate, in accordance with 9VAC25-580-82 to ensure it is operating properly.

6. 8. UST system owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 of each repair for the remaining operating life of until the UST system that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section is permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service pursuant to 9VAC25-580-320.

9VAC25-580-120. Reporting and recordkeeping.

Owners and operators of UST systems must cooperate fully with inspections, monitoring and testing conducted by the board, as well as requests for document submission, testing, and monitoring by the owner or operator pursuant to § 9005 of Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended.

1. Reporting. Owners and operators must submit the following information to the board:

a. Notification for all UST systems (9VAC25-580-70), which includes certification of installation for new UST systems (subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-50), and notification when any person assumes ownership of an UST system (9VAC25-580-70);

b. Notification prior to UST systems switching to certain regulated substances (subsection B of 9VAC25-580-100);

c. Reports of all releases including suspected releases (9VAC25-580-190), spills and overfills (9VAC25-580-220), and confirmed releases (9VAC25-580-240);

c. d. Corrective actions planned or taken including initial abatement measures (9VAC25-580-250), site characterization (9VAC25-580-260), free product removal (9VAC25-580-270), and corrective action plan (9VAC25-580-280); and

d. e. An amended notification form must be submitted within 30 days after permanent closure or change-in-service (9VAC25-580-320).

2. Recordkeeping. Owners and operators must maintain the following information:

a. Documentation of operation of corrosion protection equipment (9VAC25-580-90); (subdivision 4 of 9VAC25-580-90);

b. Documentation of compatibility for UST systems (subsection C of 9VAC25-580-100);

c. Documentation of UST system repairs (subdivision 6 8 of 9VAC25-580-110);

c. Recent d. Documentation of compliance and applicable installation records for spill and overfill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping (subsection C of 9VAC25-580-82);

e. Documentation of periodic walkthrough inspections (subsection B of 9VAC25-580-85);

f. Documentation of compliance with release detection requirements (9VAC25-580-180); and

d. g. Results of the site investigation conducted at permanent closure (9VAC25-580-350).; and

e. h. Documentation of operator training required by 9VAC25-580-125, including verification of training for current Class A, Class B, and Class C operators, and current list of operators and written instructions or procedures for Class C operators in accordance with (9VAC25-580-125) (relating to operator training).

3. Availability and maintenance of records. Owners and operators must keep the records required either:

a. At the UST site and immediately available for inspection by the board; or

b. At a readily available alternative site and be provided for inspection to the board upon request.

In the case of permanent closure records required under 9VAC25-580-350, owners and operators are also provided with the additional alternative of mailing closure records to the board if they cannot be kept at the site or an alternative site as indicated above.

9VAC25-580-125. Operator training.

A. Definitions.

1. For purposes of this section, "Class A operator" means an operator who has primary responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system and facility. The Class A operator's responsibilities include managing resources and personnel, such as establishing work assignments, to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. In general, Class A operators focus on the broader aspects of the underground storage tank statutory and regulatory requirements and standards necessary to properly operate and maintain the underground storage tank system and facility.

2. For purposes of this section, "Class B operator" means an operator who implements applicable underground storage tank regulatory requirements and standards in the field or at the underground storage tank facility. A Class B operator oversees and implements the day-to-day aspects of operations, maintenance, and recordkeeping for the underground storage tanks at one or more facilities.

3. For purposes of this section, "Class C operator" means the person responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills or releases from underground storage tank systems and equipment failures. A Class C operator, generally, is the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions.

B. Requirements for trained operators.

1. Owners and operators of UST systems shall designate Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for each UST system or facility that has underground storage tanks.

a. A person may be designated for more than one class of operator.

b. Any person designated for more than one class of operator shall successfully complete the required training under subsection C of this section for each operator class for which he is designated.

c. Persons trained in accordance with subsection C of this section may perform operator duties consistent with their training when employed or contracted by the tank owner or operator to perform these functions.

2. Designated operators shall successfully complete required training under subsection C of this section no later than August 8, 2012.

3. Class A operators shall be familiar with training requirements for each class of operator and may provide required training for Class C operators.

4. 3. Class B operators shall be familiar with Class B and Class C operator responsibilities and may provide training for Class C operators.

5. 4. Trained operators shall be readily available to respond to suspected/confirmed releases, other unusual operating conditions and equipment shut-offs or failures.

a. The Class A or Class B operator shall be available for immediate telephone consultation when an UST facility is in operation. A Class A or Class B operator shall be able to be onsite at the facility within a reasonable time to perform necessary functions.

b. For manned facilities, a Class C operator shall be onsite whenever the UST facility is in operation. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be maintained and visible at manned UST facilities for persons performing duties of the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

c. For unmanned facilities, a Class C operator shall be available for immediate telephone consultation and shall be able to be onsite within a reasonable time to perform necessary functions. Emergency contact information shall be prominently displayed at the site. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be maintained and visible at unmanned UST facilities for persons performing duties of the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

C. Required training.

1. Class A operators shall successfully complete a training course approved by the board that includes a general knowledge of UST system requirements. Training shall provide information that should enable the operator to make informed decisions regarding compliance and ensuring that appropriate persons are fulfilling operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements and standards of this chapter and/or federal underground storage tank requirements in 40 CFR "part" 280 (relating to technical standards and corrective action requirements for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (UST)), including, at a minimum, the following:

a. Spill and overfill prevention;

b. Release detection and related reporting requirements;

c. Corrosion protection;

d. Emergency response;

e. Product and equipment compatibility;

f. Financial responsibility;

g. Notification and storage tank registration requirements;

h. Temporary and permanent closure requirements; and

i. Class B and Class C operator training requirements.

2. Class B operators shall successfully complete a training course approved by the board that includes an in-depth understanding of operation and maintenance aspects of UST systems and related regulatory requirements. Training shall provide specific information on the components of UST systems, materials of construction, methods of release detection and release prevention applied to UST systems and components. Training shall address operation and maintenance requirements of this chapter and/or federal underground storage tank requirements in 40 CFR "part" 280, including, at a minimum, the following:

a. Spill and overfill prevention;

b. Release detection and related reporting requirements;

c. Corrosion protection and related testing;

d. Emergency response;

e. Product and equipment compatibility;

f. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; and

g. Class C operator training requirements.

3. Class C operators. At a minimum, training provided by the tank owner or Class A or Class B operator shall enable the Class C operator to take action in response to emergencies caused by spills or releases and alarms from an underground storage tank. Training shall include written instructions or procedures for the Class C operator to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions.

4. Successful completion for Class A and Class B operators means completion of the entire training course and demonstration of knowledge of the course material as follows:

a. Receipt of a passing grade (a score of 80% or better) on an examination of material presented in the training course, or demonstration through practical (hands-on) application to the trainer of operation and maintenance checks of underground storage tank equipment, including performance of release detection at the UST facility, at the conclusion of onsite training; and

b. Receipt of a training certificate by an approved trainer upon verification of successful completion of training under this section.

5. Reciprocity. The board may also recognize successful completion of Class A and Class B operator training on regulatory standards consistent with 40 CFR "part" 280, which is recognized by other state or implementing agencies and which is approved by EPA as meeting operator training grant guidelines published by EPA.

6. The tank owner and operator shall incur the costs of the training.

D. Timing of training.

1. An owner and operator shall ensure that Class A, Class B and Class C operators are trained as soon as practicable after September 15, 2010, contingent upon availability of approved training providers, but not later than August 8, 2012.

2. When a Class A or Class B operator is replaced after August 8, 2012, a new operator shall be trained within 60 days of assuming duties for that class of operator.

3. Class C operators shall be trained before assuming duties of a Class C operator. After September 15, 2010, written instructions or procedures shall be provided to Class C operators to follow and to provide notification necessary in the event of emergency conditions. Class C operators shall be briefed on these instructions or procedures at least annually (every 12 months), which may be concurrent with annual safety training required under Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR "part" 1910 (relating to Occupational Safety and Health Standards).

E. Retraining.

1. Owners and operators of UST systems shall ensure that Class A and B operators in accordance with subsection C of this section are retrained if the board determines that the UST system is out of compliance with the requirements of 9VAC25-580-30 through 9VAC25-580-190. At a minimum, Class A and Class B operators shall successfully complete retraining in the areas identified as out of compliance.

2. Class A and B operators shall complete training pursuant to this subsection no later than 90 days from the date the board identifies the noncompliance.

F. Documentation.

1. Owners and operators of underground storage tank facilities shall prepare and maintain a list of designated Class A, Class B, and Class C operators. The list shall represent the current Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for the UST facility and shall include:

a. The name of each operator, class of operation trained for, and the date each operator successfully completed initial training and refresher training, if any.

b. For Class A and Class B operators that are not permanently onsite or assigned to more than one facility, telephone numbers to contact the operators.

2. A copy of the certificates of training for Class A and Class B operators shall be on file as long as each operator serves in that capacity at the facility or three years, whichever is longer, and readily available, and a copy of the facility list of Class A, Class B, and Class C operators and Class C operator instructions or procedures shall be kept onsite and immediately available for manned UST facilities and readily available for unmanned facilities (see subdivision 2 e h of 9VAC25-580-120 relating to reporting and recordkeeping).

3. Class C operator and owner contact information, including names and telephone numbers, and any emergency information shall be conspicuously posted at unmanned facilities.

"part" IV
Release Detection

9VAC25-580-130. General requirements for all petroleum and hazardous substance UST systems.

A. Owners and operators of new and existing UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:

1. Can detect a release from any portion of the tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;

2. Is installed, and calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including routine maintenance and service checks for operability or running condition; and

3. Beginning on (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: (i) manufacturer's instructions; (ii) a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or (iii) requirements determined by the board to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria:

a. Automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm; verify system configuration; test battery backup;

b. Probes and sensors: inspect for residual buildup; ensure floats move freely; ensure shaft is not damaged; ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; test alarm operability and communication with controller;

c. Automatic line leak detector: test operation to meet criteria in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170 by simulating a leak;

d. Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges: ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and

e. Handheld electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring: ensure proper operation.

NOTE: The following code of practice may be used to comply with subdivision 3 of this subsection. Petroleum Equipment Institute Publication RP 1200, Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities.

3. 4. Meets the performance requirements in 9VAC25-580-160 or 9VAC25-580-170, or "part" X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter as applicable with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, the methods used after December 22, 1990, listed in subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 of 9VAC25-580-160; subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-170; and "part" X except for methods permanently installed prior to that date, must be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for that method in subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 of 9VAC25-580-160 or subdivisions 1 and 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 the corresponding section of the regulation with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.

B. When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in 9VAC25-580-160 or, 9VAC25-580-170, or "part" X of this chapter indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the board in accordance with "part" V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) of this chapter.

C. Owners and operators of all UST systems must comply with the release detection requirements of this "part" by December 22 of the year listed in the following table:

SCHEDULE FOR PHASE-IN OF RELEASE DETECTION
Year system was installed	Year when release detection is required (by December 22 of the year indicated)
	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
Before 1965 or date unknown	RD	P
1965-1969		P/RD
1970-1974		P	RD
1975-1979		P		RD
1980-1988		P			RD

New tanks (after December 22, 1988) immediately upon installation.

P = Must begin release detection for all pressurized piping in accordance with subdivision C 2 a of 9VAC25-580-140.

RD = Must begin release detection for tanks and suction piping in accordance with subdivisions C 1 and C 2 b of 9VAC25-580-140, and 9VAC25-580-150.

D. C. Any existing UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this "part" must complete the closure procedures in "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter. by the date on which release detection is required for that UST system under subsection C of this section. For previously deferred UST systems described in "part"s I (9VAC25-580-10 et seq.) and X of this chapter, this requirement applies on or after the effective dates described in 9VAC25-580-20 A 1 b and c and 9VAC25-580-380 A 1.

9VAC25-580-140. Requirements for petroleum UST systems.

A. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must provide secondary containment and release detection for tanks and piping as follows:

1. Secondary containment systems must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain regulated substances released from the tank system until they are detected and removed;

b. Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system; and

c. Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.

2. Double-walled tanks must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain a release from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall; and

b. Detect the failure of the inner wall.

3. External liners (including vaults) must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

a. Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary;

b. Prevent the interference of precipitation or groundwater intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances; and

c. Surround the tank completely (i.e., it is capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances).

4. Underground piping must be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection (e.g., trench liners, jacketing of double-walled pipe). In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

5. Perform interstitial monitoring in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC 25-580-160.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum USTs required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must have motor fuel underdispenser containment that is liquid-tight on its sides, bottom, and at any penetrations; be compatible with the substance conveyed by the piping; and allow for visual inspection and access to the components in the containment system or be monitored.

C. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems not required to have secondary containment under subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-50 must provide release detection for tanks and piping as follows:

1. Tanks. Tanks must be monitored for releases as follows:

a. Tanks installed before September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days for releases using one of the methods listed in subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 except that:

a. (1) UST systems that meet the performance standards in subdivisions 1 through 5 of 9VAC25-580-50 or subdivisions 1 through 4 of 9VAC25-580-60 may use both monthly inventory control requirements in subdivision 1 or 2 of 9VAC25-580-160, and tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160) at least every five years until December 22, 1998, or until 10 years after the tank is was installed or upgraded under subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-60, whichever is later; and

b. UST systems that do not meet the performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 may use monthly inventory controls (conducted in accordance with subdivision 1 or 2 of 9VAC25-580-160) and annual tank tightness testing (conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160) until December 22, 1998, when the tank must be upgraded under 9VAC25-580-60 or permanently closed under 9VAC25-580-320; and

c. (2) Tanks with capacity of 550 gallons or less may use weekly and tanks with a capacity of 551 to 1000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160 may use manual tank gauging (conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-160).

b. Tanks installed on or after September 15, 2010, must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160.

2. Piping. Underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances must be monitored for releases in a manner that meets one of the following requirements:

a. Piping installed before September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must:

(1) (a) Be equipped with an automatic line leak detector conducted in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170; and

(2) (b) Have an annual line tightness test conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170 or have monthly monitoring conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170.

b. (2) Suction piping. Underground piping that conveys regulated substances under suction must either have a line tightness test conducted at least every three years and in accordance with subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170, or use a monthly monitoring method conducted in accordance with subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-170. No release detection is required for suction piping that is designed and constructed to meet the following standards:

(1) (a) The below-grade piping operates at less than atmospheric pressure;

(2) (b) The below-grade piping is sloped so that the contents of the pipe will drain back into the storage tank if the suction is released;

(3) (c) Only one check valve is included in each suction line;

(4) (d) The check valve is located directly below and as close as practical to the suction pump; and

(5) (e) A method is provided that allows compliance with subdivisions 2 b a (2) (b) through (4), (c), and (d) of this subsection to be readily determined.

b. Piping installed or replaced on or after September 15, 2010, must meet one of the following:

(1) Pressurized piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 and be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

(2) Suction piping must be monitored for releases at least every 30 days in accordance with subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160. No release detection is required for suction piping that meets the requirements of subdivisions 2 a (2) (a) through (e) of this section.

9VAC25-580-150. Requirements for hazardous substance UST systems.

Owners and operators of hazardous substance UST systems must provide release detection containment that meets the following requirements and monitor these systems using subdivision 7 of 9VAC25-580-160 at least every 30 days:

1. Release detection at existing UST systems must meet the requirements for petroleum UST systems in 9VAC25-580-140. By December 22, 1998, all existing hazardous substance UST systems must meet the release detection requirements for new systems in subdivision 2 of this section.

2. Release detection at new hazardous substance UST systems must meet the following requirements:

a. 1. Secondary containment systems must be designed, constructed and installed to:

(1) a. Contain regulated substances released leaked from the tank system primary containment until they are detected and removed;

(2) b. Prevent the release of regulated substances to the environment at any time during the operational life of the UST system; and

(3) c. Be checked for evidence of a release at least every 30 days.

NOTE: The provisions of 40 CFR 265.193, Containment and Detection of Releases, may be used to comply with these requirements for tanks installed before September 15, 2010.

b. 2. Double-walled tanks must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

(1) a. Contain a release leak from any portion of the inner tank within the outer wall; and

(2) b. Detect the failure of the inner wall.

c. 3. External liners (including vaults) must be designed, constructed, and installed to:

(1) a. Contain 100% of the capacity of the largest tank within its boundary;

(2) b. Prevent the interference of precipitation or ground-water groundwater intrusion with the ability to contain or detect a release of regulated substances; and

(3) c. Surround the tank completely (i.e., it is capable of preventing lateral as well as vertical migration of regulated substances).

d. 4. Underground piping must be equipped with secondary containment that satisfies the requirements of subdivision 2 a of this section (e.g., trench liners, jacketing of double-walled pipe). In addition, underground piping that conveys regulated substances under pressure must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector in accordance with subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-170.

e. Other 5. For hazardous substance UST systems installed before September 15, 2010, other methods of release detection may be used if owners and operators:

(1) a. Demonstrate to the board that an alternate method can detect a release of the stored substance as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subsections 2 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 can detect a release of petroleum;

(2) b. Provide information to the board on effective corrective action technologies, health risks, and chemical and physical properties of the stored substance, and the characteristics of the UST site; and

(3) c. Obtain approval from the board to use the alternate release detection method before the installation and operation of the new UST system.

9VAC25-580-160. Methods of release detection for tanks.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the methods of installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subsections subdivisions 4 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 this section.

Each method of release detection for tanks used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following and be designed to detect releases at the earliest possible time for the specific method chosen:

1. Inventory control. Product inventory control (or another test of equivalent performance) must be conducted monthly to detect a release of at least 1.0% of flow-through plus 130 gallons on a monthly basis in the following manner:

a. Inventory volume measurements for regulated substance inputs, withdrawals, and the amount still remaining in the tank are recorded each operating day;

b. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest one-eighth 1/8 of an inch;

c. The regulated substance inputs are reconciled with delivery receipts by measurement of the tank inventory volume before and after delivery;

d. Deliveries are made through a drop tube that extends to within one foot of the tank bottom;

e. Product dispensing is metered and recorded according to regulations of the Bureau of Weights and Measures of the Virginia De"part"ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services for meter calibration within their jurisdiction; for all other product dispensing meter calibration, an accuracy of six cubic inches for every five gallons of product withdrawn is required; and

f. The measurement of any water level in the bottom of the tank is made to the nearest one-eighth 1/8 of an inch at least once a month.

NOTE: Practices described in the American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621," Recommended Practice for RP 1621 Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," may be used, where applicable, as guidance in meeting the requirements of this subsection.

2. Manual tank gauging. Manual tank gauging must meet the following requirements:

a. Tank liquid level measurements are taken at the beginning and ending of a period of at least 36 hours using the appropriate minimum duration of test value in the table below during which no liquid is added to or removed from the tank;

b. Level measurements are based on an average of two consecutive stick readings at both the beginning and ending of the period;

c. The equipment used is capable of measuring the level of product over the full range of the tank's height to the nearest ⅛ 1/8 of an inch;

d. A leak release is suspected and subject to the requirements of "part" V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) if the variation between beginning and ending measurements exceeds the weekly or monthly standards in the following table:

	Nominal tank capacity	Weekly standard (one test)	Monthly standard (average of four tests)
	550 gallons or less	10 gallons	5 gallons
	551-1,000 gallons	13 gallons	7 gallons
	1,001-2,000 gallons	26 gallons	13 gallons

	Nominal Tank Capacity	Minimum Duration of Test	Weekly Standard (One Test)	Monthly Standard (Four Test Average)
	550 gallons or less	36 hours	10 gallons	5 gallons
	551 - 1,000 gallons (when tank diameter is 64 inches)	44 hours	9 gallons	4 gallons
	551 - 1,000 gallons (when tank diameter is 48 inches)	58 hours	12 gallons	6 gallons
	551 -1,000 gallons (also requires periodic tank tightness testing)	36 hours	13 gallons	7 gallons
	1001 - 2,000 gallons (also requires periodic tank tightness testing)	36 hours	26 gallons	13 gallons

e. Only tanks Tanks of 550 gallons or less nominal capacity and tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 1,000 gallons that meet the tank diameter criteria in the table in subsection 2 d of this section may use this as the sole method of release detection. Tanks All other tanks with a nominal capacity of 551 to 2,000 gallons may use the method in place of manual inventory control in subsection subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160 this section. Tanks of greater than 2,000 gallons nominal capacity may not use this method to meet the requirements of this "part".

3. Tank tightness testing. Tank tightness testing (or another test of equivalent performance) must be capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product while accounting for the effects of thermal expansion or contraction of the product, vapor pockets, tank deformation, evaporation or condensation, and the location of the water table.

4. Automatic tank gauging. Equipment for automatic tank gauging that tests for the loss of product and conducts inventory control must meet the following requirements:

a. The automatic product level monitor test can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

b. Inventory The automatic tank gauging equipment must meet the inventory control (or another other test of equivalent performance) is conducted in accordance with the requirements of subsection subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160. this section; and

c. The test must be performed with the system operating in one of the following modes:

(1) In-tank static testing conducted at least once every 30 days; or

(2) Continuous in-tank leak detection operating on an uninterrupted basis or operating within a process that allows the system to gather incremental measurements to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days.

5. Vapor monitoring. Testing or monitoring for vapors within the soil gas of the excavation zone must meet the following requirements:

a. The materials used as backfill are sufficiently porous (e.g., gravel, sand, crushed rock) to readily allow diffusion of vapors from releases into the excavation area;

b. The stored regulated substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system, is sufficiently volatile (e.g., gasoline) to result in a vapor level that is detectable by the monitoring devices located in the excavation zone in the event of a release from the tank;

c. The measurement of vapors by the monitoring device is not rendered inoperative by the ground water groundwater, rainfall, or soil moisture or other known interferences so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

d. The level of background contamination in the excavation zone will not interfere with the method used to detect releases from the tank;

e. The vapor monitors are designed and operated to detect any significant increase in concentration above background of the regulated substance stored in the tank system, a component or components of that substance, or a tracer compound placed in the tank system;

f. In the UST excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions 5 a through d of this section subdivision 5 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells that will detect releases within the excavation zone from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

g. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

6. Ground water Groundwater monitoring. Testing or monitoring for liquids on the ground water groundwater must meet the following requirements:

a. The regulated substance stored is not readily miscible in water and has a specific gravity of less than one;

b. Ground water Groundwater is never more than 20 feet from the ground surface and the hydraulic conductivity of the soils between the UST system and the monitoring wells or devices is not less than 0.01 cm/sec (e.g., the soil should consist of gravels, coarse to medium sands, coarse silts or other permeable materials);

c. The slotted portion of the monitoring well casing must be designed to prevent migration of natural soils or filter pack into the well and to allow entry of regulated substance on the water table into the well under both high and low ground water groundwater conditions;

d. Monitoring wells shall be sealed from the ground surface to the top of the filter pack;

e. Monitoring wells or devices intercept the excavation zone or are as close to it as is technically feasible;

f. The continuous monitoring devices or manual methods used can detect the presence of at least ⅛ 1/8 of an inch of free product on top of the ground water groundwater in the monitoring wells;

g. Within and immediately below the UST system excavation zone, the site is assessed to ensure compliance with the requirements in subdivisions 6 a through e of this section subdivision 6 and to establish the number and positioning of monitoring wells or devices that will detect releases from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product; and

h. Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

7. Interstitial monitoring. Interstitial monitoring between the UST system and a secondary barrier immediately around or beneath it may be used, but only if the system is designed, constructed and installed to detect a leak from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product and also meets one of the following requirements:

a. For double-walled UST systems, the sampling or testing method can detect a release leak through the inner wall in any portion of the tank that routinely contains product;

NOTE: The provisions outlined in the Steel Tank Institute's "Standard for Dual Wall Underground Storage Tanks" may be used as guidance for aspects of the design and construction of underground steel double-walled tanks.

b. For UST systems with a secondary barrier within the excavation zone, the sampling or testing method used can detect a release leak between the UST system and the secondary barrier;

(1) The secondary barrier around or beneath the UST system consists of artificially constructed material that is sufficiently thick and impermeable (at least 10^-6 cm/sec for the regulated substance stored) to direct a release leak to the monitoring point and permit its detection;

(2) The barrier is compatible with the regulated substance stored so that a release leak from the UST system will not cause a deterioration of the barrier allowing a release to pass through undetected;

(3) For cathodically protected tanks, the secondary barrier must be installed so that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the cathodic protection system;

(4) The ground water groundwater, soil moisture, or rainfall will not render the testing or sampling method used inoperative so that a release could go undetected for more than 30 days;

(5) The site is assessed to ensure that the secondary barrier is always above the ground water groundwater and not in a 25-year flood plain, unless the barrier and monitoring designs are for use under such conditions; and,

(6) Monitoring wells are clearly marked and secured to avoid unauthorized access and tampering.

c. For tanks with an internally fitted liner, an automated device can detect a release leak between the inner wall of the tank and the liner, and the liner is compatible with the substance stored.

8. Statistical inventory reconciliation. Release detection methods based on the application of statistical principles to inventory data similar to those described in subdivision 1 of this section must meet the following requirements:

a. Report a quantitative result with a calculated leak rate;

b. Be capable of detecting a leak rate of 0.2 gallon per hour or a release of 150 gallons within 30 days; and

c. Use a threshold that does not exceed one-half the minimum detectible leak rate.

9. Other methods. Any other type of release detection method, or combination of methods, can be used if:

a. It can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate or a release of 150 gallons within a month with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05; or

b. The board may approve another method if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subsections subdivisions 3 through 8 of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability with which it can be detected. If the method is approved, the owner and operator must comply with any conditions imposed by the board on its use to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.

9VAC25-580-170. Methods of release detection for piping.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 for the methods installation of certain release detection equipment contained in subdivisions 1 through 3 of 9VAC25-580-170 of this section.

Each method of release detection for piping used to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-580-140 must be conducted in accordance with the following:

1. Automatic line leak detectors. Methods which that alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping or triggering an audible or visual alarm may be used only if they detect leaks of three gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure within one hour. An annual test of the operation of the leak detector must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements subdivision A 3 c of 9VAC25-580-130.

2. Line tightness testing. A periodic test of piping may be conducted only if it can detect a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at one and one-half times the operating pressure.

3. Applicable tank methods. Any Except as described in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-140, any of the methods in subsections subdivisions 5 through 8 9 of 9VAC25-580-160 may be used if they are designed to detect a release from any portion of the underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances.

9VAC25-580-180. Release detection recordkeeping.

All UST system owners and operators must maintain records in accordance with 9VAC25-580-120 demonstrating compliance with all applicable requirements of this "part". These records must include the following:

1. All written performance claims pertaining to any release detection system used, and the manner in which these claims have been justified or tested by the equipment manufacturer or installer, must be maintained for five years from the date of installation or as long as the method of release detection is used, whichever is greater. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), records of site assessments required under subdivisions 5 f and 6 g of 9VAC25-580-160 must be maintained for as long as the methods are used. Records of site assessments developed after (insert effective date of amendment) must be signed by a professional engineer or professional geologist, or equivalent licensed professional with experience in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, or other relevant technical discipline acceptable to the board;

2. The results of any sampling, testing, or monitoring must be maintained for at least one year, or for another reasonable period of time determined by the board, except that the as follows:

a. The results of annual operation tests conducted in accordance with subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 must be maintained for three years. At a minimum, the results must list each component tested, indicate whether each component tested meets criteria in subdivision A 3 of 9VAC25-580-130 or needs to have action taken, and describe any action taken to correct an issue;

b. The results of tank tightness testing conducted in accordance with subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

c. The results of tank tightness testing, line tightness testing, and vapor monitoring using a tracer compound placed in the tank system conducted in accordance with 9VAC25-580-390 D must be retained until the next test is conducted; and

3. Written documentation of all calibration, maintenance, and repair of release detection equipment permanently located on-site must be maintained for at least one year after the servicing work is completed or for such longer period as may be required by the board. Any schedules of required calibration and maintenance provided by the release detection equipment manufacturer must be retained for five years from the date of installation.

"part" V
Release Reporting, Investigation, and Confirmation

9VAC25-580-190. Reporting of suspected releases.

Owners and operators of UST systems must report to the board within 24 hours and follow the procedures in 9VAC25-580-210 for any of the following conditions:

1. The discovery by owners and operators or others of released regulated substances at the UST site or in the surrounding area (such as the presence of free product or vapors in soils, basements, sewer and utility lines, and nearby surface water);

2. Unusual operating conditions observed by owners and operators (such as the erratic behavior of product dispensing equipment, the sudden loss of product from the UST system, or an unexplained presence of water in the tank) tank, or liquid in the interstitial space of secondarily contained systems), unless system equipment is found to be defective but not leaking, and is immediately repaired or replaced;:

a. The system equipment or component is found not to be releasing regulated substances to the environment;

b. Any defective system equipment or component is immediately repaired or replaced; and

c. For secondarily contained systems, except as provided for in subdivision 7 b (4) of 9VAC25-580-160, any liquid in the interstitial space not used as "part" of the interstitial monitoring method (for example, brine filled) is immediately removed.

3. Monitoring results, including investigation of an alarm, from a release detection method required under 9VAC25-580-140 and 9VAC25-580-150 that indicate a release may have occurred unless:

a. The monitoring device is found to be defective, and is immediately repaired, recalibrated or replaced, and additional monitoring does not confirm the initial result; or

b. The leak is contained in the secondary containment and:

(1) Except as provided for in subdivision 7 b (4) of 9VAC25-580-160, any liquid in the interstitial space not used as "part" of the interstitial monitoring method (for example, brine filled) is immediately removed; and

(2) Any defective system equipment or component is immediately repaired or replaced;

c. In the case of inventory control, described in subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-160, a second month of data or in the case of manual tank gauging, a second week or month as prescribed in the chart under subdivision 2 d of 9VAC25-580-160 does not confirm the initial result. or the investigation determines no release has occurred; or

d. The alarm was investigated and determined to be a nonrelease event (for example, from a power surge or caused by filling the tank during release detection testing).

9VAC25-580-210. Release investigation and confirmation steps.

Unless corrective action is initiated in accordance with "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter, owners and operators must immediately investigate and confirm all suspected releases of regulated substances requiring reporting under 9VAC25-580-190 within seven days, or another reasonable time period specified by the board upon written request made and approved within seven days after reporting of the suspected release.

The following steps are required for release investigation and confirmation:

1. System test. Owners and operators must conduct tests (according to the requirements for tightness testing in subsection subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-160 and subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-170) that determine whether a leak exists in that portion of the tank that routinely contains product, or the attached delivery piping, or both or, as appropriate, secondary containment testing described in subdivision 4 of 9VAC25-580-110.

a. Owners The test must determine whether:

(1) A leak exists in that portion of the tank that routinely contains product or in the attached delivery piping; or

(2) A breach of either wall of the secondary containment has occurred.

b. If the system test confirms a leak into the interstice or a release, owners and operators must repair, replace or, upgrade, or close the UST system,. In addition, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI if the test results for the system, tank, or delivery piping indicate that a leak release exists.

b. c. Further investigation is not required if the test results for the system, tank, and delivery piping do not indicate that a leak release exists and if environmental contamination is not the basis for suspecting a release.

c. d. Owners and operators must conduct a site check as described in subdivision 2 of this section if the test results for the system, tank, and delivery piping do not indicate that a leak release exists but environmental contamination is the basis for suspecting a release.

2. Site check. Owners and operators must measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site. In selecting sample types, sample locations, and measurement methods, owners and operators must consider the nature of the stored substance, the type of initial alarm or cause for suspicion, the type of backfill, the depth of ground water groundwater, and other factors appropriate for identifying the presence and source of the release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board.

a. If the test results for the excavation zone or the UST site indicate that a release has occurred, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI of this chapter.

b. If the test results for the excavation zone or the UST site do not indicate that a release has occurred, further investigation is not required.

9VAC25-580-250. Initial abatement measures and site check.

A. Unless directed to do otherwise by the board, owners and operators must perform the following abatement measures:

1. Remove as much of the regulated substance from the UST system as is necessary to prevent further release to the environment;

2. Visually inspect any aboveground releases or exposed below ground belowground releases and prevent further migration of the released substance into surrounding soils and ground water groundwater;

3. Continue to monitor and mitigate any additional fire and safety hazards posed by vapors or free product that have migrated from the UST excavation zone and entered into subsurface structures (such as sewers or basements);

4. Remedy hazards posed by contaminated soils that are excavated or exposed as a result of release confirmation, site investigation, abatement, or corrective action activities. If these remedies include treatment or disposal of soils, the owner and operator must comply with applicable state and local requirements;

5. Measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site, unless the presence and source of the release have been confirmed in accordance with the site check required by subdivision 2 of 9VAC25-580-210 or the closure site assessment of subsection A of 9VAC25-580-330. In selecting sample types, sample locations, and measurement methods, the owner and operator must consider the nature of the stored substance, the type of backfill, depth to ground water groundwater and other factors as appropriate for identifying the presence and source of the release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved the board; and

6. Investigate to determine the possible presence of free product, and begin free product removal as soon as practicable and in accordance with 9VAC25-580-270.

B. Within 20 days after release confirmation, or within another reasonable period of time determined by the board upon written request made and approved within 20 days after release confirmation, owners and operators must submit a report to the board summarizing the initial abatement steps taken under subsection A of this section and any resulting information or data.

9VAC25-580-260. Site characterization.

A. Owners and operators must assemble information about the site and the nature of the release, including information gained while confirming the release or completing the initial abatement measures in 9VAC25-580-230 and 9VAC25-580-240. This information must include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. Data on the material released and the estimated quantity of release;

2. Data from available sources or site investigations concerning the following:

a. Site assessment to include: data on the physical/chemical properties of the contaminant; nature and quantity and extent of the release; evidence that free product is found to need recovery; geologic/hydrologic site characterization; current and projected land/water uses; water quality; subsurface soil conditions; evidence that contaminated soils are in contact with the ground water groundwater; locations of subsurface conduits (e.g., sewers, utility lines, etc.); and climatological conditions. Samples collected for this site characterization shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board;

b. Risk (exposure) assessment to include: evidence that wells of the area have been affected; use and approximate locations of wells potentially affected by the release; identification of potential and impacted receptors; migration routes; surrounding populations; potential for additional environmental damage;

c. Remediation assessment to include: potential for remediation and applicability of different remediation technologies to the site.

3. Results of the site check required under subdivision A 5 of 9VAC25-580-250; and

4. Results of the free product investigations required under subdivision A 6 of 9VAC25-580-250, to be used by owners and operators to determine whether free product must be recovered under 9VAC25-580-270.

B. Within 45 days of release confirmation or another reasonable period of time determined by the board upon written request made and approved within 45 days after release confirmation, owners and operators must submit the information collected in compliance with subsection A of this section to the board in a manner that demonstrates its applicability and technical adequacy, or in a format and according to the schedule required by the board.

9VAC25-580-280. Corrective action plan.

A. At any point after reviewing the information submitted in compliance with 9VAC25-580-240 through, 9VAC25-580-250, and 9VAC25-580-260, the board may require owners and operators to submit additional information or to develop and submit a corrective action plan for responding to contaminated soils and ground water groundwater. If a plan is required, owners and operators must submit the plan according to a schedule and format established by the board. Alternatively, owners and operators may, after fulfilling the requirements of 9VAC25-580-240 through, 9VAC25-580-250, and 9VAC25-580-260, choose to submit a corrective action plan for responding to contaminated soil and ground water groundwater. In either case, owners and operators are responsible for submitting a plan that provides for adequate protection of human health and the environment as determined by the board, and must modify their plan as necessary to meet this standard.

B. In conjunction with the information provided under subdivision A 2 of 9VAC25-580-260 (site assessment, risk (exposure) assessment, and remediation assessment), the corrective action plan must include the following information:

1. Detailed conceptual design including narrative description of technologies and how they will be applied at the site;

2. Projected remediation end points/degree of remediation;

3. Schedule of project implementation;

4. Schedule to achieve projected end points;

5. Operational and post-operational monitoring schedules (to include data submittals);

6. Proposed disposition of any wastes and discharges (if applicable);

7. Actions taken to obtain any necessary federal, state and local permits to implement the plan; and

8. Proposed actions to notify persons directly affected by the release or the planned corrective action.

C. The board will approve the corrective action plan only after ensuring that implementation of the plan will adequately protect human health, safety, and the environment. In making this determination, the board will consider the following factors as appropriate:

1. The physical and chemical characteristics of the regulated substance, including its toxicity, persistence, and potential for migration;

2. The hydrogeologic characteristics of the facility and the surrounding area;

3. The proximity, quality, and current and future uses of nearby surface water and ground water groundwater;

4. The potential effects of residual contamination on nearby surface water and ground water groundwater;

5. The site, risk (exposure), and remediation assessments as required by subdivision A 2 of 9VAC25-580-260; and

6. Any information assembled in compliance with this "part".

D. Upon approval of the corrective action plan or as directed by the board, owners and operators must implement the plan, including modifications to the plan made by the board. They must monitor, evaluate, and report the results of implementing the plan in accordance with a schedule and in a format established by the board.

E. Owners and operators may, in the interest of minimizing environmental contamination and promoting more effective cleanup, begin cleanup of soil and ground water groundwater before the corrective action plan is approved provided that they:

1. Notify the board of their intention to begin cleanup and obtain written approval to proceed with an agreed upon activity;

2. Comply with any conditions imposed by the board, including halting cleanup or mitigating adverse consequences from cleanup activities; and

3. Incorporate these self-initiated cleanup measures in the corrective action plan that is submitted to the board for approval.

"part" VII
Out-of-Service UST Systems and Closure

9VAC25-580-310. Temporary closure.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to temporary tank closure. No UST system shall be temporarily closed unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

1. When an UST system is temporarily closed, owners and operators must continue operation and maintenance of corrosion protection in accordance with 9VAC25-580-90, and any release detection in accordance with "part" "part"s IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) and X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter. "part"s V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) and VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of this chapter must be complied with if a release is suspected or confirmed. However, release detection is and release detection operation and maintenance testing and inspections in "part"s III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.) and IV of this chapter are not required as long as the UST system is empty. The UST system is empty when all materials have been removed using commonly employed practices so that no more than 2.5 centimeters (one inch) of residue, or 0.3% by weight of the total capacity of the UST system, remain in the system. In addition, spill and overfill operation and maintenance testing and inspections in "part" III of this chapter are not required.

2. When an UST system is temporarily closed for three months or more, owners and operators must also comply with the following requirements:

a. Leave vent lines open and functioning; and

b. Cap and secure all other lines, pumps, manways, and ancillary equipment.

3. When an UST system is temporarily closed for more than 12 months, owners and operators must permanently close the UST system if it does not meet either performance standards in 9VAC25-580-50 for new UST systems or the upgrading requirements in 9VAC25-580-60, except that the spill and overfill equipment requirements do not have to be met. Owners and operators must permanently close the substandard UST systems at the end of this 12-month period in accordance with 9VAC25-580-320 through 9VAC25-580-350, unless the building official provides an extension of the 12-month temporary closure period. Owners and operators must complete a site assessment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-330 before such an extension can be applied for.

9VAC25-580-320. Permanent closure and changes-in-service.

Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-47 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

A permit from the building official must be obtained prior to permanent tank closure or a change-in-service. No UST system shall be permanently closed or changed-in-service unless and until the system is inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-47 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

If such closure is in response to immediate corrective actions that necessitate timely tank removal, then the building official must be notified and the official's directions followed until a permit is issued.

In the case of state-owned facilities the De"part"ment of General Services shall function as the building official in accordance with § 36-98.1 of the Code of Virginia.

In the case of federal facilities the building official must be contacted. Owners and operators must obtain a permit and the required inspections in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

1. Owners and operators must within 30 days after either permanent closure or a change-in-service submit an amended UST notification form (Appendix I) to the board.

2. The required assessment of the excavation zone under 9VAC25-580-330 must be performed after notifying the building official but before completion of the permanent closure or a change-in-service.

3. To permanently close a tank, owners and operators must empty and clean it by removing all liquids and accumulated sludges. When the owner or operator suspects that the residual sludges are hazardous in nature the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality regulations shall be followed to facilitate the proper treatment, storage, manifesting, transport, and disposal. All tanks taken out of service permanently must also be either removed from the ground or, filled with an inert solid material, or closed in place in a manner approved by the board.

4. Continued use of an UST system to store a nonregulated substance is considered a change-in-service. Before a change-in-service, owners and operators must empty and clean the tank by removing all liquid and accumulated sludge and conduct a site assessment in accordance with 9VAC25-580-330.

NOTE: The following cleaning and closure procedures may be used to comply with this section:

a. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP 1604, "Removal and Disposal Closure of Used Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks";

b. American Petroleum Institute Publication Standard 2015, "Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks, Planning and Managing Tank Entry from Decommissioning through Recommissioning";

c. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 2016, Guidelines and Procedures for Entering and Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks;

d. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP 1631, "Interior Lining and Periodic Inspection of Underground Storage Tanks," may be used as guidance for compliance with this section; and

e. National Fire Protection Association Standard 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair; and

d. f. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Publication 80-106, "Criteria for a Recommended Standard *** Working in Confined Space" may be used as guidance for conducting safe closure procedures at some hazardous substance tanks.

9VAC25-580-330. Assessing the site at closure or change-in-service.

A. Before permanent closure or a change-in-service is completed, owners and operators must measure for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site. In selecting sample type or types (soil or water) and sample location or locations, and measurement methods, owners and operators must consider the method of closure, the nature of the stored substance, the type of backfill, the depth to ground water, groundwater and other factors appropriate for identifying the presence of a release. Samples shall be tested according to established EPA analytical methods or methods approved by the board. Where the suspected release is a petroleum product, the samples shall be analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The requirements of this section are satisfied if one of the external release detection methods allowed in subsections subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 is operating in accordance with the requirements in 9VAC25-580-160 at the time of closure, and indicates no release has occurred.

B. In all cases where a sample or samples are analyzed, the owner and operator shall submit, along with the amended UST notification form as required in subsection 1 of 9VAC25-580-320, a copy of the laboratory results (including a statement as to the test method used), a description of the area sampled, and a site map depicting tanks, piping, and sample location or locations.

C. If contaminated soils, contaminated ground water, groundwater or free product as a liquid or vapor is discovered under subsection A of this section, or by any other manner, owners and operators must begin corrective action in accordance with "part" VI of this chapter.

"part" IX
Delivery Prohibition

9VAC25-580-370. Requirements for delivery prohibition.

A. No person shall deliver to, deposit into, or accept a petroleum product or other regulated substance into an underground storage tank that has been identified under subdivision G 2 of this section by the board to be ineligible for such delivery, deposit, or acceptance. Unless authorized in writing by the board, no person shall alter, deface, remove, or attempt to remove a tag that prohibits delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance to an underground storage tank.

B. When an inspection or other information provides reason to believe one or more of the following violations exists, the board shall initiate a proceeding in accordance with subsection D of this section:

1. Spill prevention equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

2. Overfill protection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

3. Release detection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly or is disabled or a release detection method is not being performed as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60;

4. Corrosion protection equipment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50 or 9VAC25-580-60 or is disabled;

5. Secondary containment is not installed on the UST system properly as required by 9VAC25-580-50, 9VAC25-580-60, or 9VAC25-580-150 or is disabled; or

6. The board has reason to believe that an UST system is leaking and the owner or operator has failed to initiate and complete the investigation and confirmation requirements of 9VAC25-580-190 through, 9VAC25-580-200, and 9VAC25-580-210.

C. For purposes of subsection B of this section, spill prevention, overfill prevention, corrosion protection, release detection, or secondary containment equipment that is not verifiable as installed is not installed.

D. The board shall provide written notice to the owner and operator pursuant to subdivision G 1 of this section that it will conduct an informal fact finding pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether the underground storage tank(s) tank shall be ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance. The fact finding shall be scheduled as soon as practicable after the notice, and within 10 business days in any event. Upon a finding to impose delivery prohibition, the board shall affix a tag to the fill pipe of the underground storage tank(s) tank prohibiting delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance.

E. When the board issues a notice of alleged violation based on an inspection or other information that provides reason to believe a UST system is not in compliance with the requirements of "part" II (9VAC25-580-50 et seq.), III (9VAC25-580-80 et seq.), or IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.), or X (9VAC25-580-380 et seq.) of this chapter not listed in subsection B of this section, the requirements of 9VAC25-580-240 through 9VAC25-580-280, or the requirements of 9VAC25-590 (Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements), and the owner or operator fails to comply with the notice of alleged violation within the time prescribed by the board, the board may proceed in accordance with subsection D of this section.

F. The board may classify all underground storage tanks containing petroleum or any other regulated substance at a facility as ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance if one or more underground storage tanks at the facility has been classified as ineligible for more than 90 days and the ineligible underground storage tank(s) tank has neither been closed in accordance with 9VAC25-580-310 or 9VAC25-580-320 nor returned to compliance. The board shall provide written notice to the owner and operator pursuant to subdivision G 1 of this section that it will conduct an informal fact finding pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether all the underground storage tanks shall be ineligible for delivery, deposit, or acceptance of a petroleum product or other regulated substance. The fact finding shall be scheduled as soon as practicable after the notice, and within 10 business days in any event.

G. Notice.

1. The board shall provide written notice of an informal fact finding to consider delivery prohibition to the owner and operator. The notice shall meet the requirements of § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. The notice shall further advise the owner and operator of the possibility of a special order pursuant to subsection I of this section.

2. The presence of the delivery prohibition tag on the fill pipe of an ineligible underground storage tank shall be sufficient notice to any person, including the owner, the operator, and product deliverers, that the underground storage tank is ineligible for delivery or deposit. The board may use other methods in addition to the delivery prohibition tag to provide notice to product deliverers.

H. An owner or operator shall notify the board in writing once an ineligible underground storage tank has been returned to compliance and provide a written report detailing all actions that have been taken to return the UST system to compliance, as well as supporting evidence such as test reports, invoices, receipts, inventory records, etc. As soon as practicable after confirming that the underground storage tank is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or 9VAC25-590, or both, but in no event later than two business days, the board shall remove or authorize the owner or operator, in writing, to remove the delivery prohibition tag.

I. If the board determines that a violation exists that warrants the imposition of delivery prohibition, the board may further consider whether the threat posed by the violation is outweighed by the need for fuel from the underground storage tank(s) tank in question to meet an emergency situation or the need for availability of or access to motor fuel in any rural and remote area. If the board finds that such a condition outweighs the immediate risk of the violation, the board may defer imposition of delivery prohibition for up to 180 days. In every such case the director shall consider (i) issuing a special order under the authority of subdivision 10 9 of § 10.1-1186 of the Code of Virginia prescribing a prompt schedule for abating the violation and (ii) imposing a civil penalty.

J. The board may temporarily authorize an owner or operator to accept delivery into an ineligible underground storage tank(s) tank if such activity is necessary to test or calibrate the underground storage tank(s) tank or dispenser system.

K. Nothing in this section shall prevent the board or the director from exercising any other enforcement authority including, without limitation, their authority to issue emergency orders and their authority to seek injunctive relief.

APPENDIX I. VIRGINIA UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK NOTIFICATION FORMS. (Repealed.)

Notification for Underground Storage Tanks, EPA Form (50 FR 46602).

APPENDIX II. STATEMENT FOR SHIPPING TICKETS AND INVOICES. (Repealed.)

A Federal law (the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended (Pub.L. 98-616)) requires owners of certain underground storage tanks to notify designated state or local agencies by May 8, 1986, of the existence of their tanks. Notifications for tanks brought into use after May 8, 1986, must be made within 30 days. Consult EPA's regulations, issued on November 8, 1985, (40 CFR "part" 280) to determine if you are affected by this law.

"part" X
UST Systems with Field-Constructed Tanks and Airport Hydrant Fuel Distribution Systems

9VAC25-580-380. General requirements.

A. Implementation of requirements. Owners and operators must comply with the requirements of this "part" for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems as follows:

1. For UST systems installed before (insert effective date of amendment) the requirements are effective according to the following schedule:

	Requirement	Effective Date
	Upgrading UST systems; general operating requirements; and operator training	(insert date three years after effective date of amendment)
	Release detection	(insert date three years after effective date of amendment)
	Release reporting, response, and investigation; closure; financial responsibility and notification (except as provided in subsection B of this section)	(insert effective date of amendment)

2. For UST systems installed on or after (insert effective date of amendment), the requirements apply at installation.

B. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), all owners of previously deferred UST systems must submit a one-time notice of tank system existence to the board, using the UST Notification Form. Owners and operators of UST systems in use as of (insert effective date of amendment) must demonstrate financial responsibility at the time of submission of the notification form.

C. Except as provided in 9VAC25-580-390, owners and operators must comply with the requirements of "part"s I (9VAC25-580-10 et seq.) through VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) and IX (9VAC25-580-370 et seq.) of this chapter and 9VAC25-590.

D. In addition to the codes of practice listed in 9VAC25-580-50, owners and operators may use military construction criteria, such as Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 3-460-01, Petroleum Fuel Facilities, when designing, constructing, and installing airport hydrant systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks.

9VAC25-580-390. Additions, exceptions, and alternatives for UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems.

A. Exception to piping secondary containment requirements. Owners and operators may use single walled piping when installing or replacing piping associated with UST systems with field-constructed tanks greater than 50,000 gallons and piping associated with airport hydrant systems. Piping associated with UST systems with field-constructed tanks less than or equal to 50,000 gallons not "part" of an airport hydrant system must meet the secondary containment requirement when installed or replaced.

B. Upgrade requirements. Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment), airport hydrant systems and UST systems with field-constructed tanks where installation commenced before (insert effective date of amendment) must meet the following requirements or be permanently closed pursuant to "part" VII (9VAC25-580-310 et seq.) of this chapter.

1. Corrosion protection. UST system components in contact with the ground that routinely contain regulated substances must meet one of the following:

a. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, the new UST system performance standards for tanks at subdivision 1 of 9VAC25-580-50 and for piping at subdivision 2 at 9VAC25-580-50; or

b. Be constructed of metal and cathodically protected according to a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory and meets the following:

(1) Cathodic protection must meet the requirements of subdivisions 1 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50 for tanks and subdivisions 2 b (2), (3), and (4) of 9VAC25-580-50 for piping.

(2) Tanks older than 10 years without cathodic protection must be assessed to ensure the tank is structurally sound and free of corrosion holes prior to adding cathodic protection. The assessment must be by internal inspection or another method determined by the board to adequately assess the tank for structural soundness and corrosion holes.

Note: The following codes of practice may be used to comply with subsection B of this section:

(a) NACE International Standard Practice SP0285, External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection;

(b) NACE International Standard Practice SP0169, Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;

(c) National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631, Chapter C, Internal Inspection of Steel Tanks for Retrofit of Cathodic Protection; or

(d) American Society for Testing and Materials Standard G158, Standard Guide for Three Methods of Assessing Buried Steel Tanks.

2. Spill and overfill prevention equipment. To prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, all UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems must comply with new UST system spill and overfill prevention equipment requirements specified in subdivision 3 of 9VAC25-580-50.

C. Walkthrough inspections. In addition to the walkthrough inspection requirements in 9VCA25-580-85, owners and operators must inspect the following additional areas for airport hydrant systems at least once every 30 days if confined space entry according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (see 29 CFR "part" 1910) is not required or at least annually if confined space entry is required and keep documentation of the inspection according to 9VAC25-580-85 B.

1. Hydrant pits – visually check for any damage, remove any liquid or debris, and check for any leaks; and

2. Hydrant piping vaults – check for any hydrant piping leaks.

D. Release detection. Owners and operators of UST systems with field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems must begin meeting the release detection requirements described in this "part" not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment).

1. Methods of release detection for field-constructed tanks and airport hydrant systems. Owners and operators of shop fabricated USTs that are "part" of airport hydrant systems and field-constructed tanks with a capacity less than or equal to 50,000 gallons must meet the release detection requirements in "part" IV (9VAC25-580-130 et seq.) of this chapter. Owners and operators of field-constructed tanks with a capacity greater than 50,000 gallons must meet either the requirements in "part" IV of this chapter (except subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be combined with inventory control as stated in this subdivision) or use one or a combination of the following alternative methods of release detection:

a. Conduct an annual tank tightness test that can detect a 0.5 gallon per hour leak rate;

b. Use an automatic tank gauging system to perform release detection at least every 30 days that can detect a leak rate less than or equal to one gallon per hour. This method must be combined with a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate performed at least every three years;

c. Use an automatic tank gauging system to perform release detection at least every 30 days that can detect a leak rate less than or equal to two gallons per hour. This method must be combined with a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate performed at least every two years;

d. Perform vapor monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-160 for a tracer compound placed in the tank system) capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years;

e. Perform inventory control (conducted in accordance with De"part"ment of Defense Directive 4140.25, ATA Airport Fuel Facility Operations and Maintenance Guidance Manual, or equivalent procedures) at least every 30 days that can detect a leak equal to or less than 0.5% of flow-through; and

(1) Perform a tank tightness test that can detect a 0.5 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years; or

(2) Perform vapor monitoring or groundwater monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 or 6 of 9VAC25-580-160, respectively, for the stored regulated substance) at least every 30 days; or

f. Another method approved by the board if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions D 1 a through D 1 e of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability of detection.

2. Methods of release detection for piping. Owners and operators of underground piping associated with field-constructed tanks less than or equal to 50,000 gallons must meet the release detection requirements in "part" IV of this chapter. Owners and operators of underground piping associated with airport hydrant systems and field-constructed tanks greater than 50,000 gallons must follow either the requirements in "part" IV (except subdivisions 5 and 6 of 9VAC25-580-160 must be combined with inventory control as stated in this subdivision) or use one or a combination of the following alternative methods of release detection:

a. (1) Perform a semiannual or annual line tightness test at or above the piping operating pressure in accordance with the following table:

	Maximum Leak Detection Rate Per Test Section Volume
	Test Section Volume (Gallons)	Semiannual Test - Leak Detection Rate Not To Exceed (Gallons Per Hour)	Annual Test - Leak Detection Rate Not To Exceed (Gallons Per Hour)
	< 50,000	1.0	0.5
	≥ 50,000 to < 75,000	1.5	0.75
	≥ 75,000 to < 100,000	2.0	1.0
	≥ 100,000	3.0	1.5

(2) Piping segment volumes equal to or greater than 100,000 gallons not capable of meeting the maximum 3.0 gallons per hour leak rate for the semiannual test may be tested at a leak rate up to 6.0 gallons per hour according to the following schedule:

	Phase in for Piping Segments ≥ 100,000 Gallons in Volume
	First test	Not later than (insert date three years after effective date of amendment) (may use up to 6.0 gph leak rate)
	Second test	Between (insert date three years after effective date of rule) and (insert date six years after effective date of amendment) (may use up to 6.0 gph leak rate)
	Third test	Between (insert date six years after effective date of rule) and (insert date seven years after effective date of amendment) (must use 3.0 gph for leak rate)
	Subsequent tests	After (insert date seven years after effective date of amendment), begin using semiannual or annual line testing according to the Maximum Leak Detection Rate Per Test Section Volume table above

b. Perform vapor monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-580-160 for a tracer compound placed in the tank system) capable of detecting a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at least every two years;

c. Perform inventory control (conducted in accordance with De"part"ment of Defense Directive 4140.25, ATA Airport Fuel Facility Operations and Maintenance Guidance Manual, or equivalent procedures) at least every 30 days that can detect a leak equal to or less than 0.5% of flow-through; and

(1) Perform a line tightness test (conducted in accordance with subdivision 2 a of this subsection using the leak rates for the semiannual test) at least every two years; or

(2) Perform vapor monitoring or groundwater monitoring (conducted in accordance with subdivision 5 or 6 of 9VAC25-580-160, respectively, for the stored regulated substance) at least every 30 days; or

d. Another method approved by the board if the owner and operator can demonstrate that the method can detect a release as effectively as any of the methods allowed in subdivisions D 2 a, D 2 b, and D 2 c of this section. In comparing methods, the board shall consider the size of release that the method can detect and the frequency and reliability of detection.

3. Recordkeeping for release detection. Owners and operators must maintain release detection records according to the recordkeeping requirements in 9VAC25-580-180.

E. Applicability of closure requirements to previously closed UST systems. When directed by the board, the owner and operator of an UST system with field-constructed tanks or airport hydrant system permanently closed before (effective date of rule) must assess the excavation zone and close the UST system in accordance with "part" VII of this chapter if releases from the UST may, in the judgment of the board, pose a current or potential threat to human health and the environment.

FORMS (9VAC25-580)

Notification for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), Virginia DEQ Water Form 7530–2 (rev. 01–03). 1/2003)

Notification Form, EPA Form (50FR 46602). 7530‑1 (rev. 6/2015), 80 CFR 41670

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (9VAC25-580)

"Standard for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Underground Storage Tanks for Petroleum Products." Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1316, Underwriters Laboratories.

"Standard for Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S615-M83.

"Standard Specification for Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Society of Testing and Materials Standard D4021-86.

"Specification for STI-P3 System of External Corrosion Protection of Underground Steel Storage Tanks," Steel Tank Institute.

"Corrosion Protection System for Underground Storage Tanks," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 1746.

"Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S603-M85.

"Standard for Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Underground Tanks for Flammable Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-G03.1-M88.

"Isolating Bushings for Steel Underground Tanks Protected with Coatings and Galvanic Systems," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, CAN4-S641-M84.

"Control of External Corrosion on Metallic Buried, "part"ially Buried, or Submerged Liquid Storage Systems," National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Standard RP-02-85.

"Standard for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 58.

"Specification for the Fabrication of FRP Clad Underground Storage Tank," Association for Composite Tanks, ACT-100.

"UL Listed Non-Metal Pipe," Underwriters Laboratories, Subject 971.

"Pipe Connectors for Flammable and Combustible and LP Gas," Underwriters Laboratories, Standard 567.

"Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable Liquids," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Guide ULC-107.

"Flexible Underground Hose Connectors," Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Standard CAN4-S633-M81.

"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code," National Fire Protection Association, Standard 30.

"Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 1632.

"Control of External Corrosion on Submerged Metallic Piping Systems," National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Standard RP-01-69.

"Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage System," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 1615.

"Recommended Practice for Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Outlets," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1621.

National Fire Protection Association Publication 385.

"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code," National Fire Protection Association Standard 30.

"Storing and Handling Ethanol and Gasoline - Ethanol Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1626.

"Storage and Handling of Gasoline - Methanol/Cosolvent Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1627.

"Repairing Crude Oil, Liquified Petroleum Gas and Product Pipelines," American Petroleum Institute Publication 2200.

"Recommended Practice for the Interior Lining of Existing Steel Underground Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute Publication 1631.

"Spill Prevention, Minimum 10 Year Life Extension of Existing Steel Underground Tanks by Lining Without the Addition of Cathodic Protection," National Leak Prevention Association Standard 631.

"Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems," Petroleum Equipment Institute, Publication RP100.

"Petroleum Refinery Piping," American National Standards Institute, Standard B31.3.

"Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping System," American National Standards Institute, Standard B31.4.

NFPA 329.

"Standard for Dual Wall Underground Storage Tanks," Steel Tank Institute.

"Removal and Disposal of Used Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1604.

"Cleaning Petroleum Storage Tanks," American Petroleum Institute, Publication 2015.

"Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Working in Confined Space," National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

9VAC25-590-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Accidental release" means any sudden or nonsudden release of petroleum arising from operating an underground storage tank that results in a need for corrective action or compensation for bodily injury or property damage, or both, neither expected nor intended by the tank owner or operator.

"Annual aggregate" means the maximum financial responsibility requirement that an owner or operator is required to demonstrate annually.

"Board" means the State Water Control Board.

"Bodily injury" means the death or injury of any person incident to an accidental release from a petroleum underground storage tank; but not including any death, disablement, or injuries covered by workers' compensation, disability benefits or unemployment compensation law or other similar law. Bodily injury may include payment of medical, hospital, surgical, and funeral expenses arising out of the death or injury of any person. This term shall not include those liabilities which, consistent with standard insurance industry practices, are excluded from coverage in liability insurance policies for bodily injury.

"Chief financial officer" in the case of local government owners and operators, means the individual with the overall authority and responsibility for the collection, disbursement, and use of funds by the local government.

"Controlling interest" means direct ownership of at least 50% of the voting stock of another entity.

"Corrective action" means all actions necessary to abate, contain and cleanup a release from an underground storage tank to mitigate the public health or environmental threat from such releases and to rehabilitate state waters in accordance with "part"s V (9VAC25-580-190 et seq.) and VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580, Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements. The term does not include those actions normally associated with closure or change in service as set out in "part" VII (9VAC25-580-320 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580 or the replacement of an underground storage tank.

"Facility" means any development or installation within the Commonwealth that deals in, stores or handles oil, and includes a pipeline.

"Financial reporting year" means the latest consecutive 12-month period for which any of the following reports used to support a financial test is prepared: (i) a 10 K report submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (ii) an annual report of tangible net worth submitted to Dun and Bradstreet; (iii) annual reports submitted to the Energy Information Administration or the Rural Utilities Service; or (iv) a year-end financial statement authorized under 9VAC25-590-60 B or C of this chapter. "Financial reporting year" may thus comprise a fiscal or calendar year period.

"Gallons of petroleum pumped" means either the amount pumped into or the amount pumped out of a petroleum underground storage tank.

"Group self-insurance pool" or "pool" means a pool organized by two or more owners and/or operators of underground storage tanks for the purpose of forming a group self-insurance pool in order to demonstrate financial responsibility as required by § 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia.

"Legal defense cost" means any expense that an owner or operator or provider of financial assurance incurs in defending against claims or actions brought (i) by the federal government or the board to require corrective action or to recover the costs of corrective action, or to collect civil penalties under federal or state law or to assert any claim on behalf of the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund; (ii) by or on behalf of a third "part"y for bodily injury or property damage caused by an accidental release; or (iii) by any person to enforce the terms of a financial assurance mechanism.

"Local government" means a municipality, county, town, commission, separately chartered and operated special district, school board, political subdivision of a state, or other special purpose government which provides essential services.

"Member" means an owner or operator of an underground storage tank who has entered into a member agreement and thereby becomes a member of a group self-insurance pool.

"Member agreement" means the written agreement executed between each member and the pool, which sets forth the conditions of membership in the pool, the obligations, if any, of each member to the other members, and the terms, coverages, limits, and deductibles of the pool plan.

"Occurrence" means an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to conditions, which results in a release from an underground storage tank.

NOTE: This definition is intended to assist in the understanding of this chapter and is not intended either to limit the meaning of "occurrence" in a way that conflicts with standard insurance usage or to prevent the use of other standard insurance terms in place of "occurrence."

"Operator" means any person in control of, or having responsibility for, the daily operation of the UST system.

"Owner" means:

1. In the case of an UST system in use on November 8, 1984, or brought into use after that date, any person who owns an UST system used for storage, use, or dispensing of regulated substances; and

2. In the case of any UST system in use before November 8, 1984, but no longer in use on that date, any person who owned such UST immediately before the discontinuation of its use.

The term "owner" shall not include any person, who, without "part"icipating in the management of an underground storage tank or being otherwise engaged in petroleum production, refining, and marketing, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect the holder's security interest in the tank.

"Owner" or "operator," when the owner or operator are separate "part"ies, refers to the person that is obtaining or has obtained financial assurances.

"Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation, including a government corporation, "part"nership, association, any state or agency thereof, municipality, county, town, commission, political subdivision of a state, any interstate body, consortium, joint venture, commercial entity, the government of the United States or any unit or agency thereof.

"Petroleum" means petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure (60°F and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute).

"Petroleum marketing facilities" includes all facilities at which petroleum is produced or refined and all facilities from which petroleum is sold or transferred to other petroleum marketers or to the public.

"Petroleum marketing firms" means all firms owning petroleum marketing facilities. Firms owning other types of facilities with USTs as well as petroleum marketing facilities are considered to be petroleum marketing firms.

"Pool plan" means the plan of self-insurance offered by the pool to its members as specifically designated in the member agreement.

"Property damage" means the loss or destruction of, or damage to, the property of any third "part"y including any loss, damage or expense incident to an accidental release from a petroleum underground storage tank. This term shall not include those liabilities which, consistent with standard insurance industry practices, are excluded from coverage in liability insurance policies for property damage. However, such exclusions for property damage shall not include corrective action associated with releases from tanks which are covered by the policy.

"Provider of financial assurance" means a person that provides financial assurance to an owner or operator of an underground storage tank through one of the mechanisms listed in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250, including a guarantor, insurer, group self-insurance pool, surety, issuer of a letter of credit or certificate of deposit.

"Release" means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, escaping, leaching or disposing from an UST into ground water, surface water, or upon lands, subsurface soils or storm drain systems.

"Responsible person" means any person who is an owner or operator of an underground storage tank at the time the release is reported to the board.

"Substantial business relationship" means the extent of a business relationship necessary under Virginia law to make a guarantee contract issued incident to that relationship valid and enforceable. A guarantee contract is issued "incident to that relationship" if it arises from and depends on existing economic transactions between the guarantor and the owner or operator.

"Tangible net worth" means the tangible assets that remain after deducting liabilities; such assets do not include intangibles such as goodwill and rights to patents or royalties. For purposes of this definition, "assets" means all existing and all probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by a "part"icular entity as a result of past transactions.

"Termination" under Appendix III and Appendix IV means only those changes that could result in a gap in coverage as where the insured has not obtained substitute coverage or has obtained substitute coverage with a different retroactive date than the retroactive date of the original policy.

"Underground storage tank" or "UST" means any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, and the volume of which (including the volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground. This term does not include any:

1. Farm or residential tank of 1,100 gallons or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes;

2. Tank used for storing heating oil for consumption on the premises where stored;

3. Septic tank;

4. Pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under:

a. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 USC App. 1671, et seq.),

b. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 USC App. 2001, et seq.), or

c. Which is an intrastate pipeline facility regulated under state laws comparable to the provisions of the law referred to in subdivision 4 a or 4 b of this definition;

5. Surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon;

6. Stormwater or wastewater collection system;

7. Flow-through process tank;

8. Liquid trap or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas production and gathering operations; or

9. Storage tank situated in an underground area (such as a basement, cellar, mineworking, drift, shaft, or tunnel) if the storage tank is situated upon or above the surface of the floor.

The term "underground storage tank" or "UST" does not include any pipes connected to any tank which is described in subdivisions 1 through 9 of this definition.

"UST system" or "tank system" means an underground storage tank, connected underground piping, underground ancillary equipment, and containment system, if any.

"9VAC25-580" means the Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements regulation promulgated by the board.

9VAC25-590-15. Applicability of incorporated references based on the dates that they became effective.

Except as noted, when a regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is referenced or adopted in this chapter and incorporated by reference, that regulation shall be as it exists and has been published as of July 1, 2016.

9VAC25-590-20. Applicability.

A. This chapter applies to owners and operators of all petroleum UST systems regulated under 9VAC25-580, except as otherwise provided in this section and 9VAC25-590-210.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum UST systems are subject to these requirements if they are in operation on or after the date for compliance established in accordance with 9VAC25-590-30.

C. State and federal government entities whose debts and liabilities are the debts and liabilities of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States have the requisite financial strength and stability to fulfill their financial assurance requirements and are relieved of the requirements to further demonstrate an ability to provide financial responsibility under this chapter.

D. The requirements of this chapter do not apply to owners and operators of any UST system described in 9VAC25-580-20 B or C, 9VAC25-580-20 C 1, C 3, or C 4.

E. If the owner and operator of a petroleum underground storage tank are separate persons, only one person is required to demonstrate financial responsibility; however, both "part"ies are liable in event of noncompliance.

9VAC25-590-30. Compliance dates.

Owners of petroleum underground storage tanks are required to must comply with the requirements of this chapter by the following dates:. Previously deferred UST systems must comply with the requirements of this chapter according to the schedule in 9VAC25-580-380.

1. All petroleum marketing firms owning 1,000 or more USTs and all other UST owners that report a tangible net worth of $20 million or more to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dun and Bradstreet, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service: January 24, 1989; except that compliance for owners and operators using the mechanisms specified in 9VAC25-590-70 or 9VAC25-590-90 is required by July 24, 1989.

2. All petroleum marketing firms owning 100-999 USTs: October 26, 1989;

3. All petroleum marketing firms owning 13-99 USTs at more than one facility: April 26, 1991;

4. All petroleum UST owners not described in subdivision 1, 2, or 3 of this section, excluding local government entities: December 31, 1993;

5. All local government entities (including Indian tribes) not included in subdivision 6 of this section: February 18, 1994; or

6. Indian tribes that own USTs on Indian lands which meet the applicable technical requirements of 9VAC25-580: December 31, 1998.

9VAC25-590-40. Amount and scope of financial responsibility requirement.

A. Owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks shall demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks at least in the following per-occurrence amounts:

1. For owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks that are located at petroleum marketing facilities, or that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum per month based on annual throughput for the previous calendar year; $1 million.

2. For all other owners or operators of petroleum underground storage tanks; $500,000.

B. Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tanks shall demonstrate financial responsibility for taking corrective action and for compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases arising from the operation of petroleum underground storage tanks in at least the following annual aggregate amounts:

1. For owners and operators of 1 to 100 petroleum underground storage tanks, $1 million; and

2. For owners and operators of 101 or more petroleum underground storage tanks, $2 million.

C. Owners and operators of petroleum underground storage tanks may use the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund in combination with one or more of the mechanisms specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250 to satisfy the financial responsibility as required by this section. The fund may be used to demonstrate financial responsibility for the owner or operator in excess of the amounts specified in 9VAC25-590-210 C 1 up to the per occurrence and annual aggregate requirements specified in this section for both taking corrective action and compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by accidental releases from petroleum underground storage tanks.

D. Owners and operators who demonstrate financial responsibility shall maintain copies of those records on which the determination is based. The following documents may be used for purposes of demonstrating financial responsibility by owners or operators to support a financial responsibility requirement determination:

1. Copies of invoices from petroleum suppliers which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped into all underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

2. Copies of disposal or recycling receipts which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped out of all underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

3. Letters from petroleum suppliers or disposal or recycling firms on the supplier's, disposer's or recycler's letterhead, which are signed by the appropriate financial officer and which indicate the gallons of petroleum pumped into or out of all of the owner's or operator's underground storage tanks on an annual basis.

4. Any other form of documentation which the board may deem to be acceptable evidence to support the financial responsibility requirement determination.

E. For the purposes of this section, "a petroleum underground storage tank" means a single containment unit and does not mean combinations of single containment units.

F. If the owner or operator uses separate mechanisms or separate combinations of mechanisms to demonstrate financial responsibility for: (i) taking corrective action; (ii) compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden accidental releases; or (iii) compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by nonsudden accidental releases, the amount of assurance provided by each mechanism or combination of mechanisms shall be in the full amount specified in subsection subsections A and B of this section.

G. If an owner or operator uses separate mechanisms or separate combinations of mechanisms to demonstrate financial responsibility for different petroleum underground storage tanks, the annual aggregate required for each mechanism shall be the amount specified in subsection B of this section.

H. If assurance is being demonstrated by a combination of mechanisms, the owner or operator shall demonstrate financial responsibility in the appropriate amount of annual aggregate assurance specified in subsection B of this section, by the first-occurring effective date anniversary of any one of the mechanisms combined (other than a financial test or guarantee) to provide assurance.

I. The amounts of assurance required under this section exclude legal defense costs.

J. The required per-occurrence and annual aggregate coverage amounts do not in any way limit the liability of the owner or operator.

9VAC25-590-60. Financial test of self-insurance.

A. An owner or operator and/or guarantor, may satisfy the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40 by passing a financial test as specified in this section. To pass the financial test of self-insurance, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall meet the requirements of subsection B or C and subsection D of this section based on year-end financial statements for the latest completed financial reporting year.

B. 1. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a tangible net worth at least equal to the total of:

a. The applicable aggregate financial responsibility amount required by 9VAC25-590-40 B for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility, except as provided in 9VAC25-590-210; and

b. The aggregate aboveground storage tank financial responsibility amount required under 9VAC25-640, for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility.

2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall also have a tangible net worth of at least 10 times:

a. The sum of the corrective action cost estimates, the current closure and postclosure care cost estimates, and amount of liability coverage for which a financial test for self-insurance is used in each state of business operations to demonstrate financial responsibility to the EPA under 40 CFR §§ 264.101(b), 264.143, 264.145, 265.143, 265.145, 264.147, and 265.147 (1997), to another state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 271 (1997) or the Virginia Waste Management Board under 40 CFR 264.143, 264.145 and 264.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-264) and 40 CFR 265.143, 265.145 and 265.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-265) of the Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations; and

b. The sum of current plugging and abandonment cost estimates for which a financial test for self-insurance is used in each state of business operations to demonstrate financial responsibility to EPA under 40 CFR 144.63 (1997) or to a state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 (1997) (Underground Injection Control Program).

3. The owner or operator, and/or guarantor shall comply with either subdivision a or b below of this subdivision:

a. (1) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall be examined by an independent certified public accountant and be accompanied by the accountant's report of the examination; and

(2) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

b. (1) (a) File financial statements annually with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service; or

(b) Report annually the tangible net worth of the owner or operator and/or guarantor to Dun and Bradstreet, and Dun and Bradstreet shall have assigned a financial strength rating which at least equals the amount of financial responsibility required by the owner or operator under subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection. Relevant Dun and Bradstreet ratings are as follows (current Dun and Bradstreet ratings will be used for demonstration requirements which exceed the annual aggregate amounts listed below):

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to 9,999,999); and

(2) The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor, if, independently audited, cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

4. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a letter signed by the chief financial officer worded identically as specified in Appendix I/Alternative I or Appendix XI.

C. 1. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a tangible net worth at least equal to the total of:

a. The applicable aggregate amount required by 9VAC25-590-40 B for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility, except as provided in 9VAC25-590-210; and

b. The aggregate aboveground storage tank financial responsibility amount required under 9VAC25-640 for which a financial test is used to demonstrate financial responsibility.

2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall also have a tangible net worth of at least six times:

a. The financial test requirements for self insurance of the corrective action cost estimates, the current closure and post-closure care cost estimates, and amount of liability coverage in each state of business operations to the EPA under 40 CFR 264.101(b), 264.143, 264.145, 265.143, 265.145, 264.147, and 265.147 (1997), to another state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 271 (1997) or the Virginia Waste Management Board under 40 CFR 264.143, 264.145 and 264.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-264) and 40 CFR 265.143, 265.145, and 265.147 (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC20-60-265) of the Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations; and

b. The financial test requirements for self-insurance of current plugging and abandonment cost estimates in each state of business operations to EPA under 40 CFR 144.63 (1997) or to a state implementing agency under a state program authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 (1997) (Underground Injection Control Program).

3. The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall be examined by an independent certified public accountant and be accompanied by the accountant's report of the examination.

4. The financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor cannot include an adverse auditor's opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification.

5. If the financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor are not submitted annually to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Energy Information Administration or the Rural Utilities Service, the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall obtain a special report by an independent certified public accountant stating that:

a. The accountant has compared the data that the letter from the chief financial officer specified as having been derived from the latest financial reporting year-end financial statements of the owner or operator and/or guarantor with the amounts in such financial statements; and

b. In connection with that comparison, no matters came to the accountant's attention which caused him to believe that the specified data should be adjusted.

6. The owner or operator and/or guarantor shall have a letter signed by the chief financial officer, worded identically as specified in Appendix I/Alternative II or Appendix XI.

D. To meet the financial demonstration test under subsection B or C of this section, the chief financial officer of the owner or operator and/or guarantor shall sign, within 120 days of the close of each financial reporting year, as defined by the 12-month period for which financial statements used to support the financial test are prepared, a letter worded identically as specified in Appendix I with the appropriate alternative or Appendix XI, except that the instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

E. If an owner or operator using the financial test to provide financial assurance finds that he no longer meets the requirements of the financial test based on the financial reporting year-end financial statements, the owner or operator shall obtain alternative coverage within 150 days of the end of the year for which financial statements have been prepared.

F. The board may require reports of financial condition at any time from the owner or operator and/or guarantor. If the board finds, on the basis of such reports or other information, that the owner or operator and/or guarantor no longer meets the financial test requirements of subsection B or C and subsection D of this section, the owner or operator shall obtain alternate coverage within 30 days after notification of such finding.

G. If the owner or operator fails to obtain alternate assurance within 150 days of finding that he no longer meets the requirements of the financial test based on the financial reporting year-end financial statements, or within 30 days of notification by the board that he or she no longer meets the requirements of the financial test, the owner or operator shall notify the board of such failure within 10 days.

9VAC25-590-160. Recordkeeping.

A. Owners or operators shall maintain evidence of all financial assurance mechanisms used to demonstrate financial responsibility under this chapter for an underground storage tank until released from the requirements of this chapter under 9VAC25-590-180. An owner or operator shall maintain such evidence at the underground storage tank site or the owner's or operator's place of work in this Commonwealth. Records maintained off-site shall be made available upon request of the board.

B. Owners or operators shall maintain the following types of evidence of financial responsibility:

1. An owner or operator using an assurance mechanism specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110 and 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of the instrument worded as specified.

2. An owner or operator using a financial test or guarantee, or a local government financial test or a local government guarantee supported by the local government financial test, shall maintain a copy of the chief financial officer's letter based on year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year. Such evidence shall be on file no later than 120 days after the close of the financial reporting year.

3. A local government owner or operator using the local government bond rating test under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of its bond rating published within the last 12 months by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.

4. A local government owner or operator using the local government guarantee under 9VAC25-590-250, where the guarantor's demonstration of financial responsibility relies on the bond rating test under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain a copy of the guarantor's bond rating published within the last 12 months by Moody's or Standard & Poor's.

5. An owner or operator using an insurance policy or group self-insurance pool coverage shall maintain a copy of the signed insurance policy or group self-insurance pool plan and membership agreement, with the endorsement or certificate of insurance and any amendments to the agreements.

6. An owner or operator using a local government fund under 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain the following documents:

a. A copy of the state constitutional provision or local government statute, charter, ordinance or order dedicating the fund; and

b. Year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year showing the amount in the fund. If the fund is established under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3) (1997) 40 CFR 280.107(c) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250) using incremental funding backed by bonding authority, the financial statements shall show the previous year's balance, the amount of funding during the year, and the closing balance in the fund.

If the fund is established under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3) (1997) 40 CFR 280.107(c) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250) using incremental funding backed by bonding authority, the owner or operator shall also maintain documentation of the required bonding authority, including either the results of a voter referendum (under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3)(i) (1997)) 40 CFR 280.107(c)(1)) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250), or attestation by the Virginia Attorney General as specified under 40 CFR 280.107(a)(3)(ii) (1997)) 40 CFR 280.107(c)(2) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250).

7. A local government owner or operator using the local government guarantee supported by the local government fund shall maintain a copy of the guarantor's year-end financial statements for the most recent completed financial reporting year showing the amount of the fund.

8. a. An owner or operator using an assurance mechanism specified in 9VAC25-590-60 through 9VAC25-590-110, 9VAC25-590-210, or 9VAC25-590-250 shall maintain an updated copy of a certification of financial responsibility worded identically as specified in Appendix IX, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

b. The owner or operator shall update this certification whenever the financial assurance mechanism or mechanisms used to demonstrate financial responsibility changes.

9VAC25-590-170. Drawing on financial assurance mechanism.

A. Except as specified in subsection D of this section, the board may shall require the guarantor, surety, or institution issuing a letter of credit or certificate of deposit to pay to the board an amount up to the limit of funds provided by the financial assurance mechanism if:

1. The owner or operator fails to establish alternate financial assurance within 60 days after receiving notice of cancellation of the guarantee, surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit; or

2. The conditions of subsection B of this section are satisfied.

B. The board shall deposit the financial assurance funds forfeited pursuant to subsection A of this section into the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund. The board may use the financial responsibility funds obtained pursuant to subsection A of this section to conduct corrective action or to pay a third "part"y claim when:

1. The board makes a final determination that a release has occurred and immediate or long-term corrective action for the release is needed, and the owner or operator, after appropriate notice and opportunity to comply, has not conducted corrective action as required under "part" VI (9VAC25-580-230 et seq.) of 9VAC25-580; or

2. The board has received either:

a. Certification from the owner or operator and the third "part"y liability claimant or claimants and from attorneys representing the owner or operator and the third "part"y liability claimant or claimants that a third "part"y liability claim should be paid. The certification shall be worded identically as specified in Appendix X, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted; or

b. A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the owner or operator for bodily injury or property damage caused by an accidental release from an underground storage tank covered by financial assurance under this chapter and the board determines that the owner or operator has not satisfied the judgment.

C. If the board determines that the amount of corrective action costs and third "part"y liability claims eligible for payment under subsection B of this section may exceed the obligation of the provider of financial assurance, the first priority for payment shall be corrective action costs necessary to protect human health and the environment. The board shall direct payment of the financial responsibility funds for third "part"y liability claims in the order in which the board receives certifications under subdivision B 2 a of this section and valid court orders under subdivision B 2 b of this section.

D. A local government acting as guarantor under 40 CFR 280.106(e) (1997) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250), the local government guarantee without standby trust, shall make payments as directed by the board under the circumstances described in subsection A, B or C of this section.

9VAC25-590-180. Release from the requirements.

An owner or operator is no longer required to maintain financial responsibility under this chapter for an underground storage tank after the tank has been properly permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service to an unregulated use properly completed or, if corrective action is required, after corrective action has been completed and the tank has been properly permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service as required by "part" VII (9VAC25-580-320 et seq.) of 9VAC25 Chapter 580 9VAC25-580.

9VAC25-590-190. Bankruptcy or other incapacity of owner, operator or provider of financial assurance.

A. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming an owner or operator as debtor, the owner or operator shall notify the board by certified mail of such commencement and submit the appropriate forms listed in 9VAC25-590-160 B documenting current financial responsibility.

B. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a guarantor providing financial assurance as debtor, such guarantor shall notify the owner or operator and the board by certified mail of such commencement as required under the terms of the guarantee specified in 9VAC25-590-70.

C. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a local government owner or operator as debtor, the local government owner or operator shall notify the board by certified mail of such commencement and submit the appropriate forms listed in 9VAC25-590-160 B documenting current financial responsibility.

D. Within 10 days after commencement of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming a guarantor providing a local government financial assurance as debtor, such guarantor shall notify the local government owner or operator and the board by certified mail of such commencement as required under the terms of the guarantee specified in 40 CFR 280.106 (1997) (as incorporated by reference in 9VAC25-590-250).

E. An owner or operator that obtains financial assurance by a mechanism other than the financial test of self-insurance will be deemed to be without the required financial assurance in the event of a bankruptcy or incapacity of its provider of financial assurance, or a suspension or revocation of the authority of the provider of financial assurance to issue a guarantee, insurance policy, group self-insurance pool plan, surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit. The owner or operator shall obtain alternate financial assurance as specified in this regulation within 30 days after receiving notice of such an event. If the owner or operator does not obtain alternate coverage within 30 days after such notification, he shall immediately notify the board in writing.

F. Within 30 days after receipt of written notification that the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund has become incapable of covering assured corrective action or third "part"y compensation costs, the owner or operator shall obtain alternate financial assurance in accordance with 9VAC25-590-40.

9VAC25-590-240. Lender liability.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on lender liability contained in the Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) (40 CFR 280.200 through 280.230 (1997))) are incorporated by reference into this chapter as amended by the word or phrase substitutions given in 9VAC25-590-260.

9VAC25-590-250. Local government financial responsibility demonstration.

A. Except as otherwise provided, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on local government financial responsibility demonstration contained in the Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) (40 CFR 280.104 through 280.107 (1997))) are incorporated by reference into this chapter as amended by the word or phrase substitutions given in 9VAC25-590-260.

B. A local government demonstrating financial responsibility pursuant to 40 CFR 280.106 shall demonstrate using the guarantee arrangement entitled "Local Government Guarantee Without Standby Trust Made by a Local Government."

9VAC25-590-260. Word or phrase substitutions Modifications to language incorporated by reference.

In 9VAC25-590-240 and 9VAC25-590-250, the following substitutions apply:

1. All terms which are defined in 9VAC25-590-10 shall be given the definition contained in 9VAC25-590-10;

2. a. Director of the De"part"ment of Environmental Quality for director of the implementing agency;

b. De"part"ment of Environmental Quality for the implementing agency;

c. UST preventative and operating requirements under 9VAC25-580 for UST technical standards;

d. 9VAC25-580 and 9VAC25-590 for 40 CFR "part" 280 (1997);

e. 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300 for 40 CFR "part" 280, Sub"part" F (1997);

f. 9VAC25-590 for 40 CFR "part" 280, Sub"part" H (1997);

g. 9VAC25-580-50 for 40 CFR 280.20;

h. 9VAC25-580-60 for 40 CFR 280.21;

i. 9VAC25-580-70 for 40 CFR 280.22 (1997) 9VAC25-580-90 for 40 CFR 280.31;

j. 9VAC25-580-90 for 40 CFR 280.31 9VAC25-580-190 for 40 CFR 280.50;

k. 9VAC25-580-200 through 9VAC25-580-300 for 40 CFR 280.51 through 280.67;

l. 9VAC25-580-310 for 40 CFR 280.70;

m. 9VAC25-580-320 through 9VAC25-580-350 for 40 CFR 280.71 through 280.74;

n. 9VAC25-580-330 for 40 CFR 280.72;

o. 9VAC25-590-20 9VAC25-590-10 through 9VAC25-590-160 for 40 CFR 280.90 through 280.111;

p. 9VAC25-590-40 for 40 CFR 280.93;

q. 9VAC25-590-170 for 40 CFR 280.112 (1997); and

r. 9VAC25-590-190 for 40 CFR 280.114.

APPENDIX I. LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.

[NOTE: Owners or operators demonstrating financial responsibility using the financial test who do not also own or operate hazardous waste facilities or underground injection wells are eligible to use Appendix XI (Letter from Chief Financial Officer—Short Form) instead of Appendix I.]

I am the chief financial officer of [insert name and address of the owner or operator or guarantor]. This letter is in support of the use of [insert "the financial test of self-insurance," and/or "Guarantee"] to demonstrate financial responsibility for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by [insert "sudden accidental releases" and/or or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] in the amount of at least [insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence and [insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence and [insert dollar amount] annual aggregate arising from operating (an) underground storage tank(s).

Underground storage tanks at the following facilities are assured by this financial test by this [insert "owner or operator," and/or "guarantor"]: [List for each facility the name and address of the facility where tanks assured by this financial test are located, and whether tanks are assured by this financial test. If separate mechanisms or combinations of mechanisms are being used to assure any of the tanks at this facility, list each tank assured by this financial test by the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks; Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements)].

A [insert "financial test," and/or "guarantee"] is also used by this [insert "owner or operator" or "guarantor"] to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in the following amounts under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part"s 271 and 145 (1997):

EPA Regulation for each state of business operations (specify state):

		Amount
	Closure (Sections 264.143 and 265.143)	$_____
	Post Closure Care (Sections 264.145 and 265.145)	$_____
	Liability Coverage (Sections 264.147 and 265.147)	$_____
	Corrective Action (Section 264.101(b))	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment (Section 144.63)	$_____
	Other State Programs (specify state):
	Closure	$_____
	Post-Closure Care	$_____
	Liability Coverage	$_____
	Corrective Action	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment	$_____
	Virginia Hazardous Waste Management Regulations:
	Closure (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265 C)	$_____
	Post-Closure Care (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265)	$_____
	Liability Coverage (9VAC20-60-264 and 9VAC20-60-265)	$_____
	Corrective Action (9VAC20-60-264)	$_____
	Plugging and Abandonment (40 CFR Section 144.63) (1997)	$_____
	TOTAL	$_____

This [insert "owner or operator," or "guarantor"] has not received an adverse opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification from an independent auditor on his financial statements for the latest completed fiscal year.

[Fill in the information for Alternative I if the criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B are being used to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements. Fill in the information for Alternative II if the criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 C are being used to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements.]

ALTERNATIVE I

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee....................$__________

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee pursuant to 9VAC25-640....................$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)....................$__________

4. Amount of corrective action, closure and post-closure care costs, liability coverage, [and] plugging and abandonment costs covered by a financial test, and/or guarantee under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part" 145 or 271 (1997)....................$__________

5. Sum of lines 3 and 4....................$__________

6. Total tangible assets....................$__________

7. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 5 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 8]....................$__________

8. Tangible net worth [subtract line 7 from line 6]....................$__________

9. Is line 8 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes.... No.....

10. Is line 8 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 10 times line 4? Yes.... No....

11. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission? Yes.... No....

12. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Energy Information Administration? Yes.... No....

13. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Rural Utilities Service? Yes.... No....

14. Has financial information been provided to Dun and Bradstreet, and has Dun and Bradstreet provided a financial strength rating at least equal to the total amount of annual aggregate coverage being assured as entered on line 5, according to the table below?

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to 9,999,999)

[Answer "Yes" only if both criteria have been met.]
Yes.... No....

15. If you did not answer yes to one of lines 11 through 14, please attach a report from an independent-certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 6 through 10 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.

ALTERNATIVE II

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee.

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee pursuant to 9VAC25-640....................$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)....................$__________

4. Amount of corrective action closure and post-closure care costs, liability coverage, [and] plugging and abandonment costs covered by a financial test, and/or guarantee under other EPA regulations or state programs authorized by EPA under 40 CFR "part"s 271 or 145....................$__________

5. Sum of lines 3 and 4....................$__________

6. Total tangible assets....................$__________

7. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 5 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 8]....................$__________

8. Tangible net worth [subtract line 7 from line 6]....................$__________

9. Total assets in the U.S. [required only if less than 90% of assets are located in the U.S.]....................$__________

10. Is line 8 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes___ No___

11. Is line 8 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

12. Are at least 90% of assets located in the U.S.? [If "No," complete line 13.] Yes___ No___

13. Is line 9 at least equal to the sum of line 1 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

[Fill in either lines 14-17 or lines 18-20:]

14. Current assets....................$__________

15. Current liabilities....................$__________

16. Net working capital subtract line 15 from line 14....................$__________

17. Is line 16 at least equal to the sum of line 3 plus 6 times the sum of line 4? Yes___ No___

18. Current bond rating of most recent bond issue?____________

19. Name of rating service____________

20. Date of maturity of bond____________

21. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the SEC, the Energy Information Administration, or the Rural Utilities Service? Yes___ No___

[If "no," please attach a report from an independent certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 6-20 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.]

[For Alternatives I and II complete the certification with this statement.]

I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in Appendix I of this chapter 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature]

[Name]

[Title]

[Date]

APPENDIX II. GUARANTEE.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity], a business entity organized under the laws of the state of [insert name of state], herein referred to as guarantor, to the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to any and all third "part"ies, and obligees, on behalf of [owner or operator] of [business address].

Recitals.

(1) Guarantor meets or exceeds the financial test criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B or C and D of Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements, 9VAC25-590, and agrees to comply with the requirements for guarantors as specified in 9VAC25-590-70 B.

(2) [Owner or operator] owns or operates the following underground storage tank(s) covered by this guarantee: [List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility]. This guarantee satisfies this chapter's requirements for assuring funding for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" [if coverage is different for different tanks or locations, indicate the type of coverage applicable to each tank or location] arising from operating the above-identified underground storage tank(s) in the amount of [insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, [insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and [insert dollar amount] annual aggregate.

(3) [Insert appropriate phrase: "On behalf of our subsidiary" (if guarantor is corporate parent of the owner or operator); "On behalf of our affiliate" (if guarantor is a related firm of the owner or operator); or "Incident to our business relationship with" (if guarantor is providing the guarantee as an incident to a substantial business relationship with owner or operator)] [owner or operator], guarantor guarantees to the State Water Control Board and to any and all third "part"ies that:

In the event that [owner or operator] fails to provide alternate coverage within 60 days after receipt of a notice of cancellation of this guarantee and the State Water Control Board has determined or suspects that a release has occurred at an underground storage tank covered by this guarantee, the guarantor, upon instructions from the State Water Control Board, shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170, in an amount not to exceed the coverage limits specified above.

In the event that the State Water Control Board determines that [owner or operator] has failed to perform corrective action for releases arising out of the operation of the above-identified tank(s) in accordance with 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), the guarantor upon written instructions from the State Water Control Board shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170, in an amount not to exceed the coverage limits specified above.

If [owner or operator] fails to satisfy a judgment or award based on a determination of liability for bodily injury or property damage to third "part"ies caused by ["sudden" and/or "nonsudden"] accidental releases arising from the operation of the above-identified tank(s), or fails to pay an amount agreed to in settlement of a claim arising from or alleged to arise from such injury or damage, the guarantor, upon written instructions from the State Water Control Board, shall pay the funds to the State Water Control Board in accordance with the provisions of 9VAC25-590-170 to satisfy such judgment(s), award(s), or settlement agreement(s) up to the limits of coverage specified above.

(4) Guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before cancellation of this guarantee, the guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria of 9VAC25-590-60 B or C and D, guarantor shall send within 120 days of such failure, by certified mail, notice to [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board. The guarantee will terminate 120 days from the date of receipt of the notice by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipts.

(5) Guarantor agrees to notify [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board by certified mail of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 (Bankruptcy), U.S. Code, naming guarantor as debtor, within 10 days after commencement of the proceeding.

(6) Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee notwithstanding any modification or alteration of any obligation of [owner or operator] pursuant to 9VAC25-580 and 9VAC25-590.

(7) Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for so long as [owner or operator] shall must comply with the applicable financial responsibility requirements of 9VAC25-590 for the above-identified tank(s), except that guarantor may cancel this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, such cancellation to become effective no earlier than 120 days after receipt of such notice by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipt.

(8) The guarantor's obligation does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily damage or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

(9) Guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the State Water Control Board, by any or all third "part"ies, or by [owner or operator].

I hereby certify that the wording of this guarantee is identical to the wording specified in Appendix II of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the effective date shown immediately below.

Effective date:

[Name of guarantor]

[Authorized signature for guarantor]

[Name of person signing]

[Title of person signing]

Signature of witness or notary:

APPENDIX V. PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BOND.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Date bond executed:

Period of coverage:

Principal: [legal name and business address of owner or operator.]

Type of organization: [insert "individual," "joint venture," ""part"nership," or "corporation"]

State of incorporation (if applicable):

Surety(ies): [name(s) and business address(es)]

Scope of coverage: [List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility. List the coverage guaranteed by the bond: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" "arising from operating the underground storage tank"].

Penal sums of bond:

Corrective Action (per occurrence) $.....

Third "part"y Liability (per occurrence) $.....

Annual aggregate $.....

Surety's bond number:

Know all Persons by These Presents, that we, the principal and Surety(ies), hereto are firmly bound to the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the above penal sums for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns jointly and severally; provided that, where the Surety(ies) are corporations acting as co-sureties, we, the Sureties, bind ourselves in such sums jointly and severally only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each surety binds itself, jointly and severally with the Principal, for the payment of such sums only as is set forth opposite the name of such Surety, but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the full amount of the penal sums.

Whereas said Principal is required under § 62.1-44.34:8 through 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia, Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended, and under the Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Requirements Regulation (9VAC25-590), to provide financial assurance for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases";] [if coverage is different for different tanks or locations, indicate the type of coverage applicable to each tank or location] arising from operating the underground storage tanks identified above;

Now, therefore, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the Principal shall faithfully ["take corrective action, in accordance with "part" VI of 9VAC25-580-230 through 9VAC25-580-300. (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements) and the State Water Control Board's instructions for," and/or "compensate injured third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden" and/or "nonsudden" or "sudden and nonsudden"] accidental releases arising from operating the tank(s) identified above, or if the Principal shall provide alternate financial assurance, as specified in 9VAC25-590, within 120 days after the date the notice of cancellation is received by the Principal from the Surety(ies), then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect.

Such obligation does not apply to any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

The Surety(ies) shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the Principal has failed to fulfill the conditions described above.

Upon notification by the State Water Control Board that the Principal has failed to ["take corrective action, in accordance with "part" VI of 9VAC25-580-230 through 25-580-300 and the State Water Control Board's instructions," and/or "compensate injured third "part"ies"] as guaranteed by this bond, the Surety(ies) shall either perform ["corrective action in, accordance with 9VAC25-580 and the board's instructions," and/or "third "part"y liability compensation"] or pay the funds in an amount up to the annual aggregate penal sum to the State Water Control Board as directed by the State Water Control Board under 9VAC25-590-170. The State Water Control Board in its sole discretion may elect to require the surety to pay the funds or to take corrective action and compensate third "part"ies or any combination up to the annual aggregate penal sum.

Upon notification by the State Water Control Board that the Principal has failed to provide alternate financial assurance within 60 days after the date the notice of cancellation is received by the Principal from the Surety(ies) and that the State Water Control Board has determined or suspects that a release has occurred, the Surety(ies) shall pay the funds in an amount not exceeding the annual aggregate penal sum to the State Water Control Board as directed by the State Water Control Board under 9VAC25-590-170.

The Surety(ies) submit to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond to adjudicate any claim against it(them) by the State Water Control Board and waive any objection to venue in that court. Interest shall accrue at the judgment rate of interest on the amount due beginning seven days after the date of notification by the State Water Control Board. In the event the State Water Control Board shall institute legal action to compel performance by the Surety under this agreement, the Surety shall be liable for all costs and legal fees incurred by the board to enforce this agreement.

The Surety(ies) hereby waive(s) notification of amendments to applicable laws, statutes, rules, and regulations and agrees that no such amendment shall in any way alleviate its (their) obligation on this bond. The Surety(ies) hereby agree(s) that it(they) has been notified of all material facts regarding this contract of suretyship and waive(s) any defense founded in concealment of material facts. The Surety(ies) represents that the person executing this agreement has full authority to execute the agreement. Surety(ies) hereby waive(s) any right to notice of breach or default of the Principal. The State Water Control Board may enforce this agreement against the Surety(ies) without bringing suit against the principal. The State Water Control Board shall not be required to exhaust the assets of the Principal before demanding performance or funding of the trust fund by the Surety. No lawful act of the State Water Control Board, including without limitation any extension of time to the Principal, shall serve to release any surety, whether or not that act may be construed to alter or vary this agreement. Release of one co-surety shall not act as the release of another. This agreement shall be construed to effect its purpose to provide remedial action for petroleum releases and to provide compensation for third "part"ies injured by such releases.

The liability of the Surety(ies) shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in the annual aggregate to the penal sum shown on the face of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the Surety(ies) hereunder exceed the amount of said annual aggregate penal sum.

The Surety(ies) may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certified mail to the principal and the State Water Control Board, provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur during the 120 days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation by the principal and the State Water Control Board, as evidenced by the return receipts.

The Principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the Surety(ies).

In Witness Thereof, the Principal and Surety(ies) have executed this Bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.

The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to execute this surety bond on behalf of the Principal and Surety(ies) and that the wording of this surety bond is identical to the wording specified in Appendix V of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date this bond was executed.

PRINCIPAL

[Signature(s)]

[Name(s)]

[Title(s)]

[Corporate seal]

CORPORATE SURETY(IES)

[Name and address]

State of Incorporation:

Liability limit........................$...

[Signature(s)]

[Name(s) and title(s)]

[Corporate seal]

[For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other information in the same manner as for surety above.]

Bond premium:....................$...

APPENDIX VI. IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

[Name and address of issuing institution]

[Name and address of the Executive Director of the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Director(s) of other state implementing agency(ies)]

Dear Sir or Madam: We hereby establish our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No.... in your favor, at the request and for the account of [owner or operator name] of [address] up to the aggregate amount of in words U.S. dollars ($[insert dollar amount]), available upon presentation [insert, if more than one director of a state implementing agency is a beneficiary, "by any one of you"] of

(1) your sight draft, bearing reference to this letter of credit, No... and

(2) your signed statement reading as follows: "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable pursuant to regulations issued under authority of 62.1-44.34:8 through 62.1-44.34:12 of the Code of Virginia and Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended."

This letter of credit may be drawn on to cover [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] arising from operating the underground storage tank(s) identified below in the amount of in words $[insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, [in words] $[insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and [in words] $[insert dollar amount] annual aggregate:

[List the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located. If more than one instrument is used to assure different tanks at any one facility, for each tank covered by this instrument, list the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements), and the name and address of the facility.]

The letter of credit may not be drawn on to cover any of the following:

(a) Any obligation, of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40 (Virginia Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Requirements).

This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date], but such expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of [at least the length of the original term] on [expiration date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least 120 days before the current expiration date, we notify [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board by certified mail that we have decided not to extend this letter of credit beyond the current expiration date. In the event that [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board are so notified, any unused portion of the credit shall be available upon presentation of your sight draft for 120 days after the date of receipt by [owner or operator] and the State Water Control Board, as shown on the signed return receipts.

"part"ial draws are permitted under this Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit.

Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of this credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon presentation to us, and we shall pay to you the amount of the draft promptly and directly in accordance with your instructions.

We certify that the wording of this letter of credit is identical to the wording specified in Appendix VI of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature(s) and title(s) of official(s) of issuing institution]

[Date]

This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published and copyrighted by the International Chamber of Commerce," or "the Uniform Commercial Code"].

APPENDIX VII. TRUST AGREEMENT.

[NOTE: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

Trust agreement, the "Agreement," entered into as of [date] by and between [name of the owner or operator], a [name of state] [insert "corporation," ""part"nership," "association," or "proprietorship"], the "Grantor," and [name of corporate trustee], [insert "Incorporated in the state of..... " or "a national bank"], the "Trustee."

Whereas, the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia has established certain regulations applicable to the Grantor, requiring that an owner or operator of an underground storage tank shall provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for corrective action and third "part"y compensation for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden and nonsudden accidental releases arising from the operation of the underground storage tank. The attached Schedule A lists the number of tanks at each facility and the name(s) and address(es) of the facility(ies) where the tanks are located that are covered by the trust agreement.

Whereas, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee;

Now, therefore, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) The term "Grantor" means the owner or operator who enters into this Agreement and any successors or assigns of the Grantor.

(b) The term "Trustee" means the Trustee who enters into this Agreement and any successor Trustee.

(c) "9VAC25-590" is the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Financial Requirements Regulation promulgated by the State Water Control Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Section 2. Establishment of Fund.

The Grantor and the Trustee hereby establish a trust fund, the "Fund," for the benefit of the State Water Control Board of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Grantor and the Trustee intend that no third "part"y have access to the Fund except as herein provided. Payments made by the provider of financial assurance pursuant to the State Water Control Board's instruction are transferred to the Trustee and are referred to as the Fund, together with all earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement. The Fund shall be held by the Trustee, IN TRUST, as hereinafter provided. The Trustee shall not be responsible nor shall it undertake any responsibility for the amount or adequacy of, nor any duty to collect from the Grantor as provider of financial assurance, any payments necessary to discharge any liability of the Grantor established by the State Water Control Board.

Section 3. Payment for ["Corrective Action" and/or "Third "part"y Liability Claims"].

The Trustee shall make payments from the Fund as the State Water Control Board shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage] caused by" either "sudden accidental releases" or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases" arising from operating the tanks covered by this Agreement.

The Fund may not be drawn upon to cover any of the following:

(a) Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers compensation, disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or other similar law;

(b) Bodily injury to an employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course of, employment by [insert owner or operator];

(c) Bodily injury or property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance, use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft;

(d) Property damage to any property owned, rented, loaned to, in the care, custody, or control of, or occupied by [insert owner or operator] that is not the direct result of a release from a petroleum underground storage tank;

(e) Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement other than a contract or agreement entered into to meet the requirements of 9VAC25-590-40.

The Trustee shall reimburse the Grantor, or other persons as specified by the State Water Control Board, from the Fund for corrective action expenditures and/or third "part"y liability claims in such amounts as the State Water Control Board shall direct in writing. In addition, the Trustee shall refund to the Grantor such amounts as the State Water Control Board specifies in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute "part" of the Fund as defined here.

Section 4. Payments Comprising the Fund.

Payments made to the Trustee for the Fund shall consist of cash and securities acceptable to the Trustee.

Section 5. Trustee Management.

The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the Fund and keep the Fund invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the Grantor may communicate in writing to the Trustee from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of this section. In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing the Fund, the Trustee shall discharge his duties with respect to the trust fund solely in the interest of the beneficiaries and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims, except that:

(i) Securities or other obligations of the Grantor, or any other owner or operator of the tanks, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 15 USC § 80a-2(a), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the federal or a state government;

(ii) The Trustee is authorized to invest the Fund in time or demand deposits of the Trustee, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and

(iii) The Trustee is authorized to hold cash awaiting investment or distribution uninvested for a reasonable time and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.

Section 6. Commingling and Investment.

The Trustee is expressly authorized in its discretion:

(a) To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the Fund to any common, commingled, or collective trust fund created by the Trustee in which the Fund is eligible to "part"icipate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the assets of other trusts "part"icipating therein; and

(b) To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 USC § 80a-1 et seq., including one which may be created, managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered or the shares of which are sold by the Trustee. The Trustee may vote such shares in its discretion.

Section 7. Express Powers of Trustee.

Without in any way limiting the powers and discretions conferred upon the Trustee by the other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the Trustee is expressly authorized and empowered:

(a) To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by public or private sale. No person dealing with the Trustee shall be bound to see to the application of the purchase money or to inquire into the validity or expediency of any such sale or other disposition;

(b) To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted;

(c) To register any securities held in the Fund in its own name or in the name of a nominee and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the Trustee in other fiduciary capacities, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee of such depository with other securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the United States Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the Trustee shall at all times show that all such securities are "part" of the Fund;

(d) To deposit any cash in the Fund in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings certificates issued by the Trustee, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other banking institution affiliated with the Trustee, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and

(e) To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the Fund.

Section 8. Taxes and Expenses.

All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against or in respect of the Fund and all brokerage commissions incurred by the Fund shall be paid from the Fund. All other expenses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of this Trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the Trustee, the compensation of the Trustee to the extent not paid directly by the Grantor, and all other proper charges and disbursements of the Trustee shall be paid from the Fund.

Section 9. Advice of Counsel.

The Trustee may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Grantor, with respect to any questions arising as to the construction of this Agreement or any action to be taken hereunder. The Trustee shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting upon the advice of counsel.

Section 10. Trustee Compensation.

The Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the Grantor.

Section 11. Successor Trustee.

The Trustee may resign or the Grantor may replace the Trustee, but such resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the Grantor has appointed a successor trustee and this successor accepts the appointment. The successor trustee shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the Trustee hereunder. Upon the successor trustee's acceptance of the appointment, the Trustee shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor trustee the funds and properties then constituting the Fund. If for any reason the Grantor cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the Trustee, the Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee or for instructions. The successor trustee shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the trust in writing sent to the Grantor and the present Trustee by certified mail 10 days before such change becomes effective. Any expenses incurred by the Trustee as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this Section shall be paid as provided in Section 9 8.

Section 12. Instructions to the Trustee.

All orders, requests, and instructions by the Grantor to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are designated in the attached Schedule B or such other designees as the Grantor may designate by amendment to Schedule B. The trustee shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in accordance with the Grantor's orders, requests, and instructions. All orders, requests and instructions by the State Water Control Board to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by the Executive Director of the State Water Control Board, and the Trustee shall act and shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions. The Trustee shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the Grantor or the State Water Control Board hereunder has occurred. The Trustee shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the Grantor and/or the State Water Control Board, except as provided for herein.

Section 13. Amendment of Agreement.

This Agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the Grantor and the Trustee, or by the Trustee and the State Water Control Board if the Grantor ceases to exist.

Section 14. Irrevocability and Termination.

Subject to the right of the "part"ies to amend this Agreement as provided in Section 14 13, this Trust shall be irrevocable and shall continue until terminated at the written direction of the Grantor and the Trustee, or by the Trustee and the State Water Control Board, if the Grantor ceases to exist. Upon termination of the Trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration expenses, shall be delivered to the Grantor.

Section 15. Immunity and Indemnification.

The Trustee shall not incur personal liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of this Trust, or in carrying out any directions by the Grantor or the State Water Control Board issued in accordance with this Agreement. The Trustee shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Grantor, from and against any personal liability to which the Trustee may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the Grantor fails to provide such defense.

Section 16. Choice of Law.

This Agreement shall be administered, construed, and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the Comptroller of the Currency in the case of National Association banks.

Section 17. Interpretation.

As used in this Agreement, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. The descriptive headings for each section of this Agreement shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this Agreement.

In Witness whereof the "part"ies have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers duly authorized and their corporate seals (if applicable) to be hereunto affixed and attested as of the date first above written. The "part"ies below certify that the wording of this Agreement is identical to the wording specified in Appendix VII of 9VAC25-590 as such regulations were constituted on the date written above.

[Signature of Grantor]

[Name of the Grantor]

[Title]

Attest:

[Signature of Trustee]

[Name of the Trustee]

[Title]

[Seal]

[Signature of Witness]

[Name of Witness]

[Title]

[Seal]

APPENDIX XI. LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (SHORT FORM).

[Note: This Appendix may only be used by owners or operators who do not own or operate hazardous waste facilities, or underground injection control wells.]

[Note: The instructions in brackets are to be replaced by the relevant information and the brackets deleted.]

I am the chief financial officer of [insert: name and address of the owner or operator or guarantor]. This letter is in support of the use of [insert "the financial test of self-insurance," and/or "Guarantee"] to demonstrate financial responsibility for [insert: "taking corrective action" and/or "compensating third "part"ies for bodily injury and property damage"] caused by [insert "sudden accidental releases" and/or or "nonsudden accidental releases" or "accidental releases"] in the amount of at least $[insert dollar amount] corrective action per occurrence, $[insert dollar amount] third "part"y liability per occurrence, and $[insert dollar amount] annual aggregate arising from operating (an) underground storage tank(s).

Underground storage tanks at the following facilities are assured by this financial test by this [insert: "owner or operator," and/or "guarantor"]: [List for each facility the name and address of the facility where tanks assured by this financial test are located, and whether tanks are assured by this financial test. If separate mechanisms or combinations of mechanisms are being used to assure any of the tanks at this facility, list each tank assured by this financial test by the tank identification number provided in the notification submitted pursuant to 9VAC25-580-70 (Underground Storage Tanks: Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements)].

I am not required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for any other EPA regulation or state programs authorized by EPA.

This [insert: "owner or operator," or "guarantor"] has not received an adverse opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or a "going concern" qualification from an independent auditor on the financial statements for the latest completed financial reporting year.

[Fill in the information below to demonstrate compliance with the financial test requirements.]

1. Amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test, and/or guarantee...$__________

2. Amount of annual aboveground storage tank (AST) aggregate coverage being assured by a financial test and/or guarantee...$__________

3. Total UST/AST financial responsibility obligations assured by a financial test and/or guarantee (sum of lines 1 and 2)...$__________

4. Total tangible assets...$__________

5. Total liabilities [if any of the amount reported on line 3 is included in total liabilities, you may deduct that amount from this line or add that amount to line 6]...$__________

6. Tangible net worth [subtract line 5 from line 4]...$__________

7. Is line 4 at least equal to line 3 above? Yes... No...

8. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission? Yes... No...

9. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Energy Information Administration? Yes... No...

10. Have financial statements for the latest financial reporting year been filed with the Rural Utilities Service? Yes... No...

11. Has financial information been provided to Dun and Bradstreet, and has Dun and Bradstreet provided a financial strength rating at least equal to the amount of annual UST aggregate coverage being assured according to the table below?

	Annual Aggregate Requirement	Dun and Bradstreet Rating
	$20,000	EE ($20,000 to $34,999)
	$40,000	DC ($50,000 to $74,999)
	$80,000	CB ($125,000 to $199,999)
	$150,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$200,000	BB ($200,000 to $299,999)
	$300,000	BA ($300,000 to $499,999)
	$500,000	1A ($500,000 to $749,999)
	$750,000	2A ($750,000 to $999,999)
	$1,000,000	3A ($1,000,000 to $9,999,999)

[Answer "Yes" only if BOTH criteria have been met.] Yes... No...

12. If you did not answer yes to one of lines 8 through 11, please attach a report from a certified public accountant certifying that there are no material differences between the data reported in lines 4 through 7 above and the financial statements for the latest financial reporting year.

I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in Appendix XI of this chapter as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.

[Signature]

[Name]

[Title]

[Date]

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-221. Regulations Governing Cooperative Agreements (adding 12VAC5-221-10 through 12VAC5-221-150).

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: October 4, 2017.

Effective Date: October 20, 2017.

Agency Contact: Erik Bodin, Director, Office of Licensure and Certification, Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-2109, or email erik.bodin@vdh.virginia.gov.

Basis: The regulation is promulgated under the authority of Chapter 741 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly and § 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia. Chapter 741 contains an enactment clause that mandates the State Board of Health to promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of the act and requires those regulations contain, at a minimum, provisions regarding (i) the review of applications for proposed cooperative agreements, (ii) the process by which applications for proposed cooperative agreements shall be approved or denied, (iii) post-approval monitoring, and (iv) a schedule establishing the amount of the annual fee that the Commissioner of Health is authorized to assess from the parties to a cooperative agreement. Section 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the State Board of Health to make, adopt, promulgate, and enforce such regulations and provide for reasonable variances and exemptions therefrom as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia and other laws of the Commonwealth administered by it, the commissioner, or the Department of Health.

Purpose: In order to address the unique health care challenges that exist in the Southwest Virginia region, the General Assembly through Chapter 741 has authorized the commissioner to approve cooperative agreements that are beneficial to individuals served by the Southwest Virginia Health Authority and to actively supervise cooperative agreements to ensure compliance with the provisions that have been approved. The intent of this regulatory action is to promote and protect the health and safety of individuals within the Southwest Virginia Health Authority's geographic area by ensuring any cooperative agreements entered into by hospitals foster improvements in the quality of health care, moderate increases in health care cost, improve access to needed health care services, and promote improvements in population health status in the Southwest Virginia Health Authority's geographic area.

Rationale for Using Fast-Track Rulemaking Process: Chapter 741 mandates the State Board of Health to promulgate regulations that, at a minimum, address the review of applications for proposed cooperative agreements, the process by which applicants for proposed cooperative agreements shall be approved or denied, post-approval monitoring, and a fee schedule establishing the amount of the annual fee per cooperative agreement. The emergency regulations that were promulgated have been used since 2016. Furthermore, § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia is very specific in regards to the review of cooperative agreements, with the regulatory language closely tracking the statutory requirements. Therefore, the Virginia Department of Health believes the proposed regulation will be noncontroversial, allowing use of the fast-track rulemaking process.

Substance:

12VAC5-221-10. Purpose. This section lays out the purpose of the regulatory chapter which is derived from Chapter 741 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly and Chapter 53.1 (§ 15.2-5368 et seq.) of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia.

12VAC5-221-20. Definitions. This section defines key terms used within the regulatory chapter.

12VAC5-221-30. Separate applications. This section requires that each cooperative agreement entered into requires its own letter authorizing cooperative agreement. The section states that amendments to existing cooperative agreements require submission of a new application.

12VAC5-221-40. Application. This section specifies the process for applying for a letter authorizing cooperative agreement. The section states that applications shall be submitted simultaneously to the authority, commissioner, and the Office of the Attorney General. The section also lays out the method for submitting information considered to be confidential.

12VAC5-221-50. Fee schedule. This section lays out the method for submitting application fees, establishes the application fee, method for the department to refund the applicant should it be necessary and establishes that the department may charge additional fees beyond the application fee should the cost to the department be greater than the application fee.

12VAC5-221-60. Public hearing. This section lays out the requirements of the public hearing required by § 15.2- 5384.1 D of the Code of Virginia. This section states that the public hearing shall be held by the authority in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health, shall be open to the public, and shall be recorded by the Virginia Department of Health.

12VAC5-221-70. Commissioner's request for information. This section lays out that information the commissioner shall request from an applicant provided that information is not already included within the application. The commissioner is permitted to request further information not specified by regulation.

12VAC5-221-80. Commissioner's review. This section lays out the process the commissioner shall follow when reviewing an application for a letter authorizing cooperative agreement. The commissioner shall consult with the Attorney General's Office and other affected agencies of the Commonwealth and may consult with the Federal Trade Commission and other affected jurisdictions. This section specifies what materials the commissioner shall consider, when the commissioner shall issue a decision, and the circumstances under which the commissioner shall approve an application.

12VAC5-221-90. Action on an application. This section provides the framework for the commissioner's decision including the timeframe a decision will be rendered, as required by § 15.2-5384.1 F of the Code of Virginia, and laying out potential conditions which may be placed on a letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

12VAC5-221-100. Ongoing and active supervision. This section lays out the process for ongoing monitoring should a letter authorizing cooperative agreement be issued, including ongoing reporting to the department. Further, the section lays out how the department will evaluate continued reporting to determine if the letter holder is complying with the terms of the letter authorizing cooperative agreement including conditions. That process includes the creation of qualitative measures. The qualitative measures will be created using the technical advisory panel established in 12VAC5-221- 120. This section permits the Virginia Department of Health to make onsite inspections if necessary and requires an investigation of any complaints regarding noncompliance with the cooperative agreement or the letter authorizing cooperative agreement. The regulation also provides for other methods of monitoring provided the commissioner and the department provide advance notice to the parties.

12VAC5-221-110. Annual reporting. This section details the requirements of the annual report each letter holder is required to submit. This section lays out the fee due to be submitted with the annual report.

12VAC5-221-120. Technical advisory panel. This section states that the commissioner shall appoint a technical advisory panel, which will provide recommendations to the commissioner regarding the creation of qualitative measures that will be used to track the benefits of a cooperative agreement. The section further lays out the requirements of the membership of the technical advisory panel, when it shall meet, and the metrics it shall identify.

12VAC5-221-130. Enforcement procedures. This section lays the procedures that the commissioner is to follow should there be reason to believe that a cooperative agreement no longer meets the requirements of the Code of Virginia. The section also lays out the circumstances in which the commissioner may revoke a letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

12VAC5-221-140. Voluntary termination of cooperative agreement. This section states that letter holder shall file notice with the department should they terminate a cooperative agreement and return the letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

12VAC5-221-150. Official records. This section clarifies that the commissioner and the department shall maintain all cooperative agreements, all records collected pursuant to the regulatory chapter, and all annual reports as official records. The section also states which records shall be available on the department's website.

Issues: The primary advantages to the public, the agency, and the Commonwealth are in meeting the stated policy of the Commonwealth as included in § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia "to encourage cooperative, collaborative, and integrative arrangements, including mergers and acquisitions among hospitals, health centers, or health providers who might otherwise be competitors. To the extent such cooperative agreements, or the planning and negotiations that precede such cooperative agreements, might be anticompetitive within the meaning and intent of state and federal antitrust laws, the intent of the Commonwealth with respect to each participating locality is to supplant competition with a regulatory program to permit cooperative agreements that are beneficial to citizens served by the Authority, and to invest in the Commissioner the authority to approve cooperative agreements recommended by the Authority and the duty of active supervision to ensure compliance with the provisions of the cooperative agreements that have been approved." The proposed regulatory action poses no disadvantage to the public or the Commonwealth.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. Pursuant to Chapter 741 of the 2015 Acts of the Assembly,¹ the State Board of Health (Board) proposes to promulgate a regulation that will govern any mergers between hospitals/hospital systems in Southwest Virginia that are approved under the Virginia Cooperative Agreements Act. Specifically, the Board proposes to set definitions and a fee schedule. The Board also proposes to outline procedures for the Commissioner's requests for information, the Commissioner's review of applications and ongoing monitoring of, and annual reporting for, approved cooperative agreements. This regulation will replace an emergency regulation that went into effect January 18, 2016, and that expires January 16, 2018.

Result of Analysis. Costs likely outweigh benefits for this proposed regulatory action.

Estimated Economic Impact. In 2015, the General Assembly passed the Cooperative Agreements Act (the Act) which amended the authorizing legislation for the Southwest Virginia Health Authority. The Act authorizes the Southwest Virginia Health Authority to receive and review applications for cooperative agreement for mergers between hospitals, hospital centers or health care providers who would otherwise be competitors in the market place. The Act also sets out criteria for assessment of such applications. By statute, both the Southwest Virginia Health Authority and, later in the process, the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), must consider whether a proposed cooperative agreement will result in:

"a. Enhancement of the quality of hospital and hospital-related care, including mental health services and treatment of substance abuse, provided to citizens served by the Authority, resulting in improved patient satisfaction;

b. Enhancement of population health status consistent with the regional health goals established by the Authority;

c. Preservation of hospital facilities in geographical proximity to the communities traditionally served by those facilities to ensure access to care;

d. Gains in the cost-efficiency of services provided by the hospitals involved;

e. Improvements in the utilization of hospital resources and equipment;

f. Avoidance of duplication of hospital resources;

g. Participation in the state Medicaid program; and

h. Total cost of care."

The Southwest Virginia Health Authority and, later in the process, the Commissioner must also evaluate any disadvantages attributable to any reduction in competition likely to result from any proposed cooperative agreement. Pursuant to the Act, these entities must assess factors that include, but are not limited to:

a. The extent of any likely adverse impact of the proposed cooperative agreement on the ability of health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, managed health care organizations, or other health care payors to negotiate reasonable payment and service arrangements with hospitals, physicians, allied health care professionals, or other health care providers;

b. The extent of any reduction in competition among physicians, allied health professionals, other health care providers, or other persons furnishing goods or services to, or in competition with, hospitals that is likely to result directly or indirectly from the proposed cooperative agreement;

c. The extent of any likely adverse impact on patients in the quality, availability, and price of health care services; and

d. The availability of arrangements that are less restrictive to competition and achieve the same benefits or a more favorable balance of benefits over disadvantages attributable to any reduction in competition likely to result from the proposed cooperative agreement.

The Act authorizes the Southwest Virginia Health Authority to recommend approval of proposed cooperative agreements to the Commissioner only if "it determines that the benefits likely to result from the proposed cooperative agreement outweigh the disadvantages likely to result from a reduction in competition from the proposed cooperative agreement." According to the Act, upon receipt of the Southwest Virginia Health Authority's recommendation, the Commissioner may request additional information from applicant parties that he deems necessary to assess whether the benefits of a merger will outweigh its costs. The Commissioner of VDH has 45 days after receipt of the Southwest Virginia Health Authority's recommendation to approve or reject an application for cooperative agreement, but that approval window may be extended an additional 15 days if the Commissioner requests additional information from the applicants. That 15 days starts once all requested information is received and the application is deemed complete. If an application is approved, the Act requires the Commissioner to provide ongoing supervision of the cooperative agreement to ensure compliance and allows the Commissioner to revoke the cooperative agreement if, at any time in the future, it no longer meets the requirements of the Act. The Act also allows any party to a cooperative agreement to terminate participation in the agreement but requires that party to file a notice of termination with the Commissioner within 30 days after termination.

The Act allows both the Southwest Virginia Health Authority and VDH to charge fees for their costs of evaluating applications; the act specifies that the Southwest Virginia Health Authority may not charge more than $50,000 and VDH may not charge more than $75,000. Additionally, VDH may charge ongoing, annual fees not to exceed $75,000 for their ongoing supervision.

The Act explicitly states that: "(a)ctivities conducted pursuant to cooperative agreements approved and supervised by the Commissioner are immunized from challenge or scrutiny under the Commonwealth's antitrust laws. It is the intention of the General Assembly that this chapter shall also immunize cooperative agreements approved and supervised by the Commissioner from challenge or scrutiny under federal antitrust law." While the Act will apply to any cooperative agreement applications received in the future, it was specifically written to allow consideration of a proposed merger between Wellmont Health System and Mountain State Health Alliance, which, between them, own and operate 11 hospitals in southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee.

Pursuant to the Act, the Board promulgated an emergency regulation that became effective January 18, 2016, and now proposes this regulation to replace the emergency regulation which will expire January 16, 2018. Both the emergency regulation, and this replacement regulation, enumerate the statutory factors to be considered during application evaluation, and set fees for both evaluation of an application and for ongoing supervision of any approved cooperative agreements. In addition to including requirements in the Act, the Board at its discretion proposes to include regulatory language that states what additional information the Commissioner may request from applicants for cooperative agreements. This discretionary language seems to be geared towards allowing the Commissioner to get more specific information about the commitments made by the parties in their applications as well as more specific demographic information. Under this language, the Commissioner may, for instance, request specific health care workforce information to help assess the impact of any merger on that workforce. To the extent that this proposed regulatory language gives greater certainty to applicants as to what information they might be expected to provide, it will likely be beneficial.

Applicants are required to pay $50,000 for initial application with provision for a refund if application evaluation does not cost $50,000 and provision for additional fees to be assessed (up to a $75,000 total) if costs exceed $50,000. Parties to any approved cooperative agreements will also be subject to an annual fee of $20,000 due when their annual report must be filed with the provision that additional fees up to a $75,000 total may be charged if VDH's costs exceed $20,000. Board staff reports that VDH's cost thus far for evaluating the application currently before them exceed $87,000 and further report that, if the application is approved, they expect VDH's annual costs for supervision to exceed $75,000 each year. Given this, it is likely that, at least for these applicants, fee costs for application and for ongoing supervision will be $75,000.

In addition to the fees assessed by VDH, various parties have incurred, or will likely incur, various other costs. The parties to the current application likely have incurred quite large costs for lawyers and consultants to help them prepare their applications and guide them through the application process. These parties likely have also incurred costs for searching out, preparing and providing additional information to both the Southwest Virginia Health Authority and the Commissioner. Additionally, VDH has already incurred costs in excess of the fees they are allowed to recover for application evaluation and anticipate incurring costs in excess of allowable fees for ongoing supervision if the current application is approved. Health care consumers are likely to incur additional costs for health care services, and may also have fewer health care services available to them in the future as the health care systems consolidate and eliminate duplicative services, if the application is approved. Health insurance carriers and businesses in southwestern Virginia that self-insure for health care are likely to experience a loss in bargaining power, and a concomitant increase in fees for services, if the application is approved. Competitors to these two health care systems may also incur costs if the merger is approved (details of possible costs are laid out in the Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property section below).

Finally, both the parties to the current application and the Commonwealth are likely to incur very large costs for defending the proposed merger against anti-trust litigation if the cooperative agreement is approved. Although it was the intention of the General Assembly to immunize parties to cooperative agreements from federal anti-trust scrutiny, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has registered strong objections to approval of the cooperative agreement.² Their objections send a strong signal that it is likely they will pursue anti-trust litigation if the merger is approved. Any future applications approved under this proposed regulation may also be subject to costs associated with federal anti-trust litigation if the FTC reaches an opposing opinion to the Southwest Virginia Health Authority, as they have in this case, as to whether the benefits of a merger outweigh its costs under the factors set forth in the Act.

All of these costs would be weighed against any benefits that might accrue on account of cooperative agreements. For instance, Wellmont Health System and Mountain States Health Alliance assert that they will commit $140 million over ten years "pursuing specialty services" such as addiction recovery services and mobile health crisis management teams.³ Even in cases where benefits might outweigh costs under strict consideration of the factors laid out in the Cooperative Agreement Act, those benefits would likely not be large enough to outweigh all costs laid out above.

Businesses and Entities Affected. Board staff reports that this regulation, and its authorizing legislation, will likely affect Wellmont Health System and Mountain State Health Alliance as well as any competitors to these two health care systems. Health care consumers within localities served by the Southwest Virginia Health Authority and health insurance carriers that serve that area will also likely be affected. Businesses, particularly businesses that self-insure, and Medicaid and Medicare payers (the state and federal governments) may also be affected. The Virginia Department of Health will also be affected. Board staff reports that approximately 258,000 health care consumers, 3,253 physicians, 11 hospitals and at least eight health insurance carriers will be affected.

Localities Particularly Affected. Localities within the Southwest Virginia Health Authority will be particularly affected by this proposed regulation. These localities include the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, Buchanan, Dickerson, Russell, Tazewell, Smyth and Washington as well as the cities of Norton and Bristol.

Projected Impact on Employment. Cooperative agreements approved under this proposed regulation may lead to current health care services in southwestern Virginia being consolidated with duplicative services being eliminated to lower costs. To the extent that this happens, there will likely be fewer jobs available within the consolidated businesses

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. These proposed regulatory changes may affect the use and value of any hospitals that may be awarded cooperative agreements as well as their competitors. Current applicants for cooperative agreements anticipate that their proposed merger will increase their available revenues. If they are correct, the value of these businesses would increase.

The effects of the merger proposed by current applicants on competitors to those applicants would likely be dictated by the actions of the applicants. The FTC estimates that the applicants would control over 70% of the health care marketplace in southwestern Virginia post-merger. Such a market position would give the merged company tremendous control over prices in the marketplace… they would likely be price makers at that point. Given this, if the merged company values increasing market share over short and intermediate term profits,⁴ they may lower their prices temporarily to drive competitors out of the market place. If, on the other hand, the merged company prefers to increase profits immediately, their competitors may benefit from also being able to charge more for any given service because the "market" price has been driven up by the merged company.

Real Estate Development Costs. These proposed regulatory changes are unlikely to affect real estate development costs in the Commonwealth.

Small Businesses:

Definition. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

Costs and Other Effects. Small businesses in the categories of affected entities listed above may incur costs if any cooperative agreements are approved via the criteria set forth in this proposed regulation and its authorizing legislation. Health insurance carriers and self-insured businesses may also experience a loss in bargaining power, and corresponding increases in health care costs, due to increased market share concentration that decreases competition.

Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. Within the parameters of Chapter 741, there are likely no alternative methods that would reduce adverse impacts for small businesses.

Adverse Impacts:

Businesses. Businesses that apply for approval of cooperative agreements will incur fees not exceeding $75,000 for initial review of their cooperative agreement applications and would likely incur annual fees of $75,000 per year that would defray the costs of state supervision and annual review if their applications are approved. These applying businesses will also likely incur significant other costs associated with the application process. These costs will likely include lawyer and consultant fees as well as copying and other costs associated with supplying the Commissioner of VDH with supplemental information that may be requested under the rules of this proposed regulation.

Other businesses in southwestern Virginia, especially health insurance carriers and businesses that self-insure for health care, may incur higher health care costs associated with decreased bargaining power in a health care market with less competition if cooperative agreements are approved.

Localities. Localities in the Commonwealth that are in the affected geographical area will likely incur the same increased health costs as other health care consumers.

Other Entities. Health care consumers in Southwestern Virginia will likely see increased prices for health care if cooperative agreements that limit market competition are approved under this proposed regulation. VDH will likely incur costs for reviewing cooperative agreements, and for supervising them if they are approved, that exceed the $75,000 that they are allowed to charge applicants and holders of cooperative agreements. If the cooperative agreement application between Wellmont Health System and Mountain States Health Alliance is approved, and the FTC brings an anti-trust suit because of the merger, the Commonwealth would likely incur large costs for defending that approval in court.

______________________

¹ http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?151+ful+CHAP0741

² The FTC’s initial comment can be found on it's website here: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/advocacy_documents/submission-ftc-staff-southwest-virginia-health-authority-virginia-department-health-regarding/160930wellmontswvastaffcomment.pdf and the a supplementary comment can be found on VDH's website here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/96/2016/11/FTC-Staff-Supplemental-Submission-to-Virginia-1-13-17.pdf.

³ The parties report that these potential investments would not be possible without the merger. Given that additional cost savings under the merger that would allow these investments would likely have to result from consolidation and elimination of duplicative services, it is likely that the benefits of these proposed investments would likely be offset by costs incurred by health care consumers on account of services being eliminated. Board staff reports that the parties have committed to not cutting services for five years if their application is approved.

⁴ DPB recognizes that the applicants are nonprofit entities. The term "profit" in this use has the normal economic meaning of revenues minus costs.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The economic impact analysis prepared by the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget for the permanent regulations replacing the emergency regulations for Regulations Governing Cooperative Agreements, 12VAC5-221, (Regulations) reported an adverse impact resulting from the Regulations. The adverse impact, stated as "those benefits would likely not be large enough to outweigh all costs laid out above" (Economic Impact Analysis, page 6), addresses the impact of an approval of a request for a letter authorizing a cooperative agreement provided for in the Regulations and the Code of Virginia. However, the adverse impact described is not a result of the application of the Regulations, which generally mirror the Code of Virginia enabling language, to the review of such a request. Any adverse economic impact likely to result from an approved request for a cooperative agreement is a consideration of the review of the request and would be unique to the request and not a result of the application of the Regulations. The likely impact of the cooperative agreement is a factor in the State Health Commissioner's decision to approve or deny the request.

Summary:

The regulation is promulgated pursuant to Chapter 741 of the 2015 Acts of the Assembly and governs any mergers between hospitals and hospital systems in Southwest Virginia that are approved under the Virginia Cooperative Agreements Act. The regulation sets definitions and a fee schedule and outlines procedures for the State Health Commissioner's (i) requests for information, (ii) review of applications, and (iii) ongoing monitoring of, and annual reporting for, approved cooperative agreements. This regulation replaces emergency regulations that are currently in effect.

CHAPTER 221
REGULATIONS GOVERNING COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

12VAC5-221-10. Definitions.

"Applicant" means a party to a proposed cooperative agreement who submits an application to the authority pursuant to § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Application" means the written materials submitted by applicants to the authority and the department in accordance with § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Attorney General" means the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Authority" means the political subdivision organized and operated pursuant to Chapter 53.1 (§ 15.2-5368 et seq.) of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia, or if such authority is abolished, the board, body, authority, department, or officer succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by Chapter 53.1 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia are given by law.

"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner.

"Cooperative agreement" means an agreement among two or more hospitals for the sharing, allocation, consolidation by merger or other combination of assets, or referral of patients, personnel, instructional programs, support services, and facilities or medical, diagnostic, or laboratory facilities or procedures or other services traditionally offered by hospitals.

"Day" or "days" means calendar days.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Health.

"Hospital" includes any health center and health provider under common ownership with the hospital and means any and all providers of dental, medical, and mental health services, including all related facilities and approaches thereto and appurtenances thereof. Dental, medical, and mental health facilities includes any and all facilities suitable for providing hospital, dental, medical, and mental health care, including any and all structures, buildings, improvements, additions, extensions, replacements, appurtenances, lands, rights in lands, franchises, machinery, equipment, furnishing, landscaping, approaches, roadways, and other facilities necessary or desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto (including hospitals; nursing homes; assisted living facilities; continuing care facilities; self-care facilities; mental health facilities; wellness and health maintenance centers; medical office facilities; clinics; outpatient surgical centers; alcohol, substance abuse, and drug treatment centers; dental care clinics; laboratories; research facilities; sanitariums; hospices; facilities for the residence or care of the elderly, the handicapped, or the chronically ill; residential facilities for nurses, interns, and physicians; and any other kind of facility for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, or palliation of any human illness, injury, disorder, or disability) together with all related and supporting facilities and equipment necessary and desirable in connection therewith or incidental thereto, or equipment alone, including kitchen, laundry, laboratory, wellness, pharmaceutical, administrative, communications, computer and recreational facilities and equipment, storage space, mobile medical facilities, vehicles, and other equipment necessary or desirable for the transportation of medical equipment or the transportation of patients. Dental, medical, and mental health facilities also includes facilities for graduate-level instruction in medicine or dentistry and clinics appurtenant thereto offering free or reduced rate dental, medical, or mental health services to the public.

"Letter authorizing cooperative agreement" means a document that is issued by the commissioner approving a cooperative agreement.

"Measure" means some number of factors or benchmarks, which may be binary, a range, or continuous factors.

"Participating locality" means any county or city in the LENOWISCO or Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commissions and the Counties of Smyth and Washington and the City of Bristol with respect to which an authority may be organized and in which it is contemplated that the authority will function.

"Party" means a hospital entering into a cooperative agreement.

"Plan of separation" means the written proposal submitted with an application to return the parties to a preconsolidation state, which includes a plan for separation of any combined assets, offering, provision, operation, planning, funding, pricing, contracting, utilization review or management of health services or any combined sharing, allocation, or referral of patients, personnel, employee benefits, instructional programs, support services and facilities or medical, diagnostic or laboratory facilities or procedures or other services traditionally offered by hospitals, including any parent or subsidiary at the time the consolidation occurs or thereafter.

"Primary service area" or "PSA" means the geographic area from which a hospital draws 75% of its patients as measured by the residential zip code of each patient.

"Secondary service area" or "SSA" means the geographic area from which a hospital draws an additional 15% of its patients, as measured by the residential zip code of each patient.

12VAC5-221-20. Separate applications.

A party shall submit an application for a letter authorizing cooperative agreement for each cooperative agreement the party is applying to enter into. This provision applies even in the event that the parties have an existing letter authorizing cooperative agreement issued by the commissioner. An amendment to a cooperative agreement shall require submission of a new application.

12VAC5-221-30. Application.

A. Parties within any participating locality may submit an application for a letter authorizing cooperative agreement to the authority. Information regarding the requirements of an application for a letter authorizing cooperative agreement submitted to the authority should be obtained through the authority.

B. At the time of submission to the authority, parties shall simultaneously submit a copy of the application to the commissioner and the Attorney General.

C. If the authority requires the applicant to submit additional information before determining that the application is complete, the parties shall simultaneously submit a copy of the additional information to the authority, the commissioner, and the Attorney General.

D. If the applicants believe the materials submitted contain proprietary information that is required to remain confidential, such information must be clearly identified and the applicants shall submit duplicate applications, one with full information for the commissioner's use and one redacted application available for release to the public. Proprietary information that is clearly identified by the applicants will be kept confidential by the department pursuant to subdivision 3 of § 2.2-3705.6 of the Code of Virginia.

12VAC5-221-40. Fee schedule.

A. Fees shall be remitted only by certified check, cashier's check, bank money order, or other methods approved by the department. Fees shall be made payable to the department.

B. The application fee shall be $50,000 and shall be due to the department upon its receipt of a recommendation for approval from the authority.

C. If the commissioner should determine after review of the application that the actual cost incurred by the department is less than $50,000, the applicant shall be reimbursed the amount that is greater than the actual cost. If the commissioner should determine that the actual cost incurred by the department is greater than $50,000, the applicant shall pay any additional amounts due as instructed by the department. The application fee shall not exceed $75,000.

12VAC5-221-50. Public hearing.

A. The authority shall, in conjunction with the commissioner, schedule a public hearing for each completed application submitted. The hearing shall be held no later than 45 days after the receipt of a complete application by the authority.

B. The authority will publish and issue notice of the hearing in accordance with subsection C of § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia.

C. The public hearing shall be open to the public in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

D. The public hearing shall be recorded by the Virginia Department of Health.

12VAC5-221-60. Public comment to the commissioner.

The public may submit written comments regarding the application to the commissioner. To ensure consideration by the commissioner, written comments must be received no later than 14 days after the authority adopts its recommendation on the application.

12VAC5-221-70. Commissioner's request for information.

A. Upon receipt of the authority's recommendation for approval, the commissioner and department may request supplemental information from the applicants.

B. To the extent the information is not present within the application, the commissioner shall request the following information:

1. A report or reports used for public information and education about the proposed cooperative agreement prior to the parties' submission of the application. The applicants shall document the efforts used to disseminate the report or reports. The report or reports shall include:

a. A description of the proposed primary service area (PSA) and secondary service areas (SSA) and the services and facilities to be included in the cooperative agreement;

b. A description of how health services will change if the letter authorizing cooperative agreement is issued;

c. A description of improvements in patient access to health care including prevention services for all categories of payers and advantages patients will experience across the entire service area regarding costs, availability, and accessibility upon implementation of the cooperative agreement or findings from studies conducted by hospitals and other external entities, including health economists, and clinical services and population health experts, that describe how implementation of the proposed cooperative agreement will be effective with respect to resource allocation implications; efficient with respect to fostering cost containment, including eliminating duplicative services; and equitable with respect to maintaining quality and competition in health services within the service area and assuring patient access to and choice of insurers and providers within the health care system;

d. A description of any plans by the parties regarding existing or planned facilities that will impact access for patients to the services currently offered by the parties at their respective facilities, including expansions, closures, reductions in capacity, consolidation, and reduction or elimination of any services;

e. A description of the findings from community or population health assessments for the service areas regarding major health issues, trends, and health disparities, including comparisons to measures for the state and similar regional areas, and a description of how the health of the population will change if the letter authorizing cooperative agreement is issued; and

f. A description of the impact on the health professions workforce, including long-term employment, wage levels, retirement, benefits, recruitment, and retention of health professionals.

2. A record of community stakeholder and consumer views of the proposed cooperative agreement collected through a public participatory process including meetings and correspondence. Transcripts or minutes of any meetings held during the public participatory process shall be included in the report.

3. A summary of the nature of the proposed cooperative agreement between the parties.

4. A signed copy of the cooperative agreement and a copy of the following:

a. A description of any consideration passing to any party, individual, or entity under the cooperative agreement, including the amount, nature, source, and recipient;

b. A detailed description of any merger, lease, operating or management contract, change of control or other acquisition or change, direct or indirect, in ownership of any party or of the assets of any party to the cooperative agreement;

c. A list of all services and products and of all hospitals and other service locations that are a subject of the cooperative agreement, including those not located or provided within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and including hospitals or other inpatient facilities, insurance products, physician practices, pharmacies, accountable care organizations, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes, physical therapy and rehabilitation units, home care agencies, wellness centers or services, surgical centers or services, dialysis centers or services, cancer centers or services, imaging centers or services, support services, and any other product, facility, or service; and

d. A description of each party's contribution of capital, equipment, labor, services, or other contribution of value to the transaction.

5. A detailed description of the current and proposed PSA and SSA for the parties, including the PSA and SSA of each party's hospitals, not limited to the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia. If the proposed PSA and SSA differ from the service areas where the parties have conducted business over the five years preceding the application, a description of how and why the proposed PSA or SSA differs and why changes are proposed.

6. A description of the prior history of dealings between the parties for the last five years, including their relationship as competitors and any prior joint ventures, affiliations, or other collaborative agreements between the parties.

7. Documents sufficient to show the financial performance of each party to the transaction for each of the preceding five fiscal years, including tax returns, debt, bond rating, and debt service; and copies of offering materials, subsequent filings such as continuing disclosure agreements and material event disclosures, and financial statements prepared by external certified public accountants, including management reports.

8. A copy of the current annual budget and budgets for the last five years for each party to the cooperative agreement. The budgets shall be in sufficient detail so as to determine the fiscal impact of the cooperative agreement on each party. The budgets shall be prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and all assumptions used shall be documented.

9. Projected budgets, including projected costs, revenues, profit margins, and operating ratios, of each party for each year for a period of five years after a letter authorizing cooperative agreement is issued. The budgets shall be prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and all assumptions used shall be documented.

10. A detailed explanation of the projected effects, including expected change in volume, price, and revenue as a result of the cooperative agreement, including:

a. Identification of all insurance contracts and payer agreements in place at the time of the application and a description of pending or anticipated changes that would require or enable the parties to amend their current insurance and payer agreements;

b. A description of how pricing for provider insurance contracts are calculated and the financial advantages accruing to insurers, insured consumers, and the parties to the cooperative agreement if the letter authorizing cooperative agreement is issued, including changes in percentage of risk-bearing contracts; and

c. Identification of existing and future business plans, reports, studies, or other documents of each party that:

(1) Discuss each party's projected performance in the market, business strategies, capital investment plans, competitive analyses, and financial projections, including any documents prepared in anticipation of the cooperative agreement; and

(2) Identify plans that will be altered, eliminated, or combined under the cooperative agreement.

11. A copy of the following policies under the proposed cooperative agreement:

a. A policy that assures no restrictions to Medicare or Medicaid patients;

b. Policies for free or reduced fee care for the uninsured and indigent;

c. Policies for bad debt write-off; and

d. Policies that require the parties to the cooperative agreement to maintain or exceed the existing level of charitable programs and services.

12. A description of the plan to systematically integrate health care and preventive health services among the parties to the cooperative agreement in the proposed geographic service area that addresses the following:

a. A streamlined management structure, including a description of a single board of directors, centralized leadership, and operating structure;

b. Alignment of the care delivery decisions of the system with the interests of the community;

c. Clinical standardization;

d. Alignment of the cultural identities of the parties to the cooperative agreement;

e. Any planned expansions, closures, reductions in capacity, consolidation, and reduction or elimination of any services;

f. Any plan for integration regarding health professions workforce development and the recruitment and retention of health professionals; and

g. Any plan for implementation of innovative or value-based payment models.

13. A description of the plan, including economic metrics, that details anticipated efficiencies in operating costs and shared services that can be gained only through the cooperative agreement, including:

a. Proposed use of any cost saving to reduce prices borne by insurers and consumers;

b. Proposed use of cost savings to fund low-cost or no-cost services designed to achieve long-term population health improvements; and

c. Other proposed uses of savings to benefit advancement of health and quality of care and outcomes.

14. A description of the market and the competitive dynamics for health care services in the parties' respective service areas, including at a minimum:

a. The identity of any nonparty hospital located in the PSA and SSA and any nonparty hospital outside of the PSA and SSA that also serves patients in the parties' PSA and SSA;

b. Estimates of the share of hospital services furnished by each of the parties and any nonparty hospitals;

c. Identification of whether any services or products of the proposed cooperative agreement are currently being offered or capable of being offered by any nonparty hospitals in the PSA and SSA and a description of how the proposed cooperative agreement will not exclude such nonparty hospitals from continued competitive and independent operation in the PSA and SSA;

d. A listing of the physicians employed by or under contract with each of the parties' hospitals in the PSA and SSA, including their specialties and office locations;

e. The identity of any potential entrants in the parties' PSA and SSA and the basis for any belief that such entry is likely within the two calendar years immediately following the date of the letter authorizing cooperative agreement is issued by the department; and

f. A list of each party's top 10 commercial insurance payers by revenue within the PSA and SSA.

15. A detailed description of each of the benefits that the parties propose will be achieved through the cooperative agreement. For each benefit include:

a. A description specifically describing how the parties intend to achieve the benefit;

b. A description of what the parties have done in the past with respect to achieving or attempting to achieve the benefits independently or through collaboration and how this may change if the cooperative agreement is granted;

c. An explanation of why the benefit can only be achieved through a cooperative agreement and not through other less restrictive arrangements; and

d. A description of how the parties propose that the commissioner measure and monitor achievement of the proposed benefit, including:

(1) Proposed measures and suggested baseline values with rationale for each measure to be considered by the commissioner in developing a plan to monitor achievement of the benefit;

(2) The current and projected levels and the trajectory for each measure that would be achieved over the next five years under the cooperative agreement;

(3) The projected levels for each measure in five years in the absence of the cooperative agreement; and

(4) A plan for how the requisite data for assessing the benefit will be obtained.

16. A description of any potential adverse impact of the proposed cooperative agreement on (i) population health or (ii) quality, availability, cost, or price of health care services to patients or payers.

17. A description of any commitments the parties are willing to make to address any potential adverse impacts resulting from the cooperative agreement. Each such commitment shall at a minimum include:

a. The parties' proposed benchmarks and metrics to measure achievement of the proposed commitments;

b. The parties' proposed plan to obtain and analyze data to evaluate the extent to which the commitments have been met, including how data shall be obtained from entities other than the parties; and

c. The parties' proposed consequences if they do not meet a commitment.

18. A plan of separation. The parties shall provide an independent opinion from a qualified organization verifying the plan of separation can be operationally implemented without undue disruption to essential health services provided by the parties.

19. A statement regarding the requirements for any certificate or certificates of public need resulting from the cooperative agreement.

20. A detailed description of the total cost to the parties resulting from the application for the cooperative agreement. Cost estimates should include costs for consultant, legal, and professional services; capital costs; financing costs; and management costs. The description should identify costs associated with the implementation of the cooperative agreement, including documentation of the availability of necessary funds. The description should identify which costs will be borne by each party.

21. An explanation of the reasons for the exclusion of any information set forth in this section. If the parties exclude an item because it is not applicable to the proposed cooperative agreement, an explanation of why the item is not applicable shall be provided.

22. A timetable for implementing all components of the proposed cooperative agreement and contact information for the person or persons authorized to receive notices, reports, and communications with respect to the letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

23. Records, reports, and documentation to support the information submitted pursuant to this section, including any additional supplemental information requested by the commissioner.

C. All supplemental information submitted to the commissioner shall be accompanied by a verified statement signed by the chairperson of the board of directors and chief executive officer of each party; or if one or more party is an individual, signed by the individual attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the enclosed information.

12VAC5-221-80. Commissioner's review.

A. The commissioner shall consult with the Attorney General when reviewing an application.

B. The commissioner may consult with the Federal Trade Commission when reviewing an application.

C. The commissioner may consult and coordinate with other affected jurisdictions when reviewing an application.

D. The commissioner shall consult with all other affected agencies of the Commonwealth when reviewing an application.

E. The commissioner in his review shall examine the record developed by the authority, the authority's recommendation for approval, and any additional information received from the parties. In addition, the commissioner may consider any other data, information, or advice available to him.

F. The commissioner shall not render a decision on the application until all supplemental information requested has been received.

G. The commissioner shall consider the following factors when conducting a review of an application:

1. Advantages.

a. Enhancement of the quality of hospital and hospital-related care, including mental health services and treatment of substance abuse, provided to citizens served by the authority, resulting in improved patient satisfaction;

b. Enhancement of population health status consistent with the regional health goals established by the authority;

c. Preservation of hospital facilities in geographical proximity to the communities traditionally served by those facilities to ensure access to care;

d. Gains in the cost-efficiency of services provided by the hospitals involved;

e. Improvements in the utilization of hospital resources and equipment;

f. Avoidance of duplication of hospital resources;

g. Participation in the state Medicaid program; and

h. Total cost of care.

2. Disadvantages.

a. The extent of any likely adverse impact of the proposed cooperative agreement on the ability of health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, managed health care organizations, or other health care payers to negotiate reasonable payment and service arrangements with hospitals, physicians, allied health care professionals, or other health care providers;

b. The extent of any reduction in competition among physicians, allied health care professionals, other health care providers, or other persons furnishing goods or services to, or in competition with, hospitals that is likely to result directly or indirectly from the proposed cooperative agreement;

c. The extent of any likely adverse impact on patients in the quality, availability, and price of health care services; and

d. The availability of arrangements that are less restrictive to competition and achieve the same benefits or a more favorable balance of benefits over disadvantages attributable to any reduction in competition likely to result from the proposed cooperative agreement.

H. The commissioner shall approve the application if he finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the benefits likely to result from the proposed cooperative agreement outweigh the disadvantages likely to result from a reduction in competition from the proposed cooperative agreement.

I. In the selection and application of the measures for reviewing the proposed benefits of the cooperative agreement, as well as during the monitoring and active supervision of any approved cooperative agreement, the commissioner shall:

1. Draw from consensus health and health care metrics, such as those being developed pursuant to the Virginia state innovation model development initiative and state population health improvement plan, to ensure the validity and consistency of the measure;

2. Use historical actual experience in the region to establish baseline performance and evaluate progress over time;

3. Consider recommendations on the measures and goals from the technical advisory panel appointed pursuant to 12VAC5-221-120; and

4. Allow for flexibility, to the extent quantifiable goals or targets are specified, should environmental factors that are outside the control of the parties change significantly.

12VAC5-221-90. Action on an application.

A. The commissioner shall issue his decision in writing within 45 days of receipt of the authority's recommendation. However, if the commissioner has requested supplemental information from the applicants, the commissioner shall have 15 days, following receipt of the supplemental information, to issue a decision.

B. At the request of the applicants, the commissioner may delay issue of his decision to provide additional time to review the record.

C. The commissioner may condition approval of the letter authorizing cooperative agreement upon the applicants' commitment to achieving the improvements in population health, access to health care services, quality, and cost efficiencies identified by the applicants in support of their application. Such conditions may include:

1. A cap on the negotiated case-mix adjusted revenue per discharge by payer by product. The method for calculating such a case-mix shall be published on the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Licensure and Certification's website in a guidance document. The department may rely on third-party auditors to assist in determining the method for determining such caps, such caps' levels, and a plan for monitoring compliance;

2. A commitment to return a portion of the cost savings and efficiencies gained through the cooperative agreement to residents in the participating localities through specific proposed mechanisms;

3. An agreement that the parties shall not prevent or discourage health plans from directing or incentivizing patients to choose certain providers; the parties shall not have any contractual clauses or provisions that prevent health plans from directing or incentivizing patients;

4. An agreement that the parties shall not engage in the tying of sales of the health system's services with the health plan's purchase of other services from the health system;

5. An agreement that the parties shall not restrict a health plan's ability to make available to its health plan enrollees cost, quality, efficiency, and performance information to aid enrollees in evaluating and selecting providers in the health plan; and

6. A commitment that the parties shall not refuse to include certain provisions in contracts with health plans that have been utilized in health plan contracts in other parts of the Commonwealth in order to promote value-based health care, including bundled payments, pay for performance, utilization management, and other processes that reward improvements in quality and efficiency.

D. The commissioner's decision to approve or deny an application shall constitute a case decision pursuant to the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

12VAC5-221-100. Ongoing and active supervision.

A. The commissioner shall maintain active and continuing supervision of the parties in accordance with the terms under this section and to ensure compliance with the cooperative agreement and the letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

B. Any party who receives a letter authorizing cooperative agreement shall submit any additional information that is requested by the department to establish benchmarks for ongoing monitoring and supervision. The department's request may include (i) information on patient satisfaction, (ii) information on employee satisfaction, (iii) a charge master, (iv) information reflecting the contracted rates negotiated with nonphysician providers, (v) information reflecting the noncontracted rates negotiated with allied health professionals, and (vi) information reflecting the noncontracted rates negotiated with other providers.

C. The department shall establish quantitative measures that will be used to evaluate the proposed and continuing benefits of the cooperative agreement.

1. The quantitative measures shall include measures of the cognizable benefits from the cooperative agreement in at least the following categories:

a. Population health;

b. Access to health services;

c. Economic;

d. Patient safety;

e. Patient satisfaction; and

f. Other cognizable benefits.

2. Each category may be comprised of measures for subcategories.

3. The technical advisory panel and the parties to the cooperative agreement may make recommendations for the creation and evaluation of quantitative measures, but the department shall have the exclusive authority to add, modify, accept, or reject recommendations when creating or interpreting the quantitative measures.

D. A department representative may make periodic unannounced onsite inspections of the parties' facilities as necessary. If the department finds, after inspection, noncompliance with any provision of this chapter, any applicable state regulations, or the elements of the cooperative agreement or the letter authorizing cooperative agreement, the commissioner shall begin enforcement procedures in accordance with 12VAC5-221-130.

E. The parties shall make available to the department representative requested records and shall allow access to interview the agents, employees, contractors, and any other person under control, direction, or supervision of the parties.

F. Complaints received by the department with regard to noncompliance with the cooperative agreement or the letter authorizing cooperative agreement shall be investigated. When the investigation is complete, the parties and the complainant, if known, shall be notified of the findings of the investigation.

G. The commissioner may develop other mechanisms of monitoring the parties to determine compliance with the cooperative agreement and whether compliance continues to meet the requirements of § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia. The commissioner may modify the mechanisms of monitoring the parties upon notice to the parties.

12VAC5-221-110. Annual reporting.

A. The parties shall report annually to the commissioner on the extent of the benefits realized and compliance with any terms and conditions placed on their letter authorizing cooperative agreement. The report shall:

1. Describe the activities conducted pursuant to the cooperative agreement;

2. Include any actions taken in furtherance of commitments made by the parties or terms imposed by the commissioner as a condition for approval of the cooperative agreement;

3. Include information related to changes in price, cost, quality, access to care, and population health improvement;

4. Include actual costs, revenues, profit margins, and operating costs;

5. Include a charge master;

6. Include information reflecting the contracted rates negotiated with nonphysician providers, allied health professionals, and others;

7. Include any measures requested by the department based on the recommendations of the technical advisory panel appointed pursuant to 12VAC5-221-120; and

8. Include the current status of the quantitative measures established under subsection C of 12VAC5-221-100 and the information requested by the department for benchmarks established in subsection B of 12VAC5-221-100.

B. The parties shall be required to update the parties' plan of separation annually and submit the updated plan of separation to the department. The parties shall provide an independent opinion from a qualified organization that states the plan of separation may be operationally implemented without undue disruption to essential health services provided by the parties.

C. The commissioner may require the parties to supplement the annual report with additional information to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with the cooperative agreement and the letter authorizing cooperative agreement.

D. All annual reports submitted pursuant to this section shall be certified audited by a third-party auditor.

E. The fee due with the filing of the annual report shall be $20,000. If the commissioner should determine that the actual cost incurred by the department is greater than $20,000, the parties shall pay any additional amounts due as instructed by the department. The annual filing fee shall not exceed $75,000.

F. The commissioner shall issue a written decision and the basis for the decision on an annual basis as to whether the benefits of the cooperative agreement continue to outweigh the disadvantages attributable to a reduction in competition that have resulted from the cooperative agreement.

12VAC5-221-120. Technical advisory panel.

A. The commissioner shall appoint a technical advisory panel to provide (i) initial recommendations to the commissioner as to the quality, cost, and access measures and benchmarks to be considered to objectively track the benefits and disadvantages of a cooperative agreement and (ii) ongoing input to the commissioner on the evolution of these and other new measures and the progress of the parties with respect to achievement of commitments with respect to these measures.

B. The technical advisory panel shall consist of:

1. A representative of the Commissioner of Health who shall serve as chair of the panel;

2. The chief medical or quality officer or officers of the parties;

3. A chief medical or quality officer of a hospital or health system from other state market areas with no affiliation with the parties;

4. A chief medical or quality officer of a health plan that has subscribers in the affected area;

5. Experts in the area of health quality measurement and performance;

6. A consumer and employer representative from the affected area;

7. A representative from the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission;

8. The chief financial officer or officers of the parties;

9. A chief financial officer of a hospital or health system from other state market areas with no affiliation with the parties; and

10. A chief financial officer of a health plan that has subscribers in the affected area.

C. The technical advisory panel shall meet at least on an annual basis.

D. The technical advisory panel shall identify evidence-based cost, quality, and access measures in areas, including population health, patient safety, health outcomes, patient satisfaction, access to care, and any other areas identified by the panel. The panel shall also make recommendations regarding how to best report performance on quality metrics.

E. The technical advisory panel meetings shall be staffed by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification.

12VAC5-221-130. Enforcement procedures.

A. If the commissioner has reason to believe that compliance with a cooperative agreement no longer meets the requirements of § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter, the commissioner shall initiate a proceeding to determine whether compliance with the cooperative agreement no longer meets the requirements of § 15.2-5384.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.

B. In the course of such a proceeding, the commissioner is authorized to seek reasonable modifications to a letter authorizing cooperative agreement. Such modifications shall be with the consent of the parties.

C. The commissioner may revoke a letter authorizing cooperative agreement upon a finding that:

1. The parties are not complying with the terms or conditions of the cooperative agreement or the letter authorizing cooperative agreement;

2. The cooperative agreement is not in substantial compliance with the terms of the parties' application or the letter authorizing cooperative agreement;

3. The benefits resulting from the cooperative agreement no longer outweigh the disadvantages attributable to the reduction in competition resulting from the cooperative agreement;

4. The commissioner's approval was obtained as a result of intentional material misrepresentation to the commissioner or as the result of coercion, threats, or intimidation toward any party to the cooperative agreement; or

5. The parties have failed to pay any fee required by the department or the authority.

D. The proceeding initiated by the commissioner under this section, and any judicial review thereof, shall be held in accordance with and governed by the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

12VAC5-221-140. Voluntary termination of cooperative agreement.

A. Any party shall file notice with the department within 30 days after terminating its participation in a cooperative agreement. The notice shall be sent in writing to the attention of the director of the department's Office of Licensure and Certification.

B. In the event of a termination of a cooperative agreement, the parties shall return the letter authorizing cooperative agreement to the department's Office of Licensure and Certification.

12VAC5-221-150. Official records.

A. The commissioner shall maintain on file all cooperative agreements that the commissioner has approved.

B. All records collected pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and the Library of Virginia's record management program (§ 42.1-85 of the Code of Virginia).

C. All approved cooperative agreements and letters authorizing cooperative agreement shall be published on the Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification website.

D. All reports collected pursuant to 12VAC5-221-110 shall be published on the Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification website.

E. The commissioner shall make public his annual determination of compliance with a letter authorizing the cooperative agreement.