N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2306: Section FC 2306: Design and Installation Requirements for Liquid Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities

2306.1 General.

Liquid motor fuel storage and dispensing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with FC Chapter 57 except as otherwise specified in this chapter, including the requirements of this section.

2306.2 Method of storage.

Approved methods of storage for liquid motor fuel at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with FC 2306.2.1 through 2306.2.4.

2306.2.1 Underground tanks.

The installation of underground tanks for the storage of liquid motor fuel shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 57 except as otherwise specified in this chapter.

2306.2.1.1 Inventory control for underground tanks.

Accurate daily inventory records shall be maintained and reconciled for underground liquid motor fuel storage tanks for indication of possible leakage from tanks and piping. Inventory reconciliation shall be in accordance with the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as set forth in 6 NYCRR Part 613. The records shall be maintained in accordance with FC 107.7. Records shall include daily reconciliation between sales, use, receipts and inventory on hand. Where there is more than one system consisting of tanks serving separate pumps or dispensers for a product, the reconciliation shall be maintained separately for each tank system. A consistent or accidental loss of product shall be immediately reported to the commissioner.

2306.2.1.2 Listing and approval.

Underground liquid motor fuel storage tanks shall be listed and approved.

2306.2.1.3 Tank design and construction.

Underground liquid motor fuel storage tanks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Tanks shall be completely double-walled and constructed of steel, fiberglass-reinforced plastic or a combination of both materials. The secondary tank shall be capable of containing any leakage from the primary tank.

2. Tanks shall be designed and constructed to withstand one and one-half times the maximum operating loads and stresses, regardless of the amount of liquid motor fuel contained in the tank. Such capabilities shall be established by buoyancy calculations and load and stress analyses.

3. Tanks shall be designed and constructed to withstand a pressure of 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa) or one and one-half times the maximum anticipated static head pressure, whichever is greater, for the primary tank and 5 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (34.5 kPa) for the secondary tank.

4. The capacity of each individual tank shall not exceed 12,000 gallons (45 420 L) of liquid motor fuel.

2306.2.1.4 Tank connections.

Tank connections shall be designed and located so as to:

1. Minimize the maneuvering necessary to position a cargo tank to make the delivery.

2. Minimize any obstructions of a public right of way or motorists' view of roadways, or any impediment to the movement of motor vehicles or pedestrians, during delivery.

3. Provide connections by means of approved liquid- and vapor-tight connections.

4. Comply with the requirements of FC 2305.1.3.

2306.2.1.5 Liquid level-indicating devices.

Tanks shall be provided with an approved liquid level-indicating device. The quantity of fuel in the tank as indicated on the liquid level-indicating device shall be accessible to the delivery operator. Liquid level-indicating devices shall be designed, constructed and installed to be vapor- and liquid-tight.

2306.2.1.6 Tank overfill alarm.

Tanks shall be provided with an approved overfill alarm designed to activate a local audible and visual alarm in an area supervised by the cargo tank delivery operator. Such alarms shall activate when the quantity of fuel in the tank exceeds a designated level, which shall not be more than 95 percent of capacity.

2306.2.2 Prohibited aboveground storage.

The storage of motor fuel in aboveground tanks shall be prohibited as set forth in FC 2306.2.2.1, 2306.2.2.2 and 2306.2.2.3.

2306.2.2.1 Storage of flammable liquid motor fuel.

It shall be unlawful to store flammable liquid motor fuel in aboveground tanks.

2306.2.2.2 Storage of combustible liquid motor fuel.

It shall be unlawful to store combustible liquid motor fuel in aboveground tanks, except outdoors at a fleet motor fuel-dispensing facility complying with the requirements of this chapter.

2306.2.2.3 Indoor storage.

It shall be unlawful to store liquid motor fuel in aboveground tanks indoors.

2306.2.3 Aboveground tanks located outdoors, at grade.

Outdoor storage of combustible liquid motor fuel in aboveground tanks at a fleet motor fuel-dispensing facility shall comply with the requirements set forth in FC 2306.2.3.1 through 2306.2.3.6.

2306.2.3.1 Tank design and construction.

Only protected aboveground tanks shall be used.

2306.2.3.2 Tank capacity.

The capacity of each tank shall not exceed 10,000 gallons (37 850 L). Not more than a total of 10,000 gallons (37 850 L) of liquid motor fuel shall be stored aboveground at any facility. The total storage capacity at a facility in both aboveground and underground tanks shall not exceed 40,000 gallons (15 140 L) of liquid motor fuel. Each tank shall have a separate fill line and a separate vent line that are separate from the fill and vent lines of other tanks.

Exception: When approved, individual tanks may exceed 10,000 gallons (37 850 L) but shall not exceed 12,000 gallons (45 420 L).

2306.2.3.3 Tank base support.

Tanks shall be placed on an approved base slab. The surface of such base slab shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) above the level of the surrounding area to permit visual inspection. Tanks shall be adequately supported and anchored to the base slab to withstand uplifting by surface water and flooding.

2306.2.3.4 Tank connections.

Tank connections shall be designed and located in accordance with FC 2306.2.1.4.

2306.2.3.5 Liquid level-indicating devices.

Tanks shall be provided with an approved liquid level-indicating device in accordance with FC 2306.2.1.5.

2306.2.3.6 Tank overfill alarm.

Tanks shall be provided with an approved overfill alarm in accordance with FC 2306.2.1.6.

2306.2.4 Location requirements for aboveground tanks at fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

Tanks shall be located in accordance with FC Table 2306.2.4 and as follows:

1. A minimum of 25 feet (7620 mm) from a subway grating, entrance or exit.

2. At a location that will not obstruct or interfere with any means of egress or department access.

3. Tanks shall not be installed under electrical transmission lines, bridges, or public highways.

FC Table 2306.2.4 Minimum Separation Requirements for Aboveground Tanks at Fleet Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities

Class of Liquid and Tank Type

Individual Tank Capacity (gallons)

Minimum Distance from Nearest Building (feet)

Minimum Distance from Lot Line (feet)

Minimum Distance from Public Street or Private Road (feet)

Minimum Distance Between Tanks (feet)

Liquid motor fuel tanks

4000 Greater than 4000

15 25

15 25

15 15

3 3

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

2306.3 Security.

Aboveground tanks for the storage of liquid motor fuel shall be safeguarded in an approved manner from public access or unauthorized entry.

2306.4 Physical protection.

Posts complying with the requirements of FC 312 or other approved means shall be provided to protect aboveground tanks against impact by a motor vehicle unless the tank is listed as a protected aboveground tank with vehicle impact protection.

2306.5 Secondary containment.

Aboveground tanks shall be provided with diking in accordance with FC Chapter 57. Diking is not required for listed secondary containment tanks. The secondary containment systems shall be monitored either visually or automatically. Enclosed secondary containment systems shall be provided with emergency venting in accordance with FC 2306.6.2.5.

2306.6 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for use with liquid motor fuel.

The design, fabrication, assembly, testing and inspection of piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for use with liquid motor fuel shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 57 except as otherwise specified in FC 2306.6.1 through 2306.6.3, and FC 2306.9 and 2306.10.

2306.6.1 Protection from damage.

Piping shall be located such that it is protected from physical damage and designed to accommodate settlement, vibration, expansion or contraction.

2306.6.2 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for aboveground tanks.

Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for aboveground tanks shall comply with the requirements of FC 2306.6.2.1 through 2306.6.2.11.

2306.6.2.1 Tank openings.

Tank openings for aboveground tanks shall be through the top only. There shall be no openings except those necessary to inspect, fill, empty and vent the tank.

2306.6.2.2 Fill-pipe connections.

The fill-pipe for aboveground tanks shall be provided with a means for making a direct connection to the cargo tank's fuel-delivery hose so that liquid motor fuel is not exposed to the open air during the filling operation. Operator safety equipment for the filling operation shall be provided in accordance with OSHA regulations. Where any portion of the fill-pipe exterior to the tank extends below the level of the top of the tank, a check valve, a dry break coupling and a quick closing valve shall be installed at the fill connection. Tank fill connections from a remote location are prohibited.

2306.6.2.3 Overfill protection.

Overfill protection shall be provided for aboveground storage tanks. Overfill prevention devices shall be designed to withstand the pressure generated by the cargo tank discharge pump and shall automatically shut off the flow into the tank when the tank is not more than 95 percent full.

2306.6.2.4 Siphon prevention.

An approved antisiphon method shall be provided in the piping system to prevent flow of liquid motor fuel by siphon action.

2306.6.2.5 Emergency relief venting.

Aboveground storage tanks, tank compartments and enclosed secondary containment spaces shall be provided with emergency relief venting in accordance with FC Chapter 57.

2306.6.2.6 Spill containers.

Aboveground tank spill containers having a capacity of not less than 5 gallons (19 L) shall be provided for each fill connection. Spill containers shall be noncombustible and shall be fixed to the tank and equipped with a manual drain valve that drains into the primary tank.

2306.6.2.7 Piping material construction.

Piping shall be of a minimum Schedule 40 steel construction.

2306.6.2.8 Compatibility.

Piping, fittings, components and joint compounds shall be mutually compatible, and compatible with diesel fuel and other commonly-used combustible liquid motor fuels, including the additives commonly used in such combustible motor fuels. Joint compounds shall be listed and approved.

2306.6.2.9 Pressure relief devices.

Where liquid motor fuel may become trapped between shutoff valves and/or check valves, affected piping sections shall be provided with pressure-relief devices that will discharge the pressure generated by thermal expansion back into the tank.

2306.6.2.10 Vent piping.

Each tank shall be provided with a separate unobstructed vent line, without any trap or device that causes excessive back pressure, and shall be maintained unobstructed at all times.

2306.6.2.11 Vent termination.

Vent outlets shall discharge outdoors and upward. The discharge point shall be no less than 15 feet (4572 mm) above the adjacent ground level and no less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the nearest building opening.

2306.6.3 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for underground tanks.

Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for underground tanks shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 57 and NFPA 30A, except as otherwise provided in FC 2306.6.3.1, 2306.6.3.2 and 2306.10.

2306.6.3.1 Piping design and construction.

Piping, including vent piping, shall be of a minimum Schedule 40 steel construction. Approved nonmetallic piping, such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic or other equivalent corrosion-resistant material, may be installed underground.

2306.6.3.2 Underground tank piping.

Piping shall be installed underground, except for the vertical riser of the vent.

2306.6.3.3 Compatibility.

Piping, fittings, components and joint compounds shall be mutually compatible, and compatible with gasoline, diesel fuel, methanol and other commonly-used liquid motor fuels, including the additives commonly used in such liquid motor fuels. Joint compounds shall be listed and approved.

2306.7 Fuel-dispensing systems for liquid motor fuel.

The design and installation of liquid motor fuel-dispensing systems shall be in accordance with FC 2306.7.1 through 2306.7.9.2.4. Alcohol-blended motor fuel-dispensing systems shall additionally comply with FC 2306.7.10.

2306.7.1 Listed equipment.

Electrical equipment, dispensers, hose, nozzles and submersible or subsurface pumps used in liquid motor fuel storage and dispensing systems shall be listed and approved.

2306.7.2 Fixed pumps required.

Liquid motor fuel shall be transferred only from the top of the tank by means of fixed pumps designed and equipped to allow control of the flow and prevent leakage or accidental discharge.

2306.7.2.1 Aboveground tank dispenser.

Only one vehicle may be fueled at a time. Fuel dispensing from a location remote from the tank may be allowed when approved by the commissioner.

2306.7.2.2 Pump sumps.

Pump sumps shall be compatible with the liquid motor fuel, liquid-tight, and accessible for inspection. Prefabricated pump sumps shall be approved.

2306.7.3 Mounting of dispensers.

Dispensing devices, except those installed on top of a protected aboveground tank that qualifies as vehicle-impact resistant, shall be protected against physical damage by mounting on a concrete island 6 inches (152 mm) or more in height, or shall otherwise be suitably protected in accordance with FC 312. Dispensing devices shall be installed and securely fastened to their mounting surface in accordance with the dispenser manufacturer's instructions. Dispensing devices installed indoors shall be located in an approved position not in a direct line with vehicular traffic.

2306.7.3.1 Protection of floor openings in indoor facilities.

Openings in floors beneath liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities located indoors shall be sealed.

2306.7.3.2 Dispenser pans.

An approved dispenser pan that is compatible with the liquid motor fuel shall be installed beneath a dispenser. The dispenser pan shall be liquid-tight, accessible for inspection, no larger than necessary, and installed solely for the purpose of collecting any liquid motor fuel leaking from the dispenser. The dispenser pan shall not be used to collect liquid motor fuel discharged from defective piping. The dispenser pan shall be backfilled up to not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above any nonmetallic piping and shall not interfere with the operation of any safety device.

2306.7.4 Dispenser emergency valve.

An approved automatic emergency shutoff valve designed to close in the event of a fire or impact shall be properly installed in the liquid supply line at the base of each dispenser supplied by a remote pump. The valve shall be installed so that the shear groove is flush with or within 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of the top of the concrete dispenser island and there is clearance provided for maintenance purposes around the valve body and operating parts. The valve shall be installed at the liquid supply line inlet of each overhead-type dispenser. Where installed, a vapor return line located inside the dispenser housing shall have a shear section or approved flexible connector for the liquid supply line emergency shutoff valve to function. Emergency shutoff valves shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, tested at the time of initial installation and tested at least yearly thereafter in accordance with FC 2305.2.2.

2306.7.5 Dispenser hose.

Dispenser hoses shall be a maximum of 18 feet (5486 mm) in length unless otherwise approved. Dispenser hoses shall be listed and approved. When not in use, hoses shall be reeled, racked or otherwise protected from damage. The length of the dispensing hose shall be such that at least 1 inch (25 mm) clearance between the hose and the ground is maintained when the nozzle is rested on its bracket. Dispensing hoses installed at aviation facilities, marine liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities, and fleet liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be of an approved length.

2306.7.5.1 Breakaway devices.

Dispenser hoses shall be equipped with a listed emergency breakaway device designed to retain liquid on both sides of a breakaway point. Such devices shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Where hoses are attached to hose-retrieving mechanisms, the emergency breakaway device shall be located between the hose nozzle and the point of attachment of the hose-retrieval mechanism to the hose.

2306.7.6 Fuel delivery nozzles.

A listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve without a latch-open device shall be provided for dispensers used for dispensing liquid motor fuel, except that a nozzle valve with a latch-open device may be installed and used at the following automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities:

1. Full-service automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

2. Fleet automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

3. Dispensing of diesel fuel at self-service automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

2306.7.6.1 Special requirements for nozzles.

Where dispensing of liquid motor fuel is performed, a listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve shall be used that incorporates all of the following features:

1. When the flow of product is normally controlled by devices or equipment other than the hose nozzle valve, the hose nozzle valve shall not be capable of being opened unless the delivery hose is pressurized. If pressure to the hose is lost, the nozzle shall close automatically.

Exception: Vapor recovery nozzles incorporating insertion interlock devices designed to achieve shutoff on disconnect from the vehicle fill pipe.

2. The hose nozzle shall be designed such that the nozzle is retained in the fill pipe during the filling operation.

3. The system shall include listed equipment with a feature that causes or requires the closing of the hose nozzle valve before the product flow can be resumed or before the hose nozzle valve can be replaced in its normal position in the dispenser.

2306.7.6.2 Control device.

A control device shall be provided that will allow a liquid motor fuel pump to operate only when the dispensing nozzle is removed from its bracket on the dispenser and the switch on the dispenser is manually activated. The flow of liquid motor fuel shall automatically stop when the switch is deactivated or the nozzle returned to its bracket.

2306.7.7 Leak detection.

Underground liquid motor fuel storage and dispensing systems shall be provided with a leak detection system in accordance with the following:

1. The leak detection system shall provide continuous monitoring of the tank's interstitial space.

2. The leak detection system shall provide continuous monitoring of liquid motor fuel pump sumps. Activation of the leak detection system shall cause shutdown of the liquid motor fuel pumps.

3. The leak detection system shall provide continuous monitoring of dispenser pans. Activation of the leak detection system shall cause shutdown of the affected dispenser or liquid motor fuel pump supplying such dispenser.

4. Primary discharge piping shall be provided with an automatic line leak detector. Activation of such leak detector shall cause shutdown of the liquid motor fuel pump or significantly restrict the product flow.

5. The leak detection system shall have an alarm panel in a supervised location on the premises; trigger both an audible and visible local alarm; be capable of producing hardcopy printouts of all tests and/or leak notification reports; operate on low voltage; and be intrinsically safe for a liquid motor fuel environment.

6. Leak detection systems shall be listed and approved.

2306.7.8 Gravity and pressure dispensing.

Liquid motor fuel shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks, drums, barrels or similar containers. Liquid motor fuel shall not be dispensed by a device operating through pressure within a storage tank, drum or container.

2306.7.9 Vapor-recovery and vapor-processing systems.

Stage I vapor-recovery and vapor-processing systems, when required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, shall be installed in accordance with FC 2306.7.9 and the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and shall be approved.

2306.7.9.1 Vapor-balance systems.

Vapor-balance systems shall comply with the requirements of FC 2306.7.9.1.1 through 2306.7.9.1.5.

2306.7.9.1.1 Dispensing devices.

Dispensing devices incorporating provisions for vapor recovery shall be listed and labeled. When existing listed or labeled dispensing devices are modified for vapor recovery, such modifications shall be listed by report by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The listing by report shall contain a description of the component parts used in the modification and the recommended method of installation on specific dispensers. Such report shall be made available for inspection by any department representative. Means shall be provided to shut down fuel dispensing in the event the vapor return line becomes blocked.

2306.7.9.1.2 Vapor-return line closeoff.

An approved method shall be provided to close off the vapor return line from dispensers when the product is not being dispensed.

2306.7.9.1.3 Piping.

Piping in vapor-balance systems shall be in accordance with FC 5703.6 and 5704.2. Nonmetallic piping shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Vapor return piping shall be installed in a manner that drains back to the tank, without sags or traps in which liquid can become trapped. If necessary, because of grade, condensate tanks are allowed in vapor return piping. Condensate tanks shall be designed and installed so that they can be drained without opening.

2306.7.9.1.3.1 Removal of piping.

The owner shall be responsible for notifying the department, in writing, upon decommissioning of the piping in vapor-balance system. Such notification shall include the location of the facility and the name, address and telephone number of the contractor who performed the removal.

2306.7.9.1.4 Flexible joints and shear joints.

Flexible joints shall be installed in accordance with FC 5703.6.9. An approved shear joint shall be rigidly mounted and connected by a union in the vapor return piping at the base of each dispensing device. The shear joint shall be mounted flush with the top of the surface on which the dispenser is mounted.

2306.7.9.1.5 Testing.

Vapor return lines and vent piping shall be tested in accordance with FC 2306.9.

2306.7.9.2 Vapor-processing systems.

Vapor-processing systems shall comply with the requirements of FC 2306.7.9.2.1 through 2306.7.9.2.4.

2306.7.9.2.1 Equipment.

Equipment in vapor-processing systems, including hose nozzle valves, vapor pumps, flame arresters, fire checks or systems for prevention of flame propagation, controls and vapor-processing equipment, shall be individually listed for the intended use in a specified manner. Vapor-processing systems that introduce air into the underground piping or storage tanks shall be provided with equipment for prevention of flame propagation that has been tested and listed as suitable for the intended use.

2306.7.9.2.2 Location.

Vapor-processing equipment shall be located at or above grade. Sources of ignition shall be located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from fuel-transfer areas and not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above tank fill openings and tops of dispenser islands. Vapor-processing units shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the nearest building or structure or lot line.

Exception: Where the required distances to buildings or structures, lot lines or fuel-transfer areas cannot be obtained, means shall be provided to protect equipment against fire exposure. Acceptable means shall include:

1. Approved protective enclosures, which extend at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the equipment, constructed of fire-resistant or noncombustible materials; and

2. Fire protection using an approved water-spray system.

2306.7.9.2.2.1 Location and safeguards.

Vapor-processing equipment shall be located a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) from dispensing devices. Processing equipment shall be protected against physical damage by guardrails, curbs, protective enclosures or fencing. Where approved protective enclosures are used, approved means shall be provided to ventilate the volume within the enclosure to prevent pocketing of flammable vapors. Where a downslope exists toward the location of the vapor-processing unit from a fuel-transfer area, the commissioner may require additional separation by distance and height.

2306.7.9.2.3 Installation.

Vapor-processing units shall be securely mounted on concrete, masonry or structural steel supports on concrete or other noncombustible foundations. Vapor-recovery and vapor-processing equipment is allowed to be installed on roofs when approved.

2306.7.9.2.4 Piping.

Piping in a mechanical-assist system shall be in accordance with FC 5703.6.

2306.7.10 Alcohol-blended motor fuel-dispensing equipment.

Dispensers, hoses, nozzles, breakaway fittings, swivels, flexible connectors, dispenser emergency shutoff valves, vapor recovery systems and pumps used in alcohol-blended motor fuel storage and dispensing systems shall be compatible with such fuels and shall be listed or approved for such purpose.

2306.8 Fire extinguishing system for dispensing area.

Where flammable liquid motor fuel is dispensed at an automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facility, the dispensing area shall be provided with a dry chemical fire extinguishing system designed and installed in accordance with FC 904.6, and the following requirements:

1. The fire extinguishing system shall be designed to provide overhead protection of the dispenser area encompassed by a circle formed by the fully extended hose and nozzle on each fuel dispenser and both ends of the dispenser island.

2. The extinguishing agent containers shall be equipped with indicators to show whether the system is fully charged. Indicators shall be positioned to be easily read from grade.

3. The installation, alteration, testing and repair of the fire extinguishing system, including any maintenance or modification of the system, shall be performed by a person possessing a master fire suppression piping contractor license issued by the Department of Buildings and trained and knowledgeable in the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire extinguishing system.

4. Dispensers shall not be operated when the fire extinguishing system has discharged or is inoperative, except as authorized in writing by the department. The motor fuel-dispensing facility certified attendant shall immediately notify the department of system discharge or inoperability.

5. Fire extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with FC 2306.9.

6. Fire extinguishing systems at fleet automotive liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be monitored by an approved central station company.

2306.9 Inspection and testing.

Inspection and testing required by FC 2306.9.1 through 2306.9.7 shall be conducted at the owner's risk by his or her representative before a representative of the department.

2306.9.1 Initial tank test.

Underground and aboveground tanks shall be tested hydrostatically at 15 pounds per square inch (psig) (103.4 kPa), or one and one-half times the maximum anticipated static head pressure, whichever is greater, for the inner tank, and pneumatically or hydrostatically at 5 pounds per square inch (psig) (34.5 kPa) for the annular space (secondary containment tank). When a pneumatic test is allowed, an inert gas shall be used; however, air may be used if the tank or piping system does not contain any liquid motor fuel or combustible vapor. Test pressure shall be maintained for a sufficient time to complete visual inspection, but not less than 1 hour. A tank shall be deemed to have passed the test if it shows no evidence of leakage or permanent deformation.

2306.9.2 Initial piping test.

Prior to backfill, primary piping shall be tested hydrostatically to one and one-half times the maximum anticipated operating pressure, but not less than 15 pounds per square inch (psig) (103.4 kPa). After backfill and installation of the top slab, discharge piping shall be tested hydrostatically at one and one-half times the maximum anticipated pressure, but not less than 50 pounds per square inch (psig) (345 kPa). Secondary containment piping (annular space) shall be tested pneumatically at 5 pounds per square inch (psig) (34.5 kPa) utilizing an inert gas; however, air may be used if the tank system or piping system does not contain any liquid motor fuel or combustible vapor. Hydrostatic test pressure shall be maintained for sufficient time to complete visual inspection but not less than 1 hour. The test shall show that there is no evidence of leakage. Test pressure for aboveground tank piping shall be at one and one-half times the maximum anticipated operating pressure but not less than 100 pounds per square inch (psig) (690 kPa).

2306.9.3 Leak detection functionality test.

Leak detection systems shall be inspected and tested at the time of installation in accordance with the rules. Leak detection systems monitoring liquid motor fuel storage systems shall be tested at least once every 2 years by a person holding a certificate of license. Such test shall confirm that all leak detection equipment and associated alarms are in good working order.

2306.9.4 Fire extinguishing system test.

A performance test of the fire extinguishing system shall be performed at the time of installation in accordance with the approved design and installation documents, and such procedures as may be prescribed by the commissioner. Fire extinguishing systems shall be tested at least once every 5 years. The test shall be in accordance with procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

2306.9.5 Emergency tank and piping system test.

The commissioner may require that a tank and piping system be precision tested or pressure tested in accordance with this section to determine the condition of the tank or piping. Storage systems that may contain liquid motor fuel or combustible vapor shall not be tested pneumatically.

2306.9.6 Periodic tank and piping test.

Any existing underground single-walled liquid motor fuel storage tank previously approved by the department or any existing underground tank that is not provided with a leak detection system meeting the requirements of FC 2306.7.7 shall be precision tested at least once every 5 years.

2306.9.7 Pouring concrete and backfilling.

The pouring of concrete for the base and top slab, the backfilling of tank and piping, and the construction of the top slab support shall be witnessed by a representative of the department at time of installation.

2306.10 Installation of underground tank and piping systems.

The installation of tank and piping systems shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 57, except as otherwise specified in this section.

1. Tanks shall be located so that the forces from building foundations and support loads are not transmitted to the tanks. The distance from any part of a tank to the nearest wall of any basement, pit, cellar or any property line shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm). Tanks shall not be placed less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from a subway wall.

2. Tanks shall be installed so that the highest point of the tank is not less than 2 feet (609.6 mm) below the level of the lowest cellar floor of any building within a radius of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the tank. No tank shall be located under a sidewalk or beyond the property line of the liquid motor fuel-dispensing faility.

3. Tanks shall be placed on a 12-inch (305-mm) thick base slab approved by the Department of Buildings, or installed in such other manner as may be approved by the Commissioner of Buildings, and secured against flotation. The system used for anchoring the tank shall not damage the tank or its coating.

4. Tanks shall be placed on a bed of approved backfill material in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. The backfill material shall evenly and completely support the bottom quadrant of the tank. The backfill material shall be carefully placed along the bottom, under the sides and under the end caps or heads of the tank, by shoveling and tamping. Backfilling shall then be completed in 12-inch (305-mm) lifts placed uniformly around the tank. Provision shall be made, consistent with site conditions, to prevent the migration of backfill.

5. Tanks shall be covered with a reinforced concrete slab not less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick, which shall extend not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the horizontal outlines of the tank. The support of the top slab shall be of a design approved by the Department of Buildings.

6. Fill, suction and discharge piping shall be encased in 4 inches (102 mm) of concrete or covered by a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) of manufacturer-approved backfill, or covered by 4 inches (102 mm) of manufacturer-approved backfill and an 8-inch (203-mm) reinforced concrete slab.

7. Not more than 40,000 gallons (151 400 L) of liquid motor fuel shall be stored at any facility, including liquid motor fuel stored in aboveground tanks.

8. Tanks containing identical products may be wet-manifolded provided that the total aggregate capacity of such tanks does not exceed 12,000 gallons (45 420 L) of liquid motor fuel, and each tank is provided with its own submersible pump.

9. Tank connections shall be designed and located so as to:

9.1. Minimize the maneuvering necessary to position a cargo tank to make the delivery.

9.2. Minimize obstructing a public right of way or motorists' view of roadways, or impeding the movement of motor vehicles or pedestrians, during deliveries.

9.3. Provide connections by means of approved liquid- and vapor-tight connections.

10. Tanks installed underground indoors shall be provided with an approved liquid level-indicating device. Liquid level-indicating devices shall be designed and constructed to prevent the escape of liquid or vapor and shall be approved.

11. Test wells shall be prohibited in tanks located underground indoors. Unused tank openings shall be permanently sealed at the tank to prevent removal of plugs or covers.

12. Secondary containment piping shall be required on all nonmetallic product-carrying pipes except direct fill lines, suction lines or siphon lines containing only one check valve located at the highest point of the line.

13. Underground piping shall have a slope of not less than 1/8 inch per foot (10.4 mm per meter) pitched toward the tank and shall be installed so as to facilitate initial and periodic testing.

14. Flexible joints shall be installed in accordance with FC 5703.6.9.

15. Each underground motor fuel storage tank shall be provided with a separate unobstructed vent line without any trap or device that causes excessive back pressure.

16. Vent piping shall be installed not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the finished surface measured from the point where the piping rises vertically and shall slope toward the tank.

17. Vent outlets shall discharge outdoors and upward. The discharge point shall be no less than 15 feet (4572 mm) above the adjacent ground level and no less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the nearest building opening.

18. An approved overfill prevention device shall be provided to prevent overfilling. When installed in diesel fuel tanks, such overfill prevention device shall be designed to withstand the pressure generated by the cargo tank discharge pump and shall automatically shut off the flow into the tank when the tank is not more than 95 percent full.

19. Each tank shall be provided with one fill connection only, unless approved. Each tank fill connection shall be provided with a catchment basin with a capacity of at least 15 gallons (56.8 L). The contents of the catchment basin shall be automatically drained into the tank without overfilling the tank after the transfer from the cargo tank is completed provided, however, that if the Stage II vapor recovery system approved for the tank does not allow for the installation of an automatic drain, a manual drain may be installed.

20. Where the discharging piping leak detector required by FC 2306.7.7(4) does not cause shutdown of the liquid motor fuel pump, secondary containment piping shall be provided.

2306.11 Spill control.

Provision shall be made to prevent liquids spilled during dispensing operations from flowing into buildings, by grading driveways, raising doorsills or other approved means.