LAC 49:I.1203. Tank Design and Construction [Formerly 49:6.1020]

A. The tank(s) shall be designed to allow for the uniform flow of sea water with no turbulence where shellfish are located. The tank(s) shall be of sufficient size to allow at least 8 cubic feet of sea water per bushel of shellfish in the tank(s). If the tank(s) is (are) rectangular in shape, length to width ratios shall be from 2:1 to 4:1. The maximum depth of tank(s) shall be 48 inches. The flow rate in the tank(s) shall be 1gpm/bushel. B. Tanks shall be designed so that scum and sludge (shellfish feces and pseudo-feces, sand, grit, etc.) can be easily removed or flushed out. The bottom shall be sloped longitudinally at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot toward the outlet end. C. To facilitate proper cleaning and sanitation, as well a proper treatment of shellfish, tanks shall be constructed from impervious, non-toxic and inert materials. Coatings, when used, may include epoxy resins, powdered polyesters, vinyl bituminous water-tank paint, and paraffin. The coatings are not only for waterproofing but should provide a smooth, hard, non-porous surface for cleanability.