Design and Operation Requirements for Above-ground Holding Tanks

Owners and operators using an above-ground holding tank to accumulate or store industrial wastewater prior to off-site recycling, treatment or disposal shall, at a minimum: (1) Construct or line the holding tank with compatible materials; (2) Equip the holding tank with the following: (a) For a Remotely or Automatically Filled Holding Tank: a level measuring device and an audio and light alarm system located in a staffed location. The alarm system shall be activated when the level of industrial wastewater reaches 75% capacity of the holding tank and the alarm signal shall be transmitted to a staffed location; or (b) For a Manually Filled Holding Tank: a visual or sight glass type of level measurement; (3) Provide odor control measures necessary to prevent nuisance conditions; (4) Locate the holding tank within a spill containment structure with 110% capacity of the largest single holding tank or 10% of total possible contained volume of all the holding tanks, whichever is greater, and provide year-round access for visual inspection for the entire holding tank. The containment structure shall be located in a secured area over an impervious surface that is free of cracks and gaps to contain leaks and spills. If the holding tank is located outside of a building, provide necessary measures to prevent storm water collection; (5) Keep the holding tank closed at all times except when industrial wastewater is being added or removed; (6) Label the holding tank with the words, “Non-Hazardous Industrial Wastewater”; (7) Implement spill control and spill response measures for transferring any industrial wastewater to or from above-ground holding tanks to minimize potential release to the environment, and report to the proper authorities regarding spills released to the environment as required by federal, state and local laws and regulations; and (8) Construct new on site fabricated holding tanks or associated structures in accordance with engineering plans stamped and signed by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer with the appropriate specialty (including but not limited to chemical, civil, or environmental engineering).