Design and Operation Requirements for In-ground Holding Tanks

(1) Unless otherwise approved by the Department in accordance with 314 CMR 18.08(4), owners and operators of any new or existing in-ground holding tank used to accumulate or store industrial wastewater prior to off-site recycling, treatment or disposal shall, at a minimum: (a) construct the holding tank so that: 1. the inner surface or the lining of the holding tank is compatible with the industrial wastewater; 2. the total holding tank capacity is greater than 500% of the average daily flow of industrial wastewater generated from the facility; 3. the holding tank does not leak through its sides, bottom, seams or top; 4. the holding tank withstands H-20 loading if the holding tank is completely below ground; 5. the holding tank foundation is capable of supporting the holding tank when it is full of industrial wastewater and preventing uplift when it is empty; and 6. there is no entrance for surface or storm water flows into the holding tank; (b) equip the holding tank with the following: 1. a liquid level measuring device connected to 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% of the holding tank capacity and the alarm signal shall be transmitted to a staffed location; and 2. odor control measures necessary to prevent nuisance conditions; (c) keep the holding tank closed at all times except when industrial wastewater is being added or removed; (d) comply with all permits or other requirements mandated by the local authorities pertaining to industrial wastewater holding tanks; (e) label the holding tank or place a legible sign immediately adjacent to the holding tank with the words, “Non-Hazardous Industrial Wastewater”; and (f) implement spill control and spill response measures for transferring any industrial wastewater to or from in-ground holding tanks to minimize potential releases 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. (2) Owners or operators of any existing in-ground holding tank that was not constructed or converted according to a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer certified plan is required to obtain an integrity assessment before November 15, 2003. The integrity assessment shall be prepared by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer with the appropriate specialty (including but not limited to chemical, civil, or environmental engineering), and shall state how leaks, cracks, corrosion, erosion, and uplift are to be properly managed. If the integrity assessment indicates any potential or actual deficiencies, including but not limited to leaks, cracks, corrosion, erosion, or uplift, then the owner shall take all necessary actions to correct such deficiencies or decommission the tank. (3) Unless otherwise approved by the Department in accordance with 314 CMR 18.08(4), owners or operators of any new in-ground holding tank shall, in addition to 314 CMR 18.08(1): (a) construct the holding tank 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); (b) construct the holding tank with secondary containment that meets the following minimum requirements: 1. the secondary containment shall be free from any leakage to or from the environment; 2. the secondary containment shall be constructed or lined with compatible material; 3. the foundation or base of the secondary containment shall be capable of providing support to the secondary containment and resist the pressure gradient above and below the system; 4. the secondary containment structure shall provide space and access (including access through mechanical or electrical detection devices) to detect and remove any leakage from the holding tank; and (c) inspect the holding tank for leakage on a weekly basis at minimum, remove the leakage, if any, and repair and restore the holding tank as soon as possible. (4) Owners and operators using an in-ground holding tank to accumulate or store industrial wastewater prior to offsite recycling, treatment or disposal may request approval from the Department for an exemption from one or more of the requirements described in 314 CMR 18.08(1) and (3) if it can be demonstrated that: (a) the wastewater constituents are substantially similar to sanitary sewage; (b) the wastewater contains no toxic compounds, metals, volatile organics, or corrosive compounds; and (c) the alternative design is as protective as a tank designed in compliance with 314 CMR 18.08(1) and (3), as applicable.