API RP 1615-2011 (R2020)

1.1 This Recommended Practice (RP) is a guide to procedures and equipment that should be used for the proper installation of underground storage systems for bulk petroleum products or used oil at retail and commercial facilities. The stored products include gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, lubricating oils, used oil, and certain bio-fuel blends. (For information on alcohol/gasoline blends, see API 1626. The product manufacturer and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) should be consulted with regard to the proper storage of all products.)

NOTE All drawings provided in this document are for reference and illustration purposes only. Drawings are not to scale and may not reflect exact details of UST system configurations, components and equipment provided by manufacturers. For exact specifications and details of components and equipment consult the manufacturer(s).

1.2 This RP is intended for use by architects, engineers, tank owners, tank operators, and contractors. Contractors, engineers, and owners or operators who are preparing to design or install an UST system should investigate the federal, state, and local requirements and current methods of compliance for vapor recovery in that region. Vapor recovery is covered in detail in Section 17 of this document. For more information on the design and installation of vapor recovery systems, see NFPA 30A, and PEI RP 300

NOTE An AHJ may reference different codes.

1.3 This RP is not intended to cover specialized installations, such as fuel storage systems at marinas or airports, heating oil storage systems (either residential or bulk), or systems installed inside buildings. However, it does outline recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices which may be of use for these specialized installations. This RP does not apply to the installation of below ground or above ground bulk storage systems greater than 60,000 gal. The reader is referred to the following standards for information on specialized storage systems:

a) marinas: NFPA 30A and PEI RP 1000;

b) residential storage of heating oil: NFPA 31;

c) storage inside buildings: NFPA 30;

d) bulk storage-general: PEI RP 800;

e) aboveground storage: NFPA 30, NFPA 30A, API 650, API 651, API 652, API 653, API 2601, and PEI RP 200.

NOTE An AHJ may reference different codes.

1.4 This RP shall not preempt any federal, state, or local laws and regulations; specifically, those referenced in 3.2.