---
kind: "section"
citation: "40 C.F.R. § 280.40"
title: "40"
number: "280.40"
heading: "General requirements for all UST systems."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/40/280.40"
---

# §280.40. General requirements for all UST systems.

- (a) Owners and operators of UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that:
  - (1) Can detect a release from any portion of the tank and the connected underground piping that routinely contains product;
  - (2) Is installed and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
  - (3) Beginning on October 13, 2018, is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: manufacturer's instructions; a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or requirements determined by the implementing agency to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in paragraphs [(a)(1)](#a-1) and [(2)](#a-2) of this section. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria:
    - (i) **Automatic tank gauge and other controllers—** test alarm; verify system configuration; test battery backup;
    - (ii) **Probes and sensors—** inspect for residual buildup; ensure floats move freely; ensure shaft is not damaged; ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; test alarm operability and communication with controller;
    - (iii) **Automatic line leak detector—** test operation to meet criteria in [§ 280.44(a)](/cfr/40/280.44.md?p=a) by simulating a leak;
    - (iv) **Vacuum pumps and pressure gauges—** ensure proper communication with sensors and controller; and
    - (v) **Hand-held electronic sampling equipment associated with groundwater and vapor monitoring—** ensure proper operation.
  - (4) Meets the performance requirements in [§ 280.43](/cfr/40/280.43.md), [§ 280.44](/cfr/40/280.44.md), or [subpart K](/cfr/40/subpartK.md) of this part, as applicable, with any performance claims and their manner of determination described in writing by the equipment manufacturer or installer. In addition, the methods listed in § [280.43(b)](/cfr/40/280.43.md?p=b), [(c)](/cfr/40/280.43.md?p=c), [(d)](/cfr/40/280.43.md?p=d), [(h)](/cfr/40/280.43.md?p=h), and [(i)](/cfr/40/280.43.md?p=i), § [280.44(a)](/cfr/40/280.44.md?p=a) and [(b)](/cfr/40/280.44.md?p=b), and [subpart K](/cfr/40/subpartK.md) of this part, must be capable of detecting the leak rate or quantity specified for that method in the corresponding section of the rule with a probability of detection of 0.95 and a probability of false alarm of 0.05.
- (b) When a release detection method operated in accordance with the performance standards in [§ 280.43](/cfr/40/280.43.md), [§ 280.44](/cfr/40/280.44.md), or [subpart K](/cfr/40/subpartK.md) of this part indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the implementing agency in accordance with [subpart E](/cfr/40/subpartE.md) of this part.
- (c) Any UST system that cannot apply a method of release detection that complies with the requirements of this subpart must complete the closure procedures in [subpart G](/cfr/40/subpartG.md) of this part. For previously deferred UST systems described in subparts [A](/cfr/40/subpartA.md) and [K](/cfr/40/subpartK.md) of this part, this requirement applies after the effective dates described in § [280.10(a)(1)(ii)](/cfr/40/280.10.md?p=a-1-ii) and [(iii)](/cfr/40/280.10.md?p=a-1-iii) and [§ 280.251(a)](/cfr/40/280.251.md?p=a).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991, 6991(a), 6991(b), 6991(c), 6991(d), 6991(e), 6991(f), 6991(g), 6991(h), 6991(i).

### Source

Source: 80 FR 41623, July 15, 2015, unless otherwise noted.