Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) used for the store of petroleum products

is regulated primarily under 40 CFR 112. The regulation does not actually
use the terms "aboveground storage tank." Instead the term "bulk storage
container" is used and is defined as "any container used to store oil. These
containers are used for purposes including, but not limited to, the storage of
oil prior to use, while being used, or prior to further distribution in
commerce. Oil-filled electrical, operating, or manufacturing equipment is not
a bulk storage container."

A bulk storage container is 55 gal. or greater and may be aboveground,

partially buried, bunkered, or completely buried. "Bunkered tanks" are
defined as "a container constructed or placed in the ground by cutting the
earth and re-covering the container in a manner that breaks the surrounding
natural grade, or that lies above grade, and is covered with earth, sand,
gravel, asphalt, or other material. A bunkered tank is considered an
aboveground storage container for purposes of 40 CFR 112"

Design

A container (i.e. storage tank) cannot be used for the storage of oil unless
its material and construction are compatible with the material stored and
conditions of storage such as pressure and temperature.

All bulk storage container installations must be constructed so a secondary

means of containment is provided for the entire capacity of the largest single
container and sufficient freeboard to contain precipitation. Diked areas must
be sufficiently impervious to contain discharged oil. While dikes, containment
curbs, and pits are commonly employed for this purpose, an alternative
system consisting of a drainage trench enclosure that must be arranged so
that any discharge will terminate and be safely confined in a facility
catchment basin or holding pond may also be used.

Each bulk storage container installation must be engineered or updated in

accordance with good engineering practice to avoid discharges, including at
least one of the following devices:

high liquid level alarms with an audible or visual signal at a constantly

attended operation or surveillance station (NOTE: In smaller facilities
an audible air vent may suffice.)
high liquid level pump cutoff devices set to stop flow at a
predetermined container content level
direct audible or code signal communication between the container
gauge and the pumping station
 a fast response system for determining the liquid level of each bulk
storage container such as digital computers, telepulse, or direct vision
gauges (NOTE: If you use this alternative, a person must be present to
monitor gauges and the overall filling of bulk storage containers.)