Owners and operators of UST systems with corrosion protection must comply with the requirements of this section to ensure the equipment is operating properly and will prevent releases to the environment due to corrosion until the UST system is permanently closed or undergoes a change-in-service.

(1) Corrosion protection systems. All corrosion protection systems must be operated and maintained to continuously provide corrosion protection to the metal components of that portion of the tank and piping that routinely contain regulated substances and are in contact with the ground.

(2) Testing of cathodic protection systems. Upon installation or repair, between one and six months after installation or repair, and every three years thereafter, cathodic protection systems must be tested as follows to ensure they are operating properly.

(a) Performance. Cathodic protection tests must be performed:

(i) By or under the direct supervision of a service provider certified in accordance with Part 9 of this chapter; and

(ii) In accordance with a code of practice. The following codes of practice may be used to meet this requirement:

(A) National Association of Corrosion Engineers International, Test Method TM0101, "Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection of Underground Storage Tank Systems";

(B) National Association of Corrosion Engineers International, Test Method TM0497, "Measurement Techniques Related to Criteria for Cathodic Protection on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems";

(C) Steel Tank Institute, Recommended Practice R051, "Cathodic Protection Testing Procedures for STI–P3R USTs";

(D) National Association of Corrosion Engineers International, Standard Practice 0285, "External Control of Underground Storage Tank Systems by Cathodic Protection"; or

(E) National Association of Corrosion Engineers International, Standard Practice 0169, "Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems."

(b) Repairs. Cathodic protection systems that are not operating properly must be repaired in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0490 or replaced in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0300, as specified by a corrosion expert.

(c) Reporting. Cathodic protection tests must be reported to the department within thirty days using the applicable checklist provided by the department. The checklist must be completed by the service provider.

(d) Recordkeeping. Records of cathodic protection tests must be maintained for at least six years.

(3) Inspections of impressed current cathodic protection systems. At least every sixty days, impressed current cathodic protection systems must be inspected to ensure the rectifier is on and the equipment is operating properly.

(a) Performance. Rectifier inspections must include checking whether the rectifier is turned on and whether the voltage and amperage readings are within the ranges specified during the last cathodic protection test.

(b) Repairs. If a rectifier is not functioning or the voltage or amperage readings are not within the range specified for the cathodic protection system:

(i) A corrosion expert or cathodic protection tester must be notified within twenty-four hours; and

(ii) The cathodic protection system must be repaired in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0490 or replaced in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0300, as specified by a corrosion expert.

(c) Documentation. Rectifier inspections must be documented on the checklist provided by the department or on another record that includes the same information.

(d) Recordkeeping. Records of rectifier inspections must be maintained for at least three years.