Owners and operators must operate and maintain release detection equipment in accordance with the requirements of this section and the walkthrough inspection requirements in WAC 173-360A-0420 to ensure the equipment is operating properly and will detect leaks from tanks and piping.

(1) General. Release detection equipment must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or a code of practice. The following code of practice may be used to meet this requirement: Petroleum Equipment Institute, Recommended Practice 1200, "Recommended Practices for the Testing and Verification of Spill, Overfill, Leak Detection and Secondary Containment Equipment at UST Facilities."

(2) Testing. Release detection equipment that is electronic or mechanical must be tested at least annually.

(a) Performance. Tests of release detection equipment 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 the requirements in subsection (1) of this section.

(b) Minimum. Tests of release detection equipment must include the following, as applicable to the UST system:

(i) Automatic tank gauges and other controllers: Test proper operation of alarms, verify system configuration, and test battery backups;

(ii) Probes and sensors: Inspect for residual buildup, ensure floats move freely, ensure shafts are not damaged, ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks, and test alarm operability and communication with controller;

(iii) Automatic line leak detectors: Test operation to determine whether the detectors meet the performance standards in WAC 173-360A-0640 by simulating a leak from the entire piping run being monitored;

(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.

(3) Repairs. Release detection equipment that is not operating properly must be recalibrated or otherwise repaired in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0490 or replaced in accordance with WAC 173-360A-0300.

(4) Reporting. Tests of release detection equipment 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. The following must be documented in the checklist:

(a) List of each component tested;

(b) For each component tested, whether the component needed action to correct an issue; and

(c) For each component needing action to correct an issue, a description of the actions taken.

(5) Recordkeeping. Records of operation and maintenance of release detection equipment, including any tests required under this section, must be maintained for at least three years. Any schedules of required calibration and maintenance provided by the equipment manufacturer must be maintained for as long as the equipment is used.

(6) Compliance dates. The testing of automatic line leak detectors under subsection (2)(b)(iii) of this section has been required since December 29, 1990, and continues to be required. The testing of all other release detection equipment required under this section must begin by the following dates:

(a) For UST systems installed after October 1, 2018, upon installation; and

(b) For UST systems installed on or before October 1, 2018:

(i) If the UST facility has an even facility compliance tag identification number, by October 1, 2020; and

(ii) If the UST facility has an odd facility compliance tag identification number or does not have a facility compliance tag, by October 1, 2021.