Section 170.640  Assessing the Site at Removal of, Previously Removed, or Change-in-Service of, UST Systems

a)         After removal is completed, the owner or operator shall:

1)         Perform a site assessment by measuring for the presence of a release where contamination is most likely to be present at the UST site.  In selecting sample types, sample locations and measurement methods, the owner or operator shall consider the method of removal, the nature of the stored substance, the type of backfill, the depth to groundwater, and other factors appropriate for identifying the presence of a release.  OSFM provides no additional guidance to performing a site assessment.  This is the responsibility of the owner or operator.

2)         The owner or operator, or his or her designated representative, shall report a release or suspected release to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and secure an incident number.  The incident number shall be provided to the STSS at the conclusion of the removal and prior to the departure of the STSS.

3)         If contaminated soils, groundwater or free product as a liquid or vapor, resulting from a UST system release, is discovered, owners or operators shall begin initial response and initial abatement procedures in accordance with Section 170.580.

b)         When directed in writing by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the owner or operator of a UST system removed before April 21, 1989 shall assess the excavation zone (including, if so ordered, re-excavating and assessing the site where the tank had been located) in accordance with Section 170.640.  The OSFM direct removal if a release from the UST may, in the judgment of the OSFM, pose a current or potential threat to human health or the environment.

c)         A site assessment shall be performed, when ordered in writing by the OSFM, when a registered or  unregistered regulated UST is removed without the required permit and STSS on site at time of removal.  The site assessment shall include, at a minimum, 2 borings/samples from directly under the tank bottom at opposite ends, 2 from outside the tank field, one on each side of tank field, 1 under each dispenser, and 1 for every 20 feet of product piping.  A drawing of the site, location of borings and results of testing shall be supplied to the OSFM.  A report to IEMA shall be made and an incident number shall be obtained if any of the samples fall within reportable guidelines as detailed in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 742, Appendix B.

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8164, effective May 1, 2003)