(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) and (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) 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, §280.44, or subpart K 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), (c), (d), (h), and (i), §280.44(a) and (b), and subpart K 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, §280.44, or subpart K of this part indicates a release may have occurred, owners and operators must notify the implementing agency in accordance with subpart E 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 of this part. For previously deferred UST systems described in subparts A and K of this part, this requirement applies after the effective dates described in §280.10(a)(1)(ii) and (iii) and §280.251(a).