TULSA, OK – The comment period is now open for the Petroleum Equipment Institute’s latest draft called the Recommended Practices for the Inspection and Maintenance of Underground Storage Tank Systems. This latest Recommended Practices draft was produced by the Petroleum Equipment Institute’s (PEI) Underground Storage Tank (UST) System Inspection and Maintenance Committee and is intended to provide a basic reference that consolidates information concerning the proper inspection and maintenance of UST equipment.

A printed copy of the draft will be mailed to all PEI members in the United States and Canada, along with a comment form. However, anyone interested in reviewing the draft can download a copy and submit comments directly from PEI’s Web site at http://www.pei.org/rp900. Comments are due to PEI by September 26, 2007.

The recommended practices apply to USTs and associated equipment intended to store and dispense gasoline, diesel, and related petroleum products at vehicle-fueling facilities. The equipment covered includes all below-grade, liquid- and vapor-handling components accessible from grade over or near the top of the storage tank. The information contained in the Inspection and Maintenance of Underground Storage Tank Systems draft has been assembled from published and unpublished sources provided by equipment manufacturers, installers, and end-users.

The intent is to provide guidance to facility owners on how to properly inspect and maintain UST systems by describing recommended practices that promote proper inspection, operation, and maintenance of underground storage systems; enhance the longevity and trouble-free performance of underground storage tank equipment; promote fire prevention and storage system safety; promote protection of human health and the environment; promote regulatory compliance and reduce liability associated with the operation of underground storage systems; and promote early identification of potential problems with equipment.