Sec. 26.10.03.02. Performance Standards for Piping

A. Piping that routinely contains a petroleum vapor or regulated substance and is installed, upgraded, or replaced on or after January 26, 2005 shall be:

(1) Installed in a UL listed or Department approved secondary containment system that:

(a) Contains the petroleum vapor or regulated substance released from the primary piping until it is detected and removed; and

(b) Prevents the release of the petroleum vapor or regulated substance to the environment;

(2) Connected to the UST in a liquid tight containment sump that is maintained clean and liquid free;

(3) Terminated, when a product dispenser is part of the UST system, in an under-dispenser containment sump that is maintained clean and liquid free; and

(4) Connected, if an intermediate sump is used, in liquid tight containment that is maintained clean and liquid free.

B. Piping that is in contact with the ground shall be properly designed, constructed, and protected from corrosion in accordance with one of the following:

(1) Piping and connectors that are constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic or flexible piping shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories as appropriate piping for the regulated substance stored and for use in an UST system;

(2) Piping that is constructed of steel shall be:

(a) Coated with a suitable dielectric material, and installed with a cathodic protection system designed by a corrosion expert, or

(b) Protected by an impressed current system which is designed to allow determination of current operating status as required in COMAR 26.10.04.02;

(3) Alternative methods of piping construction and corrosion protection may be approved if determined by the Department to be adequate to prevent the release or threatened release of any stored regulated substance in a manner that is not less protective of human health and the environment than the requirements of this regulation.

C. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic piping systems may not be used:

(1) For direct fill lines; or

(2) Aboveground or above grade.

D. Flexible piping systems may not be used for any of the following when new, upgraded, or replaced UST systems are installed after January 1, 2009:

(1) Direct fill lines;

(2) Vent lines; or

(3) Stage II vapor recovery lines.