South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Compliance Regulations
Owner and operator guide to SCUSTCR 61-92 Part 280 requirements — covering walkthrough inspections, spill bucket testing, sump integrity testing, overfill prevention, and release detection for UST systems in South Carolina, regulated by SCDES.
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Read the Compliance GuideSouth Carolina Regulatory Overview
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) regulates underground storage tank systems under the South Carolina Underground Storage Tank Control Regulations (SCUSTCR) 61-92, Part 280, effective May 26, 2017. These regulations establish requirements for release detection, walkthrough inspections, spill prevention testing, overfill equipment inspections, and operator training.
Tank owners and operators are responsible for compliance with all applicable sections of SCUSTCR 61-92, Part 280. All testing and equipment checks must be documented on SCDES forms or SCDES-approved forms. For emergencies involving accidental spills, contact the 24-Hour Emergency Response Line at 1-888-481-0125.
Key Compliance Requirements
South Carolina SCDES requires UST owners and operators to meet these compliance obligations for inspections, testing, reporting, and operator training.
Tank Registration
All underground storage tanks in South Carolina must be registered with SCDES. Owners must notify SCDES within 30 days of ownership changes, and at least 30 days before permanent closure, change-in-service, or piping/dispenser replacement.
Release Reporting
A release must be reported to SCDES within 24 hours of discovery. A 30-day written notification is required for ownership changes, intent to permanently close, change-in-service, piping/dispenser replacement, and switching between regulated and non-regulated substances.
Walkthrough Inspections
Conduct walkthrough inspections every 30 days to visually check for damage to spill prevention equipment and release detection equipment. Containment sumps and hand-held release detection equipment must be visually inspected annually.
Spill Prevention & Containment Sump Testing
Spill prevention equipment and containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring must be tested once every three years. Double-walled containment sump/spill bucket with monthly interstitial monitoring may be used as an alternative.
Overfill Prevention Inspection
Overfill prevention equipment must be inspected at least once every three years to ensure proper operation and compliance per Section 280.35(a)(2) of SCUSTCR 61-92 Part 280.
Release Detection Equipment Testing
Release detection equipment must be tested for proper operation at least annually. All testing and equipment checks must be documented on an SCDES form, an SCDES-approved form, or in a format approved by SCDES.
Vent Line Flow Restrictors
No vent line flow restrictors (Ball Float Vent Valves) may be installed at new or existing facilities. Existing Ball Float Vent Valves that cannot be repaired to manufacturer specifications must be replaced with another approved method.
Testing After Repair
Within 30 days after repair, overfill prevention equipment must be tested for proper function. Spill containment and secondary containment areas of tanks and piping used for interstitial monitoring must be tested for tightness.
Operator Training
New A/B operators must complete online training within 30 days of assuming duties. Class C operators must be trained before taking primary responsibility. Training is available through the SCDES UST Operator Training program.
Cathodic Protection
Steel tanks and piping must have cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion. Cathodic protection must be tested every 3 years, with records maintained and available during inspections. Impressed current systems require regular rectifier inspections.
Financial Responsibility
Certificates of Financial Responsibility must be maintained current and kept on file. While no longer required to be provided at the time of a compliance inspection, they must be available for review upon request.
South Carolina Compliance Schedule
Reference table for inspection frequencies and testing deadlines required by SCDES for UST systems under SCUSTCR 61-92 Part 280.
| Requirement | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Release Reporting | Within 24 Hours | Report to SCDES upon discovery of a release |
| Ownership/Change Notification | Within 30 Days | Written notification for ownership changes, closures, modifications |
| Walkthrough Inspections — Spill Prevention & Release Detection | Every 30 Days | Visual check for damage to spill prevention and release detection equipment |
| Walkthrough Inspections — Sumps & Hand-Held Devices | Annually | Visual check of containment sumps and hand-held release detection equipment |
| Release Detection Equipment Testing | Annually | Test for proper operation; document on SCDES-approved forms |
| Financial Responsibility Certificate | Ongoing | Must be maintained current and available for review |
| Overfill Prevention Equipment Inspection | Every 3 Years | Inspect for proper operation per Section 280.35(a)(2) |
| Spill Prevention & Containment Sump Integrity Testing | Every 3 Years | Hydrostatic testing per Section 280.35(a)(ii) |
| Testing After Repair — Overfill Equipment | Within 30 Days | Test proper function after any repair |
| Testing After Repair — Containment Areas | Within 30 Days | Tightness testing of spill/secondary containment after repair |
How Apex DSC Can Help
Our South Carolina Compliance Services
- Monthly walkthrough inspections with SCDES-compliant documentation
- Spill prevention and containment sump integrity testing (hydrostatic)
- Overfill prevention equipment inspections every 3 years
- Annual release detection equipment operability testing
- Tank monitor alarm diagnostics and resolution
- Compliance audit preparation for SCDES inspections
- Post-repair testing for containment and overfill systems
Why Choose Apex DSC?
- Experienced with SCDES regulations and SCUSTCR 61-92 Part 280 requirements
- We meet with SCDES inspectors on your behalf during compliance inspections
- SCDES-approved documentation and record management
- Proactive scheduling to keep you ahead of 3-year testing deadlines
- Service throughout South Carolina
- Fast response for release investigations and alarm diagnostics
Stay Compliant with South Carolina SCDES Regulations
From walkthrough inspections to hydrostatic sump testing, Apex DSC ensures your South Carolina UST systems meet all SCUSTCR 61-92 Part 280 requirements.
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