UST Program - Leak Prevention - Frequently Asked Question #14

Question: When can an underground storage tank be relined and how many times?

Answer: A tank may be relined if the tank has not had an unauthorized release and as long as the special inspector or coatings expert has certified that the tank is suitable for continued use for a minimum of five years if relined or other improvements are made. There is no limit to the number of times a tank can be relined.

		Initial Reason for Tank Lining
		Repair¹: The Tank Had An Unauthorized Release and Was Lined as a Repair	Preventative Measure: The Tank Initially Lined as an Upgrade
Tank Condition at Time of Lining Inspection	The lining material has deteriorated and an unauthorized release has occurred from the lined tank. Can the tank be repaired by relining?	No.²	No.^3'4
Tank Condition at Time of Lining Inspection	The lining material has deteriorated, but there has been no unauthorized release from the lined tank. Can the tank be relined?	YES⁵ (If the special inspector or coatings expert deems the tank suitable for relining)	YES⁵ (If the special inspector or coatings expert deems the tank suitable for relining)

Section 2611 of the California Code of Regulations states that a, "repair" means to restore a tank or underground storage tank system component that has caused a release of a hazardous substance from an underground storage tank.”
Section 2663(a) of the California Code of Regulations states that “a tank that has been repaired using the interior lining method may not be repaired a second time with the interior lining method.”
Section 25296(d) of chapter 6.7 of the Health and Safety Code states, “If an unauthorized release occurs from a tank which was lined as a preventative measure, the permit holder shall not reline the tank again.”
Section 2661(c) of the California Code of Regulations states that, “a tank may be repaired once using the interior lining method specified in section 2663. A previously lined tank may not be repaired using the interior lining method.” The original tank referenced in this section refers to an unlined tank. This means that an unlined tank may be repaired once using the “interior lining method.” However, if a previously lined tank has an unauthorized release, the tank cannot be relined, regardless of whether it was originally lined as a repair or as a preventative measure.
Section 2663(h) of the California Code of Regulations requires that a coatings expert or special inspector perform an inspection of the tank and lining within ten years of the lining and every five years thereafter. As part of that inspection, the coatings expert or special inspector must provide written certification indicating that (A) the tank is suitable for continued use for a minimum of five years, (B) the tank is suitable for continued use for a minimum of five years only if it is relined or other improvements are made, or (C) the tank is no longer suitable for continued use and shall be closed in accordance with Article 7.

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