Underground storage tanks

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are only allowed in the zoning districts specified in Table 6-1, Permitted uses, with the following conditions:

• • A. Propane tank: Propane tanks are encouraged to be located above ground, but are allowed to be placed underground in any zoning district with the following conditions:

    • 1) Underground propane tanks must be designed for underground use and be installed and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.

    • 2) Underground propane tanks must be designed with cathodic protection or another method to help prevent tank corrosion.

    • 3) The outer surface of the underground propane tank must have a protective coating and be covered with a material that will not be harmful to the shell of the tank.

    • 4) Underground propane tanks must not be larger than 1,100 gallons.

    • 5) Underground propane tanks must be placed at least 12 inches above the high groundwater table.

  • B. Design standards: All new USTs other than propane tanks that meet the requirements of section 82-1209.a above must receive a special use permit and meet the following design standards:

    • 1) The facility must have an appropriate method of leak detection.

    • 2) Fill-pipes on tanks must have means to collect spills from delivery hoses.

    • 3) The tanks must have overfill protection, such as automatic shutoff devices which activate at 90 percent UST capacity and restrict flow during deliveries.

    • 4) Tanks and/or piping installed must be double-walled with continuous interstitial monitoring.

    • 5) Tanks must be placed at least 12 inches above the high groundwater table.

    • 6) These requirements for USTs are intended to supplement and not to supersede any other applicable requirements of the State of Rhode Island.

(Ord. of 2-3-2025(1), § 1(Exh. A))