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Status of RevisionAPI Recommended Practice 1615
Installation of UndergroundPetroleum Storage Systems
Fifth Edition, March 1996Reaffirmed, November 2001
National Tanks Conference, Sacramento, CAApril 1, 2009
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API History1919: API founded as non-profit national trade
association, New York City
1980s: API relocates to Washington, DC
1995: API Dallas Standards Office relocates to Washington, DC
2007: Opened first of 3 planned international offices in Beijing, China

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API Mission• Influence public policy in support of strong US
oil and natural gas industry
• Engage in legislative & regulatory advocacy
• Provide a forum to develop consensus industry policies
• Work collaboratively with other associations
• Develop industry standards that ensure reliability and codify best work practices

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Background on API Standards Program
The API Standardization Department was formed in 1923, and the first API standard was published the following year on drilling threads.
All industry segments now active in standardization:
• Exploration and Production• Pipeline Transportation• Refining• Marketing

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API Standards• API now publishes ~500 technical
standards covering all aspects of the oil and natural gas industry
• Foundation of Self Supporting Programs• Basis for Worldwide Operations• Core of Institute’s Technical Authority

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Standards Development Process• API is accredited by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI)- Openness, Balance, Consensus, Due Process- Regular program audits (conducted by ANSI)
• Transparent process (anyone can comment on any document in process)- All comments must be considered

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• Developed by consensus (does not mean unanimity)
• Committee balance between users, manufacturers and contractors/consultants
• Standards developed using ANSI approved API Standards Development Procedures (available on-line at www.api.org)
• API corporate membership is not a requirement for participation on API standardization committees
Standards Development Process

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Use of API Standards• “De facto” international standards• Adoption by reference common by State and
Federal agencies – MMS, BLM, DOT and EPA– API does not promote adoption - prefer voluntary use
• Written for flexibility as performance based documents
In 2008, API published 70 new and revised standards.In 2009, API plans to publish 75 new and revised
standards.

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Add Value to the Oil Industry:
• Improved safety and reliability• Reduced compliance costs• Reduced procurement costs
API Standards

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API Structure
Over 400 member companies involved in all aspects of the oil & natural gas industry
Over 700 committees and task forces covering various advocacy & technical issues
Staff of 300 led by board of directors made up of member company CEO’s

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API Organizational Structure
Resources Management andStrategic IssuesIndustry Segments
Upstream
Downstream
Pipeline
Marine
Standards
Quality
Communications
GovernmentRelations
Legal &Professional Services
Research Analysis& Statistics
AdministrativeSupport Systems
State PetroleumCouncils
Overall Managementand Administration
Strategic Issues
Key Corporate issues
Policy Priorities

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API Standards Committee Structure
Committee on Standardization of Oilfield Equipment
& Materials
Committee on Petroleum
Measurement
Committee on Refinery Equipment
• Marketing/Aviation• Pipeline Transportation• Safety & Fire Protection• Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
To support the Standards there are Certification programs, which include: API Monogram Program, Individual Certification Programs, Perforator Registration,
Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System and API Training Provider Certification Program. (www.api.org/certifications)

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API Recommended Practice - 1615Installation of UndergroundPetroleum Storage Systems
This document is an API “Recommended Practice” … and not a Standard.
This RP is referenced widely in the federal and many state UST regulations.

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API – RP 1615
Primary Motivations Behind Revisions
• USTCA05• Widespread Use of Double Containment• Changes in Equipment Standards• Changes in Equipment Use• Greater Emphasis on Safety

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API – RP 1615 RevisionRP 1615 Workgroup Members:
BP ConocoPhillipsShell STIExxonMobil FT&PIMarathon OPWSunoco Tanknology
API Staff:Stephen Crimaudo API –Standards

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API – RP 1615 - Current Section Titles
Introduction Piping
Preinstallation Backfilling
Materials & Equipment Other Equipment
Removal & Disposal Vapor Recovery
Excavation Appendices
Equipment Placement, Etc Drawings/Illustrations
Corrosion Protection
Release Detection

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API – RP 1615 - Revised Section Titles – Numerous & Significant Changes
Introduction Corrosion Protection
Precontruction/Preinstallation Detection of Releases
Safety and Health Piping
Materials & Equipment Electrical
Handling, Inspection and Testing Backfilling
Removal & Disposal Other Equipment
Excavation Vapor Recovery
Equipment Placement, Etc Appendices [Updated]
ChecklistDrawings and Illustrations will also be added to and updated.

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API – RP 1615 – New UST installation Checklist
• There is a separate checklist for each section of the RP
• Owner/operator or the Contractor may use only those sections of the checklist as needed
• Can be used by the UST owner/operator as a "historical" document for filing with their facility environmental records.
• Serve as a process QA document for the installing contractors and the UST owner/operator.

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API – RP 1615 – Draft Contains New Figures and Diagrams
• UST System – Secondary Containment• Acoustic Emission Test for FRP Tanks• Determining FRP Tank Deflection• Crane Boom Swing Radius Exclusion Zone• Backfill Volume Over Reflected Area of Tank

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API – RP 1615 – Draft Contains New Figures and Diagrams
• Typical Secondary Containment for Submersible Turbine Pumps (Update Existing)
• Configuration of Suction Piping System (Update Existing)
• Typical Automatic Tank Gauge System • Typical Pressurized Piping System with
Automatic Line Leak • Example of a Functional Test Apparatus for Line
Leak Detectors

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API – RP 1615 – Draft Contains New Figures and Diagrams
• Tank Siphon Manifold Detail (Update Existing)• Typical Dispenser Island Piping – Suction
System w/Stage II VR (Update Existing)• Typical Remote Pumping System – STP to
Dispenser Fire / Crash Valve• Coaxial Two-Point Vapor Recovery System

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API – RP 1615Where does the revision process stand?• The Workgroup has submitted suggested new &
revised language throughout the RP.• API has hired an expert consultant to turn the
Workgroup’s effort into a draft revised RP.• Committee is currently reviewing the Second Draft.• Many figures and drawings have been updated and
may new figures included.

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API – RP 1615When might the final revision be completed?• We anticipate having a final draft RP to review by the
end of April 2009 and available for balloting by the end of Spring or Early Summer of 2009.
• The fully revised RP 1615 may be published and available as early as Fall 2009.

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API – RP 1615
Disclaimer: API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, the Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulation with which this publication may conflict.

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Other Pending API RP RevisionsRP 1626 – Storing and Handling Ethanol and Gasoline-Ethanol
Blends at Distribution Terminals and Service Stations [1st
Edition, April 1985, Reaffirmed January 2000]
Third Draft currently being reviewed by the committee with publication potentially Summer 2009.
Publ 1673 – Compilation of Air Emission Factors for Petroleum Distribution and Retail Marketing Facilities [1st Edition, May 1998]
Final Draft currently being reviewed by the committee with publication potentially Summer 2009.

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API Recommended Practice -1615
Questions?
James S. White, API RP 1615 Workgroup LeaderBP Products North America Inc.4 Centerpointe DriveLa Palma, CA 90623(714) [email protected]

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API Recommended Practice -1615
Questions?
Thank you!James S. White, API RP 1615 Workgroup LeaderBP Products North America Inc.4 Centerpointe DriveLa Palma, CA 90623(714) [email protected]