Project Profile: United Pacific #7966
Cameron Park, California
When a fuel system fails a state-required secondary containment test, that’s when the real work begins.
The United Pacific gas station at 2650 Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park, California, recently failed the SB 989 test, a California regulation requiring secondary containment testing at all new sites upon installation, within six months after installation, and every 36 months thereafter. Sites in existence prior to Dec. 31, 2002, must have the test every 36 months, as well.
Upon finding that the premium unleaded product line failed pressure testing, the CGRS California Compliance team performed a helium leak locate to determine the source of the breach. The test indicated the Bravo termination flex boots (black rubber hoses that provide secondary containment around the primary fiberglass piping) were breached at a particular dispenser. The fact that the system is 20-plus years old and band clamps – stainless steel hose clamps that secure the termination boots to the pipe connections – were used when it was installed were likely contributing factors to the leak. Over time the rubber termination boots loosen up and the band clamps fail.
Call a CGRS Expert:
800.288.2657
Matt Thomas
California Construction/
Compliance Manager
Mobile: 626.627.8316
CGRS submitted a proposal to the owner/operator for repair of the fuel system, which he approved. Work began Jan. 2 and was completed Jan. 3, with the only delay being CUPA rescheduling the final SB-989 test. The job included:
- Preparing and submitting plans as required to the County of El Dorado Environmental Management (CUPA);
- Cutting and demolishing the concrete in front of the dispenser with the breach to expose the product and vapor piping;
- Purging gasoline from the pipes with nitrogen to mitigate any fire hazard;
- Hand digging below the under-dispenser containment to expose all the Bravo termination boots to ascertain whether replacement of the boots will provide remedy to the failures (we determined it would);
- Cutting back the termination boots and disconnecting the primary flex hoses at the fiberglass piping connections;
- Installing new termination boots and reinstalling existing flex hoses on all affected dispensers;
- Replacing the concrete and rebar;
- Performing SB-989 re-testing, monitoring certification and air quality testing;
- Calling for inspections from the local authority as necessary.
CGRS worked with the store manager to ensure the gas station could remain open during repairs of the fuel system, and the site passed the SB-989 re-test with no problem. Call us for more information at 916.991.1100
