What must be done to all scheduled deliveries prior to permanently closing a tank?

When permanently closing a tank, it is crucial to halt all scheduled deliveries. This step is important for several reasons. First, continuing deliveries to a tank that is being closed poses significant safety and environmental risks. Any fuel or hazardous material added to a tank that is in the process of being decommissioned could lead to leaks or spills, which can result in contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater.

By halting deliveries, operators can prevent any potential incidents related to the tank’s contents and ensure that the closure process can be executed safely, following regulatory requirements. This approach mitigates risks associated with managing the remaining contents of the tank and simplifies the procedures involved in properly disposing of or managing those contents.

It is essential for compliance with regulations governing underground storage tanks, which aim to protect public health and the environment. Other options, such as increasing deliveries, suspending them, or monitoring, do not align with the necessary protocol for ensuring safe tank closure.