What should be done with piping and ancillary equipment when closing a tank permanently?

When permanently closing a tank, removing the piping and ancillary equipment is essential to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. This practice helps prevent pollution and leaks from residual contents and minimizes risks associated with abandonment, such as groundwater contamination or hazardous conditions.

Leaving the equipment in place can lead to potential hazards and regulatory non-compliance. Having unused or uncontaminated equipment remnants might create confusion or miscommunication during future inspections or site assessments. Discarding the equipment may not address the underlying need for proper disposal, which typically requires recycling or appropriate waste processing according to local regulations. Replacing them with new equipment when closing a tank permanently is unnecessary, as any new installations do not address the need for safe closure practices and could lead to further complications.

Thus, removing the piping and ancillary equipment is the best approach, facilitating safe decommissioning and fostering responsible environmental practices.