40 CFR § 280.44 - Methods of release detection for piping.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t40/s280.44"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "40 CFR § 280.44 - Methods of release detection for piping."
title_number: 40
title_name: "Protection of Environment"
section_number: "280.44"
section_name: "Methods of release detection for piping."
chapter_name: "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY"
subchapter_number: "I"
subchapter_name: "SOLID WASTES"
part_number: "280"
part_name: "TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST)"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 6912, 6991, 6991(a), 6991(b), 6991(c), 6991(d), 6991(e), 6991(f), 6991(g), 6991(h), 6991(i)."
regulatory_source: "80 FR 41623, July 15, 2015, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "280"
---


# 280.44 Methods of release detection for piping.

Each method of release detection for piping used to meet the requirements of § 280.41 must be conducted in accordance with the following:

(a) *Automatic line leak detectors.* Methods which alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances through piping or triggering an audible or visual alarm may be used only if they detect leaks of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure within 1 hour. An annual test of the operation of the leak detector must be conducted in accordance with § 280.40(a)(3).

(b) *Line tightness testing.* A periodic test of piping may be conducted only if it can detect a 0.1 gallon per hour leak rate at one and one-half times the operating pressure.

(c) *Applicable tank methods.* Except as described in § 280.41(a), any of the methods in § 280.43(e) through (i) may be used if they are designed to detect a release from any portion of the underground piping that routinely contains regulated substances.