Sylvie Willis
Underground storage tanks (USTs) have been used to store fuel for various purposes, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. While they offer certain advantages, such as protection from the elements and consistent fuel temperatures, there are also important considerations regarding their installation, maintenance, and potential environmental impact, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like wetlands. The decision to install fuel tanks, whether above or below ground, must be made with careful consideration of the relevant regulations, safety measures, and potential risks to the environment and nearby communities.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Underground fuel tanks were common from the 1930s to 1980s
- They were often buried due to their size and unsightliness
- Some states require the removal of tanks if they are no longer in use
- Underground tanks are protected from wind, snow, and sun
- Purchasing a home with an underground tank is risky due to potential leaks
Underground fuel tanks were common from the 1930s to 1980s
Underground fuel tanks were common from the 1930s to the 1980s, with many still in use today, though they have changed significantly over time. Before natural gas lines were installed in municipalities, most homes used fuel oil stored in tanks. These tanks were often buried underground due to their size and unsightliness, as well as to prevent vandalism and theft. Over time, factors like corrosion or damage can cause these tanks to deteriorate, leading to oil leaks that contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater. This contamination poses a significant threat to the environment and the health and safety of individuals.
In the 1930s, following urbanization and industrialization, underground storage tanks became the preferred storage method over above-ground tanks. This shift was driven by aesthetic considerations, the desire for additional real estate space, and enhanced public safety. However, by the 1960s, tank owners began to face challenges due to inventory loss caused by corrosion. This prompted a search for solutions, including periodically replacing corroded tanks, permanently closing them, or adopting new technologies.
Underground tanks constructed during this period were typically made of bare steel, which was prone to corrosion over time. As a result, the tank contents could leak into the surrounding environment, leading to soil and groundwater contamination. This issue was particularly prevalent until the mid-1980s, when most underground storage tanks were still made of bare steel. While underground tanks have evolved since then, the risk of leakage remains a concern.
Today, the presence of underground fuel tanks can impact the resale value of properties. Many realtors advise clients to remove these tanks before listing their homes, as most buyers are reluctant to take on the associated risks. Additionally, banks may be hesitant to offer mortgages for properties with underground oil tanks due to the potential environmental and financial liabilities. Homeowners insurance policies rarely cover the costs arising from leaking underground oil tanks, further complicating the matter.
The process of removing an underground fuel tank can be complex. It typically involves pumping out the oil, digging around the tank, cutting a hole in it, and filling it with sand and gravel. While it is possible to leave an underground oil tank in place, separate tank insurance policies are available to provide coverage in case of a leak. Soil and environmental testing are crucial to assess the presence of contamination and take appropriate corrective actions to prevent further damage and higher costs.
Fuel Oil Tank Testing: Reliable or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They were often buried due to their size and unsightliness
Fuel tanks are often buried due to their size and unsightliness. This was a common practice from the 1930s to the 1980s, before municipalities installed natural gas lines. Today, there are still many underground fuel tanks, especially in older homes that used fuel oil for heating. These tanks can pose a risk of leakage, which can lead to expensive remediation processes if contamination occurs.
When purchasing a home with a potential underground oil tank, it is essential to conduct a "tank sweep" to detect its presence. This involves using ground-penetrating radar and metal detectors. If a tank is found, it may need to be reported to the state or EPA, depending on the local regulations. Some states require the removal of the tank if it is no longer in use, even if it is not leaking.
The process of removing and decommissioning an underground fuel tank can be complex and costly. It is important to hire professionals who can properly pump out the oil, cut and fill the tank, and backfill the hole. Additionally, there may be environmental concerns, especially if the tank is located near wetlands, ponds, or drinking water supplies. In such cases, sampling and analysis of the surrounding soil and water are recommended to ensure there is no contamination.
Underground storage tanks (USTs) have specific design considerations to address challenges such as groundwater in wetland areas. Modern USTs use materials like nylon, high-density polyethylene, and fiberglass-reinforced composites, which are more durable and less susceptible to corrosion than older tanks. These new materials provide increased reliability and lower the risk of leakage. Additionally, double-wall spill buckets contain fuel while allowing surface water to drain, further reducing the environmental impact of USTs.
Lowering Your 2005 F150 Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Some states require the removal of tanks if they are no longer in use
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are commonly used for storing fuel and heating oil. While some states have no regulations regarding the removal of unused tanks, others require their removal regardless of whether they are leaking or not. This is because there is a risk of leakage, which could lead to soil and groundwater contamination, causing a negative environmental impact and affecting public health and wildlife. Even if a tank is not leaking, it may still contain fuel, which could be a hazard if it is not properly emptied and cleaned before removal.
Some states, like New York, actively promote the removal of underground tanks. In New York, all underground oil tanks must be properly closed and removed within a year of their last use. Before removal, a tank must be emptied of any remaining oil and thoroughly cleaned. Removing an underground oil tank usually requires special permits and should be performed by a professional tank removal service due to the technical knowledge and equipment required.
The cost of removing an underground tank can be high, and there may be additional costs if the tank is found to be leaking. In the event of a leak, there is usually an increase in home heating oil use, and additional work is needed to determine the extent of the problem and the amount of cleanup required. Contamination must be reported, and a professional should be contacted as soon as possible to prevent higher costs and further damage.
There are also regulations regarding the installation and maintenance of USTs. For example, USTs require a monthly inspection service and yearly testing of their different components. The installation requirements and release response and corrective action requirements also apply to aboveground components of UST systems.
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your External Fuel Tank
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underground tanks are protected from wind, snow, and sun
Underground fuel tanks have been in use for a long time, especially before municipalities installed natural gas lines. From the 1930s to the 1980s, underground oil tanks were common, with most of them made of bare steel. However, these tanks are prone to corrosion and damage over time, leading to leaks that can contaminate the soil and groundwater. This has prompted revisions to underground storage tank (UST) regulations by the EPA in 2015, aiming to protect human health and the environment.
Underground tanks are protected from various weather conditions, including wind, snow, and sun:
Wind
High winds can pose serious risks to above-ground storage tanks, potentially causing them to topple over and release their contents. Underground tanks are inherently shielded from such risks. Additionally, underground tanks are less susceptible to wind damage to components like ladders, railings, gauges, and pipes, which may become loose or detach under strong winds.
Snow
Snow accumulation can damage above-ground tanks and their piping. The weight and pressure of snow and ice can strain tank roofs, seals, and components. Underground tanks are protected from these issues, and their installation below the frost line prevents freezing and snow-related complications.
Sun
Extreme heat from prolonged sun exposure can impact above-ground tanks, requiring temperature-resistant materials, pressure vents, structural reinforcement, and routine inspections to mitigate risks. Underground tanks are naturally shielded from direct sun exposure and the associated extreme heat, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
By being buried, fuel tanks gain protection from wind, snow, and sun, reducing the likelihood of damage and leaks. However, it is important to note that underground tanks are still susceptible to corrosion and other environmental factors that can compromise their integrity over time. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the safe operation of any fuel storage tank, regardless of its location.
Small Engine Fuel Tanks: How Big Are They Really?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$109.58
$309.99 $339.99
$115.5
Purchasing a home with an underground tank is risky due to potential leaks
Underground storage tanks (USTs) were common from the 1930s to the 1980s. They were often installed to save space, but also due to the risk of vandalism and theft. However, purchasing a home with an old UST is risky due to the potential for leaks and environmental contamination.
USTs can corrode over time, causing their walls to be compromised and allowing the oil to contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater. This can impact the health and safety of residents and the wider public, as well as wildlife. Even a relatively small leak can wreak havoc on the environment and impact workplace safety for municipal employees. A slow leak can spread unnoticed, causing a big loss of fuel and contaminating large areas, including the soil, the yard, the groundwater supply, and areas under a foundation.
The cost of cleaning up such contamination can be exorbitant and may not be covered by homeowner's insurance. In fact, insurance companies may require the removal of the tank before approving a loan or insurance. Additionally, many banks will not offer mortgages for properties with USTs, and the presence of a UST can significantly decrease the resale value of a property.
If you are considering purchasing a property with a UST, it is important to perform a thorough investigation and due diligence. A preliminary site assessment, including a tank sweep or a phase I environmental site assessment (ESA), can help identify the presence and condition of any USTs and assess potential risks. It is also crucial to check with the Fire Department and review any permits and inspection reports to ensure proper disposal and removal have been carried out.
Fuel Tanks: Buy Your Next AM Tank
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fuel tanks can be buried, but it is important to check federal, state, and local regulations before doing so. Some states, like New York, are proponents of underground tank removal.
Buried fuel tanks can corrode and leak over time, contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater. This can negatively impact the environment, including the health and safety of people.
Instead of burying a fuel tank in a wetland, you can install an above-ground storage tank (AST) on a concrete pad using a crane. ASTs require monthly walk-through inspections and yearly inspections of the tank monitoring system by a certified inspector.
