Regan Brown
The state of Georgia has a number of regulations in place regarding the installation and use of underground diesel fuel tanks. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Underground Storage Tank Management Program (USTMP) is responsible for regulating emergency generators and ensuring compliance and cleanup of leaks from registered UST systems. Diesel fuel is considered a Class II combustible liquid, which means it has a flashpoint between 100°F and 140°F. Above-ground storage tanks in Georgia containing diesel fuel are regulated by the State Fire Marshall and by the EPA if surface water is at risk. While it is possible to bury a diesel fuel tank, certain precautions and regulations must be followed to ensure safety and compliance with Georgia's regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bury diesel fuel tanks in Georgia? | Yes, but not all tanks are designed for burial. You can install a tank specifically designed for underground installation or build a vault around an above-ground tank. |
| Regulations for diesel fuel tanks in Georgia | The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Underground Storage Tank Management Program (USTMP) regulates USTs and ASTs. The Fuel Storage Tank Program (FSTP) also manages state agencies and institutions with fuel storage tanks. |
| Exemptions | Heating oils and tanks used for operating heating equipment, boilers, and furnaces are exempt from Georgia's UST rules and regulations. |
| On-farm storage tank regulations | The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 395 covers tanks with a capacity of 60-1,100 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids. NFPA Code 30 applies to tanks with a capacity of over 1,100 gallons of combustible liquids. |
| Recommendations for on-farm storage tanks | Locate the tank at least 40 feet away from any building and as far away from surface water, wells, and property lines as possible. Support the bottom of the tank with concrete blocks to protect it from corrosion. |
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What You'll Learn
Underground vs. above-ground diesel fuel tanks
The decision to store diesel fuel in underground or above-ground storage tanks depends on various factors, including location, local ordinances, risks, and costs. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) are large containers designed to store various liquids, including diesel fuel, and are typically placed outdoors or within dedicated containment areas. They are constructed from materials such as steel, fiberglass, or reinforced concrete, depending on the intended use, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. ASTs offer ease of access for maintenance and inspection, and it is easier to detect leakages. They are also more mobile and can be moved to specific locations or changed for refueling. However, they are susceptible to interactions with people and vandals, and they are more exposed to weather conditions, which can result in more frequent repairs. They also have to pass more stringent local regulations and demonstrate higher fire resistance levels, as they are more likely to explode due to pressure and temperature fluctuations.
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are buried under the ground and provide space-saving advantages, allowing the land above to be used for other purposes. They are less likely to suffer damage and are less accessible to people, reducing the risk of vandalism. They are also less likely to explode due to limited tension and pressure. However, USTs face challenges with installation, limited accessibility for inspection, maintenance, and repairs, and risks of leaks or structural failures, which can lead to groundwater contamination or property damage. They also require excavation for maintenance, and backup solutions and maintenance are important to address potential issues.
In Georgia, the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Program regulates emergency generators and ensures operational compliance and cleanup of leaks from registered UST systems. Common facilities that utilise USTs include local gas stations, convenience stores, government facilities, airports, and industrial facilities that use petroleum products. Above-ground storage tanks in Georgia containing 1,100 gallons or less do not require secondary containment, while those holding more than 660 gallons that could spill into waters of the United States are regulated by the EPA. Tanks storing flammable or combustible liquids on farms or in rural areas in Georgia are covered under the NFPA Code 395, which outlines construction, venting, and other regulations.
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Regulations for on-farm diesel fuel tanks in Georgia
In Georgia, the majority of storage tanks on farms contain fuel, with a few containing pesticides, fertilizers, or mixing residuals and rinsates. These tanks are primarily regulated through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Certain pesticides, when mixed with other substances, may be classified as hazardous wastes and regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines flammable or combustible liquids in three classes based on their flashpoints—the minimum temperature at which their vapors will ignite. Class I liquids are flammable and have flashpoints below 100 °F, while Class II and Class III liquids are combustible and have flashpoints between 100 °F and 140 °F, and 140 °F to 200 °F, respectively. Diesel fuel is a common example of a Class II combustible liquid.
Above-ground storage tanks in Georgia containing Class II or III liquids are regulated by the State Fire Marshal and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if surface water is at risk. Tanks of greater than 60 gallons and less than 1,100 gallons that store flammable or combustible liquids on farms or in rural areas are covered under the NFPA Code 395, which outlines construction, venting, and other regulations. Provisions in this code for Georgia farmers include:
- Locating the tank and storage area at least 40 feet from any building, and as far as possible from surface water, wells, and property lines.
- Keeping the storage area free of weeds and other combustible materials.
- Marking the tank conspicuously with its contents and a flammability warning.
- Supporting the tank bottom with concrete blocks approximately 6 inches above the ground to prevent corrosion.
Tanks that hold more than 1,100 gallons of combustible liquid are regulated under NFPA Code 30, which requires secondary confinement and provides details on fabrication, venting, location, monitoring, and registration. The EPA requires secondary containment for tanks that hold more than 660 gallons and could spill into waters in the United States.
While underground storage tanks are often considered for space-saving and safety reasons, standard above-ground tanks are not designed for burial due to structural limitations. Tanks specifically engineered for underground installation are available and provide safer and more efficient storage. Georgia's Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Program is responsible for regulating emergency generators and ensuring compliance and cleanup of leaks from registered UST systems. Common facilities with USTs include local gas stations, government facilities, airports, and industrial facilities that use petroleum products.
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Georgia's Underground Storage Tank Program
Georgia's Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Program is responsible for regulating emergency generators and ensuring operational compliance and cleanup of leaks from registered UST systems. Local gas stations, convenience stores, government facilities, airports, and any industrial facility that uses petroleum (gas and diesel) are common UST facilities. Hospitals and data communication centres are common facilities for emergency generators.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Underground Storage Tank Management Program (USTMP) is in charge of the UST program. The USTMP has created a GA USTMP Pre and Post Flood Checklist to ensure tank integrity and compliance in response to recent flooding events. The EPA's 2020 UST Flood Guide is another resource for further information.
The Fuel Storage Tank Program (FSTP) acts as the central management office for state agencies and institutions with fuel storage tanks, overseeing more than 600 underground and aboveground storage tanks across the state.
The UST rules and regulations in Georgia do not apply to all tanks. Heating oils and tanks used to operate heating equipment, boilers, and furnaces are the most common exemptions. Tanks that store Class I, II, or III liquids are regulated differently. Above-ground storage tanks in Georgia are regulated by the State Fire Marshall and by the EPA if surface water is at risk.
Farm storage tanks in Georgia are primarily used to store fuel, pesticides, fertilizers, or mixing residuals and rinsates. These tanks are regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA categorises flammable and combustible liquids into three classes based on their flashpoints.
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Georgia's Fuel Storage Tank Program
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Program is a subset of the FSTP and is responsible for regulating emergency generators and ensuring operational compliance and cleanup of leaks from registered UST systems. Common facilities that utilise USTs include local gas stations, convenience stores, government facilities, airports, and any industrial facility that uses petroleum products like gas and diesel.
The rules and regulations that govern Georgia's Underground Storage Tank Program are outlined in GUST Rule 391-3-15. Above-ground storage tanks in Georgia that contain diesel fuel or other combustible liquids are regulated by the State Fire Marshal and by the EPA if surface water is at risk. Tanks containing more than 660 gallons that could potentially spill into waters of the United States are subject to EPA regulation.
Tanks of greater than 60 gallons and less than 1,100 gallons that store flammable or combustible liquids on farms or in rural areas fall under the NFPA Code 395, which covers most of Georgia's farm fuel tanks. This code includes regulations on the construction, venting, and marking of these tanks, as well as the maintenance of the surrounding area. For example, the storage area must be kept free of weeds and other combustible materials, and the tank must be marked with the name of its contents and a flammability warning.
Tanks exceeding 1,100 gallons of combustible liquid are regulated under NFPA Code 30, which requires secondary confinement methods and provides details on fabrication, venting, location, monitoring, and registration of these tanks.
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Burying an above-ground diesel fuel tank
In Georgia, above-ground storage tanks containing diesel fuel are regulated by the State Fire Marshall and by the EPA if surface water is at risk. Tanks containing 1,100 gallons or less do not require any secondary containment, according to NFPA Code 395. However, the EPA requires secondary containment for tanks that hold more than 660 gallons and could possibly spill into waters of the United States.
While burying an above-ground diesel fuel tank is not recommended, it is possible to install one underground with a properly designed vault. Standard above-ground tanks are not designed to handle burial and lack the structural reinforcement required to withstand underground pressures. When buried, the weight of the soil and external moisture can cause the tank to collapse or corrode prematurely.
To install an above-ground diesel fuel tank underground, a protective vault must be constructed to shield the tank from external forces and ensure its safety and longevity. The recommended type of vault is made of reinforced concrete, which provides strong support and protects the tank from soil pressure.
It is important to note that burying an above-ground diesel fuel tank may not comply with EPA regulations and local zoning ordinances. Before considering burial, it is essential to consult with the local fire department, city or county government, or the EPA to understand the specific regulations and requirements for your area.
As an alternative to burying an above-ground diesel fuel tank, consider installing an underground tank specifically designed for burial. These tanks are engineered to resist soil pressure, moisture, and environmental stress, providing safer and more efficient storage. Additionally, underground tanks are better insulated from extreme temperatures and are less susceptible to vandalism and vehicle collisions compared to above-ground tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
You cannot bury a standard above-ground tank. If you need to place an above-ground tank underground, you must build a vault around it. However, the safest option is to use a tank specifically designed for underground installation.
The safest and most reliable option is to choose a tank specifically engineered for underground use, such as those manufactured by GSC Tanks. These tanks are durable and can resist soil pressure, moisture, and environmental stress.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division Underground Storage Tank Management Program (USTMP) regulates underground storage tanks. The Fuel Storage Tank Program (FSTP) also serves as the central management office for state agencies and institutions with fuel storage tanks.
