Katerina Swanson
Underground fuel storage tanks have a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, after which they are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures. In this article, we will explore the factors that determine when above-ground fuel storage tanks should be replaced and the best practices for ensuring safe and cost-effective replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average lifespan | 25 years |
| Warranty length | 30 years |
| Signs of corrosion and rust | Tanks should be replaced |
| Compliance failures | Tanks should be replaced |
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What You'll Learn
- Underground storage tanks (USTs) have a lifespan of around 25-30 years
- After this time, they are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures
- The EPA's rule change in 1988 required many tanks to be replaced
- Tanks can be replaced with AST systems, which are more accessible for inspection
- If tanks are close to retirement age and show signs of corrosion and rust, it's time to replace them
Underground storage tanks (USTs) have a lifespan of around 25-30 years
USTs are prone to corrosion and rust, which can cause leaks. Leaks from USTs can have severe consequences, such as jeopardising mechanical systems and causing fuel shortages for critical building operations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its regulations for USTs in 1988, requiring many to be replaced within a relatively short timeframe. This was due to the risk of older steel tanks corroding and leaking their contents into the environment.
While the EPA's rule change has led to a steady decline in the number of fuel leak incidents from USTs, it is still important to consider the lifespan of these tanks and replace them when necessary. The warranty on many tanks expires after three decades, so it is worth planning for replacement before this time to ensure safe practices and minimise downtime.
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After this time, they are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures
After 25-30 years of service, above-ground fuel storage tanks are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures. While the warranty on many tanks expires after three decades, this timeframe doesn't indicate how long those tanks can safely stay in use. On average, tanks can last around 25 years. That said, if tanks are close to "retirement age" and show signs of corrosion and rust, then it's probably time to purchase new tanks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its regulations for underground storage tanks in 1988, requiring many to be replaced within a relatively short timeframe. The industry was given an ultimatum that by 1998, they needed to have upgraded systems in place. This led to thousands of UST owners replacing their tanks between 1993 and 1998.
Since 2020, the drive to replace old USTs has increased and will likely continue. Data from the EPA shows a steady decline in the number of fuel leak incidents from underground tanks, pipes and other parts in recent years, indicating the rule change and evolving technology is helping keep tanks sturdy and in service. However, if an underground storage tank experiences failures that cause a fuel leak, the consequences can be severe. For example, a leak from an underground storage tank that supplies boilers or generators to a hospital can jeopardise these mechanical systems, potentially causing a fuel shortage for critical building operations.
Compliance also played a significant role in the decision to move fuel storage tanks above ground. With all components easily accessible for inspection by county personnel, it is easier to ensure that tanks are compliant with relevant regulations.
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The EPA's rule change in 1988 required many tanks to be replaced
In 1988, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its regulations for underground storage tanks, requiring many to be replaced within a relatively short timeframe. The EPA gave the industry an ultimatum that by 1998, they needed to have upgraded systems or addressed their current systems. This was because older steel tanks sometimes corroded enough to leak their contents into the environment.
The 1988 rule change was the first major revision to the federal UST regulations and established federal requirements that were similar to key portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The EPA added new operation and maintenance requirements and addressed UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation. The changes added secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping, and removed past deferrals for emergency generator tanks, field-constructed tanks, and airport hydrant systems.
The rule change has been successful, with data from the EPA showing a steady decline in the number of fuel leak incidents from underground tanks, pipes and other parts in recent years. However, the rule change did not indicate how long those tanks can safely stay in the ground. On average, tanks can last around 25 years, but some sources state that tanks can last up to 30 years. After this time, they are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical or compliance failures.
Since the 1988 rule change, there has been a drive to replace old USTs, with thousands of UST owners replacing their tanks between 1993 and 1998.
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Tanks can be replaced with AST systems, which are more accessible for inspection
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its regulations for underground storage tanks in 1988, requiring many to be replaced in a relatively short timeframe. This was due to older steel tanks sometimes corroding enough to leak their contents into the environment.
Since the rule change, there has been a steady decline in the number of fuel leak incidents from underground tanks, pipes and other parts, indicating that the rule change and evolving technology are helping to keep tanks sturdy and in service.
In one example, a county elected to replace two 28-year-old tanks with one AST system. Compliance played a significant role in the decision to move the fuel aboveground, with all components easily accessible for inspection by county personnel.
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If tanks are close to retirement age and show signs of corrosion and rust, it's time to replace them
Above-ground fuel storage tanks should be replaced every 25 to 30 years. If tanks are close to retirement age and show signs of corrosion and rust, it's time to replace them.
Underground storage tanks (USTs) have a lifespan of their own and eventually need to be replaced. On average, tanks can last around 25 years. That said, if tanks are close to "retirement age" and show signs of corrosion and rust, then it's probably time to purchase new tanks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its regulations for underground storage tanks in 1988, requiring many to be replaced in a relatively short timeframe. The industry was given an ultimatum that by 1998, they needed to have an upgraded system or address their current system. This was because older steel tanks sometimes corroded enough to leak their contents into the environment.
Since 2020, the drive to replace old USTs has increased and will likely continue. After 25-30 years of service, these underground storage tank systems are outside their warranties and experiencing structural, mechanical, or compliance failures. If an underground storage tank experiences failures that cause a fuel leak, the consequences can be severe.
To support the effort to replace USTs, a team can develop a permit-ready set of plans that include civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical design details for submittal to the county permitting agency.
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Frequently asked questions
Above-ground fuel storage tanks have a lifespan of around 25-30 years. After this time, they are outside their warranties and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures.
After 25-30 years, your above-ground fuel storage tank will be outside its warranty and may experience structural, mechanical, or compliance failures. This could lead to a fuel leak, which can have severe consequences.
If your tank is close to "retirement age" and shows signs of corrosion and rust, then it's probably time to purchase a new one.
Replacing your above-ground fuel storage tank can help to ensure safe practices and lower the cost of ownership over the lifespan of the equipment.
Replacing above-ground fuel storage tanks can require a substantial investment in terms of equipment, construction costs, and downtime.
