Sylvie Willis
Underground fuel storage tanks are used to store large amounts of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and biofuels. Before installing an underground storage tank, it is important to consider the environmental impact, safety regulations, and long-term cost-effectiveness. In this regard, it is crucial to obtain planning permission from the local planning authority and conduct a thorough environmental risk assessment to prevent groundwater pollution. Moreover, the installation process must be supervised by an experienced person to ensure that the system is installed correctly and to minimize fuel loss. Underground tanks offer space-saving solutions and protection from external elements but may be more challenging to maintain and monitor for leaks compared to above-ground tanks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Underground fuel storage tanks require excavation and specialised installation procedures. |
| Cost | Underground tanks have higher upfront costs due to excavation and installation requirements. |
| Maintenance | Underground tanks are more challenging to maintain and inspect due to limited accessibility. |
| Safety | Underground tanks are less susceptible to fire and external damage but are more challenging to monitor for leaks. |
| Environmental Impact | Underground tanks reduce the risk of contamination from weather conditions and external interactions. |
| Regulations | Underground tanks are subject to various regulations, including EPA rules, planning permissions, and risk assessments to prevent groundwater pollution. |
| Mobility | Underground tanks are not easily movable, while above-ground tanks offer more versatility in terms of relocation. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning permission and regulations
Planning Permission:
- Local Planning Authority: In the UK, you need planning permission from your local planning authority to install a UST system. This includes permission for individual tanks, but changing pumps may not require permission. Always check with your local authority.
- Environmental Risk Assessment: You will likely need to submit an environmental risk assessment with your planning application. If your UST system could significantly impact the environment, such as causing groundwater pollution or affecting conservation areas, your local planning authority may consult with environmental agencies.
Regulations:
- EPA Rules: In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates USTs. They require specialised installation procedures, including excavation. Ensure you comply with EPA rules regarding tank type and size.
- Leak Detection and Prevention: USTs are challenging to monitor for leaks. Implement double-walled pipes with interstitial monitoring to detect leaks early and minimise environmental damage. Regularly inspect and maintain your UST system to prevent leaks.
- Certified Installation: Work on UST systems, especially installation, must be performed by certified tank handlers or installers. Verify that your installer participates in the Tank Installers' Indemnification Program (TIIP) and meets the requirements.
- Secondary Containment: New and replacement UST systems in Pennsylvania must have total secondary containment.
- Inspection and Maintenance: USTs are subject to periodic inspections by certified inspectors to ensure compliance with department rules. Facility Operations Inspections (FOI) are mandatory at least once every three years for active facilities.
- Groundwater Pollution Prevention: Take measures to prevent groundwater pollution, such as using compatible materials, minimising joints, and correctly installing valves, fill pipes, and vent pipes.
- Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to ensure that your UST system is appropriate for the site's environmental setting and ground conditions. Identify potential risks and implement controls to minimise them.
Complying with planning permission requirements and regulations is essential to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible installation and operation of your underground fuel storage tank system.
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Excavation and installation
Underground fuel storage tanks require excavation and specialised installation procedures. Before installing a new underground storage tank (UST) system, you need planning permission from your local planning authority. You will likely need to send your environmental risk assessment with your application. If your plans could significantly affect the environment, your local planning authority may consult the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Excavation involves digging a space that is large enough to accommodate the tank. The size of the tank depends on its intended use, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. Tanks can be made of steel, fibreglass, or reinforced concrete. Once the tank is in place, pipes and other equipment can be installed.
It is important to ensure that the tank and its components are installed securely and correctly to prevent leaks and spills. All joints should be correctly formed and sealed, and there should be as few joints as possible to minimise the risk of corrosion. If pipes must be buried, use double-skinned pipes with interstitial monitoring to alert you to leaks before any fuel escapes into the soil. Avoid using joints, bends, and fittings that can be mechanically dismantled.
Before using a new UST, it is important to carry out checks to ensure the system is installed correctly and to prevent fuel loss. All valves, fill pipes, and vent pipes should be clearly identifiable, and any wells you've installed should be monitored. Drainage systems, including separators and discharges, should be completed and tested by a qualified drainage consultant. The outcomes of these checks should be recorded.
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Safety standards and testing
The safety of underground fuel storage tanks is of utmost importance, and their integrity must be maintained to prevent leaks, which are hazardous to the environment and public safety. Testing and inspection of these tanks are crucial for regulatory compliance.
The EPA has outlined several regulations and standards for underground storage tanks (USTs), which include guidelines for installation, repair, and maintenance. These regulations were revised in 2015 and include requirements for record-keeping, leak detection, and spill, overfill, and containment sumps. UST owners must maintain records that demonstrate compliance with various requirements, including leak detection performance and maintenance. In the case of a suspected leak, the owner must notify the relevant state or local implementing agency within 24 hours. The EPA also provides a list of recommended practices for USTs, such as API Recommended Practice 1631, "Interior Lining of Underground Storage Tanks", and ASTM G 158, "Standard Guide for Three Methods of Assessing Buried Steel Tanks".
USTs must be registered with the relevant department or authority, and certain states have their own specific requirements and regulations. For instance, in Missouri, new UST installations must be reported within 30 days of bringing the tank into operation, and the installer must complete and submit a specific form. Additionally, Missouri has a composite inspection program for UST inspections, with inspections conducted at least once every three years.
To ensure the safety and integrity of USTs, various testing methods can be employed, such as corrosion testing, line tightness testing, pressure testing, and soil testing. It is also important to select a qualified tank testing service with relevant qualifications to ensure the safe operation of the tank. These testing services can help identify leaks and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
The choice of materials for USTs is also important for safety. While concrete and steel have traditionally been used, there is a growing preference for fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) due to its corrosion resistance and lower maintenance requirements.
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Maintenance and repair
Maintenance Procedures
- Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, inspections, testing, repairs, and upgrades. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific record-keeping requirements for UST systems, including leak detection, maintenance, and testing.
- Water Removal and Cleaning: Regularly remove water and sludge from the tank to prevent fuel contamination and system damage. Clean the tank periodically, following industry-recommended practices. Water accumulation can lead to microbial contamination and fuel degradation, affecting vehicle performance and the entire storage system.
- Fuel Monitoring: Monitor fuel quality and keep it clean, especially when using biofuels or diesel. Biofuels are prone to water contamination, and diesel, with its reduced sulfur content, is more susceptible to water absorption. Fuel injection technology requires clean fuel to function optimally, so even small amounts of debris can cause issues.
- Preventative Measures: Implement preventative measures to minimise the risk of leaks and contamination. This includes using the appropriate tank materials and coatings, such as epoxy coating to protect against corrosion, and installing ball-type shut-off valves in all lines for easier maintenance.
- Temperature Control: Consider the impact of temperature on fuel storage. If the tank is exposed to high summer temperatures, use a biocide to prevent bacterial growth. For cold weather, treat fuel with a cloud point suppressant (anti-gel) additive to manage condensation.
Repair Procedures
- Leak Detection and Repair: Regularly inspect for leaks, as per the EPA's operation and maintenance requirements. If a leak is detected, repair it promptly and conduct a test or inspection within 30 days to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly.
- Spill and Overfill Prevention: Regularly test and inspect spill and overfill prevention equipment. After repairing such equipment, conduct another test or inspection within 30 days to ensure proper operation.
- Containment Sump Testing: If repairing containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring of piping, test their tightness within 30 days, following the manufacturer's instructions or recognised industry practices.
- System Upgrades: If upgrading your UST system, ensure that all repairs and upgrades are properly documented and recorded. Keep these records for future reference and to demonstrate compliance.
Remember that the maintenance and repair of USTs are highly regulated to protect the environment and human safety. Always consult official guidelines and seek expert advice when maintaining or repairing your UST system.
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Removal and replacement
If you have an unused underground storage tank on your property, it is important to consider removing it to prevent potential leaks and reduce environmental risks. There are inherent dangers associated with the removal process, and the potential for contamination means that state and federal regulatory agencies have outlined strict guidelines for the process.
Firstly, it is important to note that some states require a licensed contractor to execute the removal. The removal process begins with digging the soil around the tank to gain access to its top. The next step is to replace the oxygen inside the tank with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or any non-explosive gas to make it inert and less prone to explosion. Then, carefully disconnect the pipes, ensuring minimal fuel loss, and clean the tank. After that, handle any liquids and contaminated soil according to Federal or State guidelines. Finally, remove the tank by transporting it intact or cutting it into pieces.
Once the tank is removed, collect soil samples from beneath it, along with product delivery lines and dispensers, as per state guidelines. If groundwater is present, collect water samples as well. These samples will be analysed, and if the results are above the acceptable levels, further investigation will be required. Properly documenting the removal process and retaining the records can facilitate future commercial transactions and reduce the likelihood of costly investigations.
In exceptional cases, such as when the tank is beneath a building's foundation, it may be better to leave the tank in place. In such situations, contractors fill the tank with inert material like polyfoam or concrete slurry to ensure it remains stable.
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Frequently asked questions
Underground fuel storage tanks save space and offer protection from external elements. They are also less accessible, reducing the risk of vandalism.
Underground fuel storage tanks require excavation and specialised installation procedures. They are also difficult to monitor for leaks and contamination, which can be costly to clean up.
Above-ground fuel storage tanks are easy to maintain and inspect. They are also more mobile and versatile, as they can be placed on a concrete pad or other stable surface.
Above-ground fuel storage tanks are more susceptible to damage from weather events and external factors, such as vandalism. They also pose a higher risk of fire and explosion.
It is essential to consider factors such as environmental impact, safety regulations, and long-term cost-effectiveness when choosing between underground and above-ground fuel storage tanks. Additionally, local ordinances, EPA rules, and secondary containment requirements may impact your decision.
