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Tank Management & Compliance

Under & Above Ground Petroleum Tank Management (UST & AST)

Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) management has been an integral part of PPM’s services since the inception of our firm. PPM has completed thousands of UST and AST projects throughout a 15-state region. Much of this work has been completed under state-administered trust fund programs. In order to be eligible for reimbursement under state trust funds, the responsible party must be in “substantial compliance” with the applicable regulations.

EPA promulgated new UST compliance rules in 2015 which states have recently implemented in various stages, requiring routine inspections, equipment testing, and operator training. PPM routinely assists tank owners in maintaining compliance with these complex requirements.

Large AST facilities are also subject to their own set of rules, including SPCC compliance, SP001 Tank Inspections for shop-built steel tanks less than 50,000 gallons, AST Registration with respective state agency, and NPDES permits if applicable to facility. PPM provides high-quality AST compliance services to help AST facilities manage these assets.

  • 30-day walk through inspections of spill/overfill protection and leak detection measures
  • Annual walk through inspections of UST system
  • Leak detection testing (tanks and lines)
  • Secondary containment testing for double wall systems
  • Overfill protection testing and inspection
  • Spill bucket hydrostatic testing
  • Annual Probe and Sensor testing
  • Operator Training
  • Cathodic Protection Testing

Petroleum storage tanks are essential components in various industries, including oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing. These large containers are designed to store liquids such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and biofuels for extended periods. There are two primary types of petroleum storage tanks: aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs). Aboveground storage tanks are situated above the ground’s surface, making them easier to inspect and maintain. In contrast, underground storage tanks are buried beneath the ground’s surface, offering advantages in space constraints and protection from external elements.

Tank Lifespan and Maintenance

The lifespan of petroleum storage tanks varies based on factors such as material, corrosion protection, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Generally, an aboveground storage tank (AST) can last between 20 to 40 years or more, while an underground storage tank (UST) has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. To maximize the longevity of these storage systems, regular maintenance is crucial. Key maintenance practices include:

  • Corrosion Protection: Applying protective coatings to the tank’s surface helps prevent corrosion and extends its lifespan.
  • Groundwater Monitoring: Regularly monitoring groundwater levels and quality can detect potential leaks or contamination early.
  • Tank Inspection: Conducting routine inspections allows for the early identification and resolution of potential issues, ensuring the tank remains in good condition.

Environmental Hazards and Risks

Petroleum storage tanks, if not properly managed, can pose significant environmental hazards and risks:

  • Groundwater Contamination: Leaks or spills from underground storage tanks can lead to groundwater contamination, posing serious risks to human health and the environment.
  • Soil Pollution: Petroleum products can seep into the soil, causing long-term environmental damage and affecting soil quality.
  • Air Pollution: Vapor emissions from storage tanks can contribute to air pollution, negatively impacting human health and the environment.

Understanding Petroleum Storage Tanks

Petroleum storage tanks are essential components in various industries, including oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing. These large containers are designed to store liquids such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and biofuels for extended periods. There are two primary types of petroleum storage tanks: aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs). Aboveground storage tanks are situated above the ground’s surface, making them easier to inspect and maintain. In contrast, underground storage tanks are buried beneath the ground’s surface, offering advantages in space constraints and protection from external elements.

Types of Petroleum Storage Tanks

There are several types of petroleum storage tanks, each tailored to specific storage needs and conditions:

  • Fixed Roof Tanks: These tanks feature cone- or dome-shaped roofs that are permanently attached to the tank shell, providing a stable and secure storage solution for various liquids.
  • Internal Floating Roof Tanks: Designed with a floating roof that sits on top of the stored product and a fixed roof above, these tanks minimize evaporation by reducing the exposed surface area of the liquid.
  • External Floating Roof Tanks: These tanks have a floating roof that moves with the level of the stored product, effectively preventing vapor loss and making them ideal for products sensitive to evaporation.
  • Horizontal Tanks: Typically smaller and shop-fabricated, horizontal tanks are easier to move and offer a space-efficient solution for storing liquids.

Petroleum storage tanks are essential components in various industries, including oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing. These large containers are designed to store liquids such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and biofuels for extended periods. There are two primary types of petroleum storage tanks: aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs). Aboveground storage tanks are situated above the ground’s surface, making them easier to inspect and maintain. In contrast, underground storage tanks are buried beneath the ground’s surface, offering advantages in space constraints and protection from external elements.

We're Here to Help

UST/AST Compliance Services

UST and AST environmental rules scan vary from state to state, and PPM assists our clients in staying on top of these regulations to ensure compliance and trust fund eligibility should a leak occur. We offer the following services to this sector:

  • Compliance audits and management systems
  • UST Operator Training
  • Due diligence audits for transactions
  • Trust fund eligibility checks and assistance with reimbursement
  • SPCC Plans for AST facilities
  • NPDES Permits for applicable facilities
  • SP001 Certified Inspections for ASTs
  • Spill response training
Getting Started

Contact PPM For Assistance With Tank Management and Compliance

PPM has the expertise you need to maintain substantial compliance with underground and above ground petroleum storage tanks regulations. We can help you minimize the likelihood of petroleum releases and, where applicable, ensure response cost are reimbursed from state trust funds.

Call PPM Consultant’s toll-free number at 1-800-761-8675 or contact us for more information.

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