Underground storage tanks (USTs) at many convenience stores are reaching retirement age, and as such, many fuel site operators are preparing to replace their storage tanks. Here are four things to consider before signing a purchase order.
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1. Materials of construction and tank shape
Modern-day USTs used for the purposes of storing fuel are composed of one of two materials: steel or fiberglass. There are advantages to each material.
Steel is stronger, which makes it a smart choice for fuel stations that have heavy equipment onsite or experience severe weather changes that may lead to ground saturation and breaches. Generally, fiberglass tanks are known for their ability to resist corrosion in all types of climates. That being said, some steel tank fabricators construct their tanks with a corrosive-resistant armor which provides an extra level of protection between the steel structure of the tank and the environment surrounding it.
Both steel and fiberglass tanks require backfill, but steel tanks don’t need the backfill to provide supplemental structural support like fiberglass tanks. Therefore, backfill for steel tanks is usually less expensive than fiberglass tanks. The domed ends of fiberglass tanks make them longer than flat-end steel tanks, so if a c-store has limited acreage for a tank field, tank shape also may be a consideration. In most cases, installation costs for steel tanks are lower than fiberglass tanks.
2. Water management
According to the Steel Tank Institute, all storage tank systems—made of any material, aboveground or belowground and storing almost any fuel—are at risk of water intrusion. Strong water management practices are important for all fuels, but particularly biofuels and ultra low-sulfur diesel, due to the increased opportunity for microbial growth and corrosion. In this age of ethanol blends, preventing phase separation also is a concern.
Equipment manufacturers are addressing the importance of watertight components and corrosion prevention in new product releases. Suppliers are redesigning components such as fittings, spill containers, manholes and tank sumps to eliminate potential leak points. Protective coatings also have been introduced to prevent corrosion to submersible pumps. New support systems designed to reduce moisture levels and neutralize corrosive acetic vapors also are available. Asking a trusted equipment supplier to explain what prevention solutions might be right for a given fuel site will help eliminate the early replacement of damaged or failing UST components.
3. Local regulations
Some states’ compliance regulations stipulate the use of tanks that feature additional measures to remain watertight. For instance, tanks installed in California on or after July 1, 2003 are required to be “designed to prevent water intrusion.” Tanks for these applications include a multiport spill containment manhole that contain a spill container with fill pipe and a spill container with Stage I Vapor Recovery connections housed in the same tank sump (a traditional tank has Stage I Vapor Recovery connections and fill pipe and fill connections in separate tank access points).
4. Funding
The typical warrantied lifespan of a UST is 30 years, but insuring tanks that are approaching 25 years old has become more challenging. Therefore, c-stores may be facing UST replacement earlier than previously expected. Establishing a savings plan that sets aside money annually to fund future UST replacement will help alleviate the financial burden at the time of purchase and installation.
Source North America provides a wealth of UST compliance information, including a state-by-state guide to UST regulations. Visit http://www.sourcena.com/solutions/ust-regulations/ to reference the guide.
This post is sponsored by Source North America