What to Consider When It's Time to Replace Your Underground Storage Tank
Just like vehicles and equipment, underground storage tanks (USTs) have a limited lifespan, about 25 years. You’ll know it’s time to invest in new tanks if they’re approaching that age and showing any of the following signs:
- Physical: Corrosion, rust, or leaks
- Odor: Chemical smells or unusual odors resembling gasoline or diesel
Replacing USTs is a significant investment in terms of costs (equipment and construction) and potential downtime. It requires thorough consideration and smart preparation from start to finish — before signing a purchase order, during installation, and after installation.
With some legwork and due diligence, you can ensure a smooth replacement process that gives you:
- The lowest total cost of ownership over the lifespan of the equipment
- Safe installation practices
- Effective UST compliance management
Let’s get started by looking at the key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when it’s time to replace your USTs.
Before Signing a Purchase Order
Review Tank Regulations
Identify any current or upcoming UST regulations that affect equipment requirements or involve recurring maintenance costs. A best practice is to bookmark the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website on UST laws and regulations to stay updated. This helps ensure compliance and provides a clearer picture of your long-term costs.
Review these regulations with your supplier and ask about cost-effective products they recommend to help you meet regulatory requirements.
Think About Tank Materials and Shape
Choosing the right tank can prevent failures down the road. USTs are typically made of steel or fiberglass. Steel is the most durable and the best choice for sites with heavy machinery or fluctuating ground conditions.
Fiberglass provides excellent corrosion resistance in any climate. Regarding shape, flat-end steel tanks take up less space and are generally cheaper to install than domed-end fiberglass tanks.
Invest in Preventive Products
Products that protect against water intrusion and leaks reduce maintenance needs and contamination risks. Examples of products you’ll want to consider include:
- Automatic tank gauging: Sounds an alarm when a leak is detected
- Secondary containment: Extra barrier or linear to keep leaks contained
- Vapor monitoring: Monitoring wells that detect product fumes in the soil
- Mag sump sensor/under dispenser pan sensor: Located at the bottom of containment sumps that detect the presence and amount of liquids
- Line leak detector: Shuts off functions when line pressure drops
- Groundwater monitoring: Detects the presence of liquid floating in groundwater
Check with your supplier to determine what products best preserve your system.
Account for Additional Expenses
UST installation goes beyond the tank itself. Ask your supplier for a breakdown of potential expenses based on the UST type to get a big-picture view of your investment and your tank’s long-term value. Insurance, ongoing maintenance, and potential cleanup costs are a few line items you’ll want to look into.
During Installation
Inspect and Test Upon Delivery
Photograph and document the tanks as soon as they arrive. Inspect for any visible defects and perform necessary testing. Report any issues to your supplier immediately to protect your warranty.
Ballast Properly
Use water — not fuel — to ballast your tanks. Once fuel is added, the tank is considered operational and subject to UST regulations and insurance requirements.
Review the Excavation Site
Work with your contractor to ensure the excavation hole is the right size. A shallow hole in a high-traffic area may not offer enough protection for the tank, while an excessive slope may require extra backfill and increase your cost.
Confirm that the correct backfill material is used as specified by the manufacturer. Supervise the backfilling process to prevent voids.
Create a “Birth Certificate”
Before the site is closed, document key details, including:
- Tank serial number
- Dimensions
- Burial depth
- Anchoring system
This information will be a long-term reference for maintenance, upgrades, insurance, and property transactions.
After Installation
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Regular maintenance, inspections, and testing are crucial for compliance. Consider implementing a preventive maintenance program for employees. This can include training employees on timely alarm response, monitoring levels, and conducting routine inspection procedures.
Complete Certification and Financial Responsibility Requirements
File the EPA’s “Notification for Underground Storage Tanks” form with your state or local agency within 30 days of putting the UST into service.
Keep Fuel Compatibility Records
You’ll need documentation showing that UST components are approved by the manufacturer or an independent testing lab for use with the fuel stored in the system.
Update the “Birth Certificate” as Needed
Whenever UST maintenance or upgrades occur, update your UST records accordingly.
No one ever said replacing USTs was easy, but careful planning, attention to detail, and working with the right supplier make the process smoother and more cost-effective. Your effort is worth the outcome — preventing unexpected expenses and liabilities and protecting your operations, property, and the environment.
Underground Storage Tank FAQS
What is an underground storage tank?
The EPA defines an underground storage tank as a tank or combination of tanks and connected underground piping with at least 10% of their combined volume underground. Additional parts of the system include ancillary equipment and any containment system. These tanks can hold large amounts of gases or liquid and can be single-wall or double-walled.
How long do underground storage tanks last?
The average lifespan of USTs is 25 years, depending on their make and build.
What are underground storage tanks used for?
USTs are used to store gases, petroleum products, chemicals, and hazardous substances.
Who regulates underground storage tanks?
The EPA has been overseeing the regulation of USTs since 1984, with the federal regulations going into effect in December 1988. Due to hazardous materials potentially leaking into the groundwater supply and impacting human health, owners and operators of USTs must register and follow all federal regulations while performing regular site checks to ensure compliance.
Where are underground storage tanks primarily found?
USTs can typically be found by gasoline stations, service stations, airports, truck fleet refueling facilities, dry cleaners, and occasionally residential properties.