Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks Program

However, as straightforward as this may seem, there are 23 local health and fire departments that have adopted their own version of this bill, making compliance increasingly difficult. 

Still-gauging methods are adequate for only the largest leaks. The accuracy of most tank-installed liquid level gauges is usually /s in. at best. A product loss reflected by a 0.062-in. level drop for a 100-ft-diameter tank translates to a 306 gal/day leak. If this Vi6-in. drop in product level is not discernible from the masking effects of fluid expansion, losses in excess of 2650 barrels annually will go undetected. At, for example, 20 per barrel, this loss amounts to over 53,000 for a single tank. Most importantly, the associated liability risks of groundwater contamination could involve much greater potential costs. 

Federal legislation for ASTs is also in the process of being mandated under RCRA. This bill would include requirements for development and implementation of a release prevention plan, a tank system that is capable of containing 110% of the content of the tank and preventing off-site release, and inspection of tank systems by a qualified professional engineer. Provisions will also include evidence of financial responsibility and cleanup of product releases. There is little doubt that legislation for ASTs will be more stringent in the years to come. 

---