Storage tanks must pass a series of regulatory tests and certifications before they can be installed on any property. Both underground and aboveground tanks must adhere to strict policies. Government laws, environmental administrations, and other civil mandates can be difficult to manage alone. Professional regulatory environmental and multi-compliance consulting services are available to assist you in getting the right storage tank for your needs and ensuring that it will meet all required standards.
Reasons Underground Storage Tanks Fail Regulation Testing
There are a few common reasons why underground storage tanks fail regulation testing, from underground leaks to improper maintenance. Today, Ramtox experts will shed insight into the issues that can lead to the failure of underground storage tank (UST) systems.
1. Poor Maintenance
Underground tank maintenance should be thoroughly discussed before and during installation. It is essential to know what type of maintenance your tank needs and how often it will need repairs. You should have a professional handle routine checkups, maintenance, and spot repairs. More severe complications, such as leaks and corrosion, can go undetected for months, especially if the tank is poorly maintained. Make sure you have a strict maintenance schedule in place so you can properly manage your underground storage tank.
2. Corrosion
Corrosion is likely the most common reason for an underground storage tank failure. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, parts of the tank can easily corrode if they are left unprotected against the elements. These corroded holes quickly release chemicals, liquids, toxins, and other hazardous materials into the environment. The threat of corrosion significantly impacts the ability of UST systems to be endorsed and approved.
The best way to prevent corrosion is to ensure that the materials you are storing do not conflict with or react to the metal that the tank is made out of. You need a tank that is properly rated to store whatever liquid or gas you plan on storing. Secondly, you must prevent water from seeping into the storage system. Any small amount of water can greatly disrupt both the fluid inside an underground storage tank and the tank itself, causing corrosive holes and making leaks an imminent threat.
3. Poor Installation
If improper maintenance or corrosion are not the causes of your UST failure, then improper installation is the culprit. Every pipe and fitting must be properly secured to prevent leaks, and suitable materials must be used around the tank to protect both what is stored and the surrounding environment from possible corrosion. Additionally, the installation process itself should be gentle, as external pressures and undue physical impact can damage the system. Be sure to hire a professional with UST experience who knows which regulated installation procedures to follow when completing the installation of your underground storage tank.
Importance of Meeting Regulation Standards
Unfortunately, there are many risks involved in keeping a storage tank underground. It is all too easy to create the conditions for a leak or rupture, which has detrimental effects on the soil and surrounding environment. Prior to the mid-1980s, underground storage tanks were typically made of bare steel, which is likely to corrode and leak UST material into the surrounding earth. These leaks had potentially dire consequences as groundwater is the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans.
That is why you must schedule regular inspections, create a monthly maintenance plan, and take proactive measures to prevent leaks. Something as seemingly insignificant as a loosened fitting can lead to compounding damage.
Underground Storage Tank Testing and Installation with Ramtox
If you worry about the state of your underground storage tank, you can invest in our UST testing services at Ramtox for peace of mind. We test for signs of corrosion and take a protective approach when caring for your UST. Specifically, Ramtox testing will ensure your tank continues to function without putting itself or the environment at risk. Contact Ramtox to learn more about their wide variety of storage tank solutions.