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In the United States, the 542,000 Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) scattered nationwide store everything from petroleum products like gasoline and oil to industrial chemicals and hazardous pesticides. A leaking UST poses severe consequences to the environment and human health.
The causes of underground storage tank leaks range from natural phenomena like corrosion and soil movement to human errors such as poor maintenance and faulty installation. In this time and age, where the demand for energy and resources continues to grow, awareness of the underlying causes of UST leaks is a critical preventive measure.
Common Causes of Underground Storage Tank Leaks
To avoid disasters and losses from your underground system, let us identify the top causes of UST leakage.
1. Corrosion
One of the most prevalent causes of UST leaks is corrosion, particularly of the tank and related piping. It has several types and causes, including uniform corrosion resulting from exposure to strong acids and alkaline environments, as well as cavitation due to gas bubbles forming. To prevent your USTs from deteriorating, read everything about metal corrosion here.
2. Overfilling
Overfilling a UST can lead to gasoline and other substances seeping out of the tank and into the surrounding soil. While spills and overfills seem like an impossible mistake, bad filling practices and uncoated USTs with worn-out piping (which can cause a release) are among the common causes.
3. Poor installation
Improper installation can cause USTs to shift or crack over time, causing the tank to leak or even burst. To prevent such issues, only qualified professionals who follow industry standards should install USTs on stable foundations.
4. Lack of maintenance
Failure to conduct routine inspections, cleanings, and repairs can allow minor issues to become major problems, leading to leaks.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), facilities should have the following inspected:
- Every 30 days: Underground storage tank facilities, spill prevention and storage tank leak detection systems, hydrant pits, and hydrant piping vaults
- Once a year: Containment sumps and handheld release detection equipment
- Once every three years: All overfill prevention equipment installed after October 13, 2015
To ensure compliance, refer to this EPA webpage for a complete guide to operating and maintaining UST systems.
5. Soil movement
Soil naturally shifts and moves over time, causing USTs to crack or break. Careful site selection, proper installation techniques, and regular inspections are surefire ways to prevent damage due to inevitable soil movement.
6. Contamination
Fuel, heating oil, and other liquids stored in USTs may react with certain tank materials, leading to corrosion and leaks. Appropriate compatibility testing, material selection, and tank lining can prevent unwanted contamination.
7. Age
Older underground storage tanks are more susceptible to leaks than newer USTs, especially if they are poorly maintained or rarely inspected. Replacing or upgrading old metal tanks can help prevent damage and leakage, ensuring overall safety.
Practice Underground Storage Tank Leak Prevention Now
If you own or operate underground storage tanks, ensure they undergo routine testing by QP5 Coating Inspectors. Never wait for a leak to happen; schedule an inspection today to identify and address potential issues before they become multi-million dollar problems.
From meticulous UST evaluations to coatings specification and walkthroughs, Industrial Inspection Group can help. To learn more about our underground storage tank inspections and other services, give us a call at 480-993-8999 or contact us online. Take action now to protect the environment, public health, and safety.
