Key Takeaways
- If property owners keep up with routine maintenance, the average lifespan of an underground storage tank (UST) is about 20-25 years, but it can vary based on factors like material, soil type, and installation quality.
- Protective coatings can be added during UST installation to support longevity. Proper backfilling and regular maintenance can also extend a UST’s lifespan and prevent costly damage.
- UST regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require leak detection, leak prevention, and corrective action for all USTs containing regulated substances like petroleum.
- Professional-led ecological services like tank scans, inspections, and decommissioning can help property owners ensure regulatory compliance and environmental safety.
Learning About the Lifespan of an Underground Storage Tank
Underground storage tanks (USTs) typically store chemicals like petroleum products, such as gasoline or heating oil. USTs are a popular way to save space and protect liquids from environmental exposure. However, consistent storage tank maintenance is needed to encourage longevity and prevent soil or groundwater contamination.
Although each situation differs, the average underground storage tank lifespan typically ranges from 20 to 25 years. Various factors can expedite the need for an underground storage tank removal, including the UST’s material, installation quality, and the conditions of its surrounding environment. Regardless, it may be time to replace your UST when you notice warning signs like leaks, strong odors, or sinking soil around the tank.
Understanding what can affect a UST’s lifespan is essential to avoid safety risks and environmental hazards. Scheduling regular assessments with a trusted environmental remediation company can promote early detection, making it easier to manage risks and ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of an Underground Storage Tank?
Underground storage tank lifespans can vary greatly depending on the property’s setup and the tank’s design. Some examples of factors that can impact the lifespan of a UST are:
- Improper venting – Inadequate ventilation can create pressure imbalances that have the potential to weaken tank walls and seams, causing cracks or leaks over time.
- Installation procedures – Correctly performing UST installation steps, such as backfilling, anchoring, and leveling, can protect the tank from undue pressure and environmental stressors.
- Material – The most common materials used to create USTs, which are steel and fiberglass, have unique levels of durability, causing some tanks to last longer than others.
- Soil type and backfill materials – If the moisture or acidity levels of the dirt or material surrounding the UST are high, corrosion may be accelerated and demand earlier replacements.
- Storage contents – A UST’s lifespan may be shortened if it is holding a corrosive substance like sodium hydroxide, a caustic material used in some industrial processes.
- Tank build quality – Newer, well-constructed tanks with double-wall constructions typically last longer than older, poorly designed tanks without an interstitial space for secondary containment.
- Water table levels – Sometimes, USTs placed in high water table areas can experience added pressure that can potentially damage the body of the tank.
By considering the factors above, property owners can preserve the functionality of their UST, allowing them to delay underground storage tank removals for as long as possible.
Alpha Environmental supports you with your underground storage tank, providing tank sweeps, tank decommisioning, UST removal, and more.Professional Underground Storage Tank Services
Storage Tank Lifespan
In general, most USTs last between 20 and 25 years after installation. However, as stated above, the lifespan of a UST often depends on what it is constructed from. The most common materials used to craft USTs in the greater Portland area are steel and fiberglass, each with its own life expectancy.
Steel Storage Tank Lifespan
Steel USTs are omnipresent due to their durability and cost-efficiency. However, they are more prone to corrosion than fiberglass USTs, making many people opt for protective coatings that can delay deterioration.
Steel tanks are generally expected to last about 15 to 20 years when installed properly and maintained well. Still, it is essential to have a qualified environmental specialist perform regular inspections and maintenance on your steel UST—doing so can mitigate corrosion and potentially extend the tank’s functional lifespan.
Fiberglass Storage Tank Lifespan
In most cases, fiberglass USTs cost more than their steel counterparts; however, they can offer a higher level of resistance to corrosion and chemical damage. Therefore, many fiberglass USTs can last up to 30 years.
Despite being durable and corrosion-resistant, fiberglass USTs can still get damaged. For example, they may become brittle over time or crack under extreme pressure. Similar to steel USTs, ensuring proper installation and routinely monitoring fiberglass USTs can help maximize their longevity.
Regulatory Requirements Related to Underground Storage Tanks
To safeguard the environment, the EPA has implemented various standards to ensure property owners responsibly manage USTs on their land. Two landmark federal regulations, established in 1988 and 2005, set the foundation for UST management. Since then, the EPA has updated these rules and enforced them with penalties and fines to enhance safety measures and further reduce environmental contamination risks.
1988 UST Technical Requirements
The EPA’s 1988 Technical Requirements for USTs outlined expectations for tanks that contain petroleum or other substances that qualify as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Some examples of existing regulations related to or included in the 1988 Technical Requirements are:
- USTs must be equipped with corrosion protection and designed to meet industry standards for preventing leaks and contamination, causing many people to use double-walled tanks or cathodic protection systems.
- Operators must regularly monitor tanks for leaks. Some common monitoring methods include inventory control, automatic tank gauging, and checking the interstitial gap between the two walls of a tank.
- Owners must maintain proper records of their UST and upkeep spill and overfill prevention mechanisms. Routine testing is needed for leak detection equipment.
- USTs that are no longer in use are expected to be properly closed to avoid contamination risks.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
The EPA’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 created expectations for the inspection of USTs. Some examples of ongoing requirements that stemmed from the Energy Policy Act include:
- USTs must undergo periodic inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. For example, many containment sumps used for interstitial monitoring and spill buckets must be tested at least once every three years.
- Training programs are required for UST operators to ensure they understand regulatory requirements and can execute the best practices.
- New UST installations or replacements must be equipped with secondary containment sections and an interstitial monitoring system to detect leaks.
- USTs that are deemed non-compliant may be prohibited from receiving fuel deliveries until the issues are resolved.
- UST owners must demonstrate financial capacity to address potential cleanup costs and liabilities—coverage amounts can vary based on whether the operator is a marketer or not and how many tanks they own.
Although the EPA provides substantial resources for UST owners and operators to promote regulatory compliance, it is best to consult a trusted, knowledgeable environmental remediation company like Alpha Environmental to get insight into how federal regulations apply to your unique situation. Plus, experts can solve issues they identified during inspections by implementing necessary upgrades or decommissioning your UST to guarantee compliance moving forward and preserve the tank’s longevity.
When Should I Replace My Underground Storage Tank?
As a property owner, you should know when to replace your USTs to avoid consequences for non-compliance with the regulations listed above. Age is usually the main determinant when deciding when to replace a UST, making it essential to know when the tank is entering the later stages of its life, which usually happens at around 20 years old. Some other warning signs that may indicate it is time to replace your UST can include:
- Visible underground storage tank leaks or spills.
- Strong odors emitted from around the tank.
- Unusually soft or sinking soil near the UST.
- Higher-than-expected fuel bills.
- Dead or discolored grass and vegetation above the UST.
It can be helpful to look out for the warning signs above. However, professional inspections and soil testing can promote informed decision-making by confirming whether a tank has been leaking or not.
Underground Storage Tank Decommissioning After Its Lifespan
Once a UST reaches the end of its lifespan, tank decommissioning is necessary to preserve the surrounding environment. Although each situation may require a unique approach, some steps that are usually included in the UST decommissioning process throughout Oregon are:
- Pumping the tank.
- Cleaning the tank.
- Filling the tank with an inert material like sand or concrete.
- Collecting soil samples around the tank.
- Cutting off the fill and vent pipes.
- If necessary, register the tank with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Sometimes, step 3 is substituted or coupled with the tank’s removal, surrounding soil removal, or various governing body-prescribed methodologies. Some of the most common reasons why underground oil tanks need to be removed include preserving the property value and reducing contamination risks. After assessing your unique circumstances, experienced environmental remediation companies like Alpha Environmental can safely decommission USTs in a way that protects the environment and meets regulatory standards.
How To Extend the Lifespan of Your Underground Storage Tank
Although no UST will last forever, you can take proactive measures during installation and operation to significantly extend the tank’s lifespan. Some methods that have the potential to increase the longevity of your UST are:
- Adding protective coatings or cathodic protection during installation.
- Properly back-filling the tank with non-corrosive materials.
- Installing release detection equipment to catch issues early.
- Having trusted environmental professionals conduct inspections and soil testing regularly.
Routine care can help your tank remain functional for as long as possible while reducing environmental risks. Consult a trusted environmental specialist to ensure you are keeping up with all of your UST maintenance needs.
How Alpha Environmental Services Can Help
Even though the average underground storage tank lifespan is roughly 20 to 25 years, the material, contents, and frequency of storage tank maintenance can alter how long a UST really lasts. If you notice leaks, unusual odors, or discolored vegetation around your UST, schedule an inspection to determine if you need an underground storage tank removal.
Alpha Environmental offers comprehensive support for managing underground storage tanks, from storage tank scans to decommissioning. We provide consultations with transparent, accurate pricing to make the lives of UST owners and operators as easy as possible. Plus, we rely on state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally conscious practices to help you safeguard your property from ecological threats while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Contact Alpha Environmental with any questions or concerns about your UST—our professionals can help with all your storage tank needs!
