Both steel and fiberglass tanks require backfill, but steel tanks don’t need the backfill to provide supplemental structural support like FRP tanks. Therefore, backfill for steel tanks is usually less expensive than fiberglass tanks. The domed ends of fiberglass tanks make them longer than flat-end steel tanks; so, if a property has limited space for a tank field, tank shape also may be a consideration. In most cases, installation costs for steel tanks are lower than fiberglass tanks.
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Generally, FRP tanks are known for their ability to resist corrosion in all types of climates. That being said, some steel tank fabricators construct their tanks with a fiberglass or other type of corrosive-resistant armor or lining which provides an extra level of protection between the steel structure of the tank and the environment surrounding it.
The ethanol to gasoline ratio in common use today (approximately 10%), required to meet the 1990 Clean Air Act requirements, poses no problems for most modern UST systems. However, higher ethanol, E85 for example, may create cause for concern. Various soft metals (aluminum, brass, zinc) are incompatible with E85. Many components constructed of these metals are common in UST Systems. In addition to soft metals, many non-metallic materials may undergo accelerated degradation due to ethanol exposure. These materials include natural rubber, fiberglass adhesives, polyurethane, and various polymers/elastomers used in flex piping, bushings, gaskets, etc. Some states have regulations that require a UST system that will store E85 to be certified compatible with E85 by the manufacturer or by Underwriters Laboratories
Irrespective of lifespan expectations for the type of tanks are evolving regulatory update requirements. Every state, and sometimes areas within states, have different regulations. At a minimum, states must meet federal regulations.
1988 Federal Requirements – Regulated UST systems that were constructed of steel and installed before December 22, 1988, had to be upgraded to meet one of the following corrosion protection options (or be properly closed):
NOTE: Prior to adding cathodic protection, the integrity of the tank must have been ensured using one of the following methods:
All USTs that were installed after December 22, 1988, had to meet one of the following performance standards for corrosion protection:
2015 Federal Requirements – Not later than April 11, 2016, all new and replaced tanks and piping must meet the secondary containment requirements, including interstitial monitoring, according to the new requirements for secondary containment. EPA considers piping replaced when 50 percent or more of the piping is removed and other piping is installed. In addition, owners and operators must install under-dispenser containment for new dispenser systems.
The 2015 UST regulation changed certain portions of the 1988 underground storage tank technical regulation in 40 CFR part 280. The changes established federal requirements that are similar to portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition, EPA added new operation and maintenance requirements and addressed UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation. The changes:
The new federal regulations put more responsibility on owners and operators – to know what is expected of them at both the state and federal levels.
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UST replacement represents an opportunity to upgrade equipment and address future fueling business objectives.
Equipment manufacturers are addressing the importance of secondary and even tertiary containment systems and corrosion prevention in new product releases. Suppliers are redesigning components such as fittings, spill containers, manholes and tank sumps to eliminate potential leak points. Advances in automated tank gauging and leak monitoring systems have greatly reduced environmental impacts from spills.
If you choose to replace your UST system, seek the advice of a trusted advisor to explain spill prevention and tank construction options. The right solution for a given fuel site will help eliminate the early replacement of damaged or failing UST components.
The complex aspects of tank replacement require project planning and specific expertise. A tank removal expert can help guide you with:
For a more detailed discussion of tank replacement procedures, see my article Understanding the Tank Removal Process.
Technology advances such as hydrogen fuels or rechargeable electric vehicles are on the horizon. As I write this article, CA is set to vote on a measure to ban the sale of new gasoline powered cars and SUVs after 2035. Technology advances and/or government mandates may make your new tank investment obsolete before the tanks reach the end of their useful life. Consider interim fueling options such as those provided by Booster to bridge the gap between tank removal and selection of long-term fueling solutions.
About the author: Allan Blanchard leads Ambipar Response’s technical consulting group in the US. He and his team of Geologists, Engineers, Environmental Scientists and Technicians specialize in UST removal and rehabilitation of properties contaminated with petroleum and other hazardous chemicals.
The question of how long FRP tanks last is an interesting one! FRP, also known as fibreglass reinforced plastic, is not just an affordable material option. FRP is also an incredibly sturdy material. There are actually fiberglass boats that are sixty years old and counting still being used with little to no issue today! However, as sturdy as FRP can be, there are a few different factors to keep in mind when assessing the potential lifespan of your fiberglass tanks.
As amazing as it is that there are fiberglass boats more than sixty years old still in use, FRP water tanks may not last quite so long. This is largely because of what water tanks and other types of fiberglass tanks are often used for. How long a fiberglass tank will last can be very influenced by what the tank is being used to store. The more corrosive the chemical is that a tank has to store, generally means the more quickly it will need to be replaced. The environmental conditions that tanks are subjected to can also degrade them more quickly. Higher pressure and higher temperatures are generally more aggressive on tanks. Changes in pressure levels and temperatures can also be damaging to tank longevity. Good quality materials and tank construction help maintain tank longevity, as can choose tank manufacturers who consistently meet high industry standards.
In general, estimates for the longevity of fiberglass tanks suggests that fiberglass water tanks last the longest, clocking in at an average of thirty to forty years. Next in longevity are fibreglass bleach tanks, which can last anywhere from ten to twenty years. Fibreglass acid and metal reaction tanks will last no longer than five to ten years. If you are looking to make sure that your tanks last the longest that they can, there are many precautions that you can take. Some important ones to keep in mind are to make sure that have your fiberglass tanks inspected regularly. The general rule of thumb is that the more corrosive a chemical they store, or more aggressive the conditions they are kept in, the more often the tanks should be inspected. If tanks are being subjected to more intense conditions, annual inspection is suggested. It is also highly recommended that you do not deviate from the specifications of your fiberglass tank. Switching chemicals or environmental conditions without modifying a tank can shorten the lifespan of the tank.
Most importantly however, is to make sure that you employ people who are well versed in how underground fiberglass water storage tanks work at every level of construction. Properly designed and installed fiberglass tanks will generally last much longer. Professional and knowledgeable tank manufacturers like Belding Tank can help you design a good quality tank that will last as long as possible. Tanks that are good quality and properly designed to suit the needs of your project can have a much longer lifespan than a less suitably designed tank. Luckily, at Belding Tank, quality is our standard and customer service is our specialty so that you can find tanks that will last you for many years to come!
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