An underground storage tank (UST) is a large storage tank, and any underground pipe associated with the tank has an approximate volume of at least ten percent of its total volume in the ground. This kind of tank is usually installed beneath a building to store gas and liquid products safely, especially for those concerned about their safety from natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. The tank is also a convenient solution for storing products that are difficult to access or transport to the site of use. Although many companies and organizations widely use this kind of tank, it can be costly, especially for those that need to install and maintain these tanks.
There are many reasons why underground storage tanks can be costly. The foremost is because they are significant. Thus they are often the main building component of a building. Therefore, they are cumbersome and can often make it hard for workers to move them from one location to another. Another reason why they can be so expensive is that they are underground, making excavation difficult. This may also lead to the waste becoming contaminated and leaching into nearby groundwater. To keep the surrounding environment safe and clean, professionals have developed systems to dispose of the waste created by the storage tanks.
Most people think that underground storage tanks are made of concrete, which is a very costly option. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has established regulations and standards for installing and maintaining these tanks. These guidelines have been designed to ensure that these tanks are as safe as possible while still meeting their purpose. For example, the guidelines state that cement tanks should only be used if no other options exist. If no alternatives exist, then the cement ust system should be used to prevent potential damage to the environment.
There are many benefits to installing underground storage tanks, although it is essential to remember that the benefits do not come without any responsibilities or obligations. First, anyone involved in the operation of one of these storage systems is required to have a license. This license is issued by each local governing body and is only valid for up to one year. To obtain upgraded permission, one must undergo a significant amount of training. It is also crucial for anyone who handles, installs, or maintains an underground storage tank to wear appropriate protective clothing such as safety glasses and rubber gloves when operating any machine that requires them to handle dangerous materials.
The cost of having an underground storage tank installed can often be prohibitive for some. The owners of these storage facilities must consider numerous things, including the overall cost of installing the tanks. In addition, depending on where the tanks are located, they may be required to be inspected and filled with cement every three to five years. For this reason, owners must be aware of the upkeep requirements that come along with the installation process. If the ust program is maintained correctly, this could reduce the facility’s cost in operation.
Suppose someone is interested in installing an underground storage tank but has questions about federal requirements. In that case, it is essential to know that these requirements are designed to be strictly adhered to. An owner who does not follow the guidelines put forth by the ust program may find that their facility will be shut down—the regulations outlining the program state that all underground tanks must be adequately inspected every year. On top of that, if the inspectors identify potential problems with the tanks, they must be repaired to remain safe. If a problem is not fixed promptly, it may be considered a safety hazard, resulting in the facility being shut down.
Another guideline outlined for underground storage tanks is to make sure that the tanks are properly sealed. This is necessary to protect the contents of the tanks and to prevent any leaks. Unfortunately, the problem with some gas storage facilities is that they have been found to have improper seals on their tanks. This can result in the leak of dangerous chemicals, flammable gases, or even radioactive materials.
Although the standards outlined for underground storage tanks are high, a facility must consider whether they would be better served by placing their tanks in plastic or steel. In many cases, people choose to install their underground gas tanks in plastic because of the lower cost. However, when it comes to storing and transporting toxic materials, both types of material can provide effective solutions.
