Installation of underground fuel tanks must adhere to the South African

Most petrol stations have limited space for storage of fuel, by the use of underground fuel tanks they can easily address this problem. Since they are stored below the ground, this type of tank provides a space-saving way of storing large amounts of fuel. Fuel suppliers, trucking fleets and other industrial businesses keep large amounts of petrol as these tanks hold up to 200 000 litres of fuel.

The risks of using underground fuel takes are that rust and corrosion can occur, which may result in leakage of the contents that can go unnoticed for some time. Even small amounts of leakage over a period of time can cause extensive contamination and damage to the soil and water. Cleaning or treatment of this contamination can be costly. The risks of rust, corrosion and leakage can be reduced by following proper environmental management and maintenance practices.

Installation Standards and Guidelines

Installation of underground fuel tanks must adhere to the South African standards and guidelines. These standards must be strictly followed to ensure the proper and safe installation of these tanks. It is imperative that the soil type and ground water level of an area is determined before installation. To prevent corrosion , a tank should not be installed in clay, instead it can be installed in inert material such as sand. Installation of a fuel tank should not be done in an area with a high ground water level. The deeper the ground level the lower the risk of contamination.

There is a drive from industries in South Africa to become more eco-friendly. The current environmental regulations under the National Environmental Management Act, No 107 of 1998 requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be undertaken before the installation of a storage tank aboveground or underground.

Underground fuel tanks

Underground fuel tanks come in double wall models that offer good protection against rust, corrosion and leakage. A double walled fuel tank is made of a steel primary inner tank enclosed with fibre glass reinforces plastic outer tank, thus minimizing corrosion.  The steel primary inner tank is assembled, welded and tested so it is almost impossible for leakage to occur, however if there is leakage the outer tank will prevent the fuel from coming into contact with the soil and ground water.

Regular Monitoring of Fuel Tanks

It is imperative that the tanks are monitored regularly to detect leaks, and if found it can be addressed immediately. There are different ways of monitoring leaks, these include stock inventory, automated tank gauging or ATG systems and interstitial monitoring. If you need help in managing, maintaining or if you are looking for an alternative fuel storage facility, talk to a trusted fuel tank supplier as they can help you find the best system for your business.