Understanding the importance of storage tank management is vital to ensure our drinking water sources are free of contamination. According to Minnesota Rural Water Association, a spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate a million gallons of water.
Proper installation and management of both above-ground and underground storage tanks can help ensure that your community’s and Minnesota’s water resources are kept as free of pollution as possible.
Managing Above Ground Storage Tanks
See below for tips for managing above ground storage tanks, provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Rural Water Association:
- Create secondary containment area beneath or around the tanks.
- Monitor the fuel level of the tank.
- Routinely check for leaks or damage to the foundations, connections, coatings, tank walls and piping systems.
- Provide corrosion protection techniques for tanks by elevating or resting tanks on concrete slabs.
- Inspect all discharge from secondary containment areas after precipitation events to ensure no chemicals are present.
Protecting Groundwater
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that “nearly one out of every four underground storage tanks in the United States may be leaking.” What can you do to protect your drinking water supply?
- Install and utilize a tank leak detection system.
- Do not overfill or spill when filling underground storage tanks.
- Make sure all underground storage tanks are properly installed, backfilled and compacted with adequate materials.
- Keep records that shows the tank is in compliance with all testing requirements.
Learn more about underground storage tanks in Minnesota on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's website.