Frequently Asked Questions :: Commerical & Industrial
Tanks
»FAQ
:: Residential & Farm Tanks What is the likelihood
that my tank is leaking?
Because commercial and industrial petroleum USTs
are extremely varied in terms of the quality of construction,
installation procedure, and soil types, it is impossible to
estimate the likelihood of leakage in general. Most bare steel
tanks are considered to have exceeded their life expectancy
after approximately 30 years. Many may corrode much sooner
if there are weaknesses in the construction of the tank or
if the adjacent soils are corrosive. For these reasons, corrosion
resistance and leak detection are required for commercial
and industrial petroleum USTs (except heating oil USTs).
What indications might there be that my tank is leaking?
Of all the leaking tanks that we have identified,
rarely were there any surface indications such as soil staining
or dead vegetation. This is because the leakage usually starts
at the bottom of the tank and flows downward, not affecting
surface vegetation. Loss in inventory may be an indication
of a release, but often the loss is too small to trigger a
concern. Water in a tank is typically an indication of a hole
in the tank, but we have found that a lack of water in a tank
is not a reliable indication that a tank is not leaking. For
these reasons, leak detection is required by State Water Control
Law for commercial and industrial petroleum USTs (except heating
oil USTs).
What if we discover a major problem, does coverage
from the VPSTF have a maximum limit?
The VPSTF coverage is up to $1 million dollars.
Why should I address USTs now?
State Water Control Law requires that commercial and industrial
USTs (except heating oil USTs) that are no longer in use be
properly closed, either by removal or by filling with an inert
solid. Furthermore, if a UST is leaking and is not properly
serviced, the contamination tends to migrate further and do
more damage. With regard to costs, the VPSTF financial
assistance is available now to help with required cleanup
costs if applicable. It is uncertain whether these funds will
be available to you in the future.
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