Above Ground Storage Tank Oil Spills

Supply of oil and gas continues to increase as well as natural events such as hurricanes, while engineers and safety managers are not well trained on storage tank engineering and leak detection, one of the most vulnerable and least studied components of oil and gas storage equipment. Above Ground Storage Tank Oil and Chemical Spills gives engineers and researchers a training guide on tank design, tank failure modes and risk analysis. Bridging between research and application, this reference sends an integrated engineering approach backed by both corporate and academic contributors focused specifically on storage tanks, their spills, case histories, and technical aspects of leakage from storage tanks. Additional topics include regulations, differences between spills from storage tanks and other sources, and supported by extensive data and additional references. Above Ground Storage Tank Oil and Chemical Spills delivers a much-needed knowledge source for today’s engineers and managers to keep supply and personnel safe. Learn from both academic and corporate contributors, bridging between research and practical application Understand lessons learned with case studies and extensive data Know the differences between spills from storage tanks and other sources

Oil leaks from aboveground tanks have contaminated soil and water, threatening human health and wildlife. To prevent damage from oil spills, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule in 1973. EPA¿s 10 regions inspect oil storage facilities to ensure compliance with the rule. EPA estimates that about 571,000 facilities are subject to this rule. Some states also regulate oil storage tanks. This report determines: (1) how EPA regions implement the SPCC program; (2) the data EPA has to implement and evaluate the program; and (3) whether some states¿ tank programs suggest ways for EPA to improve its program. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.

Oil leaks from aboveground tanks have contaminated soil and water, threatening human health and wildlife. To prevent damage from oil spills, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule in 1973. EPA's 10 regions inspect oil storage facilities to ensure compliance with the rule. EPA estimates that about 571,000 facilities are subject to this rule. Some states also regulate oil storage tanks. GAO determined (1) how EPA regions implement the SPCC program, (2) the data EPA has to implement and evaluate the program, and (3) whether some states' tank programs suggest ways for EPA to improve its program. GAO surveyed all 10 EPA regions and interviewed officials in EPA and six states selected on the basis of experts' recommendations, among other criteria.

Oil leaks from aboveground tanks have contaminated soil and water, threatening human health and wildlife. To prevent damage from oil spills, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule in 1973. EPA's 10 regions inspect oil storage facilities to ensure compliance with the rule. EPA estimates that about 571,000 facilities are subject to this rule. Some states also regulate oil storage tanks. GAO determined (1) how EPA regions implement the SPCC program, (2) the data EPA has to implement and evaluate the program, and (3) whether some states' tank programs suggest ways for EPA to improve its program. GAO surveyed all 10 EPA regions and interviewed officials in EPA and six states selected on the basis of experts' recommendations, among other criteria ...

Oil leaks from aboveground tanks have contaminated soil and water, threatening human health and wildlife. To prevent damage from oil spills, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule in 1973. EPA's 10 regions inspect oil storage facilities to ensure compliance with the rule. EPA estimates that about 571,000 facilities are subject to this rule. Some states also regulate oil storage tanks. GAO determined (1) how EPA regions implement the SPCC program, (2) the data EPA has to implement and evaluate the program, and (3) whether some states' tank programs suggest ways for EPA to improve its program. GAO surveyed all 10 EPA regions and interviewed officials in EPA and six states selected on the basis of experts' recommendations, among other criteria ...

Aboveground Oil Storage Tanks: More Complete Facility Data Could Improve Implementation of EPA's Spill Prevention Program

In 2000 there were 6215 substantiated pollution incidents involving oil, a 15 per cent increase on the number of incidents in 1999. Environment Agency data indicate that that a large number of these could have been prevented if the oil had been stored in adequately bunded tank systems. This report provides detailed guidance on the design, construction and use of proprietary prefabricated above-ground bunded oil storage tank systems for use in domestic, agricultural and industrial applications. Oil storage tank systems of steel or plastic construction up to 140,000 litres are reviewed and the use of mobile oil storage bowsers is also included. This report assesses the level of environmental protection offered by these types of systems against common causes of oil pollution and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid them. It offers good practice recommendations, which are designed to minimise the risk of oil pollution.