When it comes to petroleum management, precautionary measures are the name of the game. Titan manages over 17,000 individual sites extending across every state in the Union. Here is a list of the top 10 things we’ve learned over the past 10 years that compromise the compliance of many UST sites, causing fines and headaches for owners and operators.

1. Drop Tubes

Check to make sure gauge sticks or other obstructions are not in the Fuel Drop disabling the overfill device. Tampering with overfill equipment is illegal and can allow for a catastrophic release or overfill during your next fuel delivery.

2. Sumps

Water in sumps is a common problem. Obviously, water in direct contact with any metal component causes corrosion and this can compromise the integrity of your sump. At inspection, if water is found in your sump you will receive a violation.

3. Spill Kits

You must have a spill kit on site to enable proper response to emergencies before they become environmental catastrophes. If a spill occurs, the only way to properly dispose of the petroleum on the ground is through the use of a spill kit. By law, only an authorized spill kit provides the necessary tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) and vessel required to properly dispose of a petroleum spill. You’ll want to ensure your facility has the proper size spill kit and that this is readily available. Regulators will require these upon inspection.

4. Dispenser Calibrations

Improper dispenser calibrations cause unfavorable issues with ramifications for both tank owners and customers. Incorrect dispensing can result in valuable lost product for the UST owner. Alternatively, it may result in customer complaints due to improper charge rates. The latter often results in major legal issues and stiff fines by the Department of Weights and Measures.

5. Real-Time Release Detection Data

Having real-time release detection data, if properly monitored, prevents large releases and phase separation. The highest incident of phase separation occurs when ethanol is introduced into tanks. Ethanol combines with existing water in the tank and causes this separation. Expensive automobiles, such as Mercedes, which require higher octane gasoline, will seize or fail if phase separated gas particulates are introduced to their fuel systems. UST owners and operators are liable for all damages done to vehicles caused by phase separation.

6. ATGs

ATGs must be properly set up. If the sensors are not properly aligned, you will not be able to tell your fuel and water levels, eventually making all information from the ATG inaccurate. Another common problem is that if your ATG is not programmed to print appropriate reports, such as historical reports, you will receive a discrepancy on your inspection and can be fined.

7. Vent Pipes

If vent pipes are not properly capped petroleum vapor is released into the environment. Regulators will inspect these and if any releases are detected, the result is a failed inspection and fines.

8. Monthly Visual Inspections

These are important to determine that everything is operating properly in order to protect your assets. They verify that your tank stick is good quality, that there’s no water or debris in containment areas, and that all gas station components are labeled properly. These inspections can save you from potential fines and liabilities and are good practice for all UST owner/operators.

9. State (DEP/DEM) Notification/Certification

Make sure all your registrations and permits are current and on file. UST owners need to keep on file their UST registrations in order to get a delivery certificate. If you do not have a delivery certificate, you will be prevented by law from receiving fuel. You also must confirm that everything on the certificate is correct because any incorrect information will be noted as a violation on an inspection. You can receive stiff fines and penalties in the thousands of dollars for any incorrect information.

10. CP Rectifier

The CP Rectifier tells you the amperage and voltage readings for impressed current systems (systems in contact with metal). The rectifier indicates when there are changes or fluctuations in amperage or voltage, which may indicate a compromised corrosion protection system. Ensure you keep all readings on file for audits.