Above or Below: What Tank Style Meets Your Fuel Needs?

The storage of fuel or any other hazardous substances brings a lot of safety rules and regulations with it, and these also come into play when you are trying to decide which type of tank to go with. Overall, you’ll need to weigh a lot of factors into this decision, including the safety of the public, how you will protect groundwater and other concerns. When you are trying to choose between an above-ground or below-ground tank, here’s what to remember.

Plan for everything

A project the size of tank installation requires some planning in advance. You need to think about what your needs are now and what they may be down the road. This is very important because if you plan and accommodate for those future needs, it will be much easier to handle them than trying to change the project after it’s started or making massive alterations down the road. If you are unsure about what to do, consult with an experienced fuel construction company for help.

Start by deciding where you have space for your tank, as this can help drive your decision. If you have a decent amount of open space above ground and the placement makes sense, going above may work for you. However, if you are lacking in open, unused space or will need that space for something else in the future, below ground may be the way to go.

Learn the regulations

You should still be familiar with all the regulations regarding your new tank, even if you are using a professional company to install it. There are regulations for tanks that are above or below the ground, and these rules will vary depending on what you are going to hold in your tank.

Since a tank below the ground has higher risks involved with its placement–such as the contamination of area groundwater–there are more stringent guidelines for this style of tank. Tanks that are above ground have extra rules regarding access and safety, and they usually must be in a secure area to prevent any unauthorized access.

Work with professionals

After you have decided whether you need a petroleum tank above or below the ground, it’s time to contact professionals. If your tank is not installed properly and in accordance with regulations, you could be facing an expensive mess. Improperly installed tanks can leak or break down, and you could be left with fines and other governmental actions taken against you.

Choosing between a tank above or below the ground can be a difficult task, but once you have weighed your options, thought about the future and talked to a professional company about your project, you will be ready to go. Picking the right tank from the start and having it professionally installed is the key to a successful project outcome.