Removal of Fuel Storage Tanks
This document is intended only as a general guidance document. It is not a step by step guide of “How to Remove Fuel Storage Tanks (FSTs).” It is applicable to both Underground Storage Tanks and to Aboveground Storage Tanks.
The removal of Fuel Storage Tanks (FSTs) is a dangerous procedure, whether they are located above or below ground. Only a person with experience in removing FSTs that contain flammable liquids should be involved.
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) must be consulted prior to any FST removal. GEFA has been empowered and directed by the Governor’s Executive Order dated June 23, 2004 to coordinate, direct, review, approve and monitor the installation and operation of all fuel storage facilities owned and operate by state’s departments, agencies, authorities, boards, bureaus, commissions, councils, and corporations. GEFA will provide guidance on the proper procedures for FST removal and could potentially have funding available to remove the FSTs.
Underground Fuel Storage Tanks (USTs) are regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Aboveground Fuel Storage Tanks (ASTs) are regulated by the State of
Steps in FST Removal
Remove the FST or close in place. It is preferred to remove a FST than to close in place. The State Fire Marshall and GEFA must be consulted, and approval obtained, in order to close a FST in place.
FST Contents. Regardless what product is stored in the FST, (gasoline, diesel, aviation gas, kerosene, used oil, biodiesel) it should be pumped out and disposed of properly prior to any FST removal activities.
Utility Location. The onsite facility manager should inspect the site records and blueprints to locate any underground utilities in the vicinity of the FSTs. The National Utility Locator phone number is 1 (888) 258-0808 and the Georgia Utility Locator phone number is 1 (800) 282-7411. These hotlines must be called a minimum of four business days prior to any digging. These hotlines contact the utilities that are located in the area. The utility companies will send representatives out to the site to mark out utilities.
Safety Concerns. There are numerous questions that must be asked before the FST removal activities start.
- Is the electricity turned off?
- Has public access to the FST removal area been limited?
- Have all ignition sources been removed from the area?
- Are the workers wearing the proper personal protection equipment (PPE)?
- Should the FSTs be vented? If so, how?
These are but a few questions that should be asked before any digging starts. GEFA should be contacted to ask these questions before work commences.
Environmental Regulations. The GEPD has issued specific regulations affecting UST removal and the environmental samples that must be obtained during such removal. A GEPD approved laboratory must be engaged to analyze these environmental samples. If the sampling deviates from the GEPD regulations in location, collection procedures, or analysis of the samples, the GEPD will require those locations be resampled. GEFA must be contacted to ensure that this is done properly.
FST Removal. GEFA must be contacted before any removal activities are initiated. The FST removal will include the disposal of the dispensers, product lines, vent lines, and the FSTs themselves. After all FST components have been removed, the environmental samples must be collected and shipped off to a laboratory within the specified timeframe.
Post-FST Removal Activities. The removed FSTs must be destroyed! They cannot be reused in any way. The FSTs should be destroyed by a company that is experienced in the disposal of FSTs. A UST Closure Report documenting the FST removal activities must be submitted to GEPD after USTs are removed. GEFA must be contacted for all post-FST removal activities as well.
Last updated: February 6, 2006