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Sometimes the tank location is obvious, and other times not so much. The location must consider access for construction and long-term use. Access to roads, rail, or pipelines must be considered. Is the site accessible during adverse weather? Experience informs us that vacant property is not necessarily the ideal location because of existing issues that have already been identified.
Tank builders can review geotechnical conditions to accommodate both natural and manmade obstacles which can affect possible construction. Items that must be considered include:
- Soil quality and strength
- High groundwater tables
- Abandoned foundations or past construction remnants
- The presence of buried utilities
- Past site contamination
Access and supporting equipment may require at least 30 feet of clear area around the tank. The total amount of space required will depend on the tank’s type and size, the secondary containment method selected for the tank, and the space needed for supporting infrastructure.
The surrounding area should be evaluated for aboveground and buried utilities. Setbacks to various utilities should be considered and honored based on product stored in the tank. It is also wise to consider space for future expansion.
In the event of a failure, industry standards require secondary containment. Options include:
- Construction of earthen or lined dikes around the tanks
- Building the storage tank inside of a slightly larger containment tank. It requires the least amount of space but may also be more expensive.
The staging location should be accessible to facilitate deliveries and allow equipment and materials to arrive at the construction site. Construction of field erected storage tanks involves handling large pieces of steel using heavy equipment. These materials must be conveniently placed during the building process to avoid delays on the project.
