Keep in mind that even with this method of
sizing, at any given time some of the fuel in
the tank will be over a year old. In the case of a
UST or an AST with the fuel supply line piped
through the top, a portion of the tank contents,
including fuel residues and oxidized fuel, may
be much older.
In areas close to salt water, such as beach
communities, it may be prudent to install even
smaller tanks and monitor for water accumulations
more frequently. This aides in minimizing
increased corrosive effects from the tank
“breathing” salt air.
2. Regulations
Always follow the regulations from the local
authority having jurisdiction, including those
for setbacks and clearances.
There are requirements for distances from:
R Fuel fired equipment
R Property lines
R Buildings, doors and windows
R Air intakes
R Gas and electric service ports
R Combustion exhausts
10 National Oilheat Research Alliance
3. Location
Tanks can be installed indoors or outdoors.
Outdoor tanks can be installed either above the
ground or underground.
Where space and applicable regulations
allow, NORA believes the benefits associated
with indoor installation support the policy of
installing tanks indoors whenever possible.
Take the following into consideration
when selecting a tank location:
Proximity to drains, wells and or water
courses: The tank and/or the associated piping
should be located so that, should an accidental
release occur, fuel will not have a pathway to
a surface water body, an onsite potable well, a
storm drain system or a septic system.
Installers should ask the homeowner to
identify any yard drains, sump pits, foundation
drains, wells or septic systems on the property.
Basement sump pump pits and foundation
drains can provide a pathway for the fuel to
travel when a release occurs from an indoor
tank.
The tank location, piping configuration,
siphon potential and containment alternatives
NORA recommends installing
tanks indoors whenever possible