Fuel Storage Tanks

Choosing the Right Fuel Storage Tank

One of the main considerations when shopping for a new commercial fuel storage tank is whether or not you want an above or below ground unit. Ultimately, the right choice for your business will depend on many different factors, including how much fuel you require, what your budget is, and the amount of space you have available. Here are some things to think about:

Above-ground tanks are less expensive to install because there’s no need to dig up your property.

They are also easier to inspect and test for leaks, which makes passing an environmental audit easier. If you require maintenance or repairs, the easier accessibility of an above-ground tank will save you money as well. Above-ground tanks are subject to a different set of environmental regulations than below-ground units. With an above-ground tank, the key concern is managing the risks of having a large exposed store of flammable liquid.

Below-ground tanks save you these risks and also free up space on your property.

The main disadvantage of below-ground tanks is that they are more expensive to install and maintain. They can also make it more difficult to detect leaks, which makes it harder to intervene earlier and prevent contamination. Buried fuel storage tanks are also more costly to move, which can be a concern if you wish to relocate or expand your business.

The other key consideration when choosing a fuel storage tank is size. Since propane and heating oil are both highly stable, there are few risks involved in the long-term storage of either. However, larger tanks are more expensive and cumbersome to deal with. Properly assessing your fuel needs over the course of the year is key to picking a fuel tank that will maximize your time between fill-ups while reducing your installation costs. To learn more about what’s involved in choosing the right unit for your needs, contact Shipley Energy for assistance.