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Fall Tasks for Storage Tank Facilities Managers
By Daryl R. Valley
 As fall moves along and winter approaches, we all have
a list of fall/winter tasks that need to be completed. One task
that storage tank facility operators may overlook involves updating
training procedures for all operational aspects of their facility
and ensuring that all employees are informed of changes to spill
response and general safe operational practices. Ensuring that
facility employees receive proper and current operations and spill
response training is crucial, especially during this time of year,
as weather and other factors can conspire to raise the risk of an
accident or tank system damage. Chemical and petroleum products
terminals typically have a high incidence of spills on their truck
load racks, as this is where the most activity is typically
conducted. Fortunately, if facility management takes some time now
to refresh employees on health and safety and operational
procedures, these risks can be controlled and incidents virtually
eliminated. This small amount of effort is worth it as it can
reduce the risk of a potentially costly cleanup at a storage
facility.
Besides keeping up with training, it is typically now more
important at this time of year, particularly at busier heating
fuels storage facilities, that regular inspection and assessment of
the condition of aboveground (and underground) storage tank systems
is emphasized, including heating oil or other petroleum/chemical
product storage tanks. Just a 15- minute visual inspection of your
tank system and check of all valves, piping, and fill/vent lines
may help identify a problem or potential problem at your facility.
We recommend that tank owners and managers regularly check the tank
and all structural supports for signs of rusting, weathering, and
other signs of the potential for a loss in integrity. No matter its
location, an aboveground storage tank can rupture suddenly, if not
properly maintained. It is also important to assess the conditions
and stability of containment areas and any sort of footing or other
support associated with an active tank, piping, and/or loading
facility. Excess organic debris (such as grass and leaves) should
be removed from around any outside tanks, lines, etc., as they can
trap moisture against the bottom or sides of a tank and lead to
enhanced rusting. Also, some thought should be given to outside
tanks and whether they are located in an area where falling snow or
ice could damage the tank, product lines, or dispensers. We suggest
the regular removal of excess snow or frozen precipitation from
tanks and their associated appurtenances to minimize physical
damage to a facility and keep a safer work environment for
personnel that actively utilize storage tanks areas.
Over the years, AES has assisted multiple clients with their
storage tank questions and situations. If we can assist you with an
assessment of your storage tank (s), including repair,
modification, or replacement of a tank; closure of a tank; upgrades
to a current storage tank facility; preparation of a
facility-specific health and safety, operations, and spill response
plan; or general compliance issues, please call us at (888)
844-2371.
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Local Electric Utility
Companies Offer Money Saving Programs
-By Elizabeth M. Cushman
 As part of Act 129 passed in 2008 with a goal of
reducing electricity consumption and demand, PPL Electric Utilities
Corporation recently submitted an energy efficiency and
conservation (EE&C) plan to the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (PUC), who approved the plan yesterday (October 15). As
many of you are already aware, PPL's rate caps expire in less than
3 months on January 1, and according to PUC, some customers could
see a rate increase of up to 60%. As previously discussed in other
Common Ground newsletter issues, it's important and an excellent
time to assess your home or business's energy consumption and areas
for improvement. To assist customers, PPL will be offering the
following programs, among others, through its EE&C plan:
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- EnergyStar
and high-efficiency rebate programs;
- Compact
fluorescent lighting (CFL) rebate programs for residential
customers;
- An
appliance recycling program to encourage replacement of
inefficient units;
- Residential
audit programs and rebates for completing audit
recommendations;
- A
low-income Winter Relief Assistance Program; and,
- A
time of use (TOU) plan, which includes varying rates for
customers during peak and non-peak times and seasonal rates.
The EE&C plan also provides incentives and relief for
commercial, non-profit, government, and industrial customers to
increase their energy efficiency. Similar EE&C plans have also
been submitted by Allegheny Power, Duquesne Light, MetEd, PECO
Energy, Penelec, and Penn Power - Allegheny Power's and PECO
Energy's plans were also accepted yesterday. The submitted plans
are intended to reduce consumption by 1% in May 2011 and 3% in May
2013, as well as other reduction requirements. You can keep up to
date with developments at the PUC website and your electric
provider's website.
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Vapor Intrusion during Colder Seasons and Impact to Indoor
Air Quality
-By Kerk Halberg
 With the upcoming cooler temperatures and associated
weather that comes along with it, more and more people will be
spending less time outside and more time inside their residences
and offices with closed doors and windows. This brings with it
enhanced chances for indoor air quality concerns due to less fresh
air recycling and overall ventilation.
One possible source of concern for adverse impact to indoor air
that we at AES are often consulted with involves vapor intrusion
associated with volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), including
petroleum hydrocarbons. Many residences and commercial/industrial
properties contain USTs or ASTs located on or around their
properties containing volatile chemicals or petroleum products that
may leak in the surrounding soil or subsurface. Also, if your home
or office is located within or near an active environmental
remediation case involving VOCs, potential risks associated with
resultant vapor intrusion into buildings - and thus breathing
spaces - exists. VOCs, including petroleum compounds from diesel
fuel, heating oil, or gasoline can also contribute to the quality
of the air people breathe. Vapor intrusion can be considered a
threat if structures are located within 100 feet of a subsurface
source where VOC concentrations are greater than their perspective
MCLs. More and more, AES is being asked to work on projects
involving installation of soil vapor points and sampling of soil
gas as part of vapor intrusion investigations. This is done to both
monitor for and/or mitigate any adverse or potential adverse impact
by chemical vapor intrusion to the buildings that we occupy. As
these buildings are normally tightly shut and sealed during the
colder months, this pathway of potential chemical impact becomes
more critical at this time of year. Within Pennsylvania, vapor intrusion
considerations and testing is regulated under the guidelines set by
the PADEP Act 2 Land Recycling Program.
For assistance on any vapor intrusion risk that you may have
ongoing or are presently concerned with, feel free to call on an
AES professional anytime.
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Seeking Employment?
-By Brian J. Beahan, P.G., CHMM President
 We are always interested in speaking with qualified
professionals to join our team. We appreciate your referrals of
business and now are seeking your referrals for qualified
environmental and geologic consulting professionals. If you know of
anyone who is seeking a change and a challenging new direction in
their career, where creativity and solutions-oriented thinking really
make a difference, please pass on our contact information.
Find out more....
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Our customers have approached us with problems, we've
understood what needed to be done and we've provided appropriate
solutions. Our mission statement, indeed our company as a whole, is
centered on meeting this objective. May we put our quality,
client-centered environmental solutions to work for you too?
On behalf of the staff of Alternative Environmental
Solutions, Inc., I invite you to experience the value we add to your
business.
Sincerely,
Brian J. Beahan, P.G., CHMM
Alternative Environmental Solutions
email: aes1@altenv.com
phone: 717-517-5000
fax: 717-517-5004
web: http://www.altenv.com
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