Storage Tanks

A storage tank can be described as an enclosed stationary container or structure that is designed or used to store regulated substances. Storage tanks are commonly made from materials such as metals, fiber reinforced plastics and other plastics, and even concrete. Tanks can generally be divided into two categories depending on their location:

• Above-ground Storage Tanks (AST)
  less than 10 percent beneath the surface of the ground
    
• Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
  10 percent or more buried beneath the surface of the ground

They commonly range in size from 110 to 10,000 gallons or more.

The Storage Tanks Program is responsible for inspecting facilities that store petroleum substances such as gasoline and diesel. This includes a wide range of establishments such as gas stations, hotels, hospitals and other non-retail facilities.

The program conducts annual inspections to verify that facility owners are complying with the necessary requirements that have been set up to prevent any discharges into the groundwater of Miami-Dade County. In addition to compliance inspections, the Storage Tanks program oversees removal and installation of new underground and aboveground storage systems to verify that these are conducted in accordance with applicable state and local regulations.

Another aspect of the program is to educate facility operators regarding the proper maintenance of the storage tank system in order to prevent potential contamination. It is through education, compliance and enforcement of storage tank facilities that this program aims to preserve our environment.