Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Inspection

Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Inspection

Enviroshield performs aboveground storage tank inspections that satisfy EPA Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan requirements. Certified inspections conform to the following industry standards:



  • SP001-00 – Steel Tank Institute: Standard for Inspection of In-Service Shop Fabricated Aboveground Tanks for Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquid
  • API 650 Appendix J – American Petroleum Institute: Shop-Assembled Storage Tanks
  • API 12F – American Petroleum Institute: Specification for Shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids
  • UL 142 – Underwriters Laboratory: Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids


AST Inspection Requirements

Inspection requirements are site specific. Facility size, tank type (single or double wall), tank position (vertical or horizontal) and size are some of the items that must be taken into account at an initial site visit to firmly identify inspection requirements.

Our aim is to work with you in order to help you satisfy current regulatory requirements. This is also a bottom line issue because sound inspection and maintenance practices can prevent the serious environmental consequences brought about by leaking storage facilities.



Certified Inspection Addresses the Following Items Depending on the Tank:

  • Water in tank
  • Welds
  • Spill containers
  • Tank supports
  • Tank tightness
  • Fuel in interstice
  • Pipe connections
  • Site drainage
  • Tank foundation
  • Tank shell thickness
  • Leak detection system check
  • Vents
  • Emergency vent O-ring gasket
  • Review of cathodic protection results

Inspection Details

Ultrasonic Testing

To determine shell thickness, Enviroshield employs the latest in Ultrasonic testing/scanning technology to obtain thickness measurements.

We are able to gauge true metal thickness measurements even when a surface is coated or painted.

The measurement of tank wall thickness to ascertain the impact of corrosion is extremely important, since very often corrosion cannot be detected via visual inspection. Corrosion will weaken steel and could lead to system failures.

Visual Interior & Exterior Tank Inspection

Specialized training and consideration are prerequisites to work in confined areas. Enviroshield technicians possess the equipment and experience to safely work in environments with limited air supply and areas with explosive potential.

Since the majority of ASTs are mounted, OSHA training again comes into play since technicians must use appropriate, safe procedures to accomplish the exterior inspection without incident.

Corrosion Control / Cathodic Protection (CP)

As with underground storage tanks, safety and environmental regulations require corrosion control for aboveground fuel storage tanks and associated piping that come into contact with the ground. As part of a certified inspection, past cathodic protection test results are reviewed to maintain compliance with state guielines and regulations.

Inspection Background

Several tank failures with serious environmental and economic impacts generated new industry standards and regulations. These new standards and regulations call for tank integrity management and inspection programs.

The EPA requires the preparation of a Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) plan for any facility that has aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 1320 gallons. ASTs located inside and outside of buildings are included. All facilities are regulated to the same standard regardless of storage capacity and many commercial and industrial sites in New England are impacted.

A portion of the SPCC requirements dictates that qualified tank inspectors are to perform certified tank inspections of aboveground tanks that store combustible and flammable liquids.

As part of its prevention program, EPA personnel reportedly conduct periodic on-site inspections of facilities. These inspections often involve a walk-through of the facility to evaluate implementation of spill prevention and response measures.

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