Power plants store a variety of materials in tanks, including fuel oil for boilers, fuel for backup generators and different types of additives for water treatment. If your campus power plant has aboveground storage tanks, then they probably are subject to some environmental regulations.

These are a few of the issues that concern the EPA with regard to storage tanks:

• People responding to emergencies need to be aware of what materials might be stored on site, where they are, what quantities they hold, etc.
• Tanks must be operated and maintained in a way that minimizes potential risk to the environment.
• Tank containment systems must protect against oil spills from reaching navigable waters of the United States.

To develop a better understanding of environmental laws, regulations and best practices associated with aboveground storage tanks at a campus power plant, continue on with this EVC tour.