How Fuel Regulations Are Shaping Fuel Tanks

Whether you’re a fuel distributor or a construction manager, you know ready and available fuel is the backbone of your business — and that means on-site bulk fuel storage. 

But the world of fuel storage is rapidly changing: New regulatory demands are driving the transformation of fuel tanks from simple steel containers to sophisticated assets. The result? Smart tanks that future-proof and safeguard your business from stringent safety and environmental mandates. 

Let’s explore the future of fuel tank regulations and three critical trends you should know about. 

The Fire Safety Shift: Moving to UL 2085

The longtime fire safety standard for above-ground storage tankshas beenUL 142. Set by the widely recognized Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the UL 142 standard covers most fuel storage tanks designed to store non-corrosive, stableflammableand combustible liquids — diesel and gas.

These requirements shape the materials, design, testing requirements and marking of tanks to ensurethey’recompliant. The goal: Minimize the risk of flammable liquid storage to keep workers safe and fuel pure.

Today, however, some fire marshals and other local authorities increasinglyrequirepermanently installed fuel tanks meet a more recent, robust standard: UL 2085. Designed for increased protection, UL 2085 often requires tanks be built with double walls to withstand a 2-hour fire and protect against physical damage. Read about the differences between UL142 and UL 2085 regulations here, and explore our new fire protected FirePro UL2085 Fuel Tank.

Whilethere’sno federal mandate, UL 2085 is increasingly required by local fire codes (often based on NFPA 30) on urban or high-risk jobsites. Why? Because it meets a higher safety standard than UL142, UL2085 tanks are often allowed reduced setback distances – meaning it can be placed closer to property lines and other buildings – to make the most of limited space whilestill keepingsurrounding structures safe.

Regulations Drive Real-Time Tracking Innovations

The Environmental Protection Agency continues to enforce rigorous standards for leak detection and spill prevention under the SPCC rule. And these higher standards can place a higher operational burden on businesses struggling to meet them using manual checks. Thankfully, technological advancements now allow tanks to do the checking for you. 

Enter tank sensors. These tracking devices embedded in a tank monitor fuel levels and additional aspects of the tank in real time, becoming a strategic compliance asset for operations. 

Sensors can prevent spills by providing real-time alerts when a tank is overfilled or possibly leaking, allowing teams to proactively prevent spills and costly incidents. Sensors also inform digital records, documenting operational history and drastically simplifying required compliance audits. 

Forward-Thinking Compatibility for Biofuels

As the global movement toward sustainability increases, so do mandates around alternative fuels. Specifically, the advent of high-percentage biodiesel blends (such as B20) has pushed tank designs to adapt to their unique storage challenges. 

EPA regulations already require that owners of underground tanks must demonstrate compatibility for storing certain biodiesel blends. In response, forward-thinking operators of above-ground tanks are adopting the same rigorous standards for their storage. 

Some modern, above-ground tanks now include specialized, corrosion-resistant materials that can protect against leaks and liability for various fuel types. That includes renewable diesel, a direct drop-in alternative that contains the same base material as biodiesel. 

Futureproofing Your Business With Modern, Compliant Tanks

Double-walled, transportable Western Global tanks are built specifically for compliance at the complex intersections of modern fuel storage. Our tanks’ 110% containment design inherently meets SPCC secondary containment requirements.  

They’re also designed to accommodate advanced fuel monitoring and emerging fuel challenges. The goal: Ensure your fuel is compliant, safe and productive on any jobsite.

Ready to explore the new shape of modern fuel storage? Find your tank today, view our entire tank lineup or get in touch with our expert team.