Tank Talk - Bulk Fuel Podcast

Most industrial property acquisitions include a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Many also include a Phase II. But what if some of the biggest environmental liabilities aren't covered by either?  In this episode of Tank Talk, Shannon and Haley explore the environmental compliance risks that often go unnoticed during due diligence and why those risks can impact valuation, profitability,...

Agency inspections are a routine part of operating a bulk fuel facility, but that doesn’t make them any less stressful. In this episode of Tank Talk, Shannon breaks down what inspectors are actually looking for, how facilities can prepare ahead of time, and the common issues that can turn a smooth inspection into a difficult one.  From recordkeeping and staff preparedness to housekeeping, secondar...

SPCC plans are one of the most common - and most misunderstood - regulatory requirements in the bulk fuel industry. While the plan itself may seem straightforward, proving compliance is where things get complicated.  In this episode, we kick off a new SPCC Basics series by breaking down one of the biggest pain points for facility operators: recordkeeping. From routine inspections to “as-needed” do...

Ever feel confident you’re following the rules… only to find out the rules changed?  In this episode of Tank Talk, Shannon and Haley talk about one of the most common compliance pitfalls in environmental operations: regulations evolving quietly in the background while day-to-day operations keep moving.  Just like driving down a familiar road where the speed limit suddenly changed, facilities can u...

In this episode of Tank Talk , we sit down with Senior Environmental Consultant Leslie Pearson for a first-person account of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and how it reshaped spill prevention and response in Alaska and across the nation.  Leslie shares her firsthand experience working on the response in 1989, from documenting shoreline impacts in Seward to navigating the early days of incident comman...

Analytical sampling is a critical part of environmental compliance - and it’s one area where small mistakes can quickly become expensive problems.  With the upcoming release of the 2026 Alaska Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), and the new requirement for benchmark sampling for multiple sectors, many facilities will be performing analytical samples for the first time starting this year. In this e...

If there’s one thing every bulk fuel facility has in common, it’s this: nothing stays the same for long - and your plans and permits shouldn’t either. In this episode, Shannon and Haley dig into one of the most misunderstood (and most frequently violated) compliance requirements out there: plan amendments .  Why are amendment rules so confusing? Because every regulation - SPCC, FRP, MSGP, ODPCP -...

As the year winds down, many facilities are gearing up for winter operations, year-end reviews, and planning out 2026 maintenance and training. For our December episode, we’re bringing back one of the most practical and most downloaded episodes we’ve ever released: The Tank Toolbox .  This replay is packed with free, high-value resources every bulk fuel manager should have bookmarked. Whether you&...

Permafrost is stable - until it isn’t. As Arctic industries continue to expand, the ground below our fuel tanks and pipelines is literally thawing, causing dangerous settlement and structural failure.  In this episode, we’re joined by Ed Yarmak, President of Arctic Foundations Inc., a pioneer in the development and installation of thermosyphon technology - the passive heat transfer systems used ac...

Walter Chartrand, chemist and trainer with the Aviation Training Association, joins Shannon to break down one of the most critical topics in fuel handling: fuel quality .  From what “Clean, Dry, On-Specification” really means to the Shore / Store / Deliver framework, Walter shares decades of experience in aviation fuels and storage. Listeners will learn how contaminants like water, solids, and mic...

What really happens to a tank at the end of its life? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it means for a tank to be “out of service” or “permanently closed,” and how those terms differ depending on the regulation in play - especially between 40 CFR 112 and Alaska’s 18 AAC 75. Shannon breaks down what’s required when tanks are removed or left in place, what documentation is needed, and h...

In this episode of Tank Talk , host Shannon Oelkers is joined by representatives from the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) to dig into Standard Practice 031 (STI SP031) - the industry guidance for repairing and modifying atmospheric shop-fabricated steel tanks. As steel prices rise and logistics become more complex, especially in places like Alaska, repairing exi...

In this episode of Tank Talk , host Shannon Oelkers sits down with two seasoned experts - Joe Mentzer , Standards Engineer at the Steel Tank Institute (STI/SPFA) , and Craig Fletcher , Principal of Fletcher Consultants, Inc. - for a deep dive into the STI SP001 standard and what it means for those managing aboveground storage tanks.  With over 60 years of combined industry experience, Joe and Crai...

In this episode of Tank Talk , Shannon and Cassie dive into the hot topic of AI and environmental compliance. Cassie Kuzis, part of the Integrity Environmental team, joins the podcast for the first time with Shannon to weigh in on AI. With AI tools becoming more common in operations, Shannon decided to run a little experiment: Can ChatGPT write a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC...

In this episode of Tank Talk , we dive into the often-misunderstood No Exposure Certification – what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s not a free pass from stormwater regulations. Shannon and Haley break down the 11 conditions required for this permit exclusion, discuss real-world compliance challenges, and explain why choosing between a SWPPP or a No Exposure Certification requires careful consi...

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) can be confusing - but they don’t have to be. In this episode of Tank Talk , we’re diving into the different types of SWPPPs, how they apply to various industries, and what you need to know to stay compliant. With the 2025 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) expected for Alaska soon, it’s the perfect time to brush up on the basics.  Join us as we brea...

In this episode of Tank Talk, we explore the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent Loper Bright decision with shareholder Andy Leman of Kemppel, Huffman & Ellis, P.C. Andy provides a straightforward overview of how this ruling shifts regulatory authority, its potential impact on industries, and what it means for environmental compliance moving forward. From court interpretations to agency...

Managing a bulk fuel storage facility can be complex, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. In this bonus episode of Tank Talk , Bulk Fuel Storage Expert Shannon Oelkers and Producer Haley Hall explore the top free resources available to tank farm managers to help streamline operations, improve safety, and ensure compliance. From instructional videos and detailed tank anatomy diagrams to spill re...

In this episode, we talk with Shannon Oelkers and Haley Hall from Integrity Environmental, diving into practical strategies for Alaska’s aging bulk fuel storage infrastructure. Shannon shares cost-effective tips, from managing water in tanks to maintaining connection points, all achievable for under $5,000 and with in-house labor. Learn how small changes like performing water draws, installing pre...

Join us on Tank Talk with Integrity Environmental as we dive into the inspiring journey of Michael O'Brien, a labor and employment lawyer from Davis Wright Tremaine in Fairbanks, Alaska. From Alaskan adventurer to employment law expert, Michael shares insights on the evolving labor landscape, including challenges in equitable overtime and the impact of generational shifts. We discuss how the...

Dave Ware, the co-founder of Aviation Training Academy, joins us as our guest on this episode. As a seasoned expert, Dave takes us behind the scenes of an industry where precision matters and strict adherence to aviation fuel and safety standards is necessary. Tune in as we address fuel handling, compliance, and innovative solutions, such as advanced fuel monitoring systems and fuel efficiency sof...

When you have an oil spill, it can be stressful, and the reporting process can be confusing. But, in this episode of Tank Talk, we break down the six critical steps to take immediately after a spill occurs, emphasizing the importance of rapid action and clear communication with authorities to minimize environmental impact. We also dive into the unique challenges terminal managers and operators fac...

During this episode of Tank Talk, we sit with Graham Wood from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to discuss Alaska's spill prevention and response strategies, most notably the revamped 485 Drill Program. Graham explains the updated regulations that took effect on February 5, 2023, and how it brings clarity to spill response exercises, making them more effective. We explore t...

In this episode, we dive into ADEC's 485 Drill Exercise Program, a vital initiative that ensures safety and preparedness in Alaska's fuel storage and transportation sectors. Join us as we explore the program's objectives and the rigorous training exercises involved in the significant impact of community and environmental protection. Hear firsthand accounts from experts who share the...

In this episode, we gear up for the warmer months, focusing on SPCCs and STIs. We'll break down the essentials of Spill Prevention and Countermeasure (SPCC)plans and how they integrate with Steel Tank Institute (STI) inspection standards to ensure robust fuel storage practices. Our experts will share practical tips and insights on maintaining compliance and operational efficiency during the b...