Tank Talk - Bulk Fuel Podcast

Tank Talk dives deep into the world of bulk fuel systems by reviving a listener favorite: Oil-Water Separators(OWS). This episode provides an informative exploration of the mechanics and importance of OWS Systems in fuel storage. Shannon discusses how these systems are essential for separating oil from water to prevent contamination, detailing the operational principles, maintenance best practices...

Colin Doherty from Sundog Charters joins us to reveal the thrills of pioneering fuel delivery throughout Alaska's secluded communities. As we chart the course of Sundog Charters' evolution, we uncover the meticulous dance with regulations and nature's whims that underpin the lifeblood of Alaskan remote delivery. Colin crafts a vivid picture of the strategic pivot from utilizing DOT-...

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of overfill prevention valves as bulk fuel storage expert Shannon Oelkers addresses a listener request. We learn how to recognize and locate an overfill prevention valve on a tank before diving into how they operate and why they are essential. Our conversation covers the valve's role in SPCC regulation and how those can vary between different states, follow...

Prepare to be enlightened as we sit down with David Kapla, General Manager at Greer Steel Inc., whose integral role in shaping Alaska's infrastructure is as sturdy as the tanks his company creates. David unravels the intricate journey of tank manufacturing and what goes into crafting a resilient liquid storage solution. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a masterclass in under...

Have you ever considered the potential chaos when a single person is tasked with industrial recordkeeping? We open your eyes to the dangers of such practices, including the creation of information silos and the vulnerability that comes with employee turnover. In the wake of a terminal manager's recordkeeping blunder, we dissect the repercussions that ripple through an organization, leading to...

Grab your headphones and tune into our insightful discussion with expert guest, Shannon Oelkers, who discusses the essential subject of record keeping. She helps us unravel the relevance of context in record keeping, using anexample of secondary containment area drainage. Get ready, as she reveals how missing details could have significant implications in the future.  As we venture deeper, Shannon...

Discover the tangled world of record-keeping and how to streamline your system to avoid confusion and extra work. Our founder, Shannon Oelkers, brings her expertise to the table as we unravel the complications of writing permits and the effects of a poorly structured setup. We highlight the importance of executive decisions, quality control, and navigating the maze of regulatory compliance renewal...

Ever wonder why record keeping in the bulk fuel storage industry seems to be such a formidable task? Is it the operational demands, the maze of multiple permits, or the lack of accountability? Our industry expert Shannon Oelkers sheds light on these challenges to kick-start our Recordkeeping series. She points out the key hurdles terminal managers face, including the balancing act of multiple resp...

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of vapor capture and control technology? Or how the unexpected chill of cold weather could seriously impact system performance? Well, you're in for a treat with this episode! We had the pleasure of speaking with the Application Engineering Manager at John Zink,  Emily Rohr. John Zink is an established name in the combustion world from the 1920s to...

Join us as we kick off a lively discussion exploring the complex subject of air permitting. We jump right in with the Clean Air Act and  the role the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays in regulating hazardous air pollutants. Shannon guides us through understanding both the EPA and the state's jurisdiction in air permitting, and reveals the unique system of air permitting regulations...

Does the thought of a facility inspection make your palms sweaty? Fear not, as we take you on an enlightening journey to better understand agencies and regulations involved in inspecting bulk fuel storage facilities in Alaska. In this episode, Shannon discusses the crucial role of preparation and guides us on restricting the scope of an inspection - keeping it strictly focused on the specific perm...

 We've got a treat for you. Tom D'Alessandro joins us from OMNTEC, an industry titan who gives us a riveting tour of the tank gauging world. From understanding how temperature, wind load, and fuel weight affect volume to the important role magneto-restrictive technology plays in achieving accuracy and repeatability, Tom opens a new vista into the dynamics of tank monitoring systems.  Tom...

Are you ready to become an expert in managing secondary containment areas? Buckle up as Shannon guides you through the process of clean water de-watering in containment zones. We tackle the nitty-gritty, from inspecting water for oil or sheen before discharge to laying out the standard procedures to initiate and halt containment drainage. We explain what to do when sheen or fuel is spotted and del...

Are you prepared to navigate the complexities of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC)? Well, you're in luck! SPCC expert Shannon Oelkers is ready to guide you through the maze of this federal regulation applicable to all facilities storing over 1,320 gallons of petroleum oil or lubricants. Join us as we review why an updated SPCC is a legal requirement and a shield a...

Ever wondered how SPCC plans and STI inspections work hand-in-hand? This episode with Shannon delves into previous changes to the SPCC requirements over time, and how they impact the inspections of bulk fuel storage tanks. We also highlight the specific SPCC regulation, 40 CFR 128 C6, and the STI-SP001 standard, their origins, and application areas. Shannon shares her extensive knowledge, highligh...

Who knew that the world of fuel storage could be so riveting? In the latest episode of Tank Talk, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Integrity Environmental founder, Shannon Oelkers, to discuss the ins and outs of bulk fuel storage regulations, safety , and everything SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure). Now, brace yourself for an in-depth and insightful journey into the ra...

 Get ready to expand your knowledge of containment liners with our special guests, Brad Hochberger and Craig Hoffman from Seaman Corporation . Their expertise in the containment liner industry will enlighten you on the construction nuances of the XR5 Geo-Membrane Liner and the primer and adhesive coat that gives it its durability. You'll also learn how to identify potential issues and extend...

Shannon gives us an enlightening perspective on joint accountability, where more than one person is tasked with real-time record-keeping to eliminate inaccuracies and reduce risk. From the potential pitfalls of a singular record-keeper to the devastating aftermath of a notice of violation from the State or EPA, Shannon sheds light on what’s at stake when accountability goes awry.   But that’s not...

Ever wondered about the unsung heroes of the bulk fuel industry? Meet Greg Gladieux from ARG Industrial , our passionate guest who'll guide us through the fascinating bulk fuel hose systems world. A true Alaskan at heart, Greg brings a unique perspective on his state's rugged beauty and how it sets the tone for his work. Listen in as we begin our journey discussing the different types of...

Are you struggling with record-keeping for bulk fuel storage? Feel like you keep missing crucial details or, worse yet, overdoing it? Join us as we sit down with Shannon Oelkers, a seasoned expert in the field who helps us decode the intricate labyrinth of record-keeping. Shannon illuminates the importance of context, revealing telltale signs of context issues, hyper-detailed or too-perfect record...

 Master the art of record keeping in the bulk fuel storage industry as Shannon Oelkers, our founding expert, guides us through this mind-bending labyrinth. We're setting the stage with an in-depth exploration of the three pillars of record keeping, taking a hard look at the hurdles that arise from poor setup. Are you constantly duplicating efforts across numerous records or stumbling through...

Why is record keeping such a daunting task in the bulk fuel storage industry? You're in for a treat as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Shannon Oelkers, the founder and principal consultant at Integrity Environmental. We illuminate the intricate dance between regulatory compliance, operational demands, and varied industry standards that make record-keeping seem like a Herculean...

 Are you ready to unravel the mystery of floating roofs on bulk fuel tanks? Join us on an informative journey with our returning guest Shannon Oelkers, a well-respected principal consultant and expert in bulk fuel storage with Integrity Environmental. Shannon demystifies the complex topic of floating roofs, a vapor control system essential for storing flammable materials. But that's not all!...

Ever wondered how an oil-water separator works? Or the challenges in maintaining them? Or how guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affect their use and maintenance? Shannon enlightens us on all these aspects, making sense of these unique machines in our day-to-day life. But it's not all technical talk; Shannon also shares her insights on the unique working life in Alaska....

 Considering the problems that can arise from a poorly labeled fuel tank? At first glance, it might seem like labeling a fuel tank is a simple task, but Shannon joins us to discuss why it's anything but. In a deep-dive discussion, we explore the complexities around regulations and engineering standards that may provide challenges. Shannon sheds light on the importance of accurate tank identif...