Fuel leaks can cause lasting damage to soil, water, and wildlife. Double-walled tanks provide reliable secondary protection, helping prevent costly contamination and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Improper handling of fuel storage can have a significant impact on the environment, potentially leading to soil and groundwater contamination — or worse. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective spill-prevention measures and cleanup procedures to minimise environmental damage.
In typical storage tank failures, between 1,000 and 5,000 litres of fuel may be released before detection.
Double-Walled Fuel Storage Tank Technology
Double-walled fuel storage tanks feature 2 complete containment barriers: an inner vessel for fuel storage and an outer shell providing secondary containment.
Secondary Containment Capacity: The outer wall contains 110% of the inner tank’s capacity, preventing environmental release in the event of a primary containment failure.
Integrated Leak Detection: Field studies and operational data show these systems reduce environmental incidents by up to 94% compared to single-walled alternatives.
AS 1940:2017 – Safety Essentials for Fuel Storage Tanks
- Secondary Containment: Tanks should include bunding or double-walled construction to manage potential spills.
- Corrosion Protection: Steel tanks should have corrosion protection and be inspected regularly.
- Leak Detection: Tanks with secondary containment should have a method to detect leaks.
- Ventilation: Tanks should have vents and adequate ventilation to manage vapours.
- Structural Stability: Tanks should be installed on stable foundations and designed for expected environmental loads.
Ecosystem Protection
Diesel and petrol contain compounds harmful to aquatic life at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm. Double-walled fuel tanks help prevent these chemicals from reaching waterways, protecting fish, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.
Petroleum spills also disrupt soil ecosystems by killing beneficial microorganisms. Properly contained fuel storage preserves soil health, and the ecosystem services it supports.
- Agricultural Operations
Australian farms store significant volumes of diesel for agricultural equipment and irrigation systems. Using compliant fuel storage tanks helps protect water resources and supports the safe operation of farm machinery.
- Mining and Remote Operations
Mining and construction sites in remote locations face unique environmental challenges. Transportable double-walled fuel storage tanks allow operations to implement proper containment at remote worksites, eliminating environmental risks associated with inadequate temporary storage.
- Commercial and Industrial Facilities
Manufacturing facilities, transport depots, and commercial operations require reliable fuel storage with minimal environmental risk. Modern fuel storage tanks with integrated pumping and monitoring systems provide operational efficiency while maintaining environmental protection.
Operational Efficiency
Modern fuel storage tanks with integrated monitoring and pumping systems reduce fuel losses from evaporation and spillage compared to older systems.
- Capacity Planning
Proper sizing of fuel storage tanks balances operational requirements with risk management. Oversized tanks increase the volume of fuel at risk, while undersized tanks compromise operational efficiency. Capacity should align with consumption patterns and delivery schedules.
- Site Assessment
Optimal placement of fuel storage tanks considers proximity to waterways, ground permeability, and potential environmental impact pathways. Even compliant tanks benefit from strategic siting that minimises risk exposure.
- Monitoring Systems
Automated monitoring integrated into fuel storage tanks enables early detection of potential issues before environmental impact occurs. This technology should be considered a standard specification rather than optional enhancement.
- Maintenance Programs
Regular inspection and maintenance protocols ensure fuel storage tanks maintain design performance throughout their service life.
- Compliance Documentation
Maintaining comprehensive records of fuel storage tank specifications, inspection schedules, and maintenance activities supports regulatory compliance and demonstrates environmental due diligence.
- Staff Training
Personnel operating fuel storage tanks require training on monitoring systems, proper dispensing procedures, and emergency response protocols to maximise system effectiveness.
Modern double-walled fuel storage tanks represent a proven solution for environmental protection in commercial and industrial fuel storage applications. Investing in compliant fuel storage tanks delivers measurable returns through avoided environmental incidents, reduced insurance costs, improved fuel management, and regulatory compliance.
For organisations committed to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, double-walled fuel storage tanks meeting AS1940:2017 standards provide a solid foundation for sustainable fuel management practices. Environmental protection and operational efficiency are not competing priorities; properly specified fuel storage tanks deliver both simultaneously.
