An Operator’s Response Guide to Fuel Contamination – Part Two of Two

What Proactive Steps Can My Fuel Site Take to Minimize the Impact of Contamination in the Future?

Once the distribution of contaminated fuel has been halted (See “Part One: I See Signs of Unacceptable Levels of Contamination in My Fuel. What Should I Do Immediately?”), operators should consider remediation strategies that will promote a long-term solution.

This approach enables corrective actions to be deployed in a timeframe that will reduce the impact of future financial losses (imagine ongoing treatment vs. inventory removal and replacement.)

Consider implementing these strategies as part of a long-term contamination management plan:

1. Having your tanks cleaned by a trained professional, especially if sludge has accumulated along the tank bottom, is the best way to thoroughly decontaminate the system.

2. Fuel polishing that is incorporated after tanks have been cleaned will optimize the quality of fuel. However, implementing fuel polishing in a system with tanks containing sludge or slime build-up will likely not yield significant improvements in fuel quality.

3. Develop a contamination management program that includes routine contamination monitoring procedures for water and fuel quality.

A standardized UST water testing routine should include thresholds that represent a “warning” level of contamination and an “action required” level of contamination. In most cases, “warning” levels will require increased testing and investigation and “action required” levels require immediate shutdown of pump.

If significant contamination is present in the water analysis, then it is recommended that operators follow-up with analysis of the fuel quality, with fuel samples ideally being collected from the top, middle and bottom of a settled tank. Further, it is recommended that fuel site operators verify the quality of the fuel being delivered to the fuel site as a benchmark.

4. Replace dispenser filters at prescribed intervals. Make sure the dispenser filters meet both the terms of your dispenser warranty and state regulations.

5. Document all testing, inspection and maintenance conditions (such as temperature) and events. By capturing these insights operators can begin to develop a more predictive assessment of fuel quality that will enable intervention prior to serious product quality or system issues.

Between inventory losses, waste disposal costs, site downtime and possible system deterioration, remediating critical contamination situations is expensive. Operators who adopt a data-driven preventive approach to fuel contamination will not only realize savings over the long run, but will position themselves as a brand motorists can trust.

Related Link: Your Fuel Dispenser Filter Might Be Trying to Tell You Something Important. Are You Listening?