Prevention Programs Directed at Reducing Spills, Leaks And Cleanups

Aaron R. Allen Sr.

Prevention is the best solution in what has become a national emergency. Prior operations of aboveground storage systems, underground storage systems and transportation to and from these systems left an extremely expensive legacy for this generation to set right. Proper and innovative preventive measures applied now will stop future expenditures of time talent and finances on remediation of spills and leaks.

The first category of preventive measures can be called "Engineering Solutions" because the storage or conveyance hardware can be constructed/designed to minimize release potential. A few of the "Engineered Solutions" are as follows:

-- Overfill Protection

Double Wall or Double Bottoms

-- Leak Detection Systems

-- Tight Line Water Draws

-- Electronic Gauging

-- Vapor Recovery/Control

-- AST Above Ground Piping

Another category of release prevention is "Administrative Remedies." These administrative remedies are the operational practices employed to prevent spills and leaks. A few of the administrative remedies are as follows:

-- Inventory Reconciliation

-- System Maintenance Records

-- Visual Inspections

-- Training of Workers

-- Audit the Process

-- Regulation and Awards

A combination of "Engineering Solutions" and "Administrative Remedies" are necessary to provide meaningful reductions in the resources spent on cleanups. One or the other, even if over developed, will not fully address this problem. A balanced approach to prevention will pay large dividends.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995