What is increasingly being used as a replacement for underground storage tanks for gas and building fuel?

Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) are increasingly being utilized as a replacement for underground storage tanks (USTs) for fuels such as gasoline and building fuel. This shift is primarily due to several key factors that make ASTs a more appealing option.

One of the main advantages of ASTs is the ease of monitoring and accessibility. Unlike underground storage tanks, which can be difficult to inspect visually and require specialized equipment to monitor for leaks, ASTs are above ground, allowing for immediate visual inspection and maintenance. This reduces the potential environmental hazards associated with leaks and spills that can occur with USTs, leading to enhanced safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Additionally, ASTs often come with built-in containment features that can help mitigate the risk of an environmental incident should a leak occur. This design capability not only helps protect the surrounding environment but also aids in some instances in reducing insurance costs and regulatory scrutiny.

While there are other options provided such as pressure vessels, portable fuel cans, and wooden storage bins, these alternatives do not fulfill the functional requirements for storage of larger volumes of fuel in the same way that ASTs do. Pressure vessels are typically designed for gaseous materials and require rigorous safety standards, making them less common for general fuel storage. Portable fuel