b'Rules & RegulationsMARKETER MEMBERNews PREVENTING WATER INTRUSION into Storage Tank SystemsWashington, D.C.Lax operation and maintenance procedures for water monitoring and removal from storage systems can lead to a number of otherwise avoidable problems for energy marketers. Engine and catalytic converter damage can result from degraded fuel quality due to water con-tamination, corrosion to tank system components resulting in an unauthor-Mark S. Morgan, Esqized release of product, vehicle performance issues, clogged filters, reduced Energy Marketers offlow rates, and microbial contamination that cause accelerated corrosion of America (EMA) system components, to name just a few. Moreover, these problems pertain Regulatory Counsel to all storage systems, both underground and aboveground, constructed of any material and storing nearly any product - gasoline, diesel, residential and commercial heating oils, aviation jet fuel and others. The entire storage system is potentially impacted by water and its possible consequences, not just the storage tank itself.It is vital that all owners and operators of storage tank systems implement routine operations and maintenance procedures for water monitoring and removal of water, if detected. How Water Enters Storage Tank Systems: Water can enter a storage tank system in a number of ways. Sometimes water can be delivered with the product from your supplier. Water can enter a storage system through damaged spill buckets or fill cap gaskets. Water can also infiltrate tank systems via loose fittings or plugs, and rainwater accumulated within spill buckets and tank sumps which enter through tank system penetration points that are not water/vapor tight. Also, condensation caused by fuel tempera-ture variances or air entering via vents can explain water infiltration into tanks. Common installation procedures - including open vents, low fill areas and sloped tank installations contribute to water accumulation. Tanks that are not in frequent use such as premium gasoline and diesel fuel tanks at re-tail sites and all card lock tanks are susceptible to water infiltration. Finally, certain ethanol and biodiesel blends are more prone to attract moisture and subsequent phase separation when subject to sharp temperature swings. 24www.wpma.com / Spring 2024'