Why do we worry about storage tanks, particularly underground storage tanks, in Florida?
One word – LEAKS! Florida s groundwater is at or near land surface in many areas of the state. Even when ground water lies deeper beneath the surface, Florida s porous limestone rock and sandy soils allow easy percolation of leaked or spilled contamination into the aquifer. Also, because of the generally high water table, many tanks and their piping are buried in damp soils or even in the groundwater. This promotes corrosion. Further, many of Florida s soils are acidic and will quickly corrode unprotected tanks and pipes. Also, much of the material in the tanks is itself corrosive.
