Walter Chartrand, chemist and trainer with the Aviation Training Association, joins Shannon to break down one of the most critical topics in fuel handling: fuel quality.

From what “Clean, Dry, On-Specification” really means to the Shore / Store / Deliver framework, Walter shares decades of experience in aviation fuels and storage. Listeners will learn how contaminants like water, solids, and microbes get into fuel, what tests should be run at each custody transfer, and which standards every operator should know.

Walter also discusses documentation, training, and real-world lessons to help fuel managers protect product quality, avoid costly mistakes, and keep operations safe.

This episode is packed with insights for bulk fuel managers, operators, and anyone responsible for keeping fuel quality in check.

🎧 Tune in to hear practical insights you can apply in your facility today.

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What really happens to a tank at the end of its life? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it means for a tank to be “out of service” or “permanently closed,” and how those terms differ depending on the regulation in play - especially between 40 CFR 112 and Alaska’s 18 AAC 75. Shannon breaks down what’s required when tanks are removed or left in place, what documentation is needed, and how terms like “grandfathering” can complicate things for facilities hoping to avoid costly upgrades. Whether you manage a single tank or a whole tank farm, this episode is a must-listen for staying compliant through a tank’s final days.

EPA Guidance for Regional Inspectors

Grandfather Clauses

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In this episode of Tank Talk, host Shannon Oelkers is joined by representatives from the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) to dig into Standard Practice 031 (STI SP031) - the industry guidance for repairing and modifying atmospheric shop-fabricated steel tanks. As steel prices rise and logistics become more complex, especially in places like Alaska, repairing existing tanks has become a more attractive and necessary option. We cover what owners need to know - responsibilities, warranty impacts, contractor qualifications, and how to keep your SPCC plan compliant. Whether you're managing tank assets or writing project bids, this episode helps you get it right the first time.

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