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.

Home - Aviation Training Academy

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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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In this episode of Tank Talk, host Shannon Oelkers sits down with two seasoned experts - Joe Mentzer, Standards Engineer at the Steel Tank Institute (STI/SPFA), and Craig Fletcher, Principal of Fletcher Consultants, Inc. - for a deep dive into the STI SP001 standard and what it means for those managing aboveground storage tanks.

With over 60 years of combined industry experience, Joe and Craig bring unparalleled insight into the purpose, evolution, and practical application of one of the most widely used standards in fuel storage compliance.

Tune in as the conversation explores:

• The mission and role of STI/SPFA in supporting steel infrastructure and tank safety
• The history and intent behind STI SP001
• The differences between industry standards and recommended practices
• Clarifying the roles of Owner’s Inspectors vs. Certified Inspectors and what “qualified” really means
• How spill control and CRDM impact tank categorization
• What tank size really tells us about risk
• Key points tank owners should focus on in inspection reports
• The critical importance of routine water draws to prevent corrosion and microbial issues

The episode also includes a lightning round addressing common questions from the field about tank inspection forms - from concrete cracks and coating failures to grounding and overfill prevention valves.

Joe and Craig also highlight free and low-cost resources available through STI/SPFA to help operators, owners, and environmental professionals stay informed and compliant.

🎧 If you work with shop-fabricated tanks, write SPCCs, or just want to improve your tank inspection programs, this episode is packed with real-world answers and actionable insights.

STI/SPFA - Representing the Steel Fabrication Industry

SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks - STI/SPFA

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In this episode of Tank Talk, Shannon and Cassie dive into the hot topic of AI and environmental compliance. Cassie Kuzis, part of the Integrity Environmental team, joins the podcast for the first time with Shannon to weigh in on AI. With AI tools becoming more common in operations, Shannon decided to run a little experiment: Can ChatGPT write a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan?

Spoiler alert - it didn’t go well.

Shannon walks us through the results of three AI-generated SPCC plans, revealing the major compliance failures, regulatory inaccuracies, and risky oversights that came with each attempt. From missing signatures and misapplied containment definitions to false statements and oversimplified training requirements, the experiment highlights why environmental plans and permits should always be developed by qualified professionals.

Tune in to hear:

• Why SPCCs are legal documents - and why that matters
• Where AI went wrong (and what it surprisingly got right)
• What you should do when considering tech support for environmental planning

This is a must-listen for facility managers, compliance officers, and anyone curious about the limits of AI in regulated industries.

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In this episode of Tank Talk, we dive into the often-misunderstood No Exposure Certification – what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s not a free pass from stormwater regulations. Shannon and Haley break down the 11 conditions required for this permit exclusion, discuss real-world compliance challenges, and explain why choosing between a SWPPP or a No Exposure Certification requires careful consideration.

Think you qualify for No Exposure? You might want to double-check! Spoiler alert: It’s more complicated than it looks.

👉 Download the No Exposure Certification form (2020-msgp-noexp (1).pdf) to follow along as we go through the conditions one by one.

🔗 Referenced Episodes: Keeping SWPPPs Straight

Need expert guidance? Integrity is here to help - just give us a call!

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Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) can be confusing - but they don’t have to be. In this episode of Tank Talk, we’re diving into the different types of SWPPPs, how they apply to various industries, and what you need to know to stay compliant. With the 2025 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) expected for Alaska soon, it’s the perfect time to brush up on the basics.

Join us as we break down the differences between CGP, MSGP, and MS4 permits, the importance of SIC/NAICS codes, and why a "No Exposure Certification" might not be the easy way out you think it is. Whether you're managing compliance for a bulk fuel facility, a construction site, or an airport, this episode will help you navigate the stormwater regulations with confidence.

🔗 Helpful Resources:
📌 ADEC MSGP
📌 ADEC CGP
📌 ADEC MS4
📌 EPA NPDES
📌 Integrity Training

Tune in now and keep your SWPPP straight!

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In this episode of Tank Talk, we explore the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent Loper Bright decision with shareholder Andy Leman of Kemppel, Huffman & Ellis, P.C. Andy provides a straightforward overview of how this ruling shifts regulatory authority, its potential impact on industries, and what it means for environmental compliance moving forward. From court interpretations to agency rulemaking, this conversation sheds light on the evolving legal landscape and its broader effects. As an added bonus, Andy shares a few memorable stories about working in Alaska.

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