The recent blizzard in the Northeast left record snow totals and difficult conditions for many facilities. While plowing and reopening buildings take center stage, aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are easy to overlook and they can be particularly vulnerable after a big storm.
- Cold weather causes tank materials and components to contract and harden, increasing brittleness and the risk of cracks or failures if precautions aren’t taken.
- Heavy, drifting snow and ice add considerable weight to tank roofs, nozzles, attached ladders, and platforms—often exceeding design snow load ratings.
- Uneven loads can deform roofs, strain welds, and stress supports, while temperature swings lead to melt-refreeze cycles that create dense, localized pressure points.
- Snow and ice sliding off nearby roofs can shear valves, filters, and exposed piping on smaller tanks, and ice buildup around base connections can hide leaks or staining.
- Vents and emergency pressure-relief devices must stay clear to allow proper tank breathing and pressure release; blocked openings from snow or frozen components create hazardous internal stresses.
- Insufficient heating can gel or solidify stored liquids, damaging pumps and pipes, while condensation from temperature changes promotes internal corrosion—best controlled with insulation, heat tracing, and ventilation.
- Saturated soils from snowmelt around foundations can cause tilting or settlement, and in flood-prone areas, buoyancy risks demand secure anchoring to deep concrete foundations.
At TTI we recommend post-storm tank and piping inspections as part of your winter risk management.
Quick post-storm checklist:
| Check | What to Look For | Action if Issue Found |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Roof & Shell | Deformation, cracks, snow load stress | Schedule professional integrity assessment |
| Vents & Relief Valves | Snow/ice blockage, frozen operation | Clear immediately; consider heat tracing |
| Piping & Appurtenances | Sheared fittings, ice damage, leaks | Inspect for staining; contain/report releases |
| Foundation & Anchors | Settlement, tilting, saturated soil | Test anchorage; reinforce if unstable |
| Stored Liquids | Gelling, separation, low levels | Verify heaters; maintain ¾+ fill for thermal mass |
| Insulation & Heat Tracing | Gaps, damage, condensation | Repair before next freeze cycle |
For more information on AST inspections contact Carol LaRosa, Business Administrator Inspection division at caroll@ttienv.com or John Trotto, Director of Inspections, at johnt@ttienv.com
