Tank Integrity Testing & Inspection
Maintaining Tank Integrity, Minimizing Risk
We provide thorough inspections and assessments for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), hazardous waste tanks, and related vessels to support regulatory compliance and operational safety. Our licensed professionals evaluate structural integrity, identify potential failures, and recommend corrective actions—helping prevent costly incidents and extending the life of your equipment.
The Experts
Our inspectors are licensed and trained in regulatory requirements across multiple industries, from hazardous waste to chemical processing. With thousands of inspections performed across California, our team brings the hands-on knowledge and technical skill needed to support safe and compliant operations.
The Operation
Tank inspections are required under several federal and state programs, including the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, RCRA Subpart J for hazardous waste tanks, CalARP/Risk Management Program (RMP), and OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standards. In addition to compliance, inspections are essential to maintaining mechanical integrity and asset reliability.
The Purpose
Failure to inspect and maintain tanks can result in unplanned downtime, costly remediation, and regulatory penalties. Our team provides inspection and tank cleaning services that help your facility stay safe, efficient, and audit-ready—so you can stay focused on operations, not violations.
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How Our Experts Work
Our areas of expertise in Tank Integrity Testing and Inspection include:
- Performing aboveground storage tank (AST) inspections per STI SP001 and API 653
- Conducting hazardous waste tank assessments and certifications (Title 22)
- Non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) services, including ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing
- Pipeline and process piping inspections to ensure mechanical integrity and safety
- Providing certified assessments and recommendations to extend equipment lifespan
- Compliance with industry standards (STI SP001, API 653, FTPI-2007-1, API 510, D101-53, NFPA 25)
Services & Regulations
Pacific Engineering’s tank inspection services include:
- STI SP001 – Steel Tank Institute: Standard for Inspection of In-Service Shop Fabricated Aboveground Tanks for Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquid
- API 653 – American Petroleum Institute: Atmospheric Welded or Bolted Above Ground Storage Tanks that were constructed to the API 650 standard or its predecessor, API 12C
- FTPI-2007-1 – Fiberglass Tank & Pipe Institute: Recommended Practice for the In-service Inspections of Aboveground Atmospheric Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Tanks and Vessels
- API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration: The code covers inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating activities for pressure vessels and the pressure relieving devices that protect vessels covered by the code
- D101-53: AWWA Recommended Practice for Inspecting and Repairing Elevated Steel Water Storage Tanks
- FPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection System
We provide tank inspections for the following industries, ensuring they meet appropriate industry standards:
- Agriculture
- Aviation
- Brewery/Winery
- Construction
- Education/Schools
- Food Processing
- Gas Stations
- Government/Military
- Hospitals
- Manufacturing
- Municipalities
- Petroleum
- Semiconductors
Businesses that are classified as large-quantity generators of hazardous waste and are using a tank for storage are required to have these tanks inspected by a licensed professional engineer every five years.
The assessment examines the tank and secondary containment tank to ensure it is adequately designed and constructed. The inspector will also examine the tank condition, the materials being used in the tank, the piping, secondary containment, seismic bracing, and more.
Until recently, local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) inspectors have often overlooked PE tank certification, especially the five-year renewal requirement. However, more CUPA inspectors are beginning to pay close attention to these requirements, so this assessment and certification should not be ignored.
Pacific Engineering & Consulting can provide these assessments for you, as well as certifications that your tank systems comply with all regulations and requirements. Tank and containment certifications will be provided by a PE licensed and registered with the State of California.
The API-570 Piping Inspection Code sets the requirements and guidelines needed to maintain the safety and mechanical integrity of piping systems. While it was primarily intended for those systems in the petroleum and chemical processing industries, this code can be applied to any industry that uses piping systems.
Pacific Engineering & Consulting offers pipeline inspection services, including piping inspection, risk-based piping inspection, pressure testing, and hydrostatic testing witness and compliance required by California’s Office of the State Fire Marshal (OFSM).
Our certified inspectors can offer a wide variety of tests and evaluations, including:
- MFL Floor Scan
- Foundation Evaluation
- NACE Coating Inspection
- NACE Corrosion Inspection
- NACE Cathodic Protection
- Level II/III NDE Inspection
- Containment Permeability Evaluation
NDE Methods:
- Magnetic Flux Leakage Detection (MFL/ MFE)
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Vacuum Box Examination (VB)
- Eddy Current Inspection (ET)
- Helium Leak Detection
- Dry Film Coating Inspection
- Pipe Line Tightness Testing
- Hydrostatic Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Tank integrity testing is the process of evaluating a tank’s structure—its shell, bottom, and/or floor—to ensure it can safely contain its contents without leaks or failures. It is often required as part of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) compliance.
Inspection frequency depends on several factors, including the type of tank, its use, regulatory requirements, and the SPCC plan written by a certified professional engineer. Many tanks are inspected every five years, unless altered with a non-like-for-like replacement.
Requirements vary by regulatory agency and tank type. For petroleum-containing ASTs, the EPA’s SPCC rule applies. Facilities must follow specific inspection protocols and timelines, which may include visual inspections, ultrasonic thickness testing, and other structural assessments.
Failure to inspect and maintain tank integrity can lead to serious consequences, including leaks, environmental damage, costly remediation, and fines of $25,000 to $70,000 per day, per violation. It may also damage your business’s reputation and delay operations.
Tanks subject to EPA’s SPCC rule, hazardous waste tanks regulated under RCRA Subpart J, and vessels subject to OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) or California’s Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP/RMP) program all require periodic inspections and mechanical integrity evaluations.
Pricing depends on the number, size, and location of tanks, as well as the complexity of the system. Bulk pricing is often available for facilities with multiple tanks.
- We have a small dedicated team focusing on SPCC and tank integrity inspections.
- We have a combined 25 years in the field.
- Our principal engineer is a licensed tank inspector and contractor.
- We can and have traveled all throughout the U.S.—location is no problem.
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Reach out today and discover how we can develop compliance solutions to your needs.
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