Tank Talk - Alaska's Bulk Fuel Podcast

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 shed...

Managing a bulk fuel storage facility can be complex, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. In this bonus episode of Tank Talk, Bulk Fuel Storage Expert Shannon Oelkers and Producer Haley Hall explore the top free resources available to tank farm managers to help streamline operations, improve safety, and ensure compliance. From instructional videos and detailed tank anatomy diagrams to spill response preparation guides and online...

In this episode, we talk with Shannon Oelkers and Haley Hall from Integrity Environmental, diving into practical strategies for Alaska’s aging bulk fuel storage infrastructure. Shannon shares cost-effective tips, from managing water in tanks to maintaining connection points, all achievable for under $5,000 and with in-house labor. Learn how small changes like performing water draws, installing pressure-vac vents, and updating overf...

Join us on Tank Talk with Integrity Environmental as we dive into the inspiring journey of Michael O'Brien, a labor and employment lawyer from Davis Wright Tremaine in Fairbanks, Alaska. From Alaskan adventurer to employment law expert, Michael shares insights on the evolving labor landscape, including challenges in equitable overtime and the impact of generational shifts.

We discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed em...

Dave Ware, the co-founder of Aviation Training Academy, joins us as our guest on this episode. As a seasoned expert, Dave takes us behind the scenes of an industry where precision matters and strict adherence to aviation fuel and safety standards is necessary. Tune in as we address fuel handling, compliance, and innovative solutions, such as advanced fuel monitoring systems and fuel efficiency software that drive regulatory complia...

When you have an oil spill, it can be stressful, and the reporting process can be confusing. But, in this episode of Tank Talk, we break down the six critical steps to take immediately after a spill occurs, emphasizing the importance of rapid action and clear communication with authorities to minimize environmental impact. We also dive into the unique challenges terminal managers and operators face, from the stress of providing acc...

During this episode of Tank Talk, we sit with Graham Wood from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to discuss Alaska's spill prevention and response strategies, most notably the revamped 485 Drill Program. Graham explains the updated regulations that took effect on February 5, 2023, and how it brings clarity to spill response exercises, making them more effective. We explore the specifics of compliance and exam...

In this episode, we dive into ADEC's 485 Drill Exercise Program, a vital initiative that ensures safety and preparedness in Alaska's fuel storage and transportation sectors. Join us as we explore the program's objectives and the rigorous training exercises involved in the significant impact of community and environmental protection. Hear firsthand accounts from experts who share their insights on the program&apo...

In this episode, we gear up for the warmer months, focusing on SPCCs and STIs. We'll break down the essentials of Spill Prevention and Countermeasure (SPCC)plans and how they integrate with Steel Tank Institute (STI) inspection standards to ensure robust fuel storage practices. Our experts will share practical tips and insights on maintaining compliance and operational efficiency during the busy summer. Whether managing bulk f...

Tank Talk dives deep into the world of bulk fuel systems by reviving a listener favorite: Oil-Water Separators(OWS). This episode provides an informative exploration of the mechanics and importance of OWS Systems in fuel storage. Shannon discusses how these systems are essential for separating oil from water to prevent contamination, detailing the operational principles, maintenance best practices, and environmental significance. S...

Colin Doherty from Sundog Charters joins us to reveal the thrills of pioneering fuel delivery throughout Alaska's secluded communities. As we chart the course of Sundog Charters' evolution, we uncover the meticulous dance with regulations and nature's whims that underpin the lifeblood of Alaskan remote delivery. Colin crafts a vivid picture of the strategic pivot from utilizing DOT-regulated trucks to direct deck tan...

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of overfill prevention valves as bulk fuel storage expert Shannon Oelkers addresses a listener request. We learn how to recognize and locate an overfill prevention valve on a tank before diving into how they operate and why they are essential. Our conversation covers the valve's role in SPCC regulation and how those can vary between different states, followed by Shannon's expertise shed...

Prepare to be enlightened as we sit down with David Kapla, General Manager at Greer Steel Inc., whose integral role in shaping Alaska's infrastructure is as sturdy as the tanks his company creates. David unravels the intricate journey of tank manufacturing and what goes into crafting a resilient liquid storage solution. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a masterclass in understanding the backbone of Alaska&apo...

Have you ever considered the potential chaos when a single person is tasked with industrial recordkeeping? We open your eyes to the dangers of such practices, including the creation of information silos and the vulnerability that comes with employee turnover. In the wake of a terminal manager's recordkeeping blunder, we dissect the repercussions that ripple through an organization, leading to legal entanglements and regulatory...

Grab your headphones and tune into our insightful discussion with expert guest, Shannon Oelkers, who discusses the essential subject of record keeping. She helps us unravel the relevance of context in record keeping, using anexample of secondary containment area drainage. Get ready, as she reveals how missing details could have significant implications in the future. 

As we venture deeper, Shannon uncovers the tell-tale si...

Discover the tangled world of record-keeping and how to streamline your system to avoid confusion and extra work. Our founder, Shannon Oelkers, brings her expertise to the table as we unravel the complications of writing permits and the effects of a poorly structured setup. We highlight the importance of executive decisions, quality control, and navigating the maze of regulatory compliance renewals. Shannon guides us through unders...

Ever wonder why record keeping in the bulk fuel storage industry seems to be such a formidable task? Is it the operational demands, the maze of multiple permits, or the lack of accountability? Our industry expert Shannon Oelkers sheds light on these challenges to kick-start our Recordkeeping series. She points out the key hurdles terminal managers face, including the balancing act of multiple responsibilities and the confusion aris...

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of vapor capture and control technology? Or how the unexpected chill of cold weather could seriously impact system performance? Well, you're in for a treat with this episode! We had the pleasure of speaking with the Application Engineering Manager at John Zink,  Emily Rohr. John Zink is an established name in the combustion world from the 1920s to the present day. 

With her...

Join us as we kick off a lively discussion exploring the complex subject of air permitting. We jump right in with the Clean Air Act and  the role the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays in regulating hazardous air pollutants. Shannon guides us through understanding both the EPA and the state's jurisdiction in air permitting, and reveals the unique system of air permitting regulations in Alaska. We discuss pre-approved ...