Sabal Ridge Apartments: Removal and Installation of 500-Gallon Aboveground Storage Tanks
Sabal Ridge Apartments, a residential complex located in Boca Raton, Florida, enlisted the services of EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. to oversee a critical infrastructure upgrade involving fuel storage.
EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. was retained for its comprehensive project management capabilities, which were essential to the successful execution of this complex and sensitive operation. The primary objective of the project was the safe removal and responsible disposal of an aging 500-gallon aboveground fuel storage tank, followed by the installation of a more advanced and compliant replacement unit.
The existing fuel tank had reached the end of its functional lifespan, prompting concerns related to performance, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance. In response, EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. coordinated and executed the removal process with meticulous attention to environmental protocols and safety regulations. Following the removal, a new 500-gallon Fireguard® aboveground storage tank was installed. Fireguard tanks are UL 2085-listed and feature double-wall construction with thermal insulation and built-in fire protection, offering a superior level of containment and durability compared to traditional single-wall tanks.
This critical upgrade significantly improved the operational efficiency and reliability of the building’s backup power system. The new storage tank enhances fuel security and environmental compliance while reducing the risk of leaks, corrosion, or fire-related hazards. These improvements collectively contribute to the long-term sustainability and functional resilience of the property’s infrastructure.
In general terms, a storage tank is a confined, fixed structure specifically engineered to house regulated materials under secure conditions. These vessels are commonly constructed using robust materials such as carbon steel, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), and precast or cast-in-place concrete. Material selection depends on the intended use, the nature of the stored substance, and applicable federal or state regulatory requirements.
Also referred to as “reservoirs” in certain applications, storage tanks are used to contain a wide variety of substances, including liquids (such as water or petroleum), compressed gases, and other materials that require controlled conditions for short-term or long-term storage. These tanks are available in numerous shapes and configurations—vertical, horizontal, cylindrical, and rectangular—and are frequently designed to comply with environmental regulations, fire codes, and operational standards. Depending on their location, tanks are categorized as either Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) or Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), with ASTs defined as having less than 10% of their volume buried beneath the surface.
The Sabal Ridge project exemplifies EPAC Environmental Services, Inc.’s capacity to deliver turnkey fuel storage solutions that combine technical proficiency with regulatory awareness and tenant-focused planning. The transition to a Fireguard AST not only modernized the fuel system but also reinforced the apartment community’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Tanks Are Usually Divided Into Two Main Categories, Which Depend on Their Location
Storage tanks are generally classified into two principal categories based on their physical placement relative to the earth’s surface: Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) and Underground Storage Tanks (USTs).
Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) are defined as tanks in which less than 10 percent of the total tank volume, including piping, is buried beneath the ground. These tanks are typically visible, making inspection, maintenance, and leak detection more straightforward and cost-effective. ASTs are commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings for storing substances such as fuel, chemicals, or water.
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), on the other hand, are tanks with 10 percent or more of their volume located below ground level. These systems are often chosen when space is limited or when local regulations or aesthetic considerations prohibit aboveground installations. While USTs offer certain spatial advantages, they are subject to stringent environmental regulations due to the potential for undetected leaks and contamination of soil or groundwater.
During the project at Sabal Ridge Apartments, EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. took into full account the potential disruptions that such tank replacement operations could pose to both residents and property management. Fuel storage systems at residential facilities like this one are typically tied to critical services, such as emergency backup generators that support lighting, security systems, elevators, and essential building functions during power outages. Any interruption in this infrastructure could significantly impact tenant safety and comfort.
To ensure uninterrupted service, EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. implemented a well-coordinated contingency plan. Before the removal of the old tank, the team provided and installed a temporary 500-gallon rental fuel tank on-site. This rental tank was connected to the generator to supply continuous fuel throughout the course of the replacement process. By proactively deploying this solution, EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. successfully maintained backup power availability at all times, ensuring there was no lapse in emergency readiness or operational functionality during the transition.
This careful planning not only prevented inconvenience to the apartment community but also demonstrated EPAC Environmental Services, Inc.’s commitment to high-quality service delivery, safety compliance, and customer-centric project management. The temporary tank served as a reliable interim solution while the permanent Fireguard® tank was installed, tested, and commissioned—a critical measure in safeguarding both property operations and resident well-being.
Partner with EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. for Your Fuel Storage Needs
Whether you’re upgrading aging infrastructure, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, or enhancing the resilience of critical building systems, EPAC Environmental Services, Inc. offers the project management expertise and technical capabilities necessary to execute your storage tank projects with precision and care. Our work at Sabal Ridge Apartments illustrates our ability to deliver seamless, code-compliant solutions that prioritize safety, operational continuity, and minimal disruption to residents and stakeholders.
Contact us today at (954) 974-7055 to learn how we can support your next fuel tank removal, installation, or maintenance project.