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.

Additional Resources & AI Prompts from the episode:

https://www.integrity-env.com/i-used-ai-to-write-my-spcc

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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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