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Jun 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Protecting the environment is a basic part of the tank cleaning industry and places a significant responsibility on the employees at the wash facilities to meet the demands.

At the same time, the industry's successful efforts should be made known as part of its marketing strategy in an economic climate that emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship.

“The political arena is charged with environmental enthusiasm,” said Travis O'Banion of National Tank Services.

O'Banion, Greg Winters of Philip Services Corp (PSC), and Ed Matlage of Miller Transporters Inc made up a panel discussing residuals management at the National Tank Truck Carriers Tank Cleaning and Environmental Council Seminar March 31-April 1 in San Antonio, Texas.

The men agreed that one of the major problems tank wash employees face is identifying what products have been hauled in the tank they are about to clean.

“Determining contents is a challenge,” said Winters. “But, it is important that if employees don't know for sure what they are handling, they must ask — make the phone call.”

Another problem for the facilities is handling and disposal of residue left in the tank. But O'Banion pointed out that discussions with shippers should include a tank wash's appropriate environmental procedures. “The green aspect should be included when we go to shippers about heel management,” he said.

Winters added that employee training in handling residuals is important, as are routine facility audits. At PSC, each facility has a residual coordinator who is in charge of the left-over product management at each facility. A daily residual log is kept and a drum load summary is prepared to advise disposal facilities. “One person can't handle all of this,” he added.

Matlage pointed out that facilities using the National Tank Truck Carriers audit form can apply it as a periodic reminder for checking permit expiration dates, reviewing logs and cleaning documents, and inspecting disposal sites.