Analytical sampling is a critical part of environmental compliance - and it’s one area where small mistakes can quickly become expensive problems. 

With the upcoming release of the 2026 Alaska Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), and the new requirement for benchmark sampling for multiple sectors, many facilities will be performing analytical samples for the first time starting this year. In this episode of Tank Talk, we’re breaking down what that means in real-world practice - from the field to the lab. 

We’re joined by Justin Nelson of SGS USA, who walks us through the fundamentals of analytical sampling and helps demystify how laboratory data is generated, reviewed, and reported. 

Together, we cover: 

• The difference between qualitative vs. quantitative data 
• What testing methods are - and why they matter 
• How field sampling practices directly impact lab results 
• Common sampling mistakes (labeling, preservatives, volumes, chain of custody, and more) 
• What labs do once samples arrive and how testing standards are met 
• How to read lab data reports, including common notes and flags 

We also connect the dots between proper sample handling and better analytical results - fewer resamples, fewer corrective actions, and real cost savings. 

If you’re responsible for collecting samples, reviewing lab reports, or staying compliant under Alaska’s water permitting programs, this episode is a must-listen. 

Take your samples carefully - because the lab can handle a lot of things… but it still can’t analyze “oops.” 

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If there’s one thing every bulk fuel facility has in common, it’s this: nothing stays the same for long - and your plans and permits shouldn’t either. In this episode, Shannon and Haley dig into one of the most misunderstood (and most frequently violated) compliance requirements out there: plan amendments. 

Why are amendment rules so confusing? Because every regulation - SPCC, FRP, MSGP, ODPCP - plays by different rules, deadlines, timelines, and definitions. And yet inspectors expect facilities to keep everything updated accurately, on time, and without missing a beat. 

Shannon breaks down: 

• Why plan amendments are one of the most common compliance findings 
• What actually qualifies as an amendment 
• The difference between technical vs. non-technical and major vs. minor 
• What triggers an update for SPCCs, FRPs, MSGP SWPPPs, and ODPCPs 
• How deadlines really work (and why they often cause headaches) 

If you’ve ever wondered whether a change at your facility requires an update - or if you’ve discovered you are months behind - this episode will help you make sense of it all. And if it still feels like “clear as mud,” don’t worry: Integrity maintains hundreds of plans a year, and we’re here to help. 

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As the year winds down, many facilities are gearing up for winter operations, year-end reviews, and planning out 2026 maintenance and training. For our December episode, we’re bringing back one of the most practical and most downloaded episodes we’ve ever released: The Tank Toolbox. 

This replay is packed with free, high-value resources every bulk fuel manager should have bookmarked. Whether you're updating inspection records, training new operators, preparing for spill response, or tightening up your compliance program, these tools can help you work smarter without spending a dime. 

Inside this episode, you’ll find: 

• Preventative maintenance videos 
• Tank anatomy diagrams 
• Spill response and ICS training links 
• Operator onboarding tools 
• Field-tested resources our team uses every single week 

If you’re refining procedures, planning trainings, or mapping out 2026 priorities, this is the perfect episode to revisit. Grab a pen, save the links, and pass it along to your team. 

We’ll be back in January with a brand-new episode to kick off the new year. Until then - enjoy The Tank Toolbox! 

Tank Talk Podcast (Integrity Environmental) 

• Podcast covering various fuel tank related topics, including appropriate labeling, maintenance, regulatory requirements, and inspections.  
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tank-talk-alaskas-bulk-fuel-podcast/id1674667477  
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zmyi6WqsGrU41xfHeCP37?si=1c278befccd344bb  

Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) YouTube Channel  

• Tank Farm Playlist freely provides 24 specific videos on how to perform preventative maintenance functions on bulk tanks such as changing gaskets, performing water draws, and changing filters.  
• https://www.youtube.com/@alaskaenergyauthority7923/playlists 

Morrison Brothers Tank Anatomy (diagrams that identify all the parts of a tank) 

• https://morbros.com/downloads/products/Protected_Double_Wall_Tank_with_Remote_Fill.pdf  
• https://morbros.com/downloads/products/Protected_Double_Wall_Tank_with_Tank-Mounted_Remote_Fill.pdf  

Tank Strapping Charts (Liquid Level Calculation) 

• https://www.acetank.com/resources/technical-document-library/  
• https://greertank.com/downloads/  

Steel Tank Institute Free Resources 

• Keeping Water Out of Your Storage System 
• https://stispfa.org/resource/keeping-water-out-of-your-storage-system/  
• Tank Inspection Guidance and free Monthly/Annual forms 
• https://stispfa.org/library-resources/standards-regulatory-resources/sp001-standard/  

 State of Alaska Star Manual (Spill Tactics) 

• Detailed PDF resource for most spill response exercise tactics, such as trenching, oil recovery, exclusion booming, etc.  
• Training videos on safe boom deployment a

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Permafrost is stable - until it isn’t. As Arctic industries continue to expand, the ground below our fuel tanks and pipelines is literally thawing, causing dangerous settlement and structural failure. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ed Yarmak, President of Arctic Foundations Inc., a pioneer in the development and installation of thermosyphon technology - the passive heat transfer systems used across Alaska, Canada, and beyond to keep permafrost frozen and critical infrastructure standing. 

We explore: 

• What permafrost really is - and why thawing causes tanks to tilt, settle, or even fail 
• How thermosyphons work (10,000-ft overview - no engineering degree required) 
• How project managers can know before construction whether permafrost will be a problem 
• What happens when older tanks - built before thermosyphons - start to settle decades later 
• How modern systems are retrofitted with directional drilling and insulation technologies 
• Pipeline applications (Alyeska and beyond) 
• Ed’s top resources for professionals navigating Arctic conditions 

If you work in fuel storage, remote operations, or Arctic infrastructure — this episode will change the way you think about what’s under your tanks. 

 UAF SNAP Climate tools

Permafrost Conference Proceedings, Etc.

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Walter Chartrand, chemist and trainer with the Aviation Training Association, joins Shannon to break down one of the most critical topics in fuel handling: fuel quality. 

From what “Clean, Dry, On-Specification” really means to the Shore / Store / Deliver framework, Walter shares decades of experience in aviation fuels and storage. Listeners will learn how contaminants like water, solids, and microbes get into fuel, what tests should be run at each custody transfer, and which standards every operator should know. 

Walter also discusses documentation, training, and real-world lessons to help fuel managers protect product quality, avoid costly mistakes, and keep operations safe. 

This episode is packed with insights for bulk fuel managers, operators, and anyone responsible for keeping fuel quality in check. 

🎧 Tune in to hear practical insights you can apply in your facility today. 

Home - Aviation Training Academy

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What really happens to a tank at the end of its life? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it means for a tank to be “out of service” or “permanently closed,” and how those terms differ depending on the regulation in play - especially between 40 CFR 112 and Alaska’s 18 AAC 75. Shannon breaks down what’s required when tanks are removed or left in place, what documentation is needed, and how terms like “grandfathering” can complicate things for facilities hoping to avoid costly upgrades. Whether you manage a single tank or a whole tank farm, this episode is a must-listen for staying compliant through a tank’s final days.

EPA Guidance for Regional Inspectors

Grandfather Clauses

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In this episode of Tank Talk, host Shannon Oelkers is joined by representatives from the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) to dig into Standard Practice 031 (STI SP031) - the industry guidance for repairing and modifying atmospheric shop-fabricated steel tanks. As steel prices rise and logistics become more complex, especially in places like Alaska, repairing existing tanks has become a more attractive and necessary option. We cover what owners need to know - responsibilities, warranty impacts, contractor qualifications, and how to keep your SPCC plan compliant. Whether you're managing tank assets or writing project bids, this episode helps you get it right the first time. 

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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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