Tank Seal Inspection Services
Think Environmental performs floating roof and tank seal inspections that produce the records you need to defend compliance — and identifies the repair work you need to do before the next agency walkdown.
What We Do
Floating roof inspections. Visual inspections of internal and external floating roofs (IFRs and EFRs), covering primary and secondary rim seals, deck fittings, welded seams, pontoons, drains, roof leg supports, and vacuum breakers. Findings documented with photographs, location notes, and condition assessments tied to the applicable regulatory criteria.
In-service IFR inspections. Following the 2021 NSPS Kb revisions, IFR owners can elect Subpart WW compliance in lieu of the Kb out-of-service inspection — meaning the every-10-year close-up can happen while the tank stays in service. We perform in-service top-side inspections per 40 CFR 63.1063(d)(1), with full confined-space protocols and safety planning. It's not right for every tank, but for the right one, it eliminates a major operational disruption.
Out-of-service inspections. Full close-up exam of the floating roof, rim seals, deck fittings, and tank shell interior — including foundation, coating, and corrosion evaluation. Photographic documentation and a preliminary report with findings prioritized by regulatory and operational impact.
Rim seal gap measurements. Annual EFR seal gap measurements per Subpart Kb, Kc, and WW protocols — documenting compliance and flagging repairs before they become reportable.
NSPS Subpart Kc support. Applicability determination, compliant inspection and monitoring program design, annual LEL monitoring of IFR vapor space, quarterly AVO inspections of closed-vent systems, annual Method 21 on closed-vent systems, controlled degassing coordination, and the CEDRI reporting that Kc now requires for every inspection — not just failures.
Degassing oversight. For tanks subject to controlled degassing under Kc, WW, or Refinery MACT, we coordinate emissions monitoring, OGI oversight, and recordkeeping throughout the event.
Repair documentation and reporting. 45-day repair tracking, extension request documentation when warranted, repair verification, and semi-annual CEDRI submission under Subparts Kb and Kc.
Why Think Environmental
Kb, Kc, WW, Refinery MACT, state rules — we know which applies to which tank and build programs that satisfy all of them at once.
Where it’s safe and the regulations allow, we inspect IFRs without taking the tank out of service.
Tank emissions often show up first in fenceline data, OGI surveys, or LDAR rounds. When we manage multiple programs, findings move in real time.
Every inspection is photographed, documented, and stored in inspection-ready format. When a regulator asks for the last five years, we hand them over clean.
Industries We Serve
From advanced LDAR program management to high-precision OGI inspections, we provide the technical expertise and field-proven leadership required to keep your facility safe, compliant, and efficient.
Refinery
Petrochemical Plants
Natural gas processing
Upstream oil and gas
Pulp and paper
Renewable fuels
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally to tanks built, modified, or reconstructed after October 4, 2023. Older tanks stay under Kb — but modifications, including certain stored-liquid changes, can pull them into Kc. Applicability is worth confirming.
Often, yes. The 2021 NSPS Kb revisions and the Subpart WW alternative allow internal in-service inspections from above the floating roof. It requires confined-space entry, tank access, and a thorough safety plan — but for the right tank, it eliminates a major shutdown.
Varies by regulation. Kb and Kc require internal IFR inspections every 10 years (or each emptying event). EFRs have annual seal gap measurements and inspections during emptying. We map your fleet to the applicable rules and build a schedule.
Yes. Our Compliance Services team submits Kb and Kc semi-annual reports through EPA’s electronic system.
We inspect and document. Mechanical repairs are typically handled by tank contractors — we coordinate closely to make sure repairs are documented and re-inspected within regulatory timeframes.
Partner with the Leaders in Environmental Excellence
Secure your facility’s future with a partner who prioritizes your safety and regulatory success. Whether you need expert LDAR program management or advanced OGI inspections, Think Environmental provides the trustworthy, informed guidance you need to achieve zero compliance issues. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our forty years of field-proven expertise can work for you.
