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Oil Tank Sale Under Consideration

Proposals to sell nine oil storage tanks in Oregon are being considered by the state’s utility regulators, with concerns raised about the outcome should Portland General Electric (PGE) be allowed to offload the storage tanks to Global Partners LP.

KUOW reported on the plans, which could see PGE passing its oil storage tanks to the fuel distribution company. It is widely expected that Global Partners LP would use the facility to establish an oil-by-rail terminal.

If Global Partners LP is successful in its bid to purchase the storage tanks, it will enable the firm to refurbish the ageing storage tanks rather than building new ones.

In a press release, vice president of terminal operations at Global Partners LP Dylan Remley explained that the organisation already has permission to build its own storage tanks, and that purchasing the PGE facility will simply allow it to progress its plans more quickly.

The company added that it intends to continue shipping ethanol, rather than crude oil, for the foreseeable future due to current market conditions.

Environmental group Columbia Riverkeeper is opposed to the sale, citing worries over the environmental impact of any oil train derailment in the area.

It isn’t only the transport of fuels like crude oil and ethanol that needs to be considered though. Earlier this year a US firm was fined $80,000 after illegally installing an old and corroded fuel storage tank in Minnesota.

Making sure any storage facilities you have are properly maintained is essential, and that your radar gauges are working as they should.