These fuel storage tanks were in place on Martz's farm for nearly 40 years. While the lack of a petroleum stain under them indicates no major leaks have occurred, the area posed a high risk to environmental quality. Fuel tank transformation Petroleum storage is the greatest environmental risk on most farms By Larry Reichenberger Crops and Machinery Editor W hen farmers consider their environmental risks, they typically think about livestock manure, agricultural chemicals and fertilizer. Often, petroleum storage doesn't even make the list. But the fact is fuel and oil are a threat and can do more than just feed a fire.
Studies show that on about half of all farms they also pose a high risk to the environment.
To help draw attention to this threat, Successful Farming magazine tackled the fuel storage problems on one central Missouri farm. With the cooperation of Boone County Oil Company, we installed new gasoline and diesel fuel tanks for Columbia, Missouri, farmer Kevin Martz. Admittedly, the two 300-gallon tanks are a modest installation, but they demonstrate tools and techniques that any size farmer can use to reduce environmental risk. The facility, shown on the next page, was typical of systems on many farms. However, while serving on the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Martz became aware of its potential environmental hazards.