Equipment · February 2025 · 5 min read
On-farm diesel storage saves time and money by eliminating frequent trips to the fuel supplier, but it comes with responsibilities for proper maintenance and regulatory compliance. Contaminated or degraded fuel can damage injectors, clog filters, and cause expensive engine repairs. Following best practices for storage, treatment, and spill prevention protects both your equipment and the environment.
Choose a tank that matches your fuel consumption and delivery schedule. Most farms use above-ground steel or polyethylene tanks in the 500 to 2,000 gallon range. Steel tanks with a UL listing are the industry standard for durability and fire safety.
Farms with total above-ground oil storage exceeding 1,320 gallons must prepare a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan under EPA regulations. This plan documents tank locations, capacities, spill history, and prevention measures.
Farms qualify for a self-certified plan if total above-ground capacity is under 10,000 gallons and there has been no reportable spill in the last three years. Keep your SPCC plan on-site, review it every five years, and update it whenever you add or remove storage capacity.
Diesel fuel degrades over time through oxidation, microbial growth, and water contamination. Water enters tanks through condensation, especially in tanks that are not kept full. Drain water from the tank bottom regularly using the sump valve.
Add a fuel stabilizer when storing diesel longer than 90 days. Biocide treatments prevent microbial growth (algae and bacteria) that creates slimy deposits and clogs filters. In winter, use an anti-gel additive or a winter-blended fuel to prevent waxing in cold temperatures.
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Try the Fuel EstimatorCold weather creates two main challenges for stored diesel: fuel gelling and increased condensation. Diesel No. 2 begins to cloud at around 14 degrees Fahrenheit and gels at lower temperatures, plugging filters and fuel lines.
Blend with No. 1 diesel or kerosene at a 70/30 or 50/50 ratio for extreme cold, or use a cold-flow improver additive. Inspect tanks, fittings, hoses, and nozzles before each season for leaks, corrosion, and wear. Replace filters on the dispensing pump annually and keep spare filters on hand for equipment during high-use periods.