scope:

This report summarizes the results of a literature review conducted for the American Petroleum Institute on the impact of gasoline blended with ethanol on the long-term structural integrity of liquid petroleum storage systems and components.

It is anticipated that the use of ethanol in motor fuels will continue to increase. This has generated interest about the potential long-term structural effects of ethanol on liquid petroleum storage systems, including underground storage tanks (USTs), underground piping, and associated components.

The objective of the literature review is to determine the state of industry knowledge and research on the effects of ethanol/gasoline blends on the long-term structural integrity of UST systems and components. This review is intended to assist decision-makers on further research requirements and needed changes or supplements to existing standards for underground storage systems and components used for storing and dispensing gasoline blended with ethanol.