Protection of the environment and preservation of air and water quality are key concerns for the owners and operators of tanks, pressure vessels, specialty fabrications and piping systems. That’s why steel remains the material of choice for these applications, where structural strength, durability and high performance are essential. It is also why STI/SPFA members produce steel and fabricate steel products world-wide. Durability and Structural strength – Life expectancies of 100 years are common with properly designed steel water tanks, which survive hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and tornadoes without structural damage. The durability of properly maintained steel tanks, vessels and piping make steel an ideal solution for water, wastewater, petrochemical and pressure applications. Impermeability to petroleum & chemical vapors – Steel is used for secondary containment of hazardous nuclear wastes, petroleum storage tanks, and chemical storage in part because it is impermeable to vapors. Steel is used in applications such as automotive fuel tanks in Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) to meet the extremely stringent emissions standards in California air and water quality regulations.  Compatibility with a wide range of materials – Steel is compatible with everything from water to petroleum, and foods to chemicals. New power generation technologies such as solid oxide fuel cells, use steel tanks for their compatibility with alternative fuels such as ethanol (E85),

methanol and biodiesel. Such technologies produce more energy than they consume, with zero environmental impact, and provide a power source off the grid in inaccessible locations. Steel wind towers provide another remote power source. Recyclability – Steel plate used in storage tanks and vessels is chosen for its strength and can be made in an electric arc furnace with a process that utilizes virtually 100-percent recycled steel. US Federal agencies are mandated to consider life-cycle cost and environmental impact of materials chosen for government facilities under the “Greening of Government” regulations. Steel is made from recycled materials and is recyclable at the end of its useful life, which makes steel the “green” choice for storage solutions. HISTORY Since 1916, STI/SPFA members have been working together to raise the bar for quality, safety, reliability and performance in the steel plate industry. Recognized as a leader in the steel plate fabrication industry, STI/SPFA serves its members, regulators and the public through research on state-of-the-art products; development of industry standards and certification programs; development of education, training, quality inspection and safety programs; expert commentary and participation in the regulatory and code development processes in several countries; and promotion of steel as a viable material for storage of products today and tomorrow.