How should underground tanks be set and surrounded?

Underground tanks should be set and surrounded with noncorrosive inert materials to provide the best protection against environmental factors and corrosion. Noncorrosive inert materials are specifically chosen because they do not react with the contents of the tank or the surrounding soil, thus ensuring the integrity and longevity of the tank structure. These materials help prevent any chemical reactions that could lead to leaks or environmental contamination.

Using noncorrosive materials also allows for the safe installation of the tanks, minimizing the risk of damage due to soil movement, water infiltration, or chemical exposure. This practice aligns with safety standards and regulations meant to protect both the installed tank and the surrounding ecosystem.

In contrast, surrounding the tank with concrete, while it may provide some structural support, could lead to corrosion issues over time if not properly designed for this application. Corrosive materials would actively degrade the tank and potentially lead to failure, creating environmental hazards. Lastly, while water can provide buoyancy control, it is not suitable as a surrounding material, as it can lead to corrosion and does not provide the needed structural support.