Mr. Sharpe,

 As explained yesterday, I was wondering if the Petroleum Contractor is following the proper procedure for the tank installation. During the installation inspection, I noted several issues at the facility. Please see the above referenced photos.

 The issues are as follows:

 1. The contractor was pushing the tank down with a large track hoe filled with concrete and dirt. The contractor explained that due to the high water table and because the excavation site was not shored, mud was caving in the hole and raising the tank (see photos).

 2. A large scratch was present on the east side of the tank. The blue color of the FRP laminate was showing a white fractured pattern (see photo).

 3. Also, several scratches were observed on the north side of the tank where the track hoe was actively pushing the tank down. The blue color of the FRP laminate was showing a white fractured pattern (see photo).

 4. When I initially asked the contractor if a vacuum was present on the interstice when the tank was delivered, he could not answer me. The tank gauge on the interstice was reading zero. The contractor could not inform me if he released the vacuum & whether the vacuum was release before or after the tank was installed (see photos).

 5. I explained to the contractor that the bedding material was much too large. He assured me that it was an acceptable material according to the installation criteria. The bedding material installed under the tank was an inch to inch and a half landscaping aggregate. Some of the aggregate was as large as 2 inches. A sample of the material was collected by the Department (see photos).

 Any information you could provide the Department on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 David Lee Pears

Environmental Specialist II

Charlotte County Storage Tank Program

Charlotte County Health Department