Gas Station Construction Company Services

As an industry-leading gas station construction company since 1994, CommTank provides and installs all the petroleum equipment you need. From new gas station construction to service station remodeling projects, we represent the best overall value among gas station contractors.

Clients throughout Massachusetts rely on CommTank as their full-service dedicated service station contractor.  We do everything for gas stations, including design, installation, construction, testing, and regular and emergency maintenance.

Gas station construction project in Naugatuck, Connecticut at convenience store.

Information and Options for Gas Station Property Owners

Our industry experience and scope of quality gas station services exceed what other maintenance companies offer.  We provide information and options in order for gas station property about factors such as costs of materials related to construction.  Review our projects and you’ll discover why CommTank has earned a reputation as the best gas station construction firm and maintenance contractor in New England.

Retail Gas Station Construction and Design

Our experience with layout, design, and retail gas station construction stems from our area expertise. Within our market, business clients rely on us for dependable commercial fuel tank installation, underground tank inspection, and underground tank removal.  This expertise ensures comprehensive support for clients who require retail filling station construction and inspection services from their fuel system installation contractor.

Our team works closely with experienced designers, drafters and engineers licensed in each state we serve.  Each type of local market relationship is vital because engineer familiarity with town board members helps to streamline the approval and permitting process for gas station construction projects.

From project conception through completion, you can trust the expert guidance of CommTank professional gas station builders. We will advise you regarding the viability of building a service station in a particular location, as well as permit feasibility. We also help you navigate local requirements and zoning issues to determine new gas station viability in your area.

Retail Gas Station Components that CommTank Installs

• Automatic Tank Gauges
• Gas Station Canopies
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid Dispensers (DEF)
• Quality Gilbarco Dispensing Equipment
• Quality Wayne Dispensing Equipment
• EMV Compliance Upgrades (see FAQs)
• Fire Suppression Systems
• Fuel Management Systems
• Fuel System Accessories
• LED Lighting
• LED Signage
• Manway Covers
• Piping Sumps
• Piping Systems
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems
• Spill Buckets
•  Gas Station Underground Fuel Tanks
• Vapor Balance & Recovery System

The Rise of Gas Station Remodels and Upgrades

The petroleum industry began experiencing stricter regulation in the late 1980s and 1990s. For example, a 1988 EPA regulation required all filling station operators to upgrade their underground storage tank systems within 10 years to include double-walled fuel tanks with leak detection equipment to prevent spills.

Safety Requirements Drive Upgrades

More owners of convenience stores with gas station pumps were forced to upgrade their gas station storage tanks to achieve compliance. Fuel system installation contractors completed many fuel tank removal projects and installed new fuel station tanks throughout that decade.

Now in the 2020s, these gas stations have petroleum tanks nearing the end of their 30-year lifespan.  These businesses are presently seeking service station maintenance contractors to perform the wide range of petrol station maintenance services outlined in this article.

Photo of gas station fuel tank installation in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Top 9 Reasons to Remodel or Upgrade a Gas Station

1. Gas Station Gas Tank Safety and Integrity – Petroleum equipment and gas station underground fuel tanks typically have 30-year life expectancies. Proactive petrol station maintenance includes timely, scheduled UST replacement to ensure tank safety and integrity.
2. Reduce Environmental Liability – Routine filling station upgrades, testing and maintenance promotes environmental safety and avoids the risk and liability of fuel leaks and the associated fines and costs of cleanup to restore compliance. 
3. Compliance with State Regulations – Certain states (such as Connecticut) require tank replacement after 30 years to maintain environmental compliance.
4. Insurance Requirements – Some insurance firms require tank upgrades for gas stations with tanks older than 30 years. Otherwise, they will significantly increase insurance premiums.
5. Failure of Gas Station Storage Tanks – A leaking underground storage tank at a gas station usually warrants replacement, since the cost of tank repair and maintenance typically outweighs the cost of replacement with a new fuel tank.
6. Additional Fuel Pump Installation – Renovations such as updated fuel station design as part of convenience store construction often include additional fuel pump installation. CommTank is among the best gas pump installation contractors due to our experience and expertise with comprehensive gas pump services.
7. Gas Pump Island Remodel – Store construction and renovations often include reconfiguration of gas station floor plans.  For example, gas station concrete pad construction and canopy construction are major features of quality gas station design.
8. Technology Upgrades – Retailers with fuel pump gas stations must upgrade their payment systems to be EMV compliant by the April 17, 2021 EMV compliance deadline. 
9. Increase Fuel Storage Capacity – To enhance customer service and serve more clients, owners of convenience stores with fuel pumps often expand their gas station floor plans.  Modern filling station designs call for increased fuel storage.  Area gas station maintenance companies such as CommTank work with quality gas station equipment suppliers, and can specify and install tanks that comply with EPA gas station regulations.

Our experienced team has an in-depth understanding of all the requirements that facilitate successful permitting and compliant completion of your gas station construction project. CommTank has excellent working relationships with local engineers and state agencies, and can help you navigate all the regulations and requirements of your project.

State Agencies that Regulate Petroleum Station Design and Construction

MASSACHUSETTS

• MA DEP – Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• MASS DFS – Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
• Mass.gov – Submit Self-Service Gas Station Plans
• Mass.gov – Motor Fuel Application

EPA Gas Station Regulations for Underground Storage Tanks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates Underground Storage Tanks used by several industries, including gas stations and service stations.

The EPA’s dedicated UST page provides industry guidance, and EPA service station regulations are outlined in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide: How The New Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Well Rule Affects Your Business. The EPA also provides guidelines regarding Eligibility for Gasoline and Diesel Thresholds at Retail Gas Stations.

Gas station canopy construction in Naugatuck, Connecticut.

Gas Station Canopy Construction

CommTank construction services include all aspects of gas station canopy construction.  We begin by working with you to determine the best layout to accommodate traffic and maximize your space.

Modern filling station designs include several options for gas station canopy design. Several factors influence gas station roof design. For example, the available space and desired number of fuel pumps impact the size of the gas pump island. The island size impacts the design of each canopy foundation and the number of concrete footings required to support the canopy.

Aesthetic factors of gas station canopy design include custom decorative trim, columns, and canopy fascia options for LED signage to display gas prices.   

One service that is always in demand is Gas Station Canopy Repair. Vehicular collisions cause damage to canopy roofs and columns.  Weather events such as rain, snow, and wind often lead to canopy damage such as corrosion and water leaks. CommTank will evaluate your service station canopy’s condition and explain your repair options – which can range from minor repairs to complete replacement of the canopy’s aluminum decking.

CommTank is the only service station maintenance firm in the northeast that offers complete in-house canopy design sourcing, foundation installation, and erection services.  Our professional technicians begin by working with you to determine the best gas station canopy design and layout for your needs.

We then work with gas station canopy manufacturers and Professional Engineers to obtain stamped engineered drawings for canopy design according to your state’s requirements. Finally, we build the foundation and assemble and erect your gas station canopy.

CommTank Professional Licenses & Certifications

• ICC Certified UST (UST & AST Installation, Removal, Upgrades & Retrofitting, Tank Testing)
• Licensed Equipment Operators
• Licensed Electricians
• Construction Supervisors
• Licensed Gas Station Installer
• Major Contractor License
• Plumbers License P-9 - Gasoline Tank, Piping, and Pump Contractor
• Equipment Manufacturer Certified Professional Technicians
• Partnership with Professional Engineers in every state we service

Gas station construction project in Massachusetts.

Gas Station Construction Projects

Our quality gas station construction services benefit our many loyal clients throughout the northeast. 

Clients appreciate the customer service and expertise our team provides throughout every step of their service station construction or renovation project.

The project examples below illustrate several of the comprehensive services we perform.

Gas Station Renovation Project

Gas Station at a Convenience Store in Randolph, MA

For this popular Mobile gas station, CommTank performed these comprehensive services:

• Removed a 1000-gall. UST
• Installed a 5,000-gall. UL-58 dual-wall fiberglass UST with observation wells on either end
• Installed new canopy
• Installed and piped new petroleum dispensers and sumps; containment tank sump and three dispenser sumps
• Installed and connected a Veeder-Root™ TLS-350 Fuel Monitoring and Leak Detection System
• Pressure-tested the primary, secondary and recovery return lines

Fuel Storage Dispenser Replacement Project

Convenience Store Gas Station in Townsend, MA

For this popular Haffner’s gas station, CommTank performed these comprehensive services:

• Removed three 8,000-gal. gasoline USTs and one 8,000-gal. diesel UST
• Drained, disassembled & removed existing petroleum dispensers
• Installed one 20,000-gal and one 12,000-gallon dual-wall fiberglass UST (Brand: Containment Solutions), including tank supports and anchor equipment
• Installed approved base fill below and around tanks and piping
• Pressure-tested tanks; inspected for leaks; documented results
• Installed 2 observation wells; 3 fuel containment sumps; 5 gas dispenser sumps
• Installed Veeder Root™ TLS 350 System featuring sensors and fuel level probes; conduits and wires connecting sensors and probes to a new Veeder-Root™ fuel monitoring system inside the building
• Installed overfill prevention valves and spill buckets
• Connected fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) vent pipes to USTs and
• Constructed new Dispenser Islands
• Pressure Tested the Pipes – primary and secondary containment
• Tested & certified the Veeder-Root ™ TLS 350 Fuel Monitoring and Leak Detection System

Gas Station Installation Project with UST Upgrade

Gas Station at Convenience Store in Merrimack, NH

For this popular New World gas station that offers regular, midgrade, premium, and diesel fuel, CommTank performed these comprehensive services:

• Installed new fiberglass double-walled storage tanks (Containment Solutions brand); including double-walled piping and new fuel containment sumps.
• Performed tank testing; submitted results to NHDES per ENV-OR 407.08.
• Hydrostatically tested tank sumps, spill containers, and dispensers
• Tested line leak detectors in accordance with the mfg. requirements
• Tested primary, secondary, and vent piping
• Upgraded the existing canopy (constructed new steel-reinforced concrete footings with electrical conduits for lighting and fire suppression.
• Installed underground drains as required by NHDES.
• Installed fire suppression system according to NFPA 17 and State codes.
• Reprogrammed & certified existing Veeder-Root ™ TLS 350 Fuel Monitoring and Leak Detection System
• Tested secondary containment system; overfill prevention devices; line leak detectors

Gas Station Construction Cost Estimates

Several factors influence the scope of your gas station construction project. Below we outline typical gas station construction cost estimates for various types of fuel system installation and upgrade projects.

Gas Station Canopy Costs

Scope factors that affect the cost of a gas station canopy include the canopy size, canopy design, the number of columns required to support the canopy, and the number of concrete footings required to create a secure foundation for the canopy and enable it to withstand the wind forces in its location. 

Small gas stations typically require 1 canopy supported by 1 footing.  Larger gas stations can require multiple canopies with up to 8 footings each.

The cost of gas station canopy footing typically ranges from $8 - $10K per footing.

The cost of a gas station canopy, including design and installation, typically ranges from $35-$80K.

This range depends largely on the design and size of the canopy. 

The average cost of a new gas station with four gas dispensers and associated petroleum equipment such as underground storage tanks, concrete footings, piping, spill buckets, etc. is $500K.

The average cost to replace existing gas station components with new pumps, tanks, and accessories is $200-$300K.

Gas Station Tank Installation Cost

The average cost to install an underground fuel tank to replace an existing tank is $250K, including the tank, piping, and associated equipment.

Gas Station Fuel Tank Removal Cost

The average cost to remove an underground fuel tank depends on the size and number of tanks, and ranges from $15 - $20K per project.

Underground fuel tanks are more common for retail service stations, while above ground fuel tanks for gas stations are more common for commercial filling stations.

FAQs about Gas Station Equipment Installation Costs

Gas Station Design

Click image for larger view.

Gas Station Floor Plans

CommTank offers comprehensive gas station design services.  We work with you to develop the fuel station layout that best suits your needs, and then obtain stamped engineering drawings of gas station floor plans. Our experienced technicians will guide you through every aspect of gas station design.

We help you navigate the planning process based on many factors, including:

• State and local acceptable practices (for example, whether to offer diesel fuel)
• Traffic count
• Space available for ease of movement based on parking spaces and fuel delivery space
• Existing building conditions
• Property location and property owner desires

Gas Station Maintenance, Testing, and Repair Services

24/7 Emergency Maintenance Services for Gas Stations

Our CommTank emergency maintenance services team can be on-site within two hours to handle your needs for gas pump repair, gas station equipment repair, emergency spill response or other emergency maintenance needs.  Many clients take advantage of annual service agreements that ensure timely completion of all required testing and maintenance services.

CommTank offers safe, reliable gas station testing, maintenance, and repair services.

Gas Station Fuel System Testing

CommTank comprehensive gas station testing services include:

• Stage I Vapor Recovery Testing   
• Stage I Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) Testing << This is the replacement for Stage II - Dan
• Stage II Vapor Recovery Testing   
• Piping system testing
• Spill bucket testing
• Sump testing
• Fuel leak detection system testing
• Underground storage tank (UST) testing
• Automatic Tank Gauge
• Fuel Management System

All testing services are completed in accordance with local, state and federal requirements to ensure consistent compliance. We offer annual service agreements that track when all testing is due to ensure that testing is proactively completed to maintain compliance.

Stage I and II Fuel Vapor Recovery – Benefits and State Guidance

• NH Dept. of Environmental Services – Gas Station Vapor Recovery
• MA Dept of Environmental Protection - Stage I & II Vapor Recovery Program
• MA Stage I Vapor Recovery - Weekly Inspection Checklist & Compliance Guidance for Gasoline Stations
• CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection Stage I & II Vapor Control
• RI Dept. of Environmental Management - Compliance Certification Workbook for UST Facilities

Gas Station Equipment Suppliers

CommTank partners with only high-quality petroleum industry equipment suppliers such as Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne Fueling Systems – a division of Dover Fueling Solutions.

Our experience and rapport with manufacturer’s representatives enable CommTank to offer our clients comprehensive solutions to keep gas stations compliant with state and federal regulations.

We successfully retrofit and upgrade existing equipment for our customers with quality products from Icon Containment Solutions.  Icon manufactures products such as watertight sump lids and manhole covers, split repair containment fittings, structural bonders, fillers, sealants and STP corrosion prevention products.

Piping suppliers include Franklin Fueling Systems, and others that supply accessories, gauges sensors and additional components of retail service stations.

FAQs about Gas Station Construction