AST question

[SWMaint.corp]

We just completed an AST tank install with 3 12,000 gallon UL 2085 tanks. My guys set the tanks with a separation of 32" between the tanks outter walls. Our inspector pulled the table out of NFPA 30a saying the tank separation should be 36" The code doesn't specify whether the separation is between the primary tank walls or the secondary tank walls. I know that we should have installed the tanks with a separation of 36" but we didnt. Now the tanks are in service and moving them isnt an option. These tanks have 4" of insulation between the tank walls. Has anyone ran into this? Or have any idea on how to rectify with some type of a fix?

[tankgenie]

For us, it has always been enforced as 3 feet from outer wall. However, if the tanks are UL 2085 you could ask the regulator to take the fire rating into consideration for a variance. Sorry to hear of the problem..