Why Cathodic Protection Testing Is Required—and How It Works

If your fuel site uses underground storage tanks (USTs), protecting them from corrosion is not just smart—it’s required by law. Corroded tanks can leak fuel, contaminate soil and groundwater, and trigger serious compliance violations.

That’s where cathodic protection (CP) testing comes in. This process verifies that your corrosion prevention system is working properly—and that you’re meeting EPA and state regulatory standards.

At Adelphi Environmental, we provide certified cathodic protection testing that’s fast, thorough, and fully documented. Here’s what you need to know to stay in the clear.

What Is Cathodic Protection?

Cathodic protection is a corrosion prevention method for metallic fuel tanks. It works by turning your steel tank into the “cathode” of an electrochemical cell—redirecting corrosion away from the tank and onto a more reactive anode.

There are two main systems used on USTs:

• Galvanic (sacrificial anode) systems

• Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems

Regardless of which one you have, federal law requires your system to be tested regularly.

What Does CP Testing Involve?

Cathodic protection testing is a non-invasive procedure performed by a certified technician.

The process includes:

✅ Measuring voltage potential between the tank and reference electrode

✅ Verifying anode performance and current output

✅ Testing soil resistivity and confirming proper protection levels

✅ Identifying shorts, breaks, or depleted anodes

✅ Documenting results for regulatory submission

How Often Is Testing Required?

According to EPA UST rules:

• Galvanic systems must be tested every 3 years

• Impressed current systems must be inspected every 60 days and tested annually

Some state and local agencies may require more frequent testing depending on site history or system age.

Why CP Testing Matters for Compliance

Failing to test or document your CP system can result in:

🚫 Fines and penalties

🚫 Failed inspections

🚫 Red tags and operational shutdowns

🚫 Ineligibility for insurance claims

Worse, a failing CP system can lead to undetected corrosion—and eventual tank failure. That’s not just expensive—it’s a legal and environmental nightmare.

Adelphi Makes It Easy to Stay Protected

Our team of certified environmental technicians will:

• Conduct on-site testing with minimal disruption

• Provide clear documentation for your records

• Track your testing schedule to ensure you never fall out of compliance

• Explain results and recommend repairs if needed

No guesswork. No scrambling before an inspection.

Stay Ahead of Corrosion—Stay in Compliance

If you're not sure when your last cathodic protection test was—or what system you have—you're not alone. Most of our clients come to us needing help making sense of it all.

Let Adelphi Environmental simplify the process. We’ll help you protect your tanks, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Schedule Your CP Test Today →