Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST)

Definition

A Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) is an underground storage tank that has leaked hazardous substances, typically hydrocarbon-based pollutants such as petroleum products. These leaks can pose significant environmental risks, potentially contaminating nearby soil and groundwater, leading to water quality deterioration and health hazards for local communities.

Examples

Gasoline Storage Tanks: A common source of LUST incidents involves underground tanks at gas stations that leak gasoline due to corrosion, improper installation, or structural failure.
Industrial Facilities: Factories or industrial plants using underground storage tanks to hold chemicals or waste products may experience leaks that release harmful substances into the ground.
Residential Heating Oil Tanks: In colder regions, homes often used underground tanks to store heating oil. Over time, these tanks can corrode and leak, causing contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What causes underground storage tanks to leak?

A1: Common causes include corrosion, improper installation, poor maintenance, mechanical failures, and external pressures such as shifting soil.

Q2: What are the environmental impacts of LUST?

A2: LUST can lead to the contamination of soil and groundwater, affecting drinkable water supplies, harming aquatic life, and posing health risks to humans from direct contact or vapor intrusion.

Q3: What should be done if a LUST is detected?

A3: Immediate actions should include notifying relevant environmental authorities, containing the leak, assessing the extent of contamination, and implementing remediation strategies to clean up the affected area.

Q4: How are LUST sites remediated?

A4: Remediation methods include soil excavation, pump-and-treat systems for groundwater, bioremediation, and soil vapor extraction, among others aimed at removing or neutralizing the contaminants.

Q5: Who is responsible for cleaning up a LUST site?

A5: The responsibility typically falls on the tank owner or operator. If they cannot be identified, government agencies may step in to ensure cleanup is carried out to protect public health and the environment.

Underground Storage Tank (UST): A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that is used to contain regulated substances and has at least 10% of its volume below ground.
Contaminant: Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter that has an adverse effect on air, water, or land.
Environmental Hazard: A substance, state, or event which has the potential to threaten the surrounding natural environment or adversely affect human health.
Remediation: The action of reversing or stopping environmental damage, such as contamination of soil or groundwater, by removing pollutants or hazardous substances.

Online Resources

References

Environmental Protection Agency. “Underground Storage Tanks (USTs).” EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ust
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “Leaking Underground Storage Tanks.” NIEHS. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/leedust/index.cfm
Hyman, M.R., and Dupont, R.R. “Managing Underground Storage Tanks: Third Edition.” CRC Press, 2021.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

Managing Underground Storage Tanks, by Michael R. Hyman and David J. Dupont
Contaminated Groundwater and Sediment: Modeling for Management and Remediation, by Charles Zheng
Principles of Environmental Chemistry, by James E. Girard
Environmental Contamination: Health Risks & Ecological Restoration, edited by Christine Nardini and Marco Petruzzelli
Petroleum Contaminated Soils: Remediation Techniques, Environmental Factors, and Risk Analysis, by Paul T. Kostecki and Edward J. Calabrese

Real Estate Basics: Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the primary environmental concern associated with LUST? - [ ] Air pollution - [x] Soil and groundwater contamination - [ ] Noise pollution - [ ] Surface water contamination > **Explanation:** The primary concern with LUST is the contamination of soil and groundwater, which can severely affect water quality and health. ### What is a common source of LUST? - [x] Gas station storage tanks - [ ] Above-ground oil tanks - [ ] Residential swimming pools - [ ] Office heating systems > **Explanation:** Gas station storage tanks are a well-known source of LUST as they store considerable amounts of gasoline underground, which can lead to leaks. ### Which of the following methods is used for the remediation of LUST sites? - [ ] Burning the contaminated soil - [ ] Adding more water to the site - [x] Pump-and-treat systems - [ ] Planting trees > **Explanation:** Pump-and-treat systems are commonly used to remediate LUST sites by extracting contaminated groundwater and treating it to remove pollutants. ### What causes most underground storage tanks to leak? - [x] Corrosion - [ ] Heat expansion - [ ] Overfilling - [ ] Freezing > **Explanation:** Corrosion is a primary cause of leaks in underground storage tanks because the metal can deteriorate over time when in contact with soil and groundwater. ### What percentage of a tank's volume is typically underground for it to be classified as a UST? - [ ] 5% - [ ] 25% - [ ] 50% - [x] 10% > **Explanation:** A tank that has at least 10% of its volume beneath the surface is classified as an underground storage tank or UST. ### When is a property owner required to notify authorities about a leaking UST? - [ ] Only if there is visible damage - [x] Immediately upon detection - [ ] Within one year of discovery - [ ] When health complaints arise > **Explanation:** Authorities must be notified immediately upon detection of a leak from a UST to mitigate environmental damage promptly. ### Who usually bears the responsibility for cleanup if a LUST site is detected? - [x] The tank owner or operator - [ ] The local residents - [ ] The state government - [ ] Environmental NGOs > **Explanation:** The tank owner or operator is mostly responsible for the cleanup unless they can’t be identified, in which case the government may intervene. ### What is the first step to take when a LUST is found? - [x] Notify environmental authorities - [ ] Refill the tank - [ ] Evacuate the area - [ ] Seal off the tank > **Explanation:** Notifying the relevant environmental authorities is crucial as the first step to handle a LUST situation to receive instructions and support for containment and remediation. ### Which of the following measures is NOT used to identify leaks in USTs? - [ ] Soil sampling - [ ] Groundwater monitoring - [x] Air quality monitoring - [ ] Visual inspection > **Explanation:** Air quality monitoring isn't typically used for identifying leaks in underground storage tanks; soil sampling and groundwater monitoring are preferred methods. ### Which contaminants are most often associated with LUST incidents? - [x] Hydrocarbons - [ ] Heavy metals - [ ] Asbestos - [ ] Pesticides > **Explanation:** Hydrocarbons, mainly from petroleum products, are the contaminants most often associated with LUST incidents.