Definition
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) refers to any tank, including its underground piping, with at least 10% of its combined volume situated below ground. These tanks are commonly used to store various liquids, including fuel products like gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, industrial chemicals, and waste materials. USTs pose a significant environmental risk, as leaks can lead to soil and groundwater contamination.
Examples
Fuel Station Leaks
An underground storage tank at a gasoline station experienced a leak, discharging diesel into the surrounding soil. The issue was identified, and immediate measures were taken to repair the leak. The local environmental protection agency mandated ongoing monitoring and extensive soil remediation to manage contamination.
Industrial Chemical Storage
An industrial facility employs USTs to store hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing. Routine inspections revealed potential leaks, prompting proactive measures to replace defective tanks and prevent environmental contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Underground Storage Tank (UST)?
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) is a tank and its underground piping with at least 10% of its volume situated underground, used for storing liquids such as fuels, industrial chemicals, or waste.
Why are USTs a concern for the environment?
USTs can leak hazardous substances into the soil and groundwater, leading to significant environmental contamination and potential risks to human health.
Who regulates USTs in the United States?
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alongside state environmental agencies, regulates USTs, ensuring compliance with safety and leakage prevention standards.
What steps are taken if a UST leak is discovered?
Upon discovering a leak, immediate corrective actions include repairing or replacing the tank, reporting to relevant environmental authorities, and conducting consistent monitoring and remediation efforts to mitigate contamination.
How are USTs monitored for leaks?
USTs are monitored using various methods, such as automatic tank gauging, vapor monitoring, soil gas surveys, and groundwater monitoring to detect leaks promptly.
Related Terms
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, is a US federal law designed to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants.
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST)
A LUST refers to an underground storage tank that has leaked its contents, leading to possible environmental contamination requiring prompt assessment and remediation.
Environmental Remediation
The process of cleaning up contaminated sites to prevent or mitigate harm to human health or the environment, often mandated by governmental regulations.
Online Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) UST Program: Information on federal regulations, leak prevention, and cleanup efforts.
- ASTM International Standards for USTs: Industry standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of USTs.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Underground Storage Tanks (USTs),” epa.gov
- ASTM International. “Underground Storage Tanks Security Documents,” astm.org
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), epa.gov
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Barker, R.D., & Gunn, S. “Underground Storage Tank Management: Spill Prevention, Detection, and Corrective Action.”
- Maureen Horton Garvie & Nancy J. Kadoch. “Manual of Portable Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations.”
- Helfrich, Timothy & Schrankel, J.E., “Cleaning Up Leaking Underground Storage Tanks: EPA’s Framework Principles and Practices.”
