What must facilities with underground storage tanks (USTs) do regularly?

Facilities with underground storage tanks (USTs) must monitor for leaks regularly to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulations. Leak detection is crucial because even minor leaks can lead to significant environmental contamination, threatening groundwater and surrounding ecosystems. Monitoring entails using various methods, such as automatic leak detection systems, periodic manual checks, and inventory control measures, all aimed at identifying any potential release of hazardous substances from the USTs.

While inspecting for structural integrity is also important and helps maintain the safety and functionality of the storage tanks, monitoring for leaks directly addresses the immediate risks associated with hazardous materials. Proper wastewater discharge and employee safety training, while necessary for overall operations, do not specifically address the critical need to prevent and detect leaks from USTs. Therefore, the focus on leak monitoring is essential for regulatory compliance and environmental protection.