Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

An underground storage tank (UST) is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. USTs are regulated to prevent release of substances which can cause contamination to the soil and groundwater.

Underground storage tanks are soil and groundwater contamination Enemy #1 whose favorite game is called “hide and leak.” Find them. Remove them. Sleep soundly.

Underground Storage Tanks are typically one of four designs. The first design is a steel or aluminum tank. The second design is a steel or aluminum tank wrapped with a glass or carbon fiber called. Some tanks are made out of fiberglass or a carbon fiber with a metal liner. Finally there are the tanks made out of fiberglass or a carbon fiber with a polymer liner. Being underground there is a greater chance for the metal tanks to corrode and the composite tanks to be cracked by the movement of the surrounding soils and rocks. A leak from the tank can cause substantial harm to the groundwater and thus subsequently the drinking water in the area. The leak can also affect the soil which can damage and kill plant life. USTs represent the largest threat to environmental contamination.