How are UST leaks typically remediated?

The process of remediating leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) involves addressing both soil and groundwater contamination to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. This is typically accomplished through methods such as soil excavation, which removes contaminated soil from the site; groundwater treatment, which may include pumping and treating contaminated water; and the installation of recovery systems designed to extract and treat pollutants effectively. These methods are aimed at eliminating contaminants to restore the affected environment.

In contrast, simply sealing the surface does not address the underlying contamination, which poses ongoing risks. Adding more fuel to dilute contaminants is not a viable or environmentally responsible solution, as it can exacerbate the problem rather than mitigate it. Temporary storage of fuels does not solve the issue of contamination and fails to provide a means of remediation for leaked substances. This is why the remediation process requires a more comprehensive approach that includes both soil and groundwater treatment, among other strategies.