What is a primary purpose of having a spill prevention plan for USTs?

A primary purpose of having a spill prevention plan for underground storage tanks (USTs) is to control liabilities that arise from leaks and spills. This is essential because, when spills or leaks occur, they can lead to significant environmental damage, legal repercussions, and financial liabilities for the facility owner or operator. A well-structured spill prevention plan includes measures to minimize the risk of spills, identify potential spill scenarios, and establish procedures for containing and addressing any incidents that do occur. By developing and implementing such a plan, facilities not only safeguard the environment but also protect themselves from the financial and operational impacts associated with clean-up efforts, regulatory fines, and damage to their reputation.

Other options may address important aspects of UST management, but they do not capture the core function of a spill prevention plan as effectively. While avoiding regulatory violations and reducing maintenance costs are certainly beneficial outcomes, the primary intent of a spill prevention plan is focused on liability control and risk management related to spills and leaks.