What is required of UST owners regarding financial responsibility?

UST owners are required to demonstrate financial responsibility for potential releases and associated clean-up costs to ensure that they have the means to address environmental contamination resulting from their underground storage tanks. This requirement is in place to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that funds are available for cleanup if a release of hazardous substances occurs.

Financial responsibility can be demonstrated through various means, such as insurance, bonding, or other financial instruments that meet regulatory standards. This requirement emphasizes the importance of having adequate financial resources to manage any incidents that could arise from the operation of USTs, thus preventing potential dangers posed by leaks or spills.

The other options address aspects that are not aligned with the regulatory framework for USTs. For example, merely paying a fixed annual fee does not provide a mechanism for responding to actual incidents. Similarly, while insurance can be a part of financial responsibility, it does not need to cover all environmental damages, just those specific to UST operations. Lastly, indicating that no financial responsibility is required would contradict established laws designed to promote public safety and environmental protection.