What is the function of a monitoring well in relation to USTs?

The function of a monitoring well in relation to underground storage tanks (USTs) primarily revolves around assessing the quality of the groundwater and identifying any potential contamination caused by leaks from the UST. Monitoring wells are strategically installed to enable regular sampling and testing of groundwater, helping to detect any petroleum products or hazardous substances that may have escaped the tank and infiltrated the surrounding soil and water table.

This early detection is crucial for environmental protection, as it allows for timely intervention and remediation efforts to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem and public health. By regularly analyzing the data obtained from monitoring wells, facility operators and regulatory officials can ensure compliance with environmental regulations and take necessary steps if contamination is identified.

While other methods exist to assess specific aspects of USTs, such as measuring fuel levels or evaluating structural integrity, monitoring wells are singularly focused on evaluating contamination in groundwater. This makes them an essential part of UST management and environmental monitoring practices. Monitoring wells do not provide information about temperatures or structural conditions, making option B the correct choice.