What is the primary goal of UST environmental assessments?

The primary goal of UST environmental assessments is focused on identifying whether contamination has occurred and evaluating the extent of that contamination. USTs can pose significant environmental risks, particularly if they leak hazardous substances into the surrounding soil or groundwater. Conducting environmental assessments allows for the detection of such leaks and spills, enabling appropriate remedial actions to be taken to protect public health and the environment.

Assessing contamination is essential for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and for safeguarding public safety. Being proactive in identifying and mitigating any potential environmental impact of USTs is crucial, as it helps prevent long-term damage and costly cleanup efforts. Therefore, determining if contamination has occurred and evaluating its extent is central to the purpose of these assessments.