What is the primary purpose of spill buckets associated with USTs?

The primary purpose of spill buckets associated with underground storage tanks (USTs) is to contain any spills or overfills that may occur during the transfer of hazardous materials into the tank. Spill buckets are specifically designed to capture liquid that overflows or spills during the filling process, thus preventing potential environmental contamination or hazard.

By containing the material, spill buckets help to reduce the risk of leaks reaching the surrounding soil or groundwater, which can lead to significant environmental issues, regulatory violations, and costly clean-ups. They also support compliance with monitoring and safety standards set by environmental protection agencies.

This function plays a critical role in the safe management of hazardous materials, ensuring both the integrity of the tank system and protection of the environment. The other options do not accurately reflect the essential role of spill buckets in the context of UST safety and regulation.