Environmental Compliance Inspector Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Compliance 3

Question 1

Which federal act originally established the regulatory authority for the underground storage tank program?

Accepted Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle I

Answer

RCRA Subtitle I, added by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984, gave EPA the authority to regulate underground storage tanks containing petroleum and hazardous substances.

Question 2

An environmental compliance inspector finds that a UST site has a groundwater monitoring well showing petroleum contamination. What is the FIRST step the owner/operator must take?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected release to the state implementing agency within the required timeframe

Answer

When a suspected release is identified through release detection, the owner/operator must first notify the implementing agency within the timeframe required by regulation before taking most other actions.

Question 3

What is the maximum volume threshold that distinguishes a farm or residential UST from a regulated commercial UST under federal exemptions?

Accepted Answer

1,100 gallons

Answer

Farm and residential tanks with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less storing motor fuel for non-commercial purposes are exempt from federal UST regulations under 40 CFR Part 280.

Question 4

Under federal UST regulations, what is the required action if the annual line tightness test detects a leak in the pressurized piping?

Accepted Answer

Shut down the system and repair or replace the piping before returning to service

Answer

If annual testing reveals a leak in pressurized piping, the system must be taken out of service immediately, and the leaking component must be repaired or replaced before the UST can return to operation.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'secondary containment' in the context of UST compliance?

Accepted Answer

A system (such as a double-wall tank or liner) that contains any release from the primary tank before it reaches the environment

Answer

Secondary containment is an inner barrier system (e.g., double-wall construction, liner, or vault) designed to intercept and contain any product that escapes the primary tank or piping before it can enter the surrounding soil or groundwater.

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Practice Test

Environmental Compliance Inspector Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Compliance 3