What are USTs and LUSTs?

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) play a critical role in various industries, particularly in storing petroleum products and hazardous substances.  

But when these tanks deteriorate, leak, or are improperly managed, they pose significant environmental and health risks.  

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) are a primary concern for property owners, developers, and environmental regulators due to their potential to contaminate soil and groundwater.

What are Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)?

USTs are tanks and associated piping buried underground to store petroleum or other hazardous substances. They are commonly found at gas stations, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and government installations. USTs must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent leaks and ensure environmental safety.

Key Components of UST Systems:

• Tanks: The primary storage vessel, typically made from steel, fiberglass, or composite materials.
• Piping Systems: Transport fuel from the tank to dispensing units.
• Leak Detection Systems: Monitors and alarms that detect fuel leakage.
• Cathodic Protection: A method used to prevent corrosion in metal tanks.
• Overfill Protection: Systems that prevent spills during fuel transfer.

While modern USTs are built to high safety standards, older tanks—especially those installed before stringent regulations—are susceptible to corrosion, structural failure, and leaks.

What are Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)?

LUSTs occur when underground tanks develop cracks, rust, or fail due to mechanical or structural issues. These leaks can release hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater, leading to significant environmental contamination.

Causes of LUSTs

• Corrosion: Older steel tanks are prone to rust, leading to leaks.
• Structural Failure: Pressure changes and environmental stressors can cause tank deterioration.
• Improper Installation: Poor installation techniques may contribute to early failure.
• Accidental Damage: Construction and excavation activities can rupture tanks or piping.
• Neglected Maintenance: Lack of routine inspection and repair increases the risk of leaks.

Environmental and Health Risks of LUSTs

Leaking USTs pose severe environmental and public health risks, including:

• Soil Contamination: Hazardous substances seep into the ground, affecting plant life and ecosystems.
• Groundwater Pollution: Contaminants such as benzene, toluene, and MTBE can enter underground water supplies, making them unsafe for consumption.
• Air Quality Issues: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fuel leaks can evaporate and pose inhalation hazards.
• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Underground fuel leaks can create flammable vapor pockets.
• Legal and Financial Liabilities: Property owners may face regulatory penalties, lawsuits, and costly cleanup operations.

Regulatory Framework for USTs and LUSTs

In the United States, USTs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations establish leak prevention, detection, and corrective action requirements.

Key regulatory requirements include:

• Tank Registration and Monitoring: All USTs must be registered, and owners must implement leak detection systems.
• Operator Training and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance are mandatory.
• Corrective Action for Contaminated Sites: Cleanup efforts must follow EPA and state guidelines to remediate environmental damage.
• Closure and Removal Requirements: If an UST is no longer in use, it must be properly decommissioned or removed.

Detection and Remediation of LUST Sites

When a LUST is suspected, environmental consultants conduct site assessments to determine the extent of contamination. The remediation process typically involves:

1. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): Identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) based on historical and visual site inspections.
2. Phase II ESA: Includes soil, groundwater, and air sampling to confirm contamination.
3. Site Remediation: Depending on contamination severity, cleanup methods may include:
   1. Soil Excavation and Disposal: Removing contaminated soil.
   2. Groundwater Treatment: Pumping and treating contaminated water.
   3. Vapor Intrusion Mitigation: Installing vapor barriers to prevent indoor air contamination.
   4. Bioremediation: Using natural bacteria to break down contaminants.

How GPRS Expedites LUST Detection and Remediation

GPRS’ nationwide team of SIM-certified Project Managers utilize industry-leading technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to assist with the detection and remediation of LUST sites.

Our precision utility locating and NASSCO-certified Video Pipe Inspection services ensure that all proposed locations for soil borings, groundwater monitoring wells, and soil vapor pins are clear of underground obstructions before drilling. GPS mapping of these utility findings and sample locations is included with every project.

If contamination of soil, groundwater, or soil gas is detected above cleanup thresholds, further investigation may be required to confirm there are no exposure pathways or to address remediation needs. With detailed maps from the initial investigation, GPRS can efficiently locate prior sample sites, conduct utility restakes, and assess whether nearby utilities could serve as contamination migration pathways.

GPRS is the trusted leader in damage prevention for the environmental sector. Our project managers provide support from the initial investigation through delineation and remediation to project completion. With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are ready to mobilize to projects anywhere in the United States.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct utility locating?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use.  

GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.  

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct a sewer pipe inspection?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.