California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

What is a requirement for UST systems regarding environmental protection under California law?

1. Regular routine checks without documentation

2. Use of approved methods for handling hazardous materials

3. Implementation of secondary containment technologies

4. Disposal of underground tanks on-site

The correct answer is: Implementation of secondary containment technologies

For Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems in California, a key requirement for environmental protection is the implementation of secondary containment technologies. This is essential because secondary containment systems are designed to prevent leaks or spills from reaching the surrounding environment. They provide an additional layer of protection by containing potential releases from the primary tank, which is critical in mitigating soil and groundwater contamination. Secondary containment systems can include double-walled tanks, dikes, or other containment structures that maintain the integrity of the stored hazardous substances. This method significantly enhances the ability to monitor for leaks, thus ensuring compliance with both state and federal environmental regulations designed to protect public health and the ecosystem. Other options do not fulfill the specific regulatory requirement for safeguarding against environmental hazards associated with UST systems. Regular routine checks without documentation do not ensure accountability or compliance with environmental standards, and the use of approved methods for handling hazardous materials, while important, addresses operational procedures rather than structural integrity. Disposal of underground tanks on-site goes against regulations that typically require proper decommissioning and removal to prevent potential contamination.