What is a significant environmental risk linked with UST systems?

Soil and groundwater contamination is a significant environmental risk linked with underground storage tank (UST) systems because these tanks can leak hazardous substances, such as petroleum products or other chemicals, into the surrounding soil and groundwater. When a leak occurs, it can cause serious environmental damage, as contaminants can spread through soil and water systems, affecting local ecosystems and potentially harming public health.

Groundwater is a critical resource for drinking water supplies in many areas, and contamination from USTs can lead to long-term pollution issues that are difficult and costly to remediate. This risk highlights the importance of maintaining UST systems properly and ensuring that they are regularly inspected and monitored for leaks or other issues. While air pollution and noise pollution are environmental concerns, they are not directly associated with UST systems. Waste management, while relevant to UST maintenance, does not directly address the environmental risks posed by leaks and spills.