When is it necessary to remove a UST from service?

Removing a UST from service is primarily warranted when a release has occurred or when the tank is found to be in violation of safety regulations. This is a critical safety and environmental safeguard. If a release is detected, it poses a significant risk of contamination to the surrounding environment, including soil and groundwater, which can have severe public health implications. Compliance with safety regulations is also paramount; if a tank is determined to be unsafe or in violation of these regulations, it must be taken out of service to prevent potential hazards.

Although other factors, such as detecting strong odors or reaching the end of a tank's operational life cycle, may indicate a need for evaluation or maintenance, they do not necessarily require immediate removal from service in the same urgent manner as a confirmed release or regulatory violation. Scheduled inspections are important for ensuring ongoing compliance and safety, but they do not automatically necessitate removal from service unless issues are identified during those inspections that warrant such action.