Which aspect is crucial when securing USTs in high water table areas?

When managing Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) in areas with a high water table, the integrity and security of the installations become particularly vital. Tanks in such environments face unique challenges, such as buoyancy in saturated soils, which can lead to tank movement or even damage if not properly secured. Thus, employing secure installation practices—like anchoring the tank or using appropriate protective barriers—ensures that the tank remains stable and minimizes risks of leakage or disruption.

Other considerations, such as the size of the tank, the quality of the soil, and access to emergency services, are relevant to UST operations but do not directly address the immediate concern of securing the tank against the potential effects of high groundwater levels. For example, while soil quality can influence tank stability, it does not override the necessity for a secure installation in preventing incidents in high water scenarios. Access to emergency services is essential for overall safety management but is less directly related to the everyday concern of tank security against water table fluctuations.