Environmental Compliance Inspector Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Compliance 3

Question 1

Which federal act originally established the regulatory authority for the underground storage tank program?

Accepted Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle I

Answer

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer

Clean Water Act (CWA)

Question 2

An environmental compliance inspector finds that a UST site has a groundwater monitoring well showing petroleum contamination. What is the FIRST step the owner/operator must take?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected release to the state implementing agency within the required timeframe

Answer

Immediately excavate the tank for visual inspection

Answer

Install additional monitoring wells without notifying anyone

Answer

Pump and treat the groundwater before notifying regulators

Question 3

What is the maximum volume threshold that distinguishes a farm or residential UST from a regulated commercial UST under federal exemptions?

Accepted Answer

1,100 gallons

Answer

500 gallons

Answer

2,000 gallons

Answer

10,000 gallons

Question 4

Under federal UST regulations, what is the required action if the annual line tightness test detects a leak in the pressurized piping?

Accepted Answer

Shut down the system and repair or replace the piping before returning to service

Answer

Reduce throughput by 50% and retest in 30 days

Answer

Switch to monthly monitoring without shutting down

Answer

Report to EPA headquarters directly within 48 hours

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'secondary containment' in the context of UST compliance?

Accepted Answer

A system (such as a double-wall tank or liner) that contains any release from the primary tank before it reaches the environment

Answer

A backup pumping system for overfill prevention

Answer

Perimeter fencing around the tank farm

Answer

Vapor recovery equipment on the fill port

Question 6

When inspecting a UST site, a compliance inspector should verify that overfill prevention equipment is installed. Which device automatically shuts off product flow when the tank reaches 95% capacity?

Accepted Answer

Automatic shutoff device (flapper valve)

Answer

Ball float valve

Answer

Spill bucket

Answer

Overfill alarm

Question 7

How does a 'statistical inventory reconciliation' (SIR) method work as a release detection tool for USTs?

Accepted Answer

It uses statistical analysis of inventory data over time to identify patterns consistent with a leak

Answer

It physically measures the tank volume with a calibrated stick gauge daily

Answer

It continuously samples groundwater from monitoring wells around the tank

Answer

It pressurizes the tank and measures pressure drop over a set period