Why Are UST Systems Regulated?
As of September 30, 2001, 418,918 releases have been reported from UST systems. For state-by-state data (reported semi-annually) on the cumulative number of active USTs, confirmed releases, cleanups initiated, cleanups completed, and emergency reponses, go to the Corrective Action Measures Archive. These releases have been caused by leaks, spills, and overfills from UST systems. These releases can threaten human safety and health as well as the environment because UST systems contain hazardous and toxic chemicals. Fumes and vapors can travel beneath the ground and collect in areas such as basements, utility vaults, and parking garages where they can pose a serious threat of explosion, fire, and asphyxiation or other adverse health effects. Gasoline, leaking from service stations, is one of the most common sources of groundwater pollution. Because approximately one-half of the population of the United States relies on groundwater as their source of drinking water, groundwater pollution
