California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of an inspection on USTs?

1. Ensure compliance with federal regulations

2. Verify the economic viability of the UST

3. Ensure environmental safety and protection

4. Increase the storage capacity of USTs

The correct answer is: Ensure environmental safety and protection

The primary goal of an inspection on Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) is to ensure environmental safety and protection. Inspections are essential in identifying any leaks or potential hazards associated with the storage tanks, which could lead to soil and groundwater contamination. By regularly assessing USTs for compliance with safety regulations, inspectors help mitigate risks that not only threaten public health but also the environment. This proactive approach is crucial for preventing hazardous substances from entering ecosystems and harming wildlife and human populations. While other options seem relevant, they do not align with the primary focus of UST inspections. Ensuring compliance with federal regulations is certainly a component of the overall process, but it ultimately serves the broader objective of environmental safety. Verifying the economic viability of a UST and increasing storage capacity are not the main priorities of inspections; instead, these concerns may arise during different stages of UST management in context to regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.