California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

Which UST system component does NOT require secondary containment testing?

1. The tank outer wall/secondary containment

2. The outer piping or pipe secondary containment

3. Sumps that are secondary containment for piping

4. Spill containment buckets

The correct answer is: Spill containment buckets

The option that does not require secondary containment testing is spill containment buckets. Spill containment buckets are designed to contain spills that might occur during the loading and unloading of fuel, but they do not require the same level of testing as other components of the underground storage tank (UST) system. Secondary containment testing is primarily conducted on structures that hold liquid or carry fluid, ensuring there are no leaks that could potentially contaminate the surrounding environment. The outer walls of tanks, outer piping, and sumps are integral parts of the UST system that can hold or transport significant quantities of hazardous materials, thus necessitating routine testing and inspection to ensure they function correctly and meet safety standards. In contrast, spill containment buckets, while crucial for immediate spill management at the surface, are not tested for secondary containment under the same regulatory requirements as the other components listed. This distinction allows for a more manageable approach to compliance for spill containment systems, which are primarily focused on preventing surface-level spills from migrating into the environment rather than maintaining ongoing containment integrity similar to underground components.