Leaking Underground Storage Tank Risks: Health & Environmental Impact
Understanding the serious health and environmental consequences of LUST sites
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are a common feature of commercial and industrial properties, historically used for storing petroleum or other hazardous substances. While indispensable for many operations, a leaking UST (LUST) can become a significant source of environmental contamination, posing serious health risks and creating substantial financial and legal liabilities for property owners, developers, and investors.
Environmental Impact: The Creeping Threat Below
The primary environmental threat from a LUST is the contamination of soil and groundwater. When a tank or its piping corrodes and fails, its contents—such as gasoline, diesel, or industrial solvents—seep into the surrounding soil.
Soil Contamination
The leaked chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), can render soil toxic and unusable. This contamination can spread over time, making future development difficult and costly until remediation is complete.
Groundwater Contamination
More critically, these contaminants can migrate downward, eventually reaching the water table. A single gallon of gasoline can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for many communities. The resulting contaminant plume can travel far beyond the property's boundaries, impacting neighboring areas and creating widespread ecological damage that persists for decades.
Vapor Intrusion
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the contaminated soil or groundwater can vaporize and migrate upwards, entering overlying buildings through cracks in foundations. This phenomenon, known as vapor intrusion, can lead to unsafe indoor air quality and a direct health risk to occupants.
Human Health Risks: Invisible Dangers
The health risks associated with LUSTs are directly linked to the environmental contamination pathways. Exposure can occur through several routes:
- Ingestion: Consuming contaminated drinking water is the most direct route of exposure, linked to serious health effects.
- Inhalation: Breathing in chemical vapors, either outdoors from contaminated soil or indoors due to vapor intrusion, can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and long-term neurological damage.
- Direct Contact: Skin contact with contaminated soil or water can cause rashes and other dermal issues.
Important: Long-term exposure to common UST contaminants, particularly benzene, is associated with an increased risk of cancer and other severe health conditions affecting the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Regulatory Landscape & Due Diligence
The EPA, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), sets federal standards for USTs, covering installation, monitoring, and corrective action for leaks. However, most states are authorized to manage their own LUST programs, often with more stringent requirements.
For professionals, navigating this landscape requires proactive due diligence:
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): This is the essential first step for any property transaction. A Phase I ESA will review historical records and perform a site inspection to determine if a current or historical UST presence poses an environmental risk.
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessment: If a Phase I ESA identifies a recognized environmental condition (REC), a Phase II is necessary. This involves collecting and analyzing soil and groundwater samples to confirm the presence, extent, and type of contamination.
- Compliance and Reporting: Property owners must adhere to strict monitoring and record-keeping requirements. Any suspected leak must be reported to the relevant state agency immediately, and a corrective action plan must be implemented.
Actionable Takeaways
- Assume Nothing: Always conduct thorough due diligence before acquiring property, especially sites with a history of industrial or commercial use.
- Prioritize Proactive Monitoring: For current owners, regular leak detection and maintenance are far less expensive than a full-scale cleanup.
- Engage Experts Early: If a leak is suspected or confirmed, immediately consult with qualified environmental professionals to manage investigation, remediation, and regulatory communication, mitigating long-term liability and protecting human health.
Learn more about UST cleanup costs and how to report a suspected leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main health risks from leaking underground storage tanks?
Health risks include cancer and neurological damage from benzene exposure, respiratory issues from inhaling vapors, and liver and kidney damage from drinking contaminated groundwater. Exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact.
How far can contamination spread from a leaking UST?
A single gallon of gasoline can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater. Contaminant plumes can travel far beyond property boundaries, potentially impacting neighboring areas for decades. Vapor intrusion can also affect buildings above contaminated soil.
What should I do if I suspect a UST leak on my property?
Immediately report the suspected leak to your state environmental agency, stop using the tank, secure the area to prevent exposure, and contact qualified environmental professionals to conduct investigation and remediation. Early action reduces liability and health risks.