Underground storage tank expert witnesses may opine on underground storage containers, storage facilities containers, and underground storage facilities. In Field Guide to Underground Storage Tanks, The National Association of Realtors writes:
An underground storage tank system is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. [Federal U.S. underground storage tank] regulations apply to only underground tanks and piping storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.” (Basic Information About the Underground Storage Tank Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nov. 17, 2009).
Why are underground storage tanks regulated by the U.S. government? As with any liquid-containing vessel, USTs have the ability to degrade and wear over time, in turn causing leaks. These leaks can pose substantial public health and safety risks, ranging from contaminating the groundwater that many Americans rely on for drinking water, to potential fire or explosion risk, (Overview of the Federal UST Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Apr. 2, 2010)
Read more: realtor.org.