WHAT TO DO ABOUT L.U.S.T. (LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS)

Storage of quantities of fuel and other petrochemicals in underground storage tanks represents substantial risk for transit systems. Current law exacts unlimited liability for cleanup of a tank leak plus damages for any drinking water contamination. Insurance is difficult or impossible to obtain. Any organization with underground petrochemical storage must pay considerable attention to tank condition to avoid damage payments. The causes of leakage and preventive measures are described, along with methods for monitoring existing tanks to detect leakage. If leakage is indicated, a number of tank tests are described. If there is leakage, environmental protection measures necessary coincident with tank removal are suggested. While traditional General Liability Insurance has provided coverage for pollution, court expansion of liability has reduced or eliminated this protection so that a separate Environmental Impairment Liability policy may be required. Such coverage is difficult to obtain and effective tank monitoring may be the best approach.

• Authors:
  • Stern, R J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 1-13
• Serial:
  • TRANSITIONS
  • Publisher: Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental protection; Fuel storage; Groundwater; Handling and storage; Insurance; Leakage; Legal factors; Liability; Storage facilities; Tanks (Containers)
• Subject Areas: Environment; Freight Transportation; Law; Maintenance and Preservation; Public Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00455018
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 10:00PM