What are environmental impacts of UST leaks?

The correct choice highlights that leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) can contaminate both soil and groundwater, which are critical components of environmental health. When a UST leaks, the hazardous substances it contains can seep into the surrounding soil, drastically affecting soil quality and the organisms that depend on it. More critically, once these contaminants reach the groundwater, they can spread widely and potentially affect drinking water supplies, leading to serious health risks for humans and wildlife. The presence of toxic compounds in these environments can result in long-term ecological damage and can necessitate costly remediation efforts.

This option captures the broader environmental and health implications of UST leaks, which extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the tank and impact public health, water quality, and ecosystem integrity. These considerations underline the importance of strict regulations and monitoring to ensure that USTs are well-maintained and any potential leaks are promptly addressed. The other options either misconstrue the scope of the impact or dismiss the severity of the risks involved.