What is the main goal of a site assessment?

The primary aim of a site assessment is to ascertain whether a release of hazardous substances has taken place, especially during the process of closing or changing the service of an underground storage tank (UST). This goal is crucial for identifying and mitigating potential environmental risks that could arise if a release were to occur. During the assessment, specific methods are employed to investigate subsurface conditions, evaluate historical records, and collect soil and groundwater samples. This enables the identification of contamination that might have occurred due to leaks or spills.

Understanding whether a release has occurred is vital not just for regulatory compliance, but also for protecting public health and the environment. If a release is confirmed, it sets into motion the necessary remediation efforts to mitigate the damage or hazard, ensuring that the site is safe for future use.

While ensuring proper operation of UST systems, monitoring environmental impacts, and providing financial assessments may each be part of the broader UST management process, they are not the specific primary focus at the site assessment stage, which centers on identifying and quantifying any past releases of hazardous substances.