What is the primary purpose of conducting a site check?

The primary purpose of conducting a site check is to investigate a UST site for the presence of a release. This involves assessing whether there has been any leakage of hazardous materials from the underground storage tank into the surrounding environment, such as soil or groundwater. Identifying a release is crucial as it can pose severe environmental and public health risks. Early detection allows for timely remediation and helps prevent further contamination, which is essential for regulatory compliance and protecting community health.

While closure compliance, assessing site value, and completing paperwork are important aspects of UST management and regulation, they do not directly focus on identifying potential environmental hazards from leaks, which is fundamental in the context of UST site assessments. Therefore, conducting a thorough investigation for releases remains the priority in ensuring both safety and regulatory adherence.