What is the role of a Closure Assessment?

The role of a Closure Assessment is fundamentally tied to the safe closure of a UST site when the tank is removed. This process involves a systematic evaluation of the site to identify any potential hazards and assess the environmental impact of the tank's removal. The Closure Assessment ensures that any contamination resulting from leaks or spills is properly addressed before the land can be redeveloped or used for other purposes.

This assessment typically includes tasks such as soil testing, groundwater sampling, and evaluating the presence of any hazardous materials that may have been released during the tank's lifecycle. By performing these critical evaluations, stakeholders can implement necessary remediation measures to protect human health and the environment, thus fulfilling legal and regulatory obligations associated with UST disposal.

While considering the other options, evaluating risk factors in UST operation focuses more on ongoing operations rather than the closure process. Preparing a site for new constructions may be a subsequent step after the closure assessment is completed but does not specifically pertain to the closure itself. Maintaining records of UST operation is important for compliance and historical data but is not the central function of a Closure Assessment, which is specifically aimed at ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of the site during the closure process.