What component is crucial for preventing spills during fuel delivery to USTs?

The component that is crucial for preventing spills during fuel delivery to underground storage tanks (USTs) is spill containment equipment. This equipment is specifically designed to contain any fuel that may spill during the transfer process, thus preventing it from escaping into the surrounding environment.

Spill containment equipment typically includes items such as spill buckets, which are positioned at the delivery point, to catch any fuel that spills during the connection or disconnection of the delivery hoses. By having this equipment in place, operators can ensure that any accidental spills are effectively confined, minimizing the risk of environmental contamination and promoting safety.

Although the other components, such as the access hatch, piping system, and leak detection system, are important for various aspects of UST operation and safety, they do not specifically focus on the direct management of spills during the fuel delivery process. The access hatch is primarily for accessing the tank, while the piping system is essential for the transport of fuel, and the leak detection system is crucial for identifying leaks after they occur, rather than preventing spills during delivery.