What could be a potential consequence of not having secondary containment in tanks?

The potential consequence of not having secondary containment in tanks is an increased risk of environmental contamination. Secondary containment is designed to prevent leaks or spills from the primary tank from escaping into the environment. Without this additional layer of protection, any failure in the primary containment could lead to hazardous substances escaping, which may contaminate soil and groundwater. This can have significant adverse effects on surrounding ecosystems and could lead to costly cleanup efforts, regulatory penalties, and legal liabilities.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of lacking secondary containment. For instance, enhanced safety during operations may be compromised without secondary containment, as the risk of accidents increases. Lower insurance premiums are unlikely, as insurance companies may view the absence of appropriate containment as a higher risk. Reduced maintenance requirements could also be misleading, as proper containment systems may actually contribute to better overall tank maintenance by preventing leaks that would necessitate more extensive repairs.