What is the main purpose of secondary containment for USTs?

The primary purpose of secondary containment for underground storage tanks (USTs) is to prevent spills and leaks from the primary containment system into the environment. Secondary containment systems are designed to catch any unauthorized discharges from the UST or its associated piping. This is crucial in preventing soil and groundwater contamination from hazardous substances, which can pose risks to human health and the ecosystem.

By implementing secondary containment, regulatory compliance is enhanced, and the safety of surrounding areas is ensured. This layer of protection can include features such as double-walled tanks, dikes, or containment basins, all of which serve to hold any potential leakage and mitigate environmental impact.

While energy efficiency, minimizing maintenance costs, and reducing tank weight may contribute to the overall operation of a UST system, they do not directly address the primary concern of environmental safety in the context of potential spills and leaks. This makes preventing spills and leaks the most relevant and critical function of secondary containment.