UST & LUST Glossary
Key terms and definitions related to underground storage tanks, LUST releases, remediation, and environmental compliance.
Underground Storage Tank (UST)
A tank and connected piping with at least 10% of volume underground, used for storing petroleum or hazardous substances.
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST)
A UST that has confirmed or suspected releases of petroleum or hazardous substances into the environment.
LUST Release
A documented incident where petroleum or hazardous substances have escaped from an underground storage tank system.
UST Compliance
Adherence to federal and state regulations governing the installation, operation, and closure of underground storage tank systems.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
A report assessing the likelihood of contamination on a property, commonly required during real estate transactions.
Remediation
The process of cleaning up contaminated soil, groundwater, or other environmental media at a LUST or hazardous waste site.
Groundwater Contamination
The pollution of underground water sources by petroleum products or hazardous substances from leaking USTs or other sources.
Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)
A designated zone around a public water supply well where contamination poses a direct threat to drinking water quality.
Source Water Protection Area (SPA)
The area from which a public water system draws its drinking water, where contamination prevention is critical.
Petroleum Contamination
Environmental pollution caused by the release of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil from UST systems.
Tank Closure
The process of properly decommissioning an underground storage tank, either by removal or closure in place.
Corrective Action
The investigation and cleanup activities required when a release from an underground storage tank is confirmed.
Benzene Contamination
Environmental pollution by benzene, a carcinogenic compound found in gasoline and commonly detected at LUST sites.
MTBE Contamination
Environmental pollution by methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive that readily dissolves in and contaminates groundwater.
Soil Remediation
The cleanup and restoration of soil contaminated by petroleum products or hazardous substances from UST releases.
LUST (Leaking Underground Storage Tank)
Acronym for Leaking Underground Storage Tank — a UST with confirmed or suspected releases of petroleum or hazardous substances.
BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylenes)
A group of volatile organic compounds commonly found in petroleum products and frequently detected at LUST sites.
Financial Responsibility (UST)
The regulatory requirement for UST owners to demonstrate the financial ability to cover cleanup costs and third-party liability.
Leak Detection
Methods and technologies used to identify releases from underground storage tank systems before they cause significant contamination.
Vapor Intrusion
The migration of volatile chemical vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater into overlying buildings through cracks and openings.
Contaminant Plume
The underground zone of contaminated groundwater or soil spreading outward from a LUST release source.