California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

When temporarily closing an underground storage tank, which action is NOT required?

1. All residual liquid, solids, or sludge shall be removed and handled accordingly.

2. Maintain corrosion protection

3. Cap and secure the vent line

4. If hazardous substances are present, the tank shall be inverted.

The correct answer is: If hazardous substances are present, the tank shall be inverted.

When temporarily closing an underground storage tank, it is essential to follow specific procedures to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. One of the critical actions required during temporary closure is the removal of all residual liquids, solids, or sludge. This is crucial because leftover substances can pose environmental risks and may complicate future inspections or reactivations of the tank. Maintaining corrosion protection is also a key component of the temporary closure process to prevent deterioration of the tank structure, which could lead to leaks or contamination of surrounding soil and groundwater. Capping and securing the vent line is necessary to prevent unauthorized access and to eliminate the potential for vapors escaping from the tank, contributing to environmental hazards. The option regarding inverting the tank, while it may sound logical in some contexts, is not a requirement for temporarily closing an underground storage tank. Inverting a tank is not a standard or necessary practice because it could introduce additional complications and risks. Tanks are typically left in their situational orientation, provided they are properly maintained and secured according to regulatory guidelines.