California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

Which underground storage tank is considered exempt?

1. Aviation fuel tank

2. Motor vehicle fuel tank

3. Heating oil tank

4. Used oil tank

The correct answer is: Heating oil tank

A heating oil tank is considered exempt because it is often utilized for non-transportation purposes, specifically for heating residential or commercial buildings. In the regulatory framework surrounding underground storage tanks (USTs), various categories of tanks are subject to different management regulations based on their use, contents, and potential environmental impact. Heating oil tanks are generally not included in the UST regulations applicable to tanks that store fuel for vehicles or other purposes that could pose a higher risk of release and environmental contamination. Consequently, as heating oil is used primarily for on-site heating rather than transportation, it is often exempt from many of the stringent UST regulations that govern other types of fuel storage. This distinction helps to simplify the regulatory process for facilities that utilize heating oil, allowing for less stringent oversight while still ensuring that environmental protections are maintained where necessary.