California ICC UST Service Technician Practice Exam

What must be detected by automatic line leak detectors?

1. Spills above 5 gallons

2. Releases of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch

3. Vapor leaks

4. Tank emptying

The correct answer is: Releases of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch

Automatic line leak detectors are designed to identify potential leaks in underground storage tank systems before they can lead to significant environmental impact or financial loss. The technology is specifically calibrated to detect small, constant releases of product from the system. Releases of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch are a critical threshold because this level of leak could lead to contamination of soil and groundwater if not addressed promptly. By setting this detection standard, the system ensures that even minor leaks, which might not be immediately obvious, can be caught quickly to prevent further environmental damage. In contrast, detecting spills above 5 gallons may not be the primary function of line leak detectors, as larger spills can often be identified through visual inspections or other methods. Vapor leaks and the emptying of tanks are typically managed through other monitoring systems and safety checks, rather than the specific purpose of line leak detection. Therefore, the focus of automatic line leak detectors is on identifying smaller, continuous leaks, like those defined in the correct answer, to maintain the integrity of the storage system and protect the environment.