What environmental factor can pose additional risks to UST operations?

Unusually high groundwater levels present significant risks to underground storage tank (UST) operations. When groundwater levels rise, they can increase the likelihood of tank flotation, which occurs when buoyant forces beneath the tank exceed the weight of the tank. This can disturb the integrity of the tank and its associated piping, potentially leading to leaks or other failures that can cause hazardous substances to escape into the environment.

Additionally, high groundwater levels can pose a challenge for leak detection systems and make it more difficult to monitor the integrity of the tank. Soil saturation can also increase the risks of contamination spreading rapidly in the event of a leak, making it crucial for operators to address groundwater levels in their risk management plans.

In contrast, stable weather conditions typically reduce risks to UST operations, excessive noise levels are not directly related to environmental hazards, and the proximity to schools, while a consideration for community safety and public perception, does not inherently increase the operational risks to USTs in terms of functioning and compliance with environmental regulations.