California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What defines an "existing underground storage tank"?

1. Any underground storage tank installed prior to January 1, 1985

2. Any underground storage tank that has been removed

3. Any underground storage tank installed prior to January 1, 1984

4. Any underground storage tank that is currently in use

The correct answer is: Any underground storage tank installed prior to January 1, 1984

An "existing underground storage tank" is commonly defined as any tank that was installed prior to a specific cutoff date, which in this case was January 1, 1984. This definition is relevant because it helps establish regulations and guidelines regarding the management, inspection, and upkeep of these tanks. Tanks installed before this date were subject to a different set of regulations compared to those installed after, reflecting the evolving understanding of environmental safety and public health. Tanks older than this date may have been installed using less stringent safety standards, and therefore they often require more rigorous monitoring and compliance measures to mitigate the risks of leaks or environmental contamination. The cut-off date reflects a regulatory framework aimed at addressing the potential hazards associated with older tanks that may not have been built with modern safety features. The other options presented do not align with the regulatory definition of an existing underground storage tank. For example, tanks that have been removed, regardless of their installation date, would not be considered "existing" as they are no longer in place. Similarly, the options referencing tanks installed prior to January 1, 1985 are misleading because while they include some older tanks, they do not accurately capture the specific historical criteria that defines an "existing" tank in the regulatory context.