California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What must be performed to determine if an unauthorized release has occurred during a visual monitoring inspection?

1. Implement a visual leak inspection

2. Perform a tank integrity test

3. Conduct an inventory reconciliation

4. Install additional sensors

The correct answer is: Perform a tank integrity test

To determine if an unauthorized release has occurred during a visual monitoring inspection, performing a tank integrity test is essential. This testing evaluates the structural integrity of the storage tank and assesses whether any leaks might have occurred. It involves checking for any physical damage or deterioration that could lead to a release of stored materials into the environment. The tank integrity test provides quantifiable data that can clearly indicate if there has been a failure in the containment system, giving operators vital information about the safety and reliability of their storage tanks. By regularly conducting these tests, facilities can proactively identify potential leak issues before they result in significant environmental hazards. While options like implementing a visual leak inspection and conducting inventory reconciliation can be part of leak prevention strategies, they do not provide the definitive assessment that a tank integrity test does. Similarly, adding additional sensors may enhance monitoring capabilities, but it does not replace the need for verification through integrity testing.