The overall objectives of this study were to examine the structural design and operational practices associated with underground storage tank (UST) systems in the context of preventing leaks from such systems and identify areas for further research and development to advance the technology. Recommendations derived from this study include: establishing a national data base to provide information on failure rates and mechanisms and their correlation to design, engineering, installation, and operation practices and corrective actions; assessing the effectiveness of cathodic protection methods, their interaction with the environment, and the performance of retrofitting existing USTs; developing compatibility protocols for the selection of appropriate materials of construction and long-term protection; and developing methods to assess the life expectancy of both new and existing systems and to extend their useful life.

"Funded ... under contract no. 68-03-3255 to Enviresponse, Incorporated"--Title page verso. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "EPA 600-2-87-018." "March 1987." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references (pages 71-76).