Underground storage tanks (UST's) and their associated piping are major potential sources of environmental contamination. Since the 1984 Amendments to the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA) require regulation of underground storage tank systems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently investigating topics related to UST's to aid in developing regulations. EPA has contracted with the Radian Corporation to compile information on the various types of external (out-of-tank) monitoring systems or techniques which can be used to detect leaks or spills of petroleum hydrocarbon products. The compiled data were used to categorize external petroleum leak monitoring devices or techniques by functions and type, and the data will aid in the future development of uniform performance criteria for commercially available external leak monitoring methods. The present study, which is limited to external (outside-the-tank) petroleum leak monitoring devices, supports the EPA effort by providing information on the number, type, and performance capabilities of available leak monitors. The literature was searched to collect general information on external petroleum leak monitors and, more specifically, to develop a list of vendors. Additional information was collected from equipment vendors, trade groups, and other researchers.

"EPA/600/4-87-016." "March 1987." "Contract No. 68-02-3994." "Project officer J. Jeffrey van Ee." Includes bibliographical references.

Compiles information on various types of external monitoring systems or techniques usable to detect leaks or spills of petroleum hydrocarbon products. Uses compiled data to categorize leak monitors by function, type, and performance capabilities.