California ICC UST Service Technician Practice Exam

What condition must be met when using an automatic line leak detector?

1. It must be able to detect a release of 5 gallons per hour

2. It must pass an annual review

3. It must detect a release of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch

4. It must only test during refueling activities

The correct answer is: It must detect a release of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch

An automatic line leak detector (ALLD) is a critical component of underground storage tank systems, specifically designed to identify leaks in the piping systems. The requirement for detecting a release of 3 gallons per hour at 10 pounds per square inch is a regulatory standard for ensuring that leaks are detected quickly and efficiently to minimize environmental impact and safety risks. This standard is based on the premise that a leak of 3 gallons per hour poses a significant risk of groundwater contamination, and therefore the detector should be sensitive enough to identify such a leak promptly. By setting this threshold, the regulation aims to ensure that any potential leaks are caught before they can cause extensive environmental damage or pose safety hazards. Automatic line leak detectors must be calibrated and function correctly to meet this standard so that they can effectively monitor the integrity of the fuel lines at all times. In contrast, while annual reviews and regular maintenance are important for overall system reliability, they do not define the operational capability of the detector itself, thus making them less relevant to the specific condition required for leak detection. Additionally, the notion that testing should only occur during refueling activities does not align with the need for continuous monitoring, as leaks can occur at any time, not just during refueling. Therefore, option C most