TankHound | BuildingMetrix

Buried risk

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are everywhere; the EPA estimates there are over half a million in the United States alone.

USTs are tanks that, by definition, have at least 10% of their volume underneath the ground's surface. They are used for various applications, storing substances in commercial, agricultural, and private sectors. However, corrosion, improper installation, and inadequate maintenance can cause USTs to leak. The environmental devastation and detrimental health impacts of leaking chemicals can become large costs to insurers and their customers.

Since underground storage tanks are often hidden from view, targeting their exact locations can be time-consuming.
TankHound makes this process easy.

Toxic chemicals

The EPA has named leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) as one of the primary sources of groundwater contamination.
When tanks leak, they deposit harmful chemicals into the earth, including:

Lead
Particularly dangerous for children, lead can severely impact development and lead to life-long disability.

Benzene
This chemical directly affects bone marrow, depletes red blood cells, and causes higher cancer rates.

MTBE
A potential human carcinogen at high doses, MTBE has been linked to cancer, especially when ingested.

Cadmium
Some testing considers cadmium to have high acute toxicity, building up in the kidneys and causing disease.

Where are USTs located?

Underground storage tanks are found in a variety of different locations, with some of the primary ones being:

Gas service stations

Agricultural facilities

Private residences

Proactive risk mitigation

Properties that operate USTs can present insurers with sizable risk. Problems arise when tank owners and operators fail to maintain their tanks properly, detect leaks, and clean up leaks when they occur. For example, petroleum spills have been known to cost millions, if not billions, of dollars to rectify.

Staying on top of the ball empowers insurers to manage their risk effectively and assure their customers have the correct coverage.

TankHound makes the process simple: provide us with your book of business and we will provide you with the known UST sites within.

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