UPSS and UST Assessments
Out of sight does not mean out of risk
Find petroleum impacts before they spread
Petroleum can migrate beyond the tank area through soil, groundwater and vapour pathways. Delayed investigation can expand the affected area, increase remediation costs and create risks for neighbouring properties or future development.
The assessment brings site history, tank information, field observations and targeted sampling together to determine whether a release has occurred. Where impacts are identified, the findings can guide further investigation, remediation, monitoring or regulatory reporting.
Investigation Methods
System Review
Available tank, pipework, maintenance, leak-detection and incident records are reviewed to understand the system, its history and potential failure points.
Site Inspection
The site is inspected for staining, odours, damaged infrastructure, fill points, vents, drainage features and other evidence that may indicate a petroleum release.
Soil Sampling
Targeted soil samples may be collected near tanks, lines, bowsers or former infrastructure to identify petroleum hydrocarbons and define the affected area.
Groundwater Assessment
Monitoring wells and groundwater sampling may be used where a release could have reached the water table or migrated beyond the original source.
Soil Vapour
Vapour assessment may be required where volatile petroleum compounds could move through the ground and affect existing or proposed buildings.
Closure Validation
When tanks are removed or decommissioned, targeted assessment can help confirm removal of contaminated soils or whether residual contamination remains and whether further action is required.
Connected assessment across soil and groundwater
Frequently Asked Questions
It investigates underground fuel storage infrastructure and surrounding soil, groundwater or vapour to determine whether petroleum has leaked and what environmental action may be required.
Assessment may be required after suspected leakage, during tank removal or decommissioning, before redevelopment, as part of due diligence or when requested by a regulator.
UPSS refers to the complete underground petroleum storage system, including tanks and associated pipework. UST commonly refers specifically to the underground storage tank.
Yes. Petroleum can move through soil and groundwater beyond the original source, increasing the affected area and potentially creating vapour or off-site contamination risks.
Not always. The scope depends on the system history, available records and reason for assessment. Intrusive sampling is used where evidence is needed to confirm impacts.
The analytical program is selected from the stored products, site history and suspected release. It may include petroleum or chlorinated hydrocarbons and volatile compounds relevant to fuel storage.