In real estate today, several environmental
issues are the concerns of potential investors,
developers, lenders, and homeowners. A lack of
understanding can be intimidating and
frightening, and may result in substantial risk
to many different parties. Below are
explanations of predominating environmental
issues, and links to organizations that can
provide you with the information you need to
make healthy, confident decisions in your real
estate transactions.
Generally, an underground storage tank (UST) is a single
tank or system of tanks that has at least 10 percent of
its volume below the surface of the ground.
Common threats from UST's include escaped vapors and
fumes that can gather in basements, parking garages,
vaults, and other confined spaces. Seepage can also
occur, contaminating groundwater and drinking supplies.
The exact nature of harmful effects can vary with the
type and intensity of materials stored.
Introduction