These products can pollute both underground and surface water sources. A leak of only one drop per second can release about 400 gallons of petroleum into the environment in one year. It only takes a few quarts of leaked fuel to severely pollute underground drinking water. Small amounts of petroleum products dissolved in water are hard to detect because they are almost impossible to smell or taste. Water that seems pure may be contaminated and adversely affect human health.
Explosions are another potential danger from stored petroleum products.
Vapors from an underground leak can collect in basements, sumps, pits or other underground structures, and can explode. The explosion hazard from leaking aboveground storage tanks is even greater. Above ground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and piping must all be protected against corrosion when in contact with the ground. Large losses can occur from not adequately protecting even small underground pipes from corrosion. Even new tanks and piping may leak if they are not properly installed.