The average cost of an underground storage tank cleanup

This thesis estimates the average cost of an underground storage tank (UST) cleanup. The overall average cost is determined to be $175,000, declining to $78,000 by year 2000 or 2010, depending on the level of compliance with federal UST regulations. The data set and methodology are unique to this study and incorporate information obtained from an investigative survey of a diverse cross-section of UST sites. The results are compared to those from other studies. The average costs from this study can serve as a means of assessing the relative magnitude/cost/benefit of this and other environmental programs.