What is the purpose of inventory reconciliation in UST operations?

Inventory reconciliation in Underground Storage Tank (UST) operations is primarily performed to identify discrepancies that may indicate leaks or operational issues. This process involves comparing the amount of fuel that is supposed to be in the tank—based on deliveries and sales—with the amount that is physically present in the tank, as measured by several methods including electronic sensors or manual gauging.

When there is a significant discrepancy between the expected inventory and the actual inventory, it may suggest that fuel has leaked from the tank or that there are errors in inventory management such as incorrect measurements or operational inefficiencies. Consequently, timely and effective inventory reconciliation acts as an essential preventive measure, allowing operators to detect potential problems early, thus preventing environmental contamination and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

In contrast, while maintaining records for auditing purposes can be a benefit of inventory reconciliation, it is not the primary purpose. Ensuring tanks are filled to maximum capacity and managing the financial aspects of fuel storage, although relevant to overall UST operations, do not directly relate to the critical goal of identifying leaks or discrepancies within the inventory system.