Which environmental impact can result from a UST leak?

The correct response identifies the contamination of soil and groundwater as a significant environmental impact resulting from a UST leak. When underground storage tanks leak, they release hazardous substances such as fuels or chemicals into the surrounding soil. This can lead to the degradation of soil health, ultimately affecting the organisms that inhabit it and potentially rendering the soil unusable for agricultural purposes. Moreover, these contaminants can seep into groundwater, posing a risk to drinking water supplies and affecting ecosystems that rely on water resources.

Addressing the other potential answers, improved soil fertility and increased biodiversity are not consequences of a UST leak; rather, a leak typically results in detrimental effects. Similarly, while limitations on agricultural activities can occur due to contamination, the direct environmental impact of the leak itself is primarily the contamination of soil and groundwater. This fundamental issue creates a cascade of environmental and public health concerns that must be managed through proper tank maintenance and emergency response measures.