Glossary · Reading the business
Underground Storage Tanks
In short
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are buried tanks used to store hazardous substances, primarily petroleum. They pose environmental risks and significant potential cleanup costs if they leak, which you, as the buyer, could inherit.
What it means in a deal
During due diligence, always check for the presence of USTs, especially with older properties or businesses like gas stations or auto repair shops. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment will identify potential contamination. If found, factor in potential remediation costs or walk away.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Underground Storage Tanks
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
Pressure-test the numbers before you make an offer
Send us the asking price and the seller's cash flow — we'll show whether the deal services SBA debt and where the add-backs are likely to hold up.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day
Backed by data on 1,000+ SBA lenders and 300,000+ funded deals. Your details go only to lending partners you ask to be matched with — never sold to advertisers.