Final answer:
The question deals with the requirement for tanks without secondary containment to undergo enhanced leak detection testing if they are located within a specified proximity to a public drinking water well. Regulations like the SDWA's Amendment of 1986 mandate strict monitoring and notification protocols to protect public health against contaminants such as Cr(VI) in drinking water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the regulations surrounding tanks without secondary containment and their proximity to public drinking water wells. Specific distance requirements can vary based on different regulations, but they all emphasize the need for enhanced leak detection testing to prevent contamination of drinking water sources.
Tanks positioned close to a public water well are of particular concern because of the potential for hazardous substances to seep into the groundwater and subsequently into the drinking well, leading to public health risks. For instance, the presence of Cr(VI) groundwater contamination has been a significant issue, where even with cleanup efforts, levels of Cr(VI) in the tap water of many cities exceed the health goals set by regulatory agencies.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), particularly after the Amendment SDWA of 1986, mandated the setting of Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) and required increased monitoring for a broader range of contaminants.
These regulations are meant to safeguard public health by ensuring that water systems inform the public of severe water issues and by enhancing the monitoring of potential contaminants like organic substances and pathogens, which can be introduced into drinking water sources from various sources, including leaking containment tanks.