Which item is not a primary source of contamination?

• A. Drums
• B. Field equipment
• C. Underground storage tanks
• D. Pipelines

Answer: (B)

A primary source is something that directly releases contaminants into the environment. Drums contain chemicals, so a leaking drum or ruptured container releases contaminants straight into soil or water. Underground storage tanks hold liquids; when they corrode or fail, the contents spill into the subsurface, becoming a direct contamination source. Pipelines transport product; leaks or ruptures release contaminants along their route. Field equipment, like hoses or gauges, can become contaminated or help spread contaminants, but it does not inherently originate a release from a storage or transfer system. It’s a tool that may transfer contamination rather than the primary source of it. Therefore, field equipment is not a primary source of contamination.