The General Assembly finds and declares that the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous liquids in underground storage tanks is emerging as a major cause of groundwater contamination in the State; that the State’s groundwater resources are vital to the population and economy of the State; that millions of gallons of gasoline and other hazardous substances are stored in underground storage tanks; that leaks of stored substances are occurring in a significant number of these tanks due to corrosion, structural defect and improper installation; that leaks are often difficult to detect early because of insufficient product inventory or other control systems; that it is necessary to provide for more stringent control of the installation, operation, retrofitting and abandonment of underground storage tanks to prevent leaks, and where leaks should occur, detect them at the earliest possible stage and thus minimize further degradation of groundwater; and that responsible parties should be required and encouraged to remediate, take corrective action, and clean up released regulated substances, and contaminated soils and groundwater, on or about the facilities with which they are associated; and that the costs of such remediation and clean up should be fairly apportioned if more than 1 responsible party is liable.

65 Del. Laws, c. 161, § ?1; 79 Del. Laws, c. 440, § ?1;