What action should be taken if a tank is found to be leaking?

Immediate containment and reporting to the proper authorities is essential when a tank is found to be leaking. This action is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, a leaking tank poses significant environmental and safety risks. The contents can contaminate soil and groundwater, which can have serious health implications for nearby communities and ecosystems. Timely containment helps prevent the spread of the leak and minimizes its impact.

Reporting to the proper authorities ensures that the situation is managed according to legal and regulatory requirements. Depending on the substance involved, there may be specific protocols that need to be followed to address the leak properly and safely. This helps ensure that trained professionals can respond to the situation, assessing the risk and implementing a cleanup plan effectively.

The other options are inadequate responses. Ignoring the leak could lead to worsening environmental damage and health hazards, while attempting to seal the leak without reporting would not only put individuals at risk but also potentially violate regulations. Simply notifying the tank owner does not address the urgency required to mitigate the leak's impact on the environment and public safety.