Why is the tank's grounding and bonding critical?

The importance of grounding and bonding a tank primarily revolves around safety measures designed to prevent accidents. When liquid fuels are pumped in or out of a tank, static electricity can build up due to the flow of the fuel and the movement of the fuel molecules. This static charge can reach a point where it discharges suddenly, creating a spark. In the presence of fuel vapors, this spark can ignite, leading to fire or explosion.

Grounding provides a path for any built-up electrical charges to dissipate harmlessly into the ground, significantly reducing the risk of static discharge igniting fuel vapors. Bonding connects various metal components to ensure they have the same electrical potential, eliminating the difference in charge that can lead to a spark. Therefore, this safety measure is critical in fuel handling operations and is a standard practice to ensure that ignition sources are minimized.

The other options do not pertain to the primary safety function of grounding and bonding. Enhancements in fuel efficiency, structural integrity, and ease of transport are important aspects of tank operations, but they do not relate to the essential safety aspect of preventing static discharge.