The ground and surface waters of the United States Virgin Islands are a significant and essential portion of the natural resources of the territory protected by various chapters of this title. The failure of underground systems for the storage and handling of petroleum liquids, related sludge and other chemicals may result in the significant contamination of these resources, as well as hazards to human health and the environment. It is the purpose of this chapter to regulate in the public interest underground storage tanks within the territory so as to prevent ground and surface water contamination, as well as soil or subsoil contamination from the failure of underground storage tank systems.