Under what condition cannot the HOT Generic Remedy be used?

The HOT Generic Remedy cannot be used if benzene is detected below 0.1 ppm or if groundwater is present because these factors indicate the potential for more significant contamination and risks that require a more stringent remediation approach. The presence of benzene, even at low levels, signifies that there is a potential risk to health and the environment, necessitating compliance with more rigorous standards. Groundwater presence further complicates the situation, as it presents a pathway for contaminants to migrate and impact drinking water sources.

In contrast, the other conditions don't specifically limit the application of the HOT Generic Remedy in such a direct way. For example, if soil contamination is below regulatory levels, or if a tank is older than 20 years, these scenarios may not inherently disqualify a site from utilizing the HOT Generic Remedy. Similarly, the duration since the tank was last used mainly pertains to the status of the tank rather than existing contamination levels or immediate risks, which are critical factors for determining the appropriate remediation method.