Release detection methods must detect a leak rate within which range, with what minimum probability of detection?

• A. 0.1 to 0.2 gph and 95% POD
• B. 0.01 to 0.02 gph and 90% POD
• C. 0.5 to 1.0 gph and 99% POD
• D. 1.0 to 2.0 gph and 85% POD

Answer: (A)

Release detection methods are judged by how sensitive they are: the smallest leak rate they can reliably detect and the likelihood they will detect a leak of that rate. The best choice targets very small leaks, 0.1 to 0.2 gallons per hour, and defines a high confidence level of detection at 95%. That means when a leak of 0.1–0.2 gph is present, about 95 out of 100 tests would detect it. This provides strong early warning and minimizes environmental risk. The other options require detecting larger leaks or offer lower odds of detection, which means leaks could go unnoticed longer.