The underground oil tank was a common solution for oil tank placement in the 1980s and earlier. Now, many people need to get rid of the buried oil tank on their property before it begins to leak. Another option is to abandon the tank, in which case underground oil tank regulations specify the tank must be emptied and filled with an inert substance. Underground oil tank leak cost can run to 10s of thousands of dollars and delaying the removal of a tank increases the chances of a leak.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that removing a buried tank is more than simply digging a hole. We follow the following steps in accordance with state regulations:
1. Using a state of the art underground oil tank locator we precisely pinpoint the location of the underground tank.
2. Before we begin excavating we also locate any other buried lines and pipes; i.e. leach field, sanitary sewer, storm drains, utilities, etc. We make sure to have these properly located and marked before we begin digging.
3. We apply for and receive any necessary permits, both state and local.
4. To ensure your heating system remains functional, we install a replacement tank before beginning the underground tank removal.
5. We remove any remaining oil or sludge in the tank and take it to an EPA approved recycling center. In addition, we save you money by paying you for any oil we recover from the tank.
6. We dig up the old tank, also sealing any lines and pipes that are present and removing the breather tube.
7. If you choose to have the tank removed:
§ We lift the tank to the surface and dispose of it in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations
§ We provide you with a Certificate of Disposal and soil analysis necessary for property sale or transfer.
8. We do soil sampling which is tested by a certified laboratory to determine if any soil contamination is present.
9. If you choose tank abandonment:
§ We remove any remaining oil (paying you for the oil removed) and scrub the inside of the tank to remove any residue.
§ Underground oil tank testingis performed at each end of the tank to determine if there is soil contamination. These samples are analyzed by a certified lab and may be used for underground oil tank insurance purposes.
§ We then fill the tank with an inert slurry and bury the tank once more.
As you can see, we are very thorough in the removal of underground oil tanks. We also help defray your costs by paying you for any oil left in the tank. Contact us today for a full no obligation quote.