Removal Of Underground Oil Tanks: What Every Homeowner Must Know

Purchasing a house with an underground oil tank is one of the riskiest decisions a homeowner can make. Complete decommissioning and remediation if the tank leaks or oil contamination in the soil can cost thousands of dollars.

Leaks from underground tanks can contaminate groundwater and surface water, impacting the health of nearby residents and wildlife. These costs are rarely covered by homeowners insurance.

Safety

Many homeowners do not know that an underground oil tank can leak and contaminate the soil around the house and even a homeowner’s drinking water. The best solution is to get the tank removed as soon as possible.

The first step is to close the tank down. This includes emptying any remaining oil and removing any piping connected to the tank.

Once the tank has been closed, it can be safely and efficiently excavated. However, this must be done correctly.

State and federal regulations require that the tank be closed, cleaned and utterly inerted before excavation occurs. This eliminates the risk of an explosive situation. The elimination of numerous leaking underground oil tanks is urgently required. If you own property with an underground oil tank, there are several warning signs to look out for. Even though sometimes they are subtle, these warning signs can result in severe problems for you and your property. Be on the lookout for them. You should hire professionals like an oil tank removal company near me to remove underground storage tanks. Providing you are aware of what to do and have an expert to handle the issues; you can handle them quickly and effectively.

Cost

The cost of underground oil tank removal varies and depends on many factors. The size of the tank and the tank’s location all affect the final price.

Generally, smaller tanks can be removed cheaper than larger ones. This is because a bigger tank will require more work to get out and may require special equipment. For instance, in some cases, larger projects may also involve more extensive Civil Constructions, especially when excavation is necessary to safely remove the tank. Proper excavation helps ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

However, the cost of removing an oil tank can also increase if you have a large leak or are dealing with contaminated soil and groundwater. These costs can quickly run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Any leaking underground tanks should be removed soon to reduce these risks. This will not only help you lower your energy costs at home, but it will also help you preserve the environment.

Environmental Impact

Several factors must be considered when assessing the effects of removing underground oil tanks on the environment. Following all applicable local, state, and federal regulations are crucial to properly handling and disposing of contaminated soil.

Another important consideration is that the environmental contractor responsible for the tank removal should collect soil samples and submit them to a certified lab for analysis. These samples should be collected from the bottom and sides of the excavation area where stained soil was found.

This information confirms that the soil is not contaminated with extractable total petroleum hydrocarbons or ETPH. It is also used to identify areas that need further investigation and remediation to reduce the risk of contamination spreading from the tank site into groundwater or neighboring properties.

Insurance

A heating oil tank can be covered or excluded depending on your home insurance policy. A home with a heating oil tank is a risky investment that will likely leak at some point, and most home insurance policies do not offer coverage for these leaks.

When a leak occurs, it can cause environmental damage and result in costly clean-up costs. When an oil tank leaks, it can contaminate the soil around your house and the water supply. Leaks can also cause fires. These can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to contain and remediate.