Everything You Need to Know About Oil Tank Abandonment

If you own a property with an oil tank, you must contact a professional company to remove it. Once completed, this company will provide you with a Certificate of Abandonment that you need to file with your local offices. This document is important for environmental reasons and is vital to prevent future contamination.

Oil Tank Abandonment

While abandoning an oil tank can save money, it’s not the most environmentally friendly option. This is because abandoned oil tanks often contaminate the surrounding soil. In addition, removing an abandoned oil tank will require significant excavation of the ground. This may not be practical for a residential property, but it can be necessary for commercial properties.

For instance, oil tank abandonment Westchester County, NY, and other cities are now much easier to accomplish. In the past, tank abandonment typically included cleaning and filling the tank with sand. Today, however, the Department of Environmental Protection has made it legal to close underground tanks permanently. To complete the abandonment process, you must first collect soil samples from the tank’s bottom and surrounding area. Lastly, you must notify building authorities if you discover a sinkhole. A sinkhole is dangerous and could cause a serious accident.

Signs Of An Oil Tank

The presence of an oil tank on a property is a big red flag when buying property. Not only could the tank be full, but it could also be contaminated with undeclared material. Fortunately, there are ways to detect oil tanks and take action to avoid potential dangers. You can check for moisture in an oil tank to see if the oil is leaking or has other problems. This moisture will typically form on the sides and bottom of the tank. If it builds up, it may cause black icicle-like deposits, which can cause further damage to the tank. Any property with oil-fueled heat is at risk of oil tank failure, which can contaminate soil and drinking water. If you suspect your property is home to an oil tank, it’s important to have it checked by a professional. 

Environmental Concerns

When considering an oil tank abandonment, it is important to follow certain guidelines. First, you must ensure that you don’t pollute the surrounding area and comply with the government’s environmental standards. If you don’t do so, you risk polluting the surrounding soil and groundwater. The best way to avoid these problems is to get a reputable company to handle the tank abandonment process. They will provide you with a Certificate of Abandonment, which you must file with the local offices.

The cleanup process for an abandoned oil tank can cost thousands of dollars. Even if the tank is empty and sealed, the surrounding soil should be tested to determine the presence of oil. Therefore, it is important to have the oil tank removed and thoroughly inspect the surrounding soil. 

Costs Of Removing An Oil Tank

Removing an oil tank can be an expensive task. Costs depend on how much oil is stored in the tank and where the tank is located. For example, an above-ground tank may cost $300 to remove, while a below-ground tank could cost $3,500 or more. Additional costs include soil testing, which can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

When removing an oil tank, homeowners should check for insurance coverage and state laws regarding environmental protection. Additionally, homeowners should check the state Department of Environmental Protection guidelines and check with their fuel suppliers. A tank can negatively impact the soil, and workers must be properly trained to handle them safely. Additionally, removing a tank can result in additional costs for land remediation and a permit, which may be required to get the job done safely.

Before removing an oil tank, homeowners should contact an environmental specialist to evaluate the tank’s condition. A specialist will use a metal detector, radio frequency finder, or ground-penetrating radar device to determine whether there are any leaks. If a leak is detected, homeowners should remove the tank and replace it with an above-ground tank.