5 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Oil Tank Removal

Oil tank removal involves removing the old underground oil tank and restoring the site. It is essential to leave plenty of room around the oil tank for excavation, dirt stockpile, and equipment movement. It is also essential to test the soil after the project is completed. Soil sampling will allow you to certify that your property is oil tank-free, which can help when selling your home.

Not Hiring a Professional

Oil tank removal is a complex process a professional must do to avoid environmental contamination. It typically involves draining the tank, removing it from the ground, and restoring the soil where it was located. The process can also include checking for vapor leaks into basements, which are dangerous to your family’s health. In some cases, mortgage and insurance companies may require the removal of underground tanks before closing on a property. Bringing in a professional for an oil tank removal Westchester County NY, will ensure that the work is done precisely and according to strict guidelines. Inexperienced contractors often need to follow these guidelines, causing environmental degradation. They may also lack specialized equipment, which could increase the risk of accidents and damage to the property.

Not Getting a Permit

Before municipal oil lines were installed, many houses stored fuel oil in underground tanks. Those tanks are now considered a liability on your property and should be removed by a professional contractor. A permit is not expensive and will allow you to work with a certified environmental contractor. It also proves that the tank was removed correctly and can be beneficial when selling your home. It might also result in cheaper insurance costs. When an underground oil tank leaks, it will often leak into the soil around it. It can cause many problems, including water and sewer pipe corrosion, oily sheens on groundwater, strong oil odors, or even contaminated drinking water. Soil samples should always be taken after an excavation, whether clean (no contamination found) or not so that a decision can be made on further testing and possible remediation.

Not removing the tank in sections.

An old oil tank can create several environmental risks if not properly decommissioned. These issues can impact groundwater, cause fire hazards, and more. It’s essential to know the dangers of these tanks and how to avoid them. For example, soil testing is essential in removing an underground heating oil tank. Many budget companies skip this step and provide a paid invoice and a statement that the tank has been removed. It is a huge mistake! A true professional will give a complete report detailing all the completed work and a certified document stating the tank did not leak. Future property owners must have peace of mind. Soil sampling can save a lot of money, time, and headaches.

Not Removing The Sludge

The sludge that forms in oil tanks comes from rust, dirt, and oxidation of hydrocarbons. It can cause corrosion in a tank’s inner wall if not treated. It can also lead to soil contamination.

Sludge removal is expensive and labor-intensive. It requires a physical separation method and crude oil washing. It is a costly and time-consuming process for refineries. However, avoiding environmental issues from leaking oil tank sites is necessary. Unscrupulous oil tank removal companies may dump the sludge in a nearby field to avoid paying disposal costs. Buyers of properties where a buried oil tank was removed will want soil testing completed and reports showing that the tanks were properly decommissioned. It will prevent the property owner from being liable for soil remediation.

Not Testing The Soil

An excellent environmental company will take soil samples before and after tank removal. It ensures that the dirt below the tank isn’t poisoned. It also lets you know if any contamination needs to be remedied. If the soil is contaminated, you must have it tested and remediated before attempting any crops or building on the property. Additionally, specific government regulations demand that secure soil samples be taken after removing the oil tank. In addition to the slick web pages and testimonials some of these companies have, it’s important to remember that they are just contractors. They can give you a receipt and approval from the construction office, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they did what they said they would do.

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