Often people wonder how to find and remove abandoned oil tanks, as they can be a hazard. This article provides some tips and advice on finding and eliminating them.
Cost of oil tank removal
Getting rid of a heating oil tank is a costly undertaking. You can expect to pay between $1000 and $4000 to have it removed.
The cost of removing an oil tank depends on several factors. The size and condition of the tank will have an impact. Above-ground tanks are cheaper to remove than underground ones.
The oil tank removal cost also depends on the spill’s size. A small leak can cost as little as $500, while a large spill can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Several factors determine the cost of oil tank abandonment Westchester County NY. Among them are the size and condition of the tank and how accessible it is. Local pumping fees also impact the cost of oil tank removal.
The cost of oil tank removal also varies by city and state. A typical underground tank costs about $1,200, while an above-ground tank costs much less.
The cost of oil tank removal is derived by comparing oil tank prices to labor rates in your area. You may also qualify for state rebates or grants.
The cost of oil tank removal also comes with other features, such as backhoe excavation, soil sampling and remediation, and the disposal of the remaining fuel.
Leaks from abandoned oil tanks
A leak in an underground oil tank is a hazard many homeowners don’t realize. The oil leaking from the tank can cause explosions and fires and contaminate the groundwater supply. In addition, the resulting odor from the spill can be hazardous to the health of nearby residents.
While an underground oil tank might look like a quaint addition to your backyard, it can be a significant hazard. This is particularly true of tanks that are abandoned. If the tank is not correctly decommissioned, the leak can damage the foundation and create a sinkhole.
The cost to clean up a leak from an abandoned underground oil tank can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s not uncommon for a leak to go undetected for years.
The best way to detect a leak is to have the tank inspected. There are several types of monitoring equipment available. Some can even tell when a fuel leak has occurred.
Another way to test for a leak is to use ground-penetrating radar. This technology allows you to pinpoint the location of underground oil tanks. However, the tank may be hard to access, so it’s best to hire a contractor to do the work for you.
The best way to tell if an underground oil tank is leaking is to look for signs of contamination. For example, if the tank leaks, you might notice a sheen on the groundwater, wetlands, or ponds.
Requirements for proper closure of underground petroleum storage tanks
During tank closure, the owner/operator of an underground storage tank (UST) must follow the proper procedures to ensure it is properly closed. Failure to follow these procedures can lead to an explosion, fire, and other hazards to human health and the environment.
If the owner/operator wishes to close the tank system permanently, the process begins with a site assessment. Again, ICC-certified service providers must conduct this assessment.
The site assessment must include a detailed site map with the tank, dispensers, buildings, fences, and utility conduits. This map should be drawn to scale and have the depth of groundwater.
In addition, soil samples must be collected at each end of the tank and a depth of two feet beneath the bottom. These soil samples should be analyzed for the same constituents detected in the tank samples.
If the initial soil samples detect concentrations of TPH-GRO or DRO, additional soil samples must be collected. These samples should be collected from the fill port and at the soil/bedrock interface.
Before beginning tank closure activities, an emergency response plan must be in place. The local health department and fire department must approve this plan. In addition, the owner/operator must obtain a permit for the closure.
USTs must be cleaned of all liquids and accumulated sludges. In addition, all metal pipe sections and fittings that have released the product must be replaced. Finally, these sections and fittings must be sealed with concrete plugs.
