Whether you’re buying or selling a property, there’s likely a sign you need an underground tank removal New Hempstead, NY. In addition, mortgage and insurance companies often require this. It’s always a good idea to do your due diligence before buying a property, but you shouldn’t assume that underground tanks are not present unless you know for sure. You should also check to see if a leak has caused soil contamination and get all necessary permits before you do any work.
Detection of oil tank leaks
You may have a buried fuel oil tank if you own an older house. Unfortunately, the risks of an underground oil tank leak were not well known until the early 1960s. While most insurance policies cover the cost of clean-up, you may not be protected by your policy if the tank leaks. Therefore, it is vital to detect oil tank leaks early to avoid any costly clean-up costs.
Detecting oil tank leaks is as simple as checking the water level. A water reading will give you an idea if you’re experiencing any damage. A black stain on your lawn or dead vegetation in the vicinity of the tank can also indicate that the tank has been leaking. Most leaks never burst but begin as a drip or weep and need to be contained and removed.
Testing for soil contamination after a tank leak
Almost always, soil contamination is a side effect of an underground storage tank leak. Soil testing after an oil tank leak involves taking soil samples in the underground tank area. Depending on the source of the leak, the soil may contain contaminants such as lead, mercury, or hydrocarbons. If this is the case, the results of the soil tests will indicate whether or not the tank has leaked.
One way to obtain a soil sample from beneath an underground tank is by cutting through the top of the tank and cleaning the interior and bottom. This way, the contents will not escape into the surrounding soil. Another method of collecting soil is to install additional borings at each end of the piping run. The bottom of the tank should be at least four inches below ground level. This way, the soil sample will be more accurate.
Cost of underground tank removal
If you want to sell your home, you might need to have an underground tank removed. It will be required by the mortgage lender and homeowners’ insurance company. Many real estate agents advise you to get the tank out before listing your home. However, some people do not have the funds to pay to have their tanks removed. You will have to deal with additional costs if this is the case. The average cost of underground tank removal is $1,137, but the price may vary based on location and other factors—the costs for aboveground tank removal run between $300 and $1,500. In addition, the cost of hazardous waste disposal will increase if you have to deal with soil testing or remediation. Some tanks are metal with a lining, while others are made of commercial-grade plastic. Over time, these tanks degrade, causing them to leak or otherwise become obsolete.
Permits required for removal
If you plan to remove an underground storage tank, you must have the proper permits. These permits are required to remove underground tanks above ground or underground. You must contact your local government, fire department, and building department to apply for a permit. All underground and aboveground tank removal projects require these permits.
Under federal law, you must register the tank with the DEC if the aboveground storage tank is 660 gallons or more. In addition, any aboveground storage above 5,000 gallons must follow state regulations for pollution prevention. No permit is required if the underground storage tank is less than sixty gallons in capacity. However, if it exceeds that, it must comply with all environmental regulations.