Essential Guide to Safely Managing and Removing Underground Oil Tanks

1. Essential Guide to Safely Managing and Removing Underground Oil Tanks Effectively

2. Underground oil tanks were once a common choice for storing heating oil in residential and commercial properties. However, they can pose significant environmental risks as they age and deteriorate. If you own property with an underground oil tank, it’s crucial to manage and remove it properly to avoid potential hazards such as soil contamination and groundwater pollution. This guide provides essential steps to safely manage and remove underground oil tanks while explaining how professionals like Simple Tank Services can assist in the process.

3. Understanding the Risks of Underground Oil Tanks Over time, underground oil tanks can corrode and leak, leading to serious environmental and financial problems. When leaks occur, hazardous materials seep into the surrounding soil, potentially contaminating local water supplies and harming ecosystems. Additionally, leaking tanks can result in costly cleanup efforts and legal liabilities for property owners. Signs That Your Underground Oil Tank May Be Leaking Detecting a leaking underground oil tank early can significantly reduce potential damage. Here are some signs to watch for: • Unexplained increase in heating oil usage

4. Unexplained increase in heating oil usage • Dead vegetation or soil discoloration near the tank area • Oil sheen on nearby water sources or surface puddles • Unusual odors in the yard or basement • If you notice any of these indicators, it’s important to contact a professional oil tank removal service, such as Simple Tank Services, to assess the situation. Steps to Managing Underground Oil Tanks • Inspection and Testing: If you suspect the presence of an underground oil tank or if you know you have one, it’s essential to have it inspected regularly. Simple Tank Services can perform tank inspections and precision testing to determine if the tank is still structurally sound or if it poses a risk of leakage.

5. Monitoring: For property owners still using underground oil tanks, regular monitoring is critical. This involves checking oil levels and watching for any signs of malfunction. Professional monitoring systems can be installed to provide real-time alerts if a leak or issue arises. • Planning for Removal: Removing underground oil tanks is often the best long-term solution. Whether the tank is still in use or has been decommissioned, planning for its removal is essential to prevent future problems. Tank removal involves a series of steps, including excavation, proper disposal of any remaining oil, and the safe removal of the tank itself.

6. The Process of Underground Oil Tank Removal • Permitting and Preparation: Before any work begins, your local government may require permits for tank removal. A qualified service like Simple Tank Services will handle all permitting and site preparation, ensuring that the process complies with local regulations. • Excavation and Removal: The tank is carefully excavated from the ground, and any residual oil is safely removed. After excavation, the tank is cleaned and transported to a licensed facility for proper disposal.

7. Take Action to Safely Manage Underground Oil Tanks If your property contains an underground oil tank, it’s important to take action. Whether through regular monitoring or professional removal, managing the situation today will help you avoid potential hazards in the future. With the expertise of Simple Tank Services, you can ensure the process is handled safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.