Do you have an oil tank under your ground in NJ?
These are all signs you may have a tank under your ground. New Jersey has laws regulating underground oil tanks. These laws have been on the books for more than 30 years. New Jersey also proposed changes to the laws last year. Here are the regulations.
Is it legal to have an underground storage tank in NJ?
The standards, laws, and liability of having an underground storage tank on your property are becoming increasingly strict and regulated. American Geophysics specializes in NJ oil tank sweeps , we implore you to do your due diligence and have your property scanned to avoid any unforeseen costs when buying or selling a property.
Do I have to remove an underground oil tank before selling?
3) Although an underground oil tank (UST) poses a serious environmental threat and financial liability, homeowners with one on the premises are not obligated by law to remove it before selling. It is up to the buyer to negotiate this process properly.
How do I report an oil tank leak in New Jersey?
To report an environmental incident impacting a property in the state of New Jersey, (including oil tank leaks) call the New Jersey Toll-Free 24-Hour Hotline - 1-877-WARNDEP - 1-877-927-633. Readers should also see New Jersey oil tank information listed at our US & Canadian oil tank regulation page - OIL TANK REGULATIONS.
Is oil leaking a problem in New Jersey?
Can you buy back oil tank coverage?
Does oil tank insurance cover first party?
Can you write risks on an oil tank?
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Can you sell a house in NJ with in ground oil tank?
There is currently no regulation prohibiting anyone from selling or buying a home with an underground oil tank in NJ. The fact of the matter is homes with underground oil tanks are less likely to sell as quickly as those with above-ground tanks or gas.
When did they stop burying oil tanks in NJ?
Before 1980, many homes in the Northeast had underground oil tanks. That's because a lot of homeowners used oil to warm their homes in the winter. From the 1940s through the 1970s, these tanks were the norm. Builders would put the tanks in the ground, and trucks would come to service them when the oil got low.
Can I put an oil tank underground?
We don't recommend oil storage tanks are installed underground. You may need planning permission to install an underground oil storage tank. If you think this is your only option contact your environmental regulator for their advice before ordering or installing a tank to discuss if this is possible, safe or legal.
How much does it cost to remove underground oil tank in NJ?
The average cost for removal of an Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) is $900.00. The typical cost for removing a heating oil Underground Storage Tank (UST) is $1,5000.00. The amount of liquid present, local permit fees and access to the tank are factors that will adjust the price.
Does NJ require oil tank removal?
New Jersey laws do not require oil tank removal, but oil tank abandonment is not recommended. Even though tank abandonment is legal in New Jersey, tank removal should be completed whenever possible.
Do you need a permit to remove an oil tank NJ?
Simply put, yes, most towns require a permit to remove an oil tank. Make sure to find out what your town requires before jumping into the project. The permit is not expensive; it can usually be purchase for under $100. Getting a permit also has other benefits.
How long does an underground oil tank last?
Underground fuel oil tanks are increasingly becoming more of an issue as time goes on. The common life expectancy of a buried oil tank made of steel is 10-15 years, but at about 20 years the risk of leaks from steel underground oil tanks become higher.
What are the rules for installing an oil tank?
To protect tanks from an ignition source, tanks should be sited: 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building. 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds) 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure (e.g. brick-built house/garage)
Why would you bury an oil tank?
Underground oil tanks were common from the 1930s to the 1980s. Due to their size and unsightliness, as well as the risk of vandalism and theft, tanks were often buried, explains real estate attorney and investor Rajeh Saadeh.
What is an alternative option to removing a buried oil tank?
In certain cases, tank removal is prohibitive (expensive). In these cases, a tank closure in place is the preferred option. Petroleum storage tanks once cleaned can be filled with an inert material, such as sand, concrete slurry or foam.
Can you fill an underground oil tank with sand?
0:074:23Don't Fill an Oil Tank With Sand! It's a waste of time and money ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt doesn't stop the tank from an ongoing leak it doesn't prevent the tank from corroding further andMoreIt doesn't stop the tank from an ongoing leak it doesn't prevent the tank from corroding further and collapsing.
Does homeowners insurance cover oil tank leaks?
Most home insurance policies do not offer oil tank protection. Homeowner's insurance policies will not cover the costs associated with a leaking heating oil tank when the environmental damage only impacts your property. Separate tank insurance policies can provide coverage in these cases.
What year did they stop putting oil tanks underground?
Before municipalities installed natural gas lines, the furnaces in most homes used fuel oil stored in a tank. Underground oil tanks were common from the 1930s to the 1980s.
How do I know if I have an underground oil tank?
On the inside of the house, go to where the furnace is installed and look for small copper lines. They often come as a set and the copper tubes will usually be pinched on the ends. This tells you the house was once heated using oil and may have a buried oil tank.
When were underground oil tanks used?
Between 1970 and 1990, a strong concern for the environment further advanced the technologies used to safely store hazardous liquids underground. Secondary containment became a desirable feature in tank design. Steel tanks were fabricated with a second wall of steel or with a non-metallic jacket made of FRP or HDPE.
Should I remove my underground oil tank?
Remove the Underground Oil Tank The only way to eliminate the hazards that come with an underground oil tank is to remove the tank from your property. If you discover you have an abandoned tank on your property, it's best to get rid of it. For those that use oil heat, this means replacing it with an above ground tank.
Underground Storage Tank Leaks in New Jersey: What To Do If You ...
In Texas, if you hit oil, you make a lot of money. In New Jersey, you dearly pay for it. Here is a common scenario amongst home sellers and property owners: a New Jersey homeowner discovered an oil leak from a corroded underground storage tank (UST) she did not even know was located on her property when she first bought the property eight years ago that no one ever told her about.
N.J. sewer authority agrees to $335K fine in settlement over federal ...
Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority will pay a $335,750 civil penalty and has agreed to commit an additional $44,250 to the state DEP’s Environmental Mitigation Project Fund.
Underground Oil Tanks: What Every New Jersey Buyer Needs to Know
Ahh, the dreaded underground oil storage tank. Its presence can wreak havoc in any home purchase transaction, especially if you don’t fully understand the issues involved.
Tank Sweep
As a Buyer, you always want to perform proper due diligence on the property you’re purchasing, and that includes inspecting the Property for the presence of an abandoned underground storage tank (UST). The first step is to hire a licensed contractor to perform a tank sweep as part of your inspections.
UST Removal
If an abandoned UST is actually found in the ground, the next step is to negotiate with the Seller for the removal of the tank by a licensed tank removal contractor.
Other Considerations
The UST has been decommissioned in place. Even if the underground tank was decommissioned in place, meaning that the homeowner hired a licensed contractor and obtained proper permits, to pump the oil out of the tank and backfill it with sand to “decommission” it, that UST should now be removed.
Is oil leaking a problem in New Jersey?
Pollution liability caused by leaking oil tanks has become a major problem in New Jersey . Costs to clean up environmental damage, particularly damage to water supplies or aquifers, can run into millions of dollars. Insurance companies have implemented one of the following approaches in handling oil tanks:
Can you buy back oil tank coverage?
1. Most homeowners policies exclude pollution liability caused by oil tanks with an option to buy-back $100,000 of pollution liability coverage for an additional premium. The “buy-back” of oil tanks coverage may only be offered once to new applicants or current policyholders. Once they decline, they can not buy the coverage on any future policies.
Does oil tank insurance cover first party?
There is no first party coverage provided .
Can you write risks on an oil tank?
Please be aware that many companies have underwriting guidelines that may prohibit the writing of risks with oil tanks on the premises or based on the age of the tank.
What is NJDEP recommending?
NJDEP is recommending a series of “minor” and “non-minor” violations and associated fines to help enforce the proposed rules.
How long does it take to remove a free product from a heating oil system?
(Example) If free product (FP) is identified as originating from the heating oil system, the owner must initiate FP removal within 60 days, and delineation and FP remediation must be completed within one year.
Does HDN require a NJDEP?
The HDN does not require an NJDEP Remedial Action Permit -Soil, NJDEP fees, or biennial certifications; and If there is residual contamination (defined as “estimated to be less than 15 cubic yards) under a residential building, an LSRP can leave the contamination in place by implementing a Small Quantity Exception.
Does the 7:26F apply to heating oil tank systems?
The proposed new chapter (7:26F) will not apply if the heating oil tank system is located on a property that is subject to Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA). The NJDEP will not issue a No Further Action (NFA) letter for the ISRA subjected site.
Is there a rule change for heating oil tanks?
Whether you are a homeowner, buyer, seller, or real estate agent the new proposed rule changes regarding heating oil tanks apply to you. The standards, laws, and liability of having an underground storage tank on your property are becoming increasingly strict and regulated.
What happens if an oil tank spills into the water column?
If a leaked oil tank spills into the water column, for instance, the environmental ramifications can prove very serious and the cost of cleanup can soar into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are purchasing real estate or are a real estate agent, always be sure to be thorough about the discovery of an underground oil tank ...
What happens if you have an oil tank on your property?
If there is indeed an underground oil tank on the property, you must take all potential financial ramifications seriously and work with the seller to ensure your real estate investment is worth while. This is most commonly done with the seller agreeing to pay the full cost of the oil tank removal and/or soil remediation before the sale is closed, or the total cost may also be taken off of the sale price. Alternatively, a clause can be included in the real estate contract that states the seller is responsible for paying for oil tank removal and/or soil remediation- either in full or after a certain amount.
Does ERC Environmental cover oil tank removal?
While ERC Environmental offers competitive flat-rates that cover the majority of oil tank removal and /or soil remediation projects, there is always the possibility that your particular situation has extenuating circumstances that could be costlier than you ever would have imagined. If a leaked oil tank spills into the water column, for instance, the environmental ramifications can prove very serious and the cost of cleanup can soar into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Do you have to be thorough about the discovery of an underground oil tank before closing on a sale?
If you are purchasing real estate or are a real estate agent, always be sure to be thorough about the discovery of an underground oil tank before closing on a sale .
Can the owner of an oil tank disclose it to you?
It is possible that the owner is aware of the oil tank and will disclose it to you, as most real estate attorneys agree they should. However, it is also possible that the seller purchased the property unaware of an existing oil tank, or is attempting to conceal that information.
How Do You Know An Underground Oil Tank is There?
1) Homeowners may not be aware of an oil tank that has been abandoned on their property , either because they did not perform an inspection when purchasing the property or because their inspector failed to discover the oil tank. For this reason, it is important not to rely on a seller’s previous inspection records when purchasing a home. It is wise for buyers to always do their own due diligence in checking for the presence of an oil tank.
What happens when an oil tank is removed?
9) When an oil tank is removed, your local inspector, often a fire marshal, will be appointed to inspect the tank site. This inspection coupled with a report filed by the tank removal company is what determines whether further testing and possible cleanup needs to be done to the soil. The soil does not need to be tested otherwise.
How to tell if oil is in an underground tank?
For instance, there might be vents or filler pipes visible, or oil lines in the foundation wall , which would have been used to transfer the oil from the tank to the furnace inside. Indications won’t always be obvious, though.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank?
If you are roped into an open-ended contract like this, it is likely that you will pay far more than expected. ERC Environmental charges a flat-rate of $1,750 for oil tank removal no matter the circumstance.
What tools are used to find buried oil tanks?
It is best to hire professionals to perform a tank sweep, in which tools like metal detectors and ground penetrating radar are used to ensure a buried oil tank is always found.
Can you fill an oil tank with sand?
4) In the past, filling an oil tank with sand or other filler and abandoning it in place was considered an acceptable practice. However, there is still a risk of contamination and so many banks now require oil tanks to be completely removed before they will provide a mortgage, and insurance companies will not take the risk either.
Is there an NFA letter for cleanup in New Jersey?
5) Although state oversight is not explicitly required for cleanup efforts, A No Further Action (NFA) letter from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is required by lenders and insurers in most cases after an oil tank removal and/or soil remediation is completed.
What Are the Steps for Cleanup of an Oil Spill in New Jersey?
Following are some of the steps a contractor will take to clean up fuel oil contamination. All cleanups will differ depending on individual circumstances. These steps are described here to help you better understand the general cleanup process.
What Are the Typical Oil Tank Removal, Abandonment or Oil Tank Leak Cleanup Cost Issues Involved in New Jersey?
The VOLUNTARY OIL SPILL CLEANUP PROGRAM provides for state oversight through a Memorandum of Agreement in which the homeowner agrees to perform the cleanup and pay DEP oversight costs. The DEP receives no state funding to cover costs for this oversight; costs must be borne by those who require the service.
How Can I Tell If There Is a Problem?
The following could be signs of a leak in your home heating oil tank :.
What Do I Do If There Is a Leak?
Call the DEP’s toll free 24 hour Environmental Action Hot Line at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337) as soon as a discharge is detected. You will be sent an information package that describes in detail your responsibilities, what must be done to clean up the spill and DEP’s oversight role.
How Do I Choose a Contractor?
If you need help in choosing a contractor, consult with your attorney or local health department for recommendations.
What to do if a contractor requires you to sign a contract?
If contractors require that you sign a contract for the work with specific clauses, you may wish to consult your attorney to insure that the contract protects your rights. Remember that the contractor is working for you; don’t hesitate to ask specific questions and seek justification for any costs that seem unreasonable or unnecessary.
What are the problems with an oil burner?
Consistent problems with your oil burner. Changes in or loss of vegetation in the area over and around the tank. Oil odors in areas other than around the oil burner. Tastes, odors or other problems with your drinking water, if obtained from a well. Staining on basement walls or floors adjacent to the tank.
Is abandonment of underground storage tanks a subcode?
Since abandonment procedures for underground storage tanks are contained in documents referenced in the adopted subcodes, no inspection responsibility has been specifically assigned for this work. Therefore, it is appropriate for the construction official to assign responsibility to one inspector licensed in the Building, Fire, orPlumbing Subcode.
Does scrap metal accept tanks?
facility. (Most scrap-metal yards will accept cleaned storage tanks.)
Is oil leaking a problem in New Jersey?
Pollution liability caused by leaking oil tanks has become a major problem in New Jersey . Costs to clean up environmental damage, particularly damage to water supplies or aquifers, can run into millions of dollars. Insurance companies have implemented one of the following approaches in handling oil tanks:
Can you buy back oil tank coverage?
1. Most homeowners policies exclude pollution liability caused by oil tanks with an option to buy-back $100,000 of pollution liability coverage for an additional premium. The “buy-back” of oil tanks coverage may only be offered once to new applicants or current policyholders. Once they decline, they can not buy the coverage on any future policies.
Does oil tank insurance cover first party?
There is no first party coverage provided .
Can you write risks on an oil tank?
Please be aware that many companies have underwriting guidelines that may prohibit the writing of risks with oil tanks on the premises or based on the age of the tank.
