Do I need a permit to remove the tank?
Local construction/fire permits are typically required to be applied for before the tank can be removed. Once the local permits are approved, it is typical that the local inspector will need to be on site for all or a part of the removal activities.
Do I need to remove my oil tank?
There are many reasons why you may want to remove your oil tank. Perhaps it has become old and unsightly. Maybe you are tired of the excessive maintenance that is required. It could just be environmental concerns. You could be selling your home and you want to make sure that your oil tank is not going to be an issue.
Do I need to hire a professional to replace my oil tank?
In most cases, if you have a problem with a gas furnace, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem yourself. The same is not true for an oil tank. For regular maintenance, installation and repairs, you need to hire a licensed professional to handle this toxic substance.
What certification do I need to remove a heating oil tank?
There is no standard certification that is mandated by the EPA or the NJDEP for residential heating oil tanks and given by an independent company. What a property owner can receive is a professional determination from the company performing the tank removal activities describing what transpired during the tank removal.
How do I get rid of an oil tank?
0:224:39How to Remove an Old Oil Tank | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil okay and then we'll cut a nice big hole in this tank. And then we'll scoop out all the solidsMoreOil okay and then we'll cut a nice big hole in this tank. And then we'll scoop out all the solids that'll go into a five gallon bucket which will go into a d.o.t 55-gallon drum on the truck.
Do you need a permit to remove oil tank in NJ?
The removal or abandonment of a tank requires an application for and the issuance of a demolition permit regardless of whether it is in connection with other related work. The permit should contain specific details on how the tank is to be removed or abandoned in place.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank in NY?
The average cost of removing an aboveground storage tank in New York State is around $2,600. As we've pointed out, fuel oil is extremely toxic, not to mention flammable, so removal should be left to the professionals.
Can I remove my own oil tank in NC?
Home heating oil tanks are exempt from the State regulatory closure requirements. Even though a homeowner is not required to close an UST, a tank owner is advised to remove any product from the tank once it is no longer in use in order to limit the chances of a leak or spill.
Can you sell a house with an oil tank in NJ?
There is currently no regulation prohibiting anyone from selling a home with an underground oil tank in NJ. The fact of the matter is that homes with an underground tank are less likely to sell as quickly as those with an above ground oil tank or gas.
How do you remove an oil tank in NJ?
What is involved with removing an oil tank?Step 1 - Local Permits. Local permits are required for the removal of residential heating oil tanks.Step 2 - Utility Mark Out. ... Step 3 - Oil Tank Removal. ... Step 4 Site Assessment Soil Sampling. ... Step 5 Oil Tank Certification aka Tank Closure Report.
Can you sell a house with an underground oil tank in NY?
While there is no law against the transfer of property with an underground oil tank, it is increasingly difficult to do so. Even properly decommissioned tanks run the risk of having leaked at some point in time.
How deep are oil tanks buried?
between 1.5 feet to 2.5 feetHow Deep are Oil Tanks Buried? The depth of the oil tank can range between 1.5 feet to 2.5 feet. However, the best way to determine the location is to look for galvanized piping that emerges from the ground, otherwise known as the vent pipe.
Can I bury my oil tank?
Only tanks that are specifically designed and constructed for underground use should be buried partially or wholly underground. Special design allows underground tanks to withstand the pressure exerted on the outside of the tank when it's empty.
Can you sell a house with an underground oil tank in NC?
If you are looking at selling a property with a UST that is no longer in use it MUST be properly removed or abandoned by an MDE licensed company (such as GreenTRAX, Inc), prior to settlement. This is one of the most important things that you may need to know as a realtor.
How far does an oil tank need to be from a house?
1.8 metres awayAn oil tank has to be a minimum of 1.8 metres away from any part of a building or construction that isn't fire resistant, such as doors, windows, eves and cladding.
How long do buried oil tanks last?
10-15 yearsThe 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 You Need to Know About Oil Tank Removal
If it’s time to sell your home and the oil tank in your backyard is a huge setback, you may be considering, can I remove my own oil tank? What are some of the factors that go into oil tank removal?
How Long Does it Take to Remove an Oil Tank?
Before you determine, can I remove my own oil tank, consider how long the process might take. Take a look at these steps to oil tank removal:
What Equipment is Needed?
Can I remove my own oil tank? Do you have the required equipment? You will need an excavator, a pump to remove the oil, plumbing equipment to disconnect the pipes, proper tools to cut through the metal tank, soil testing kits, and a truck to haul it all away.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove an Oil Tank?
Yes, it does require a permit to remove an oil tank. When you go through the proper channels, you will benefit from correctly removing your underground oil tank. Your home insurance premium will decrease when you no longer have the liability on your property.
Benefits of Hiring an Oil Tank Removal Contractor
When you hire a professional to remove your underground oil tank, you will save yourself time and money. Look at some of these benefits:
Hire an Oil Tank Removal Contractor in NJ
Let our team at Mikula Contracting answer your questions regarding residential oil tank removal. If you are unsure about the question, can I remove my own oil tank? We can help you decide. In addition, we can visit your property and give you an estimate and a detailed breakdown of the project’s requirements.
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It’s not even used anymore. It’s hulking in your building’s basement, or you know it’s buried outside in the back lot. A look at when and why it’s time to have a professional excavate and remove your heating oil tank. The only time you never want to strike oil on your property is when it […]
Avoid Health Hazards to Human Life
This is the major reason why permits are needed for oil tank removals. Oil tanks contain hazardous substances that can wreak havoc if not handled properly. An oil spill can contaminate the soil, seep through to the groundwater, and has immediate negative health effects on you and your family.
Protect the Environment
Oil contaminated soil will effectively render it barren. Oil goes inside the interstices of soil that it blocks anything that wants to go through it. According to geologists at https://www.simpletankservices.com/, a direct effect would be the death of plant life on that patch of your contaminated garden.
Ensure That Authorized Personnel is Handling the Job
Oil tank removal companies have certified professionals that carry out the job. These include engineers, geologists, hygienists, and excavators. All have special licenses issued by your state and county. Even the company itself has to have a license to do it and are obliged to give their final report after the decommissioning process.
Proper Procedures in Oil Tank Decommissioning is Followed
If you are unaware, there are standard procedures to be followed in the removal of your tank.
Manage Proper Hazardous Waste Disposals
Since oil inside the tank and the tank itself are considered hazardous wastes, there should be standard protocols and measures followed to avoid any disastrous outcomes. This is also one function of the agencies that oversee these kinds of activities.
Prevent Loose Ends
When the job has been done, oversight agencies see to it that the project has been accomplished satisfactorily without anything missed and nothing that will bite their ass in years to come. The removal company has to secure a Final Storage tank Abandonment report and will need to receive the “No Further Action Letter” from these agencies.
What can a property owner receive from a company performing the tank removal activities?
What a property owner can receive is a professional determination from the company performing the tank removal activities describing what transpired during the tank removal. This determination can and should contain a statement regarding the visual integrity of the tank and if the tank did or did not leak.
Do you need a tank certification?
You Need A Tank Certification When An Oil Tank Is Removed. It is typically recommended that all tanks be removed from the ground when taking a tank out of service. When a tank is removed and a site assessment soil sampling is performed by a qualified individual, a professional determination can be put forward as to the integrity of the tank. ...
What to know about oil tank removal in New Jersey?
Five Things You Need to Know About Oil Tank Removal in New Jersey. Many homes and business are now using other heating methods opposed to fuel oil tanks for heat. However, there are properties that still have them. Inactive oil tanks are still a cause for concern as they pose the risk of hazardous spills and leaks.
What are the two types of oil tanks?
There are two types of oil tanks: above-ground and below-ground. Both tanks contain vents which allows for exposed portions of the inside of the tanks. This results in the tank collecting moisture and causes it to rust from the inside out. Overtime, the moisture condenses into water droplets.
Do you need a permit to remove an oil tank?
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.
Is an oil tank a hazard?
An oil tank is a hazard so once removed, some insurance companies might lower your premium. An oil tank can be a real pain and could potentially cause a lot of damage. You don’t want to keep an old oil tank just sitting around. It lowers the value of your home or business and is costing you through insurance.
Why remove oil from a tank?
Removing all oil from the tank will prevent oil leaking out in the future. After the tank has been cleaned, you are now tasked with testing the soil, you do this by taking soil samples below the tank after it has been cleaned to answer the question if the tank has leaked in the past.
How to access buried oil tank?
To access a buried oil tank it is necessary to uncover the top of the tank to permit entry into the tank for the purpose of cleaning the tank. The majority of Underground Storage Tanks are typically located adjacent to an existing structure or dwelling.
What to do if no hazardous vapors are present?
If no hazardous vapors are present and the tank contains sufficient oxygen, the tank should then be entered and cleaned. Cleaning of the tank will consist of wiping, squeegeeing and removing all liquids and sludges from the tank. Liquids are then either placed into on site storage containers or a vacuum truck.
What should be done after a tank has been excavated?
After the tank has been excavated to expose the top, and all pumpable liquids removed, the tank should be purged of petroleum vapors. Purging of the tank consists of drawing air through the tank to remove/purge the tank of any hazardous vapors.
What are the environmental concerns of buried oil tanks?
Buried heating oil tanks raise a variety of environmental, safety, legal and economic concerns for home owners and home buyers. The largest concerns relating to environmental issues are heating oil leaks that cause soil or groundwater contamination. Economic issues consist of the cost and risks associated with testing, tank removal and site cleanup.
What is the cause of corrosion in oil storage tanks?
A2. Corrosion is caused by the inherent tendency of iron based metals that most all heating oil underground storage tanks are comprised of metal, to revert to a stable form. This stable form is what you know as rust.
Where is petroleum stored?
Historically, petroleum products have been stored in steel Underground Storage Tanks , (UST's). These steel tanks have a finite life expectancy (rust never sleeps) and when corrosion holes breach the tank shell or the welded seams of the tank fail, petroleum will leach into the environment.
What is the law in New Jersey regarding oil tank removal?
New Jersey State Law also requires that all oil tank removal projects must be overseen by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP). Without an LSRP, your site remediation project could last indefinitely. 2.
What happens if you abandon an oil tank?
Also, if homeowners abandon an oil tank, they become ineligible for any oil tank removal grant. 3. Make sure that you hire a contractor that owns their equipment, and employs their workers.
Can oil be left in a tank when abandoned?
If tank abandonment has to be used, caution should be applied. Under no circumstances should oil or residue be left in the tank when it is abandoned underground. These precautions should be taken seriously, or property owners may encounter difficulty when attempting to resell their property.
Can you remove an oil tank in New Jersey?
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. Because most underground oil tanks are harmful to the environment, tank abandonment should not be the preferred method to resolve your oil tank problem.
What is the process involved with getting an old tank removed?
When you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, you need transparency in these answers. At ERC we want you to be fully informed about the process of removing an oil tank in the state of New Jersey and the timeline involved. We even put together this fun animated video to give you a quick overview!
NJ Oil Tank Removal at a Flat Rate
First, ERC will provide you with a flat-rate quote that encompasses everything involved in getting your oil tank removal 100% completed – so you don’t have to worry about costs that you didn’t expect or budget for later in the process. Once you sign the contract and hire ERC, we’ll get to work immediately.
Removing the Oil Tank
Once ERC attains the permit, we will schedule construction for 1 or 2 days later. When our trained professionals arrive, the first thing they will do is install your new oil tank if you’ve decided to continue using oil with a storage tank in your garage, basement or above-ground outside area.
Oil Tank Removal Completed in 7 to 10 Business Days
To summarize – from the time you contract ERC Environment to the time the work on your property is 100% complete is around 7 to 10 business days.
Final Permit Approvals
Last, we’ll submit a report to your town regarding all necessary information on your oil tank removal project. The state of New Jersey allows 20 business days to approve the permit, but we find most towns will do so in one week or less.
What to do if you don't want an oil tank?
If you don’t want the oil tank, it might be a smart idea to ask the seller to remove it prior to purchase. In the event that this is not possible, you should factor the oil tank removal into your bid. On the other hand, if the oil tank is the primary source of heat for the home, make sure you have it tested by a qualified, licensed professional prior to closing to ensure it’s in good working order. Also, check to see if the oil company offers insurance on the tank but be sure to carefully read and understand any limitations and exclusions. If they find a leak, the seller will be responsible for the costs or any removal or cleanup. Seek legal advice before making any final decisions.
What happens if you find an oil tank?
If your oil tank is found to be the source of ground or water contamination, the consequences and liabilities can be enormous. How it is handled will depend on the size of the leak and whether the oil has reached the groundwater. Grants and loans may be available to help cover the cost of oil tank removal and cleanup.
Why is it important to check your oil tank?
A leak in your oil tank can be disastrous. That’s why it’s vital to perform periodic checks to ensure the oil tank is working properly. The problem is that your oil tank may not be conveniently located, making upkeep a major nuisance. If you need to replace it, this could involve extensive disturbance to your basement or yard.
What happens if you get a green light on a gas tank?
If you receive a green light, then the area will be filled and covered with grass seed or hay.
Is it safe to fill an underground oil tank with sand?
While this was once considered a safe way to deal with underground oil tanks, today we know better. Years ago, oil tank failure was rare. Now, with these tanks getting older, it’s becoming more common. Filling the tank with sand can be very costly and time-consuming as well since you have to dig and then refill the hole.
Is an oil tank attractive?
Let’s face it. Oil tanks are not exactly attractive. It can look unpleasant whether it’s occupying a large space in your basement or a conspicuous spot in your backyard. This can be a particular concern if you are selling your home and trying to attract buyers.
Is oil bad for the environment?
Harm to the environment. Oil is not the cleanest type of fuel and there are many concerns about burning oil and its effect on the air we breathe. An oil tank leak can cause significant damage to the surrounding soil and water for not only your home or business but the neighbors as well.