Removal of an oil tank is an extremely important decision that house owners make in New Jersey. Maybe you are upgrading your heating system, solving a problem with an old or abandoned tank, or simply dealing with environmental concerns. Knowing what to expect from the process of removing an oil tank can soothe the nerves and make everything run relatively smoothly. In this blog, let’s walk you through what to expect from your process of oil tank services.
Initial Assessment
The first step for an oil tank removal activity is an assessment done on-site with a professional. During this visit, a technician will visit your property and assess the condition of the tank. Among several issues, they inspect leakage signs, corrosion, and structural integrity cases. The assessment helps determine the best course of action and whether further steps, such as environmental testing, are required.
Obtaining Permits
In New Jersey, oil tank removal primarily requires permits from the relevant local authorities. This is usually handled by the removal service provider to ensure all necessary permits are acquired before commencing removal. This process is very important as it helps in ensuring compliance with state regulations and serves to avoid potential legal issues.
Environmental Assessment
If the preliminary survey raises a suspicion of leakage or contamination, an environmental audit may be needed. This is achieved through ground soil around the location where the tank is sited testing to check if there are contaminants. According to the findings, there might be some other remediation to be undertaken to avoid any risk to the environment before the removal happens.
Pre-removal preparation
Preparation for the actual removal will begin once all permits and assessments are in place. This stage is comprised of the following important steps:
- Notification: The neighbors may be required to be notified about the scheduled work, especially if it is going to create any kind of disturbance.
- Security: The removal staff will take necessary safety precautions such as clearing the space around the tank, setting up barriers, and ensuring all personnel are equipped with protective gear.
Extraction Process
On extraction day, a crew comes to the site with extraction equipment and the process runs as follows:
- Emptying of the tank: if there is some oil remainder in the tank, then it is emptied based on the state’s regulations and disposed of, after which extraction can take place.
- Disconnecting Lines: All the fuel lines that are attached to the tank will have to be cut and capped so as not to leak while being taken out.
- Excavation: With underground tanks, digging has to be done to reach the tank. Heavy machinery is used and will take several hours, depending on how deep and large the tank is.
- Extraction: Upon contamination, the tank will be pulled out from the ground or building by this team. Suitable methods shall be adopted to prevent damage to the structures and gardens.
Post Extraction Assessment
Once the tank has been successfully extracted, the post-extraction assessment will be performed. The step includes the following:
- Site Inspection: Any probable trace of contamination or destruction is likely to take place.
- Soil Testing: If some leak fears were present before the removal, some supplementary soil testing is possible after the removal to check the area’s safety and cleanliness from toxic substances.
- Documentation: Removal companies provide you with documentation of the removal process. These may include permits and inspection reports, as well as any supplementary soil testing. All that paperwork must be held in your record book, as you might have to require it shortly if you decide to sell the property.
Once you have removed the tank and sized up the site, restoration is the most important of all. This might mean filling the earth excavation pit, reseeding the lawn, or trying to repair landscaping that may have been damaged. A proper service to remove a tank would leave your property in excellent condition.
Aftercare
After the extraction, you must be watchful of the area that had the tank. If there are some unusual smells as well as other signs of contamination, immediately call your removal service or an environmental professional qualified to clean up things.
Conclusion
Removal of an oil tank is a major step, which might make a huge difference in the safety and value of your property. Knowing the process for oil tank removal in New Jersey can help you deal with the experience confidently. The best would be to hire a professional firm, which will know the regulations and best practices related to oil tank removal.
If you want oil tank removal NJ, the experts at Oil Tank Solutions can do it for you. Our highly trained professionals dedicated themselves to safe, efficient, and compliant oil tank removal jobs that fit your needs. We take care of everything: initial assessment, restoration after the removal, and all those things in between. So get in touch today for more details on our services.
