Out-of-sight, out-of-mind often characterizes the attention
given to underground storage tanks. But with more stringent regulations,
and potential environmental liability costs, your underground
storage tank may be turning into a very real problem and expense.
We can apply a variety of approaches to your dilemma, such as
soil and groundwater testing, removal, replacement or upgrade
your present tanks. Whether your project is a single oil tank
in the back yard of your home, or a series of tanks at several
gasoline stations, we can help you determine the level of intervention
needed, in the most cost effective way. Often the smallest effort
is all that is needed, but if you are planning a major construction
project, the most logical and economical remedy might be to dig
up and remove the tank(s) as part of your normal site preparation.
To remove your tank, you need to hire an insured, environmental
contractor such as K-D Associates, Inc., who is familiar with
the state and federal guidelines and has professional expertise
in the process. The contractor will obtain all permits and provide
proper documentation of the removal and disposal of the tank and
any contaminated materials. First, the tank must be emptied and
cleaned, then the tank and piping excavated. The tank should
be carefully checked for leaks. If contamination is confirmed,
an assessment of all of the site conditions determines what additional
measures are appropriate to protect public health, the environment
and property values. The process should be documented with photos,
written notes, permits and disposal records. These records should
be kept by the tank owner as well as a copy by the environmental
firm.
It is possible, in some situations, to properly close a tank
in place rather than remove it. The process is not as simple
as it sounds, however. You will need to remove the fuel, have
the tank cleaned and filled with sand or concrete, and the area
around it checked for contamination. This will probably cost
about the same as having your tank removed. Typically, closing
your tank in place is only recommended if its removal will jeopardize
the structural integrity of your building's foundation
or overlying structure.
Don't bury your head in the sand, let the experts
at K-D Associates, Inc. assess your situation and smooth your
path to complete environmental compliance. Some states have funding
available to assist tank owners who want to "do the
right thing" but lack the resources for removal.
