Underground Oil Tanks - Removal and Replacement

About Underground Oil Tanks and the Environment
A leak in an underground oil tank or the connecting pipes can contaminate the soil and pollute the water.  The cleanup can cost $20,000 or more. Currently there is no state or local regulation regarding most home heating oil tanks, but there are good reasons to consider replacing an underground oil tank.  First, as the tank ages, the likelihood of a leak increases.  Second, if your homeowner’s insurance policy contains a “pollution exclusion” clause, you could be responsible for the cleanup costs.  Third, before selling a house you may need to replace the tank since many lenders may not write a mortgage for a house with an underground oil tank. 

Removal and Replacement – What to expect
To have an underground oil tank removed, the homeowner generally contacts his or her heating oil provider or a tank removal service.  Companies that service Pound Ridge are generally aware of local procedures and will guide the homeowner through the process.  Usually the representative opens the ground, pumps and cleans the tank, and, pulls the tank out of the ground.  The town building inspector is notified and will come to inspect the site. 
If there are any signs of a leak, soil samples will be taken to assess the extent of the problem and to determine the clean-up required.  In addition, the Health Department must be notified of the spill by the tank removal contractor.
Occasionally a tank is located in such a way that it cannot be removed.  If an oil tank will be ‘abandoned in place’, then holes are drilled into the tank and soil samples removed for testing.  If there has been no leakage, the tank will be filled with sand or gravel and left in place.
A permit is required to install a new oil tank.  Oil tanks for new homes and almost all replacements are aboveground tanks.  (Under unusual circumstances, specially manufactured tanks may be placed below ground.)  The new tank must be connected by a plumber, pressure tested, and inspected by the town building inspector.
The homeowner will receive a report and should keep it with other important papers regarding the house and property.

For More information
Go to New York’s Department of Conservation website:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32263.html

or Contact the Pound Ridge Building Department 914 764-4635

Posted September 2012