Oil Tank Removal: The Danger of Oil Tanks on Your Property

Most residential and commercial homes are heated with petroleum, meaning that somewhere on the property there is an oil tank that needs removal. There are many reasons we suggest proactively removing your oil tank, which can include cost and environmental hazards.

Oil tanks can be located either above ground or underground, but all will eventually corrode. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” For that reason, removal of any oil tank is crucial. Underground tanks pose an extra risk: any problems with them remain virtually undetected. An oil tank that is leaking, whether above ground or underground, poses a dangerous environmental risk of leaking into nearby soil and water. The disposal of contaminated soil and subsequent cleanup are significantly more costly than proactive removal – often costing tens of thousands of dollars more. Despite these risks, many insurance companies have eliminated any coverage relating to petroleum damage, meaning that a property owner incurs 100% of the cost of cleanup.

Oil tanks are also highly regulated by EPA. Click here to read more about how EPA regulates storage and maintenance of underground storage tanks. Because of this, it is crucial that the work is done by a trained professional. At Optima, we have all of the necessary permits and issuances to remove a tank, as well as the expertise to ensure it’s done correctly with no hazards. We can even sample the surrounding soil to ensure that nothing around your home is contaminated, giving you peace of mind. If you are a commercial real estate owner, removing the tank could ensure that you pass a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, allowing you to easily refinance or sell your property.

Optima employs a full staff of expert engineers, geologists, and scientists. We offer 24/7 emergency spill response and are fully equipped to handle any environmental clean-up needs. We offer a complete suite of services, including identifying the right equipment for your site, installation, compliance inspections, repairs, site assessments, remediation, and disposal. Read more about some of our home services here! To set up an appointment, call us at (845) 561-1512 or email us at info@optimaenv.com.