Introduction
If you’re a homeowner in New Jersey with an underground oil tank, you may be wondering what to expect during a soil scan for your underground oil tank. Soil scans are essential for attentive soil contamination caused by leakage underground oil tanks. This article will guide you through the process of a soil scan for an underground oil tank in NJ, including what it entails, how it is done, and what to expect during the process.
What is an Underground Oil Tank?
An underground oil tank is a large container that is covered underground to store heating oil. They are commonly found in older homes built before the 1970s when oil was the primary heating fuel used in homes. Underground oil tanks can be made of steel, fiberglass, or other materials, and are typically located in the backyard or side of the house.
Why Should You Get a Soil Scan for Your Underground Oil Tank?
Over time, underground oil tanks can rust, corrode, and leak oil into the surrounding soil. If this happens, the soil can become contaminated with oil, which can posture a serious environmental and health hazard. Soil contamination can also reduce the value of your property and make it difficult to sell your home in the future.
A soil scan for your underground oil tank is crucial because it can detect soil contamination caused by leaking tanks. Soil scans can identify the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons, which are the main components of heating oil. By detecting soil contamination early, you can take steps to mitigate the damage and prevent further contamination.
What is a Soil Scan for an Underground Oil Tank?
A soil scan for an underground oil tank is a process that involves taking soil samples from around the tank to regulate if there is any soil contamination. The samples are generally taken using a soil auger or drill, which is inserted into the ground to compile soil samples at various depths. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing.
During the soil scan, the soil around the tank is generally divided into various zones, and a sample is taken from each zone. This allows for a more proper assessment of the duration of the contamination, which can help determine the great course of action for the cleanup.
What to Expect During a Soil Scan for Your Underground Oil Tank in NJ?
Here’s what you can expect during a soil scan for your underground oil tank in NJ:
Site Preparation
The first step in a soil scan is site preparation. The area around the tank is cleared of any difficulty to ensure that the soil samples are representative of the area. The soil surface is also cleaned to remove any surface contaminants that could interfere with the test results.
Soil Sampling
Once the site is prepared, the soil sampling process begins. The soil samples are taken using a soil auger or drill, which is inserted into the ground to collect soil samples at various depths. The samples are generally taken from different zones around the tank to get an exact assessment of the extent of the contamination.
Laboratory Testing
The soil samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing. The laboratory tests the samples for petroleum hydrocarbons, which are the main components of heating oil. The laboratory will provide a report that indicates the level of contamination, the type of contamination, and the extent of the contamination.
Report Analysis
Once the laboratory report is received, it is analyzed by a licensed professional to determine the best course of action for the cleanup. The professional will recognize the level and extent of the contamination, the proximity of the tank to nearby buildings and water sources, and any suitable regulations and laws.
Cleanup
If the soil scan detects contamination, cleanup is necessary to remove the contaminated soil and prevent further contamination. The cleanup process can include excavation of the contaminated soil, disposal of the soil at a licensed facility, and installation of a new tank.
Cost to Remove an Underground Oil Tank
The cost to remove an underground oil tank can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the tank, the extent of the contamination, and the accessibility of the tank. In general, removing an underground oil tank in NJ can range from $1,500 to $3,500, with some projects costing upwards of $10,000.
It’s important to note that the cost of removing an underground oil tank does not include the cost of any soil remediation that may be mandatory to clean up the contaminated soil. Soil remediation can be an additional cost and vary depending on the extent of the contamination and the remediation method.
If you are considering removing an underground oil tank, it’s important to get multiple quotes from licensed professionals and ensure that the contractor you choose has experience with underground oil tank removal and soil remediation.
Conclusion
If you have an underground oil tank on your property, a soil scan is essential to detect any soil contamination caused by a leaking tank. During the soil scan, soil samples are taken from around the tank and sent to a laboratory for testing. If contamination is detected, cleanup is essential to remove the contaminated soil and prevent further contamination. The cost of removing an underground oil tank can vary depending on several factors, and it’s important to get multiple quotes from licensed professionals.
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