Storage Tanks FAQ

To help determine tank integrity status, know the age of the tank, the type and style of the tank, the conditions of the soil (wet, well-drained…), and the usage history. Sampling surrounding soil and evaluating the site will help clarify if you should suspect a leak. Call to discuss your site situation to get specific advice about how to best predict if your tank has leaked.

Some are. Some are not. State and federal regulations apply to aboveground tanks and underground storage tanks (UST) with large capacity. Other tanks are regulated because of their content — hazardous chemicals for example. Most heating oil storage tanks used for onsite consumption are NOT regulated by the DEP or EPA. In addition, there are some exclusions for farm-use tanks. HOWEVER, any contamination from leaks or spills is regulated by federal and state environmental agencies— regardless of size or use. Some townships and municipalities also have rules governing the removal and installation of both USTs and ASTs (aboveground storage tank). Additional oversight comes from financial lenders who have their own criteria for approved use, removal, and closure.

Yes. Out-of-use tanks that have not been properly closed will have residual oil and sludge left in them. Once the tank walls begin to break down and develop pinholes, material will leach into the soil causing contamination.

We remove and install all types and sizes of underground and aboveground tanks. In addition, when we remove underground tanks, we provide soil sample results to confirm a clean tank, excavation, and/or back fill. Some townships and municipalities restrict where and how underground tanks can be installed. If you are unsure, give us a call. We can help you determine what options work for you.

It depends on available space, security issues, capacity needs, financial limitations, aesthetic requirements, and local ordinances. There are pros and cons to either installation. Call us. We can help you determine what best fits your needs.

Call us. We remove and install all types and sizes of underground and aboveground tanks.

We remove about 200 residential USTs per year all over the Delaware Valley. In our experience, most standard residential tanks can be removed for $2,000-2,500. That range covers a typical 500-gallon storage tank with reasonable site access, no contents, no contamination, and includes permits, disposal, manifests, and a closure report. You may wonder if it’s so straight forward, why is there such variation in prices and proposals? Budget problems arise from the unknown variables: additional testing, tank location, tank size and shape, excavation depth, leakage, soil and/or groundwater infiltration, residual product, foundation shoring, monitoring systems…. These variables can add tens of thousands of dollars to a project’s costs. This understandably creates tremendous uncertainty- and stress! To limit those unknown factors, EMG provides an onsite investigation prior to submitting a proposal and evaluates the site for potential complications BEFORE the work begins.