How to Make Your Underground Storage Tank Removal Go Smoothly

Removing an underground storage tank (UST) might seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward process with the right steps and guidance. A smooth UST removal starts with preparation and ends with compliance. From dealing with local regulations to taking corrective actions for contamination, each part of the process matters. Whether your tank is made of bare steel or a newer material, every detail is crucial to protect human health and prevent environmental harm. Residual contamination, regulated substances, and surrounding soil all shape the project’s complexity. Focusing on proper excavation and adhering to federal regulations minimizes risks and meets regulatory reporting requirements. The goal is simple: to complete the UST removal process efficiently while safeguarding the environment and public health. Let’s break it down step by step.
Know There’s a Problem in the First Place
Detecting a problem with your underground storage tank (UST) early can save you from significant environmental liability and costly corrective actions. Leaking tanks and other issues often leave telltale signs that should never be ignored. From soil contamination to unusual carbon dioxide levels, recognizing the warning signs is essential for protecting public health and complying with local regulations. Below are key indicators that your UST may require immediate attention:
- Visible Staining or Discoloration: Contaminated soil near the tank can appear darkened or have an oily sheen, signaling potential leaks.
- Unusual Odors: Strong, chemical-like smells in the surrounding soil or groundwater often point to hazardous substances escaping from the tank.
- Decreased Tank Volume: Unexplained fuel or material loss may indicate a leaking underground storage tank.
- Soil Gas Readings: Elevated gas levels detected during soil and groundwater sampling suggest a breach in the UST system.
- Nearby Vegetation Stress: Dead or discolored plants above the UST or its surrounding area can indicate contaminated soil or residual materials.
- Groundwater Contamination: Water samples showing regulated substances or hazardous materials could point to a tank failure.
If you notice any of these signs, taking swift action is critical. Addressing issues early prevents further release of hazardous materials and ensures compliance with local and federal regulations. Proper site remediation and UST removal minimize risks to both the environment and human health.
Understand Everything There Is to Know About Your Underground Storage Tank
Your underground storage tank system (UST system) holds more secrets than you might think. Understanding its history is crucial, whether it’s an old bare steel tank or a modern regulated substance container. Local regulations and federal requirements govern everything from installation to storage tank removal. Knowing the type of substances stored, potential contamination risks, and the tank's structural integrity helps determine the best course of action.
Soil and groundwater samples around the tank site can reveal whether residual materials have seeped into the environment. Closure reports often demand detailed data on surrounding soil and water samples, so having a licensed contractor with expertise in UST removal is essential. Knowledge is your strongest tool in navigating the process, from leak detection to compliance with local regulatory requirements.
Start the Process
Removing an underground storage tank (UST) from your property involves a detailed process designed to protect public health, comply with local regulations, and minimize environmental risks. By following the correct steps and working with experienced professionals like JnJ Environmental, you can complete the UST removal process efficiently and responsibly. Below are the key steps involved:
- Notify Local Authorities: Inform local regulatory authorities of your intent to remove the underground storage tank, as federal and local regulations require. This step ensures compliance with regulatory reporting requirements and initiates the permitting process.
- Choose JnJ Environmental: Our licensed contractors handle every part of the project from start to finish. We ensure compliance with all local and federal standards, manage the removal process, and mitigate potential hazards.
- Empty the Tank: Remove all regulated substances, including fuel or other hazardous substances, from the tank to prevent further contamination.
- Inert the Tank: Neutralize the tank's atmosphere using an inert gas like carbon dioxide to eliminate any risk of explosion during excavation.
- Excavate the Area: Carefully dig around the UST to expose the tank without disturbing surrounding soil or causing further release of hazardous materials.
- Clean & Remove the Tank: Clean the tank to remove residual materials, then safely remove it from the site, ensuring no residual contamination remains.
- Manage Any Contaminated Soil: Identify and properly dispose of contaminated soil according to local regulations to prevent further environmental impact.
- Gather Soil Samples: Collect soil and groundwater samples to determine the extent of contamination and confirm that remediation requirements are met.
- File Closure Reporting: Prepare and submit a detailed closure report to local regulatory authorities, including documentation of the removal process, soil and water sample results, and corrective actions taken.
Each step in this process is critical to meeting compliance, protecting the environment, and safeguarding human health. By choosing JnJ Environmental, you gain a trusted partner who manages every detail carefully.
Do Everything You Can to Minimize the Environmental Impact
Sometimes, your UST can leak and contaminate surrounding soil and vegetation, requiring you to assess the damage and take the necessary steps to address the situation. Environmental protection measures, including contaminated soil disposal, clean soil replacement, and proper remediation, reduce the long-term impact of leaking tanks. Soil gas and groundwater samples guide corrective actions, addressing residual contamination. Following local regulations and federal standards prevents significant environmental liability and supports public health.
Our licensed contractors play a key role in meeting environmental health goals by safely handling hazardous substances and preventing further action from becoming necessary. By addressing contamination at its source and taking proactive steps to restore the site, you protect the surrounding soil, groundwater, and air from harm.
Schedule Your Next Underground Storage Tank Removal Today
Don’t wait for a leak to become a bigger problem. Scheduling your underground storage tank removal with JnJ Environmental is the first step toward compliance, safety, and peace of mind. Whether addressing residual materials, adhering to licensing requirements, or preparing for federal reporting, we’ve got you covered. Protecting your site, the surrounding soil and public health starts now. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can guide your UST removal process from start to finish.