Understanding Home Oil Tank Removal in North Carolina

Understanding Home Oil Tank Removal in North Carolina

If you're a homeowner or a real estate professional in North Carolina, understanding the ins and outs of home oil tank removal is crucial. Not only can these underground or above-ground oil tanks pose environmental hazards, but they can also complicate real estate transactions. Here's what you need to know about the process and regulations surrounding oil tank removal in the Tar Heel State.

Why Remove an Oil Tank?

Oil tanks were commonly used in homes before the advent of modern heating systems. However, as these tanks age, they can become a liability. Corrosion, leaks, and spills are significant risks, potentially leading to soil and groundwater contamination. If you're planning to sell your property or upgrade your heating system, removing an old oil tank is a wise decision.

North Carolina Regulations

In North Carolina, the removal of oil tanks is regulated to protect the environment and public health. The state requires that any tank, whether it's above-ground (AST) or underground (UST), be properly decommissioned if it's no longer in use. The process involves several steps, including obtaining permits, ensuring safe removal, and conducting soil testing to check for contamination.

The Oil Tank Removal Process

1. Inspection and Permitting: The first step is to have the tank inspected by a certified professional. If removal is necessary, you'll need to obtain a permit from your local municipality. This ensures that the removal meets all local and state regulations.
2. Emptying the Tank: Before the tank can be removed, any remaining oil must be pumped out and disposed of according to environmental guidelines. This step is crucial to prevent any spills during the removal process.
3. Excavation or Disconnection: For underground tanks, excavation is required to expose the tank. Above-ground tanks need to be safely disconnected from the heating system. In both cases, care must be taken to avoid any accidental punctures.
4. Tank Removal: Once the tank is empty and disconnected, it is carefully removed from the property. In the case of underground tanks, this involves lifting the tank out of the ground using specialized equipment.
5. Soil Testing: After the tank is removed, the surrounding soil is tested for contamination. If any oil leakage is detected, further remediation may be necessary to clean up the site. This is a critical step, as contaminated soil can lead to significant environmental damage and potential legal issues.
6. Disposal: The removed tank must be transported to a licensed disposal facility. It's essential to work with a contractor who follows state regulations to ensure the tank is disposed of safely and legally.

Costs and Considerations

The cost of oil tank removal in North Carolina can vary depending on the size of the tank, its location, and the extent of any contamination. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for the removal of an underground tank, with additional costs if soil remediation is required.

It's also important to consider the impact of oil tank removal on your property's value. In many cases, removing an old, unused tank can enhance the property's appeal to buyers, particularly those concerned about environmental safety.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When it comes to oil tank removal, choosing a qualified and experienced contractor is crucial. Look for professionals who are licensed in North Carolina and have a strong track record of safe and compliant tank removals. They should be knowledgeable about state regulations and able to handle any issues that arise during the process.

Baker Jordan (testing & removal)	734-2612
Kevin Deerdin	545-4459

 

Who handles contamination?

In North Carolina, if contamination is discovered during the oil tank removal process, specialized environmental contractors handle the remediation. These professionals are equipped to assess the extent of the contamination and implement a cleanup plan to restore the site to safe conditions.

Steps for Handling Contamination:

1. Assessment: Environmental specialists will first conduct a thorough assessment of the contaminated area, which includes soil and groundwater testing to determine the extent of the spill.
2. Remediation Plan: Based on the assessment, the contractor will develop a remediation plan. This plan outlines the necessary steps to remove the contamination, which may include soil excavation, treatment, or disposal, and groundwater remediation if necessary.
3. Cleanup: The contaminated soil is typically excavated and transported to a certified disposal facility. In some cases, in-situ treatment (treating the soil in place) might be used if excavation isn't feasible. Groundwater contamination may require pumping and treatment or the installation of systems that can clean the water over time.
4. Compliance and Documentation: Throughout the process, the environmental contractor ensures compliance with state and federal environmental regulations. They will also document the cleanup process, which is crucial for legal and real estate purposes.
5. Final Testing: After remediation, additional testing is conducted to confirm that the site is clean and meets all regulatory standards. This ensures that no residual contamination remains that could pose future risks.

Selecting a Qualified Environmental Contractor

It's essential to choose a contractor who is experienced in handling environmental contamination, particularly with petroleum products. They should be licensed in North Carolina and familiar with the state's environmental regulations. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) maintains a list of approved contractors and consultants who specialize in this type of work.

Reporting to State Agencies

In cases of significant contamination, the environmental contractor may need to report the incident to the NCDEQ. The agency may require additional oversight or specific actions to ensure that the contamination is fully addressed.

By engaging with qualified professionals, homeowners can effectively manage contamination risks and ensure their property is safe and compliant with all environmental laws.

 

How long does it take?

The duration of an oil tank contamination cleanup in North Carolina can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the extent of the contamination, the type of soil, and the cleanup method used. Here's a general breakdown:

Factors Influencing Cleanup Time:

1. Extent of Contamination: If the contamination is localized and limited to a small area, cleanup might take just a few days or weeks. However, if the oil has spread extensively, especially into groundwater, the process can take several months or even years.
2. Soil Type: The type of soil can affect how quickly contaminants are removed. Sandy soils, for example, might allow faster cleanup due to better drainage, while clay soils can slow down the process because they hold onto contaminants more tightly.
3. Remediation Method: Different remediation methods have different timelines:
   • Excavation: This is often the quickest method, where contaminated soil is dug up and removed. It might take a few days to weeks, depending on the volume of soil that needs to be excavated.
   • In-situ Treatment: If excavation isn’t feasible, in-situ (on-site) treatments like bioremediation (using bacteria to break down contaminants) or chemical treatments might be used. These methods can take months or even years to fully clean the site.
   • Groundwater Remediation: If the contamination has affected groundwater, the cleanup could involve long-term monitoring and treatment systems, which may require several years to ensure that the water quality is restored.
4. Regulatory Requirements: State and federal regulations often require ongoing testing and monitoring, which can extend the overall timeline of the cleanup.

Typical Cleanup Durations:

• Minor Contamination: 1 to 2 weeks (e.g., limited soil contamination with no groundwater impact).
• Moderate Contamination: 1 to 3 months (e.g., more extensive soil contamination or minor groundwater impact).
• Severe Contamination: 6 months to several years (e.g., widespread soil and groundwater contamination requiring complex remediation efforts).

Post-Cleanup Monitoring:

Even after the active cleanup phase is complete, there may be a requirement for long-term monitoring to ensure that contamination doesn’t reoccur. This can involve periodic testing over several years, but it usually doesn't impact day-to-day property use once the main remediation is finished.

The cleanup duration can vary significantly, but working with an experienced environmental contractor can help streamline the process. They can also provide more accurate timelines after evaluating the specific conditions of the site.