Do You Do Underground Oil Tank Testing? What Is the Difference Between a Pressure Test and Soil Sampling?

We do soil sampling, which looks at the soil below the tank sides. The soil is collected and then delivered to an NJDEP certified laboratory for analysis. We then provide a written report of findings. Since vacuum testing is normally done when the tanks are going to be left in service, this is not the most advisable method to determine impact to the soil and is generally used at gasoline stations.

As a Realtor, I Have a Client Who Had Their Underground Tank Foam Filled Some Time Ago. They Have the Permit, the Inspection Ticket and the Town Approval. The Buyer Is Asking for the Tank to Be Removed if They Want to Sell to Them. What Should We Do?

While it is within the regulations to abandon an underground tank in place, it is also undesirable to purchase a house with that tank in the ground. The real solution would be to remove the tank – short of that, soil sampling below and around the tank would yield important information. Once again, remember what you are going through now will come around again when the house is ready for sale.

I Have a Client Who Has an Underground Tank and Needs to Sell, but Cannot Afford the Removal Cost – Is There Some Program Available? What if the Tank Is a Leaker?

Depending on the situation, we have done the work for both non-leaking and leaking tanks and have had our invoice paid at closing on the HUD. We can apply to the leaking tank fund for reimbursement for a leaker. The process takes five years at the present time, but they will pay.

What Percentage of the Underground Oil Tanks That You Remove Are Leakers?

It has been our experience after removing hundreds of underground tanks that about 20% of all the tanks we remove are leakers. Of that 20% number, less than 2% have been extraordinarily expensive projects (over 100K).

My Client Has Proguard and They Want to Transfer the Warranty With the House – Is That a Good Idea?

Yes, if they are staying with oil heat – if they are planning to switch to gas, you should look at the ProGuard charges so you understand. There is a $500 service fee to remove the tank and a $2500 deductible fee. Also, you must use oil for 12 more months after the underground tank is removed.

What Is the Process to Get a No Further Action Letter? When a Tank Has Leaked, Must It Be Called in to the Njdep Hotline?

The DEP wants to know that there is nothing remaining in the soil and/or water above the state criteria (published). Samples are collected and analyzed at a certified laboratory. The results are compiled into a report and that is sent to NJDEP asking for the No Further Action letter. The entire process from tank removal to the No Further Action letter takes about 2-3 months.

Oil Tank Removal Services in New Jersey

Underground Oil Tank Removal or Above-Ground Installation

Many New Jersey homes and businesses are sold with decommissioned oil tanks hidden beneath the property. If you’re looking to remove a buried oil tank or if you want to replace it with an above-ground oil tank, we’re here to help.

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If Query Is Oil Tank Related, Is the Tank:

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We Will Beat Any Competitor’s Written Estimate for Oil Tank Removal!

How We Remove Oil Tanks

Out of sight often means out of mind – but hidden underground oil tanks can contribute to serious liabilities for your property. As these tanks rust, they can corrode, crack, and leak, causing both environmental and public health issues.

The best time to remove your tank is before serious problems arise. If your property still has an underground oil tank, contact Certified Environmental today.

Get A Free Quote

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Address

What service are you interested in?

How can we help you?

Is This a Real Estate Transaction?

Yes

If Query Is Oil Tank Related, Is the Tank:

AST

UST

If Query Is Radon Related, Current Level?

Type of House/Building

Age of House/Building

Square Feet

Basement Type

Basement Walls/Floors

Captcha

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Certified Environmental travels to properties throughout New Jersey to provide free estimates for underground oil tank removal. We’re well-versed in the local environmental codes and regulations, and we’ll provide you with an accurate (and affordable) estimate upfront.

If you’re ready to switch to an above-ground tank, or you’re trying to sell the property, you’ll need to remove the underground oil tank. To help you out, our services include…

Tank Testing

The Certified Environmental team will screen the area around your tank to determine its integrity. We will also take soil samples and present them to an NJDEP-licensed laboratory to learn how contaminated the soil is and what steps need to be taken.

Electronic Scanning

Not sure if there is a buried oil tank on your property? No problem – our team will electronically scan the area in search of any warning signs, then present our findings in a written report. This is especially helpful if you are evaluating a home that you might want to buy.

Remediation Services

We are licensed by the NJDEP to perform soil and/or groundwater remediation services. We have extensive experience issuing hundreds of No Further Action letters by the NJDEP. These allow property owners to sell their property and get on with their lives quickly.

NJDEP Leaky Tank Grant Applications

The NJDEP currently offers a grant to property owners who are performing remediation at their primary residence and qualify. If you’re interested in applying for the grant for free, contact our team today. Certified Environmental is here to help you through the entire application process.

Our Trusted and Certified Office Staff

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always available for questions. We’re standing by to take your call, then drive to your property for a free oil tank removal estimate.

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Learn More About Oil Tank Removal

Above-Ground Vs. Underground Oil Tank: What You Need to Know

February 14, 2024

Although oil tanks are not as common as they were in the past – over 5.3 million homes in the United States still rely on oil for heating purposes. But having an oil tank on your property comes with a responsibility to maintain it and ensure it is safe and environmentally friendly. Don’t forget. These…

How to Tell If Your Underground Oil Tank Is Leaking

December 8, 2023

Roughly 5.3 million homes in the United States rely on oil heating for their homes. Some of which may have underground oil tanks. Unfortunately, these tanks can suffer from cracking and other forms of corrosion that lead to a dangerous situation – oil leakage. The presence of an underground tank on your property should be…

What Does Removing an Underground Oil Tank Involve?

Typically, our process for removing an underground oil tank is as follows:

Evaluate the tank’s location for factors that could affect its removal
Apply for a permit with the local municipality
Excavate the tank, stockpile the soil, and cut a hole in the top of the tank.

Although these steps may sound simple, removing underground oil tanks is a time-intensive job that requires a high degree of experience. We always recommend seeking help from a professional team, rather than attempting the removal on your own.

Can You Help Me Learn if My Property Has an Underground Oil Tank?

Yes – we like to go inside the house if possible to see the basement first. Then, we electronically scan the exterior of the house with a specialized metal detector. After, we provide a written report of our findings, including any data that indicates the presence of an underground oil tank.

Is It True That You Cannot Sell a Home in NJ With an Underground Oil Tank?

No – there is currently no regulation prohibiting anyone from selling a home with an underground oil tank in the state of New Jersey. However, homes with an underground tank are less likely to sell as quickly as those with an above-ground oil tank or gas.

Also, attorneys often talk about the unknown liability of a house with an underground oil tank. It poses a risk, and it may scare potential buyers away.

What Is the Difference Between a Pressure Test and Soil Sampling?

Soil sampling is typically used to evaluate the area’s moisture content, as well as compaction and density. Pressure tests, on the other hand, are used to check the safety of the area, using hydrostatic and/or pneumatic methods.

If I Am Trying to Sell a House With an Underground Oil Tank, What Can I Do to Lower the Cost?

At Certified Environmental, we help many property owners apply for reimbursement after removing a tank – especially if it’s a leaker. This process helps keep the prices more affordable, although it can take up to five years.

What Percent of Underground Oil Tanks Leak?

It’s estimated that between 30 and 50% of underground oil tanks wind up leaking. These leaks are very common, especially with bare-steel tanks.

Should I Transfer the Warranty With the House if I Have a ProGuard?

Yes, if you are sticking with oil heat, you should transfer the warranty. If you are planning to switch to gas, you should look at the ProGuard charges so you fully understand your options.

Keep in mind that there is a $500 service fee to remove the tank, as well as a $2500 deductible fee. Also, you must use oil for at least 12 more months after the underground tank is removed.

Do All Oil Tank Leaks Need to Be Reported to the NJDEP Hotline?

Yes - all discharges must be reported to the NJDEP. The DEP wants to know if there is anything in the soil and/or water that does not meet the official state criteria. Samples are collected and analyzed at a certified laboratory. The results are then compiled into a report and sent to NJDEP, asking for a No Further Action letter.

Get Your Free Tank Removal Estimate

If you’re looking to remove a buried oil tank, or if you want to add an above-ground oil tank, contact us today. Certified Environmental is here to streamline and take on the entire process.