Oil Tank Abandonment: What is it and Why Do You Need It?
If you’re unsure about the dangers of an abandoned oil tank, abandonment is a standard method to eliminate the risk. In most cases, abandonment involves cleaning and filling the tank, but it can also require additional costs such as soil testing and environmental remediation. These expenses are usually added to future excavation removal costs, which can add up to an enormous total cost. For that reason, initial removal is often the most efficient way to dispose of an oil tank.
Oil tank abandonment causes fuel loss
Oil tank abandonment can be costly and time-consuming. It requires cutting and sealing off the pipes around the tank and a considerable amount of excavation. Therefore, hiring an oil tank abandonment Westchester County, NY company to take care of this task is essential. If you don’t, you could incur additional costs and risk damage to the property.
There are regulations regarding abandoned oil tanks in the United States. These regulations only apply to large commercial tanks and do not affect the thousands of smaller tanks. Most municipalities require a contractor to clean, fill, and seal abandoned tanks. This is necessary for safety reasons. If a tank is left unused for long periods, it can erode, allowing for fuel loss.
Oil tank abandonment is more expensive and more dangerous than simply removing it. It also poses a risk to the environment and may reduce insurance payments. In addition, an abandoned tank can lower the value of the property.
The cost of oil tank abandonment
The cost of oil tank abandonment can vary widely. Depending on the size of the tank, the location, accessibility, and other factors, this process can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000 or more.
Oil tank abandonment can be an effective way to deactivate the tank without damaging the property or environment. It is time-efficient and allows you to avoid the costs associated with excavation and replacing the surface area. A standard abandonment method is to fill the tank with sand or foam. Depending on where the oil tank is located, this process may require cutting into the top of the tank to access the inside. There are several ways to abandon an oil tank, each of which has other benefits and drawbacks.
When the tank is in poor condition, it is dangerous and costly. Oil leaks can damage soil and are hazardous to human health. Proper cleanup can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000. In addition, the ground around an oil tank may need to be tested to ensure that it is safe to be touched. Finally, if any hazardous materials are left behind, the property owner may have a legal liability.
Signs of an abandoned oil tank
Abandoned oil tanks can be problematic for potential home buyers. These tanks represent an unknown financial liability and can impact a property’s value, mortgage application, and homeowners’ insurance. Hence, it makes sense to remove these tanks as soon as possible. However, there are several signs to look for to determine whether a tank is still in use. These signs are similar to those of abandoned cars.
Most abandoned oil tanks are filled with something else besides oil. They may be filled with stone, sand, or even foam. Verifying the material used to fill the abandoned oil tank is essential. You may want to conduct a soil test to verify the contents. A soil test may also be necessary to determine if the abandoned tank still contains oil.
Another sign of an abandoned oil tank is an oil-heating system. The surrounding vegetation often hides this type of tank. Sometimes, homeowners have even painted the vent pipe to blend in with the landscape and go undetected for years. Regardless, surrounding vegetation often hides this type of tank search if you suspect a tank is present.
