Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Removal

Why Should You Consider Removing an Underground or Aboveground Storage Tank?

Underground storage tanks (UST) or Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) are designed to hold a variety of products—from petroleum products like gasoline or heating oil to industrial chemicals and solvents. Over time these tanks gradually corrode and leak toxic substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater, becoming leaking underground storage tanks (LUST). This contamination can spread off-site, causing substantial environmental risks, contaminated soil, groundwater, or even the atmosphere.

Moreover, the presence of a faulty or aging tank can subject you to considerable legal and financial liability, including the potential for environmental fines and the costs of remediation. Proactively removing your UST or AST is both a measure of environmental responsibility and a safeguard for legal compliance and long-term peace of mind.

How Are Underground or Aboveground Storage Tanks Removed?

We begin the tank removal process by safely inerting the tank to eliminate any explosive or hazardous gasses, creating a controlled environment. Following this, we prepare the surrounding site for the tank’s removal which involves deconstructing any barriers, such as concrete pads for USTs or protective walls for ASTs, and proceeding with excavation or dismantling as needed.

Once safe access to the tank is established, our crews perform a cleaning to remove any residues or sludges. This cleaning operation is carried out under expert supervision, adhering to safety protocols. After the cleaning, the tank is dismantled, and all waste materials are handled and disposed of at certified facilities.

For the associated piping and infrastructure, similar care is taken to ensure they are cleared, capped, and prepared for either safe removal or reuse. A key aspect of our services includes partnership with specialized environmental consulting firms for site assessment and remediation. These experts conduct soil and groundwater tests around the tank site to check for possible contamination. If remediation is needed, immediate action is taken to mitigate the environmental impact.

Following successful completion of environmental assessments, the site is backfilled and restored to its original condition using environmentally responsible materials. Closure reports, which detail the entire operation and affirm compliance with city, county, and state regulations, are prepared by our consulting partners and provided for your records.