Sylvie Willis
Underground fuel tanks are a common feature in many North Carolina homes built before the mid-1960s. Over time, these tanks, usually made of steel, corrode and begin to leak, contaminating the soil and even groundwater and drinking water. As a result, many homeowners opt to remove them and switch to above-ground tanks or natural gas furnaces. While most residential heating oil tanks are not regulated by the State of NC, soil contamination from petroleum leakage must be reported to the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and a Notice of Residual Petroleum (NRP) must be filed before the property can be legally conveyed. This article will explore the process of removing underground fuel tanks in North Carolina, the associated costs, and the environmental implications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What | Removal of an underground fuel tank in North Carolina |
| Why | Underground fuel tanks corrode over time, leading to oil leaks that contaminate the soil and groundwater |
| Who | Homeowners, buyers, propane companies, and specialists like Cedar Rock Environmental |
| When | As soon as possible to prevent environmental damage; before selling a property to avoid complications |
| Where | North Carolina, specifically in areas like Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro |
| How | Contact the propane company if they own the tank; hire specialists for inspection, removal, and remediation |
| Considerations | Costs, contract terms, soil and groundwater contamination, environmental regulations, and safety |
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What You'll Learn
Underground fuel tank removal services in North Carolina
Underground fuel tanks, common in homes built before the mid-1960s, pose a risk of soil and groundwater contamination due to corrosion and leakage over time. If you're a homeowner in North Carolina with an underground fuel tank, it is advisable to have it removed or abandoned by a professional service. Here is some information about underground fuel tank removal services in North Carolina:
North Carolina residents can avail of underground fuel tank removal services from companies such as Cedar Rock Environmental, which has been operating in the state since 1994. They offer oil tank removal, abandonment, and environmental assessment services. Soil and environmental assessments must be performed by a licensed North Carolina geologist or engineer, and the company providing these services must also be licensed to practice geology in the state.
Regulations and Considerations:
Before engaging a removal service, it is essential to determine the tank's ownership. If the tank belongs to a propane company, contact them about its removal. As the owners, they are responsible for its disconnection and removal. If there is a contract in place, the charges for removal will be stipulated therein. In the absence of a contract, there should be no removal charges, and the customer should receive a refund for the remaining propane in the tank.
Inspection and Remediation:
If you're considering buying or selling a property with an underground fuel tank, it is advisable to schedule an inspection to locate any tanks and determine if they have leaked. Companies like Cedar Rock Environmental can assist in meeting regulatory requirements in the event of a leak. A "Notice of Residual Petroleum" (NRP) must be filed with the state, and a "No Further Action" (NFA) letter must be obtained before conveying the property.
Alternative Options:
If you intend to continue using fuel oil, consider switching to a stainless steel above-ground storage tank. Alternatively, if natural gas is available in your area, upgrading to a natural gas heating system can be a more cost-effective option.
Remember to ask questions and be well-informed about the practices and procedures of the removal company to ensure the work is completed to your satisfaction and in compliance with North Carolina's environmental regulations.
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Soil contamination and remediation
Underground storage tanks (USTs) were commonly used in North Carolina homes built before the mid-1960s for storing the heating oil used as fuel for furnaces. Over time, many homeowners switched to above-ground tanks or electric or natural gas-powered furnaces. However, the abandoned underground tanks may still contain oil, which can leak out due to corrosion, contaminating the soil and even groundwater and drinking water.
Soil contamination can have severe environmental and health impacts, and remediation can be time-consuming and expensive. The choice of remediation technique depends on the type and concentration of contaminants, local regulations, and other factors. Here are some common remediation methods:
- Excavation and removal: This involves physically removing the contaminated soil and disposing of it at a regulated landfill site or off-site treatment facility. While effective, this method can be costly due to the expenses associated with digging, transportation, and disposal.
- Biological treatment: This method utilizes biological processes, such as phytoremediation, which employs plants to absorb and store pollutants. It offers benefits such as carbon sequestration, soil erosion control, and biodiversity protection. However, a drawback is finding a proper disposal method for the "pollutant-rich plants."
- Chemical treatment: Chemical stabilization is a cost-effective technique for treating heavy metal-contaminated sites.
- Thermal treatment: This method involves exposing contaminants to high temperatures for destruction or removal.
- In situ treatment: Various techniques, such as air sparging, activated carbon (AC)-based technology, and electrokinetics, can be applied directly to the contaminated site without removing the soil.
- Soil washing: This process separates contaminants from soil particles using aqueous solutions and techniques like size separation and gravity separation.
It is important to consult with professionals and follow local regulations when addressing underground storage tanks and soil remediation to ensure the work is done safely and effectively.
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Propane tank removal
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are commonly found in homes built before the mid-1960s in North Carolina. These tanks, usually made of steel, are prone to corrosion after 20-30 years, leading to oil leaks that can contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater. As a result, removing and replacing these tanks with above-ground alternatives or switching to natural gas heating systems is often recommended.
If you have an underground propane tank in North Carolina that you want to remove, here are some crucial steps and considerations:
Contact the Propane Company
If the underground propane tank belongs to a propane company, it is essential to contact them about its removal. As the owners of the tank, they have the responsibility to remove it, and they will likely want to reuse it elsewhere. If there is a contract in place, the terms stipulated within it will govern the removal process and any associated costs. However, if there is no contract, there should be no removal charge to the customer, and they may even receive a refund for the remaining propane in the tank.
Use Up Propane Before Removal
To avoid issues related to reimbursement for leftover propane, it is advisable to use up as much of the propane in the tank as possible before scheduling its removal. This can be a more cost-effective approach, especially if there are no contractual obligations with the propane company regarding removal fees.
Ask Questions and Understand the Process
When scheduling the removal, ask the propane company about their procedures and how they ensure customer satisfaction. Understand the steps they will take to safely and properly remove the tank, addressing any concerns about potential damage to your property or landscaping.
Consider Abandoning the Tank
Unlike other petroleum products, propane is not considered a groundwater contaminant by the EPA. As a result, there is an option to abandon the tank in place if removal poses an economic burden or if the tank is too old. However, this procedure should be performed by experienced and trained professionals who can ensure the safe abandonment of the tank.
Disposal and Recycling Options
For smaller, damaged, or unserviceable propane tanks, you can contact a propane supplier or your local household hazardous waste collection site for proper disposal. Some municipalities may allow disposal with regular household trash, but this typically involves emptying the tank, removing the regulator, and puncturing the tank to prevent re-pressurization. If your tank is still serviceable, recycling is an option, and some recyclers may even offer a refund.
Remember to always prioritize safety and follow the advice of professionals when dealing with propane tank removal or abandonment to ensure compliance with local regulations and protect your property and the environment.
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Petroleum leaks and groundwater contamination
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are a significant source of groundwater contamination. These tanks are made of steel, which corrodes over time, leading to holes and subsequent oil leaks. Petroleum leaks from USTs can contaminate the soil and groundwater, posing serious health risks, especially to children. The toxic compounds in petroleum products, such as solvents and additives, are known or suspected carcinogens.
Groundwater contamination can also occur through surface spills, leaks from pipelines, operations lines, and transmission piping, and hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing causes cracks in rock formations, allowing contaminants to reach drinking water aquifers. Even a small leak can be detrimental due to the large volume of fluid used in hydraulic fracturing. Drilling fluids, which are used to lubricate drills and maintain pressure, can also contaminate groundwater if toxic additives are introduced to freshwater aquifers.
Methane, a flammable and potent greenhouse gas, may be present in groundwater due to nearby oil and gas operations or natural microbial processes. Companies involved in oil and gas exploration should consult environmental experts to minimise risks and protect against contamination.
To address groundwater contamination, continuous monitoring programs should be established to track contamination levels and detect early warning signs. Regulatory agencies should enforce penalties for non-compliance and improve inspection procedures. Public awareness campaigns can also educate residents about the risks of groundwater contamination.
In the context of North Carolina, underground tanks are particularly susceptible to corrosion due to the moisture in the ground. Homeowners are advised to remove abandoned tanks and switch to above-ground or natural gas alternatives. Buyers are encouraged to request UST inspections to identify potential issues and ensure soil remediation by the seller before purchasing a property.
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Above-ground fuel tank alternatives
Underground fuel tanks, which are commonly found in homes built before the mid-1960s, pose several risks. Over time, these tanks corrode, leading to holes and subsequent oil leaks that contaminate the surrounding soil, groundwater, and even drinking water. As a result, many homeowners opt to remove them and switch to above-ground fuel tanks or alternative heating methods.
Above-ground fuel tanks have emerged as a popular alternative to their underground counterparts due to their ease of installation, maintenance, and repair. Unlike underground tanks, they do not require extensive ground preparation or specialised installation procedures. Placed on a concrete pad or stable surface, these tanks are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance, reducing upfront investment costs.
However, above-ground fuel tanks are susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as hurricanes, floods, and extreme temperatures. They also pose safety risks, including the danger of spills, leaks, and fires, particularly if storing flammable or combustible fuels. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to implement proper safety measures and adhere to workplace safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the EPA and OSHA.
When considering above-ground fuel tank alternatives, several options are available. Envirosafe Tanks, America's leading manufacturer of above-ground fuel storage tanks and systems, offers a range of solutions. Their products include turnkey above-ground fuel storage and dispensing systems, portable fuel storage tanks, and custom fuel systems designed to meet specific client requirements. Envirosafe's tanks are made of steel and are suitable for storing diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, and biodiesel.
Another alternative to underground fuel tanks is switching to natural gas or electric furnaces, which can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Homeowners can also consider abandoning underground propane tanks in place, as propane is not considered a groundwater contaminant by the EPA. However, it is important to consult with experienced professionals to ensure the safe abandonment of these tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, it is recommended that you get your property inspected for the presence of underground oil tanks and to determine whether they have leaked. If there is soil contamination, it must be reported to the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).
Before the property can be legally conveyed, a Notice of Residual Petroleum (NRP) must be filed for the property. If you wish to avoid filing an NRP, you will need to remove the leaking oil tank and excavate the contaminated soil.
You can contact companies such as Cedar Rock Environmental, which provide underground oil tank removal services in North Carolina. If your tank belongs to a propane company, contact them about having it removed.
