FAQs
Q: Why should I consider removing my in ground oil tank?
A: Oil tanks aren’t made to last forever, eventually the metal will rust and holes will develop and the likelihood of this happening increases as the tank gets older. An oil leak can damage your property, the environment, and your finances. Most homeowner insurance policies carry a “pollution exclusion” that could leave you holding the bill for a large remediation project, and many homeowners don’t realize this until it’s too late. The best thing to do is remove your in ground oil tank and install an above ground unit.
Q: How do I get a quote? How long does it take to get a quote?
A: To get a quote, simply fill out our online form, call our office at (973) 209-6587, or email us at office@matrixexcavation.com. We will send out a representative to your home or business to conduct a quick site survey and your quote should be emailed to you within 24 hours of the site visit.
Q: How do you actually remove an in ground oil tank? What is the process?
A: When an Advanced Pier & Support crew arrives onsite for an oil tank removal, first they unload the machine, usually a small excavator, and any extra tools they made need. The tank is uncovered and a hole is cut in the exposed side. A crew member, with proper safety gear, physically gets inside the tank to the clean the inner walls. The lines to the house are disconnected and a patch is put over the hole. The tank will then be removed from the ground with the machine and left on the side of the hole for the town’s inspector to view. If the hole is to remain open for any lengthy period of time (overnight), safety fence will be installed around the open hole. Once the inspector gives an approval sticker, the hole is backfilled and the tank is taken offsite for recycling. Leaving the site as clean and as undisturbed as possible.
Q: How long does it take to remove an oil tank?
A: The actual process of removing an oil tank only takes one day. The lengthiest part of the process usually comes from waiting for the town to process a permit and send an inspector out.
Q: Can I get my tank checked for leaks without removing it?
A: Advanced Pier & Support does not recommend any kind of tests for a leaking oil tank. The reason behind this is because these tests are not 100% accurate and could further damage the oil tank. The cost of the test itself would most likely cover half the cost of the removal without a guarantee.
Q: Can I sell my house with an oil tank still in the ground?
A: Realtors are aware of the liability an in ground oil tank has, and they make new home buyers aware of the risk. Most of the time, new buyers will request the oil tank be removed prior to purchase to eliminate any future issues with leaks and avoid extra insurance costs.
Q: What about abandoning the tank in place?
A: Abandoning a tank in place might sound like a good idea, but the fact is the tank is still in the ground and could still be a liability. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, new home buyers even want decommissioned oil tanks removed, now you’re doing twice the work. If the tank is not properly cleaned during abandonment, the material put inside to fill the tank could potentially be contaminated and cause environmental problems if it were released.
Q: What happens if my oil tanks leaks?
A: Oil releases all differ from site to site, there are many factors that go into determining the extent of work and coverage such as the amount of oil released and if groundwater has been affected. Here are some basic steps the contractor should take upon finding a leak.
If you remove your oil tank and it’s discovered the tank has been leaking, samples of the dirt should be taken by your contractor from the soils directly underneath the tank. These samples will be sent to an NJDEP certified lab to see if the contamination is above their cleanup requirements.
If the samples come back and the site needs to be remediated, a sub-surface evaluator will be brought onsite to determine the area of impact, they will then create what is known as a plume. A plume is a guideline the excavator will use to determine the contaminated areas from the non-contaminated areas. The excavator will submit an estimate for the cleanup based on this plume.
Once a contractor for the cleanup is selected, they would apply for the necessary permits with the town and the remediation process can begin.
Q: Is there any State funding for an oil tank clean up?
A: The State of New Jersey used to offer what was called the Petroleum UST Fund, but there is insufficient funding from the state to keep the grant going. The state suspects funding will return in mid-2019 and any applications being submitting will be reviewed in order when funding is returned to the program.
Unfortunately, the NJDEP “advises all owners of underground storage tanks that have leaked to complete the remediation soon rather than later.” They also state that “performing the cleanup after application submission, but prior to receiving approval from the UST Fund, will not prevent the approval of applications or applicants from receiving financial assistance, if they are found eligible, when funds become available in the future.”
For more information on the status of the fund and submitted applications, you can contact the UST Fund at (609) 984-2076.
Q: What if my oil tank doesn’t leak? Do I get any paperwork to prove it?
A: If the removal of your oil tank went smoothly and there were no holes or leaks discovered, the inspector will come onsite and give an approval sticker. Once the town approves the tank, your contractor will take the oil tank to a scrap yard for recycling. The town will provide what is called a Certificate of Approval, this is proof that your tank was removed properly and inspected by the town. The town should send the Certificate of Approval directly to the homeowner once the permit has been successfully closed.
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Matrix Excavation LLC
9 Limekiln Rd.,
Hamburg, NJ 07419
Phone: 973-209-6587
Fax: 973-827-2122
Areas Served:
General Excavation Work in the Tri-State Area
Our Associated Contractors:
Engineering Services
Kluk Consulting
2 Eastwick Dr.
Unit 2,
Gibbsboro, NJ 08026
Phone: (856) 566-0013
Environmental Oversight
Phoenix Consulting
P.O. Box 229,
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone: (610) 935-3527
Geoworx Consulting
1802 Rt. 31 N. #376,
Clinton, NJ 08809
Phone: (908) 638-4824
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm