What is the Process of Scanning for an Oil Tank?
If you own an older property in the Northeast, are there any underground heating tanks in the area? A typical home inspection doesn’t look for these tanks, so it might make sense to look into oil tank scans to locate any hidden tanks on the property.
It’s important to know if you have an underground oil tank because an oil leak can result in serious financial and health consequences in the future. So, you can take a proactive approach to prevent these issues from occurring.
Too often, forgotten oil tanks are left sitting for years, unused after the home was upgraded to a more modern HVAC system. Sometimes, homeowners and home buyers have no idea that they have a buried tank on their property. Oil tank scans are an effective solution for finding these old tanks and helping you avoid serious and expensive issues later on.
Choosing the Type of Scanning Technology
If you have a magnetometer, is it an effective solution for finding an oil tank on site? Unfortunately, this method is not good enough because magnetometers can detect any type of metal but can’t identify the difference between the two signatures.
For example, if you have concrete that contains wire mesh and a tank buried below, there is no way to distinguish the difference between the mesh and the tank. So, a thorough oil tank scan determines whether there are storage tanks and if proactive measures are necessary to remove the tank.
Ideally, hire a contractor offering oil tank scans who uses multiple detection methods. Here is an overview of the common technology used for oil tank scans.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
This technology uses radar that sends high-frequency radio waves into the ground. The information that comes back provides a great deal of data in a short amount of time. Not only can GPR be useful in identifying subsurface objects, but it’s also possible to identify changes in the material properties (such as cracks or gaps).
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing is beneficial for oil tank scans because it offers unique information about the thickness of the steel. This information helps you determine whether corrosion is occurring so you can decide if the risk of an oil spill is so great that the tank needs to be removed. Typically, corrosion occurs from the inside-out, which means it’s possible to use ultrasonic testing to identify issues before the oil spill occurs.
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
MFL is a common technology used for oil tanks and other applications in the petrochemical industry. This magnetic method detects wall loss, pitting, and corrosion in steel structures. So, it’s possible to determine the structure and integrity of an underground oil tank without digging everything up.
Preparing to Do the Scan
Not only can homeowners benefit from oil tank scans, but these services are also helpful for home buyers who are preparing for a real estate purchase. A visual inspection isn’t enough, because you can’t get eyes on any oil tanks or hidden objects underground. Hiring an expert team is an essential step that should be part of your due diligence during the inspection process.
Collect the Data
The contractor will do a bit of research before completing the oil tank scans. For example, they will look at the date of construction to determine if there is a possibility of the oil tank being on the property.
Data is collected through visual inspection and using the different types of technology listed above. These tools provide data about where the oil tank is located, as well as any other buried objects that are on the property (such as fill pipes, vent pipes, and more).
Analyze the Data
After the oil tank sweep is done, it’s time to look at the data to determine whether the tank needs to be removed. The data is reviewed to determine whether there is a risk of an oil leak. It does so by showing us whether the tank has weak points or areas where the oil might already be leaking.
Make a Decision
If it’s determined through oil tank scans that your tank is leaking oil, then it’s important that you take action as soon as possible. Learn about the environmental and health impacts of an oil tank leak, and you’ll see why you don’t want to delay tank removal. These issues can pose serious threats to your property and loved ones. Even though it is a cost to remove the oil tank, it’s worth the investment to avoid even bigger issues in the future.
Do You Need an Oil Tank Scan on Your New Jersey Property?
Are you wondering if you have an oil tank on your property? Or, maybe you know there is a buried oil tank, and you want to make sure that it isn’t leaking. If you need oil tank scans, then Mikula Contracting is here to help. We offer full-service solutions for residential and commercial properties. Call today for a consultation and estimate.
The Environmental Risks of Abandoned Oil Tanks
In the past, oil tanks were a common source of fuel to heat residential homes. Now, modern construction typically outfits properties with utility hookups that use fuel oil through the grid instead. But many properties are still out there with old, abandoned oil tanks. When these tanks are no longer in use, it’s essential to prioritize oil tank removal.
Regardless of whether an oil tank is abandoned or still in use, a buried tank can be potentially hazardous. These old, buried oil tanks can cause many environmental issues. If something goes wrong, you are responsible for cleaning the soil and mitigating the environmental damage.
Is an Abandoned Oil Tank Dangerous?
Some of the environmental issues from oil tanks are visible, while others won’t readily be noticed. As you learn more about these dangerous factors due to oil contamination, it’s easy to see why oil tank removal is an important investment for your real estate property.
When an oil tank leaks, the soil around the abandoned tank is hazardous. An average cleanup can run around $8,000, but depending on the circumstances these costs can be upwards of $100,000 or more because of the work required to clean up the hazardous spill. So, as a homeowner, it’s to know whether you have an oil tank in the yard, as well as the condition of the tank. A proactive approach is to invest in oil tank removal services so you don’t have a more expensive cleanup on your hands down the road.
Four Environmental Risks of Abandoned Oil Tanks
Many risks can occur if an oil tank is not properly decommissioned. These environmental risks affect you and your family, and the issues can seep into the soil and impact others in the community. Oil tank removal can help you avoid these common environmental risks of abandoned oil tanks.
Here are some of the ways an old oil tank could be causing hazardous issues in your yard.
1.) Contaminated Drinking Water
The first health hazard to consider is the way the tank is affecting the drinking water underneath. This issue is especially applicable to homeowners who use well water in their homes. Most oil tanks were installed before regulations were put into place, which means it’s possible that the tank was installed too close to the well.
Once the tank begins to leak, it can affect both soil and groundwater. These contamination issues are rarely easy to clean up, which is why problematic tanks must be removed as early as possible.
2.) Oil Leaching into the Soil
An oil tank leak will affect the soil around the tank. Initially, it’s just the nearby soil, but the oil can continue to move and contaminate other areas. If you have an underground heating oil tank, testing is important to determine if soil contamination has occurred. This information will help you know the extent of the problem that needs to be remedied.
Additionally, it’s important to consider where the oil tank is located. Because the location of the tank will influence the steps that must be followed for soil remediation. Not only do you need to pay for oil tank removal, but the soil that has been affected also needs to be cleaned.
3.) Danger to Wildlife and Plant Life
Another problem with groundwater contamination is that the hazardous materials from the oil tank can cause issues for wildlife and plant life. For example, you might notice that plants and trees in the area are starting to die. Wildlife could be drinking contaminated water or even eating plants that have been contaminated.
Anytime you purchase a property, pay attention to the plants and wildlife in the area because these factors can indicate if there are hazardous conditions. Also, never buy a property without completing soil testing. If you skip the soil testing and later find a problem that requires oil tank removal and soil cleanup, you will hold 100% of the responsibility for these costs.
4.) Leaks Into Your Basement
Even though most environmental concerns are related to underground tanks, in-home tanks can also cause problems because of leaking oil. There will be oil on the floor, and the vapor can move throughout your house. Leaking oil inside is a fire hazard for your family. Also, these basement leaks can eventually contaminate the soil and groundwater near the home's foundation.
One type of leak into your basement you may experience is a vapor leak. Vapor leaks can be a serious health threat, which is why it’s essential to invest in oil tank removal without delay. If there is an oil leak in or near your home, then it could result in your family breathing this vapor on an ongoing basis, which can have a negative impact on your health. When testing for oil vapor, also ask about testing for natural gas and other related issues.
Consult Mikula Contracting for Oil Tank Removal Services in New Jersey
While simply having an underground oil tank does not mean something will go wrong, it is always a possibility. If you have an oil tank that is not in use, having Mikula Contracting do a tank scan and provide a quote for removal is a good start at preventing the possibility of an issue with the tank in the future.
Reach out to our team for more information about available services.
Seven Reasons Why You May Need Your Oil Tank Removed
Oil tank removal is on the minds of all New Jersey homeowners with an old oil tank buried on their property. “Out of sight, out of mind” does not apply when the value of your property and your family’s safety is on the line.
When you find trusted contractors for oil tank removal in New Jersey, you can have the peace of mind that your property will not have an unidentified leak during the removal process. If you are ready to sell your home, understand that any potential buyers will want you to remove the oil tank before the sale goes through. Instead of waiting, sign up for oil tank removal on your terms.
1. Sale of Property
Imagine this. You have your property ready for sale. You are hoping for the maximum profit as you look at your neatly manicured lawn and new paint job. You find potential buyers that love the home and make an offer. You accept the offer! It’s every homeowner’s dream.
And then the inspection comes up, and with it, you realize what you forgot. The property has an oil tank, and the buyers ask for immediate oil tank removal. Not only is the value of your home immediately going to decline, but now you must find a contractor you can trust in a time crunch.
Instead of finding yourself in a desperate situation, take care of your oil tank removal now. You will not have to worry about surprises coming up during the sale of your home. Instead, taking care of the oil tank now means you can invite the inspector in with open arms, handing over the survey of your property with a sigh of relief.
2. Potential for an Oil Leak
Most properties with an oil tank no longer use the tank to produce heat in their homes. Gas furnaces have replaced the need for an oil tank replacement if your oil tank no longer functions. If your outdated oil tank is on your property, do you know if there is oil in it? If it has oil, is there a possibility of an oil leak?
What would an oil leak mean? What about the water that runs through the soil and spreads close to your home? These questions lead to an urgent need for New Jersey homeowners to consider oil tank removal.
The removal process is down to a science when you hire a team like Mikula Contracting. We will remove the tank, emptying it first to eliminate any risk of oil leaks during the removal process. We test the surrounding soil to ensure it is thriving and healthy for producing plant growth. And then, we backfill the hole and repair your yard to look as good as new.
3. Mortgage and Home Insurance Applications
There is no hiding an oil tank on the property. Your home insurance already knows about the oil tank. You must legally disclose this information to insurance companies so they know what potential accidents could occur on the property.
After oil tank removal, New Jersey homeowners will see savings in their home insurance monthly premiums because the property is no longer at risk for oil leaks, contaminated soil, and other hazards. Find a trustworthy company and get the job done quickly and efficiently.
4. Renovation Needs
If you are ready to upgrade your backyard with a patio, pool, or garden area, you may hit an obstacle when digging for a pool near the oil tank site. Prepare your property for renovations by starting with oil tank removal. Then you will not have to block off a whole section of the yard that is unusable due to the buried oil tank.
Maximize the use of your property by ridding it of an outdated oil tank. The investment into your property’s future is worth it.
5. The Age of the Tank
Oil tank usage dates back decades to when homeowners used buried oil tanks to heat their homes. Now that we have modern furnaces, we no longer need them. Underground oil tank removal from an experienced team would clean up your property and take care of any contamination if the tank leaked.
6. Health and Safety Reasons
Soil remediation is a must during oil tank removal. New Jersey residents should always look for removal companies that are thorough about testing the health of the surrounding soil.
Our team at Mikula Contracting is familiar with soil testing and removing soil from your property that will not benefit plant growth. In addition, contaminated soil can spread and negatively affect your family’s health– protect your loved ones with safe oil tank removal.
7. Being Proactive
You will never regret soil testing to see whether your buried oil tank has already caused damage. It could have severe consequences if you find out about an oil leak years later. If you test the soil and everything is fine, you’ve done yourself a favor! Once you’ve removed your underground oil tank, testing will no longer be a concern.
Consult with Mikula Contracting for Your Oil Tank Removal
Mikula Contracting is a local oil tank removal company that you can trust. We are familiar with New Jersey homes with obsolete oil tanks. Take action on the oil tank on your property with oil tank removal. New Jersey homeowners should contact Mikula Contracting today to learn more.
When Do You Need to Excavate Your Home's Foundation?
Whether you are building a new home or are excited to put an addition to your current home, you'll first need to hire an excavation contractor in New Jersey to prepare the work site. Excavation is a critical step in getting ready for the construction process.
Before an excavation contractor brings the heavy machinery to start digging, a few essential preparatory steps need to happen. We begin with a site visit so we can complete a thorough inspection before breaking ground. Sometimes soil testing is required, with a consultation from a qualified engineer to ensure the land is ready to support the new structure.
Our process is a full-service solution that ensures we monitor utility lines and follow all necessary safety steps to prevent potential issues. You deserve quality results, which is why it makes sense to call our team for a consultation. Learn about Mikula Contracting to discover our solid reputation in the local industry. We are always here to help!
Here are a few of the most common reasons why it's necessary to call an excavation contractor in New Jersey for a residential project.
Building a New Home
When you need to pour a house foundation, this process always begins with excavation. The steps vary depending on the soil types on the lot, the current conditions (such as trees and existing buildings), high water concerns, and more.
It's crucial to dedicate sufficient time and attention to this excavation process to ensure that you have a strong foundation when you build a home. When the foundation is solid, it increases the likelihood that the rest of the construction will go according to plan.
Hiring a reputable excavation contractor in New Jersey is one of the best things that you can do to ensure a quality outcome. Contact our team for a consultation if you have questions or need information about this process.
Expanding Your Home
Another common reason why homeowners hire an excavation contractor in New Jersey is that they want to build an addition for the home. Expanding your home can be an excellent solution if you need more space but don't want to move somewhere new.
Before the construction building process can start for this addition, site preparation must be done. This process involves removing vegetation, such as shrubs, garden plants, trees, and flowers in the work area. We also look at any other obstacles that might get in the way, such as a concrete sidewalk or an old patio. Additionally, we need to make sure there is a pathway for the construction equipment to reach the work site.
Home foundation excavation also requires careful consideration of the drainage systems and utility lines. It doesn't matter if you are adding to a home or building a new structure. We need to ensure that everything will maintain quality and durability.
Does Your New Jersey Home Have Foundation Excavation Needs? We Can Help!
Is it time for you to hire an excavation contractor? New Jersey homeowners, Mikula Contracting is here to help! We offer full-service solutions for everything from new home foundations to repair work, home additions, and other types of residential and commercial projects. Our team has an excellent reputation as one of the most trusted contractors in the industry.
Getting started is simple: just pick up the phone to call us for a consultation. We'll come to your site and evaluate the work that is needed. Then, we can use the construction plans to put together a detailed proposal for your excavation needs. Call to learn more about our services.
Can I Remove My Own Oil Tank?
Back in the day, it was common to have an oil tank buried on residential property. It was used to heat the home. Over time, they found out that using electricity is much cheaper to heat a house the way we do now.
When you consider repairs to the buried oil tank, oil leaks into the soil, and other problems, it is a good thing that we switched to modern technology. But you may find yourself stuck with a buried oil tank on your property. It’s a sensible question to ask yourself, can I remove my own oil tank?
Removing the oil tank yourself is a big undertaking. So let’s take a further look at what oil tank removal would require.
What You Need to Know About Oil Tank Removal
If it’s time to sell your home and the oil tank in your backyard is a huge setback, you may be considering, can I remove my own oil tank? What are some of the factors that go into oil tank removal?
What Kind of Oil Tank Is It?
First, you need to determine what kind of oil tank is on your property. There are a few types of oil tanks to consider.
- Storage Tanks: Oil storage tanks are usually inside and above ground. They can be in the basement, garage, or storage room. Often, they are used to store fuel inside the building. But they are also a safety hazard and are rarely in residential homes.
- Fuel Oil Tanks: The oil tanks used at gas stations can be found underground on residential property. Along with the oil tanks are supply pipes that transport the oil to the source needed.
- Heating Oil Tanks: As mentioned above, these are the large tanks filled with oil for heating your home in the past. Some of these dormant oil tanks can have cracks, rust, and buildup.
Regardless of the kind of oil tank, consider some of these other factors that will play into knowing the answer: Can I remove my own oil tank?
- Is the oil tank full?
- Are there oil tank leaks?
- Is the soil contaminated?
- How will you cleanse the soil?
- How will you fill the hole?
- How will you cut the tank into pieces?
- Is the oil tank rusted?
- Do you qualify for an oil tank removal permit?
As you read on, you will find out more about the oil tank removal process and if just anybody can do it. While it’s burdensome to research a trusted oil tank removal company, it can save so many troubles along the way.
How Long Does it Take to Remove an Oil Tank?
Before you determine, can I remove my own oil tank, consider how long the process might take. Take a look at these steps to oil tank removal:
- Obtain a permit in order to do this safely and qualify for insurance premium benefits and a change to your property documents for reselling.
- Have a markout done to confirm you do not dig up or damage any utility lines.
- You need to remove the oil from inside the tank, ensuring that there isn’t an oil spill.
- Clean out the tank and search for cracks, rust, or pipe leaks before removing the tank.
- Depending on the size and the date of tank installation, cut the tank into pieces for removal.
- If the tank is located underground, thoroughly test the surrounding soil after removing an underground oil tank.
- Remediate the soil.
- Pass inspection with your municipality.
- Backfill the hole and re landscape the area.
- Take the oil tank to the right place for proper disposal.
If you think you might say yes to can I remove my own oil tank? Then the process could take weeks, renting the right equipment with each step. However, a tank removal team can complete the project in a few hours as they have all the equipment and processes down.
What Equipment is Needed?
Can I remove my own oil tank? Do you have the required equipment? You will need an excavator, a pump to remove the oil, plumbing equipment to disconnect the pipes, proper tools to cut through the metal tank, soil testing kits, and a truck to haul it all away.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove an Oil Tank?
Yes, it does require a permit to remove an oil tank. When you go through the proper channels, you will benefit from correctly removing your underground oil tank. Your home insurance premium will decrease when you no longer have the liability on your property. And you will be able to resell your property without any hangups about the oil tank buried in the backyard.
Keep in mind that permits are only granted to those who are qualified to remove oil tanks safely. Insurance companies cover trained professionals to undertake extensive and potentially dangerous projects like oil tank removal. A permit will not be granted to someone who is without insurance to cover accidents that may happen during the excavation.
Benefits of Hiring an Oil Tank Removal Contractor
When you hire a professional to remove your underground oil tank, you will save yourself time and money. Look at some of these benefits:
- Proper insurance: An expert contracting team will have the insurance needed to cover any injuries or errors on the project.
- Safety procedures: The contractor will be well-versed in safety procedures, ensuring no oil spill or imminent danger throughout the process.
- Required permits: The permits will be easy to obtain when your contractor applies with the required certifications and insurance.
- Lower insurance premiums: After the oil tank is removed from your home correctly, it is no longer a liability on your property. You can expect lower insurance premiums.
- New property survey: Your home is officially oil-tank-free, and you can receive a new survey to show to potential buyers when you sell your home.
- Project done in a few hours: The project will not be so extensive and stressful when you hire professionals. You can be free of your oil tank in as little as an afternoon.
With these fantastic benefits to hiring an oil tank removal contractor, you can give a resounding no to the question, can I remove my own oil tank? Leave it to the professionals and save yourself loads of stress. When you get it done right, you can have a legal stamp of approval that your property is clear of oil and hazards that come with it.
Hire an Oil Tank Removal Contractor in NJ
Let our team at Mikula Contracting answer your questions regarding residential oil tank removal. If you are unsure about the question, can I remove my own oil tank? We can help you decide. In addition, we can visit your property and give you an estimate and a detailed breakdown of the project's requirements.
How Damaging Can An Oil Leak Be To My Property
It was common to heat the home using an underground oil tank in the backyard four decades ago. While this method has been widely abandoned, underground oil tanks remain on residential properties. They are a liability in that they may cause an oil leak on property, which leads to health problems and toxicity to the soil.
You can imagine why the method was short-lived. A repair to an underground oil tank was costly. If there was one oil leak on property, the surrounding soil was soaked, seeping oil into the pipes and causing health issues. Soil remediation is the process of cleansing the soil from the oil leak on property and is costly.
While there are several options for soil remediation, many of the options include removing the soil to treat it and return it back to its home. Unfortunately, oil spreads quickly, and this process can take weeks of hard work and money to remediate the soil from the oil leak. Detecting and underground oil tank and removing it immediately is the best way to get in front of this problem.
Detecting an Oil Tank Leak
The first step to detecting an oil leak is finding out if you have an underground oil tank on your land. Some clues include:
- An oil valve coming up out of the ground
- Copper lines going into your basement
- An oil breather pipe on the outside of your home
- An oil tank scan done by a contractor
An underground oil tank also has to be listed on the official survey of your land. Ask for a copy from your real estate agent or dig it up in your house files. If you discover you have an underground oil tank, look for signs of an oil spill.
An oil leak on property could manifest itself with a failure to grow grass or plants, a distinct oil smell when you dig around the oil tank, stained spots on your property, and an oil sheen in your water. Take immediate action once you suspect an oil leak on property. The longer it goes on, the more it will cost you to fix.
Financial Risks of a Damaged Oil Tank
When you find an oil leak coming from old, underground oil tanks, you may not know how long the oil leak has gone on. If the tanks were used for heating oil 40 years ago, the leak could be extensive.
When you buy a home with an underground oil tank, you will likely pay a higher premium to your insurance company until the oil tank is removed. There is a significant financial risk in keeping an underground oil tank on your property.
- Oil remediation costs going into the thousands of dollars that are not covered by insurance
- Health risks to you and your neighbors
- Lawsuits from neighbors
- Oil spreading to groundwater, deeming it unusable for irrigation
An oil leak on property could be detrimental financially. You want to do everything it takes to avoid these consequences. If you see signs that an underground oil tank once heated your house, do not assume it has been decommissioned. Instead, find the proper paperwork proving that it was, or hire a team to check out your property for an underground oil tank immediately.
Health Risks of a Damaged Oil Tank
Along with the devastating damage to the soil and environment from an oil leak on property, there are health implications as well. Of course, your household’s health is a priority, but these health effects can spread to the neighbors and the community if you don’t act on your oil spill as soon as possible.
Here are some health consequences of an oil leak on property:
- Harmful fumes inside homes: If you can smell oil, you’re ingesting toxic fumes. Do not ignore the smell of oil inside your house.
- Contaminated drinking water: Oil can seep into the drinking water and lead to the ingestion of the harmful substance. No one should be drinking water contaminated with oil.
- Dying plants: Vegetation cannot grow from soil that has an oil leak on property. The oil leak will cause the plants to die and bring down property values. All of the soil affected by the leak will need to be remediated before plants can grow again.
- Spread through drains: The oil can leak through drains and affect the sewage system.
- Spread to neighbor’s soil: Oil seeps through the soil at a fast rate, extending all the way over to the neighbor’s soil and killing their vegetation. Catch an oil spill early to avoid a lawsuit from neighbors who have contaminated soil because of your oil leak on property.
- Pollutes rivers and groundwater: And eventually, oil can travel into streams and rivers. It can fall deep into the groundwater and contaminate the water used for irrigation. The whole community can be affected by your oil leak on property if you fail to take action to fix the problem.
Do what it takes to research your property and remove an underground oil tank. It is a liability sitting on your property, ready to cost you a lot of money. It’s best to remove the oil tank before further complications occur. Call trusted contractors today for oil tank removal services.
Oil Tank Removal Contractor in NJ
At Mikula Contracting, you can count on our team to take care of your oil tank. If you suspect an oil leak on property, be sure to call us today to get started on soil remediation and oil cleanup. Do not delay taking care of your oil tank, as you can prevent a catastrophic oil spill on your property.
Let us come by and take a look at how we can assist you. If you want to look into oil tank removal or to fill your oil tank with dirt, we can present the pros and cons of both options. When you choose Mikula, you are choosing a family-owned company that has been in the industry for over 70 years. Our team is invested in New Jersey and its residents. Call today to get started.
Should I Have an Oil Tank Sweep Done on My Property?
As we get closer to officially starting spring, people are beginning to plan their home improvement projects for the coming season. Sure, after spending the majority of the winter indoors, you likely have many interior projects you’d like to complete, but have you considered having an oil tank scan conducted on your property?
Who Needs to Have an Oil Tank Sweep?
Sweeping, or scanning, for an underground oil tank is an extremely beneficial and actionable task homeowners can decide to tackle with a licensed contracting company, but not all homes require that a scan be conducted. We’re going to lay out exactly who should have an oil tank sweep conducted on their property.
Homeowners in the Process of Selling Their House
Selling your home is an exciting time for any family. You’re ending one chapter and beginning another. Between selling your home, packing, finding your new home, moving, and all of your other responsibilities as homeowner, you’ve got a lot on your plate. We understand why you might resist scheduling an oil tank sweep with so many other things going on, but we at Mikula Contracting, Inc. are here to tell you that you should absolutely add it to your list of things to do!
Most banks require an oil tank scan be conducted before they’ll approve a loan on a home. Your prospective buyers could see your lack of a scan as a bad sign and choose to go with another home, essentially limiting your prospects.
Another point worth highlighting is the process of selling your home is typically a long and involved one. It doesn’t usually happen quickly. If you’re thinking about forgoing an oil tank sweep and leaving it to the new homeowners, what will you do if you’ve got a leaking oil tank before you move?
What Happens if My Underground Oil Tank is Leaking?
So you’ve had contractors come and perform an oil tank scan on your property, only for them to find that buried underneath your property is an old oil tank. If that’s the case, you’ll certainly want to have an oil tank removal performed immediately.
Luckily, if you choose Mikula Contracting, Inc. to perform your oil tank scan, we are also a full service oil tank removal company, so we’ll be able to remove your oil tank for you with no hassle!
If your leaking oil tank goes undetected, you could quickly find yourself living on contaminated property. While there are soil remediations that can be performed, if you live in close vicinity with your neighbors, it’s incredibly likely that some of your oil leaked onto their property as well.
Unfortunately, since it’s your oil that’s leaking and since it was your faulty oil tank that caused the damage, you’re likely to find yourself responsible for paying for the entire cleanup on all affected properties. Depending on the size of your oil tank’s leak, this can end up being a considerable chunk of change.
If you’re looking to have an oil tank sweep in NJ, look no further than the team of professionals at Mikula Contracting, Inc. With over 70 years of experience, we have conducted countless oil tank scans. We’ve also removed so many buried oil tanks that we’ve perfected the entire process, from scanning to removing. Give us a call today for a free quote on your property’s oil tank sweep!
Know the Signs, Risks, and Solutions in Handling Underground Oil Tanks
It's not even used anymore. It's hulking in your building’s basement, or you know it's buried outside in the back lot. A look at when and why it's time to have a professional excavate and remove your heating oil tank.
The only time you never want to strike oil on your property is when it comes from an underground tank. These old and often-neglected containers are dotted throughout New Jersey, ready to cause environmental and financial headaches for businesses.
A new oil tank is a sturdy thing, but the older they get, the more they rust, degrade, and spring leaks. These are obvious red flags to proceed with repair or removal. As time goes on a business may upgrade its heating system and simply have no further use for the tank.
These are the signs it’s time to part with yours and what you can expect when removal begins. When the damage has gone too far, or progress has rendered it obsolete, the tank must be removed by experienced professionals who respect the process.
Oil tank removal step by step
- Technical appraisal and cost estimate – Oil tank contents are flammable and pose a toxic or even explosive hazard if handled irresponsibly. A technician will inspect the tank to see how much, if anything, it still contains and draw a cost estimate from there.
- Paperwork and permits – There's more to removal than just digging it up. Permits must be issued from local and state authorities who must be informed that the process is going ahead. The contractors themselves must also be fully licensed and covered to carry out the work. The best contractors will handle all that paperwork for their clients.
- Utility inspection and inerting – Your contractor will work in tandem with local utility companies to make sure electricity and other power lines are clearly delineated and won’t be damaged during the dig. The tank then needs to be rendered inert; a process which involves replacing the combustible oxygen in the tank with a non-explosive gas.
- Tank removal – Digging then begins to carefully remove the oil tank and transport it for safe disposal before the site is inspected again by an environmental official.
- Environmental appraisal (green light or clean up) – The ideal scenario is one where the tank isn’t leaking. If it has, it could be causing serious environmental damage including contaminating the groundwater – the source of drinking water for almost half of Americans. This is where the cost can rise from between $10,000 to over $130,000 dependent on the environmental impact.
You can discover more on the other oil tank dangers in our previous blog. If no cleanup is required, the property can be filled in and organically covered.
There are instances when a tank may be safely abandoned, rather than removed. It may be more structurally sound to leave it where it is. The rest of the process leading up to that final decision is the same.
There is some help with removal costs
On August 30, 1997, Governor Whitman signed the law establishing the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Remediation, Upgrade and Closure Fund (UST Fund) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and administered jointly with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
The UST Fund was created to provide financial assistance to eligible owners and operators of leaking petroleum underground storage tanks. The UST Fund statute was amended in 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2009. You can find out more about the fund on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
Financial aid is good news, and here’s more – amendments to New Jersey's oil tank legislation made non-leaking tanks eligible for the UST Fund. This provides grants for commercial property owners who want to be proactive in removing their oil tank before problems start. It’s a great incentive and certainly cheaper to act early than pay high prices for a leak.
Mikula is experienced with this classic problem
Funding or no funding, you’ve got an ally in oil tank removal. Mikula has over 70 years of experience in handling excavation throughout New Jersey. We perform oil tank removal from commercial properties in Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Union Counties. Our firm is fully licensed and insured throughout the state as well as being an Underground Storage Tank Certified Closure Contractor.
We’re proud of our professional ability to get the job done and of our personal care for how our work impacts New Jersey and the environment.
Contact us for a no-obligation quote. We’ll make your tank troubles a thing of the past!
Mikula Contracting, Inc. provides commercial and residential customers with a wide range of excavation, demolition, environmental, trucking, and soil materials services. For more information, call 973-772-1684 or email or email info@mikulainc.com
Here’s Why Recent Oil Tank Regulation Changes are Healthier for NJ
The irresponsible handling of oil tanks can lead to many problems ranging from toxic fumes, polluted water, and the compromise of fragile ecosystems. There’s no excuse not to take the utmost possible care. New Jersey laws have tightened up to ensure we’re all safer.
Things can get chilly here in New Jersey. It’s no wonder that so many homes use underground storage tanks to contain heating oil. Despite being a common measure, the potential public and ecological dangers of these storage tanks went unregulated for years. This saw our state making the wrong kind of headlines.
Thankfully, things have changed for the better in recent years and New Jersey is now more responsible in handling this old problem.
What makes the oil so dangerous?
Heating oil is a petroleum-based product that’s refined from crude oil and contains substances such as benzene which are known carcinogens. This puts a lot of us here in the Northeast at potential risk, since those states make up most of the 5.7 million American homes using oil for water heating, furnaces, and boilers. In 2017, 3 billion gallons of heating oil were sold. The residential Northeast consumed 85 percent of that ... and we haven’t even factored in commercial use yet.
Underground tanks that are unmonitored, left to decay, or damaged by contractors, expose humans and the world around us to many risks. Vapor hazards can cause nausea, kidney and liver damage, breathing difficulties, and increased blood pressure. Animals and the environment can suffer by surface/sub-surface soil contamination, groundwater pollution, property damage, and the death of local wildlife.
Last year, New Jersey implemented rules designed to make public and professionals alike more aware and accountable with heating tank management.
How our oil tank laws got an upgrade
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) proposed a new, more eco-friendly set of rules for handling heating oil tanks in 2017. Their Heating Oil Tank System (HOTS) remediation Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:26F) came into effect in 2018 and applied to unregulated residential oil heating tanks both under and above ground, as well as commercial tanks up to 2,000 gallons.
The rules called for owners to be strict and responsible with the maintenance of their oil tanks. The owner must immediately contact the NJDEP to report any oil leak. They then have 48 hours to employ a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) who can gauge the extent of the damage. Leaks less than 100 gallons can be handled with the help of local authorities, particularly if they haven’t significantly compromised surrounding ground/surface water or soil.
Owners have 60 days maximum to ensure the problem is fixed. Failure to comply with NJEDP regulations could lead to fines and fees for homeowners, business owners, and contractors alike. How can we minimize the chances of a leak going that far?
Some tips on identifying a heating oil leak
Like diesel, heating oil is a distillate but unlike diesel, heating oil is dyed a pink or red color. This was a measure imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (and not the Environmental Protection Agency as you might assume). Heating oil’s color marks it as exempt from local, federal, and state taxes, as well as letting users know it’s illegal to use as a standard roadway fuel. Other tell-tale signs include:
- Buckling or rust in your tank’s legs (oil tanks weigh a lot and need strong support or else they’ll give out and tip the contents)
- Dripping from any part of the tank or rusty spots on the tank’s exterior
- Debris or blockages around your oil lines such as dirt, snow, or insect activity
- Dead or damaged vegetation if your tank is above ground
If your tank seems fine and you’re thinking of contracting work on your property, you need a licensed, eco-conscious contracting firm to make sure you have zero oil tank issues as the job is done.
Mikula’s care and credentials for environmentally-conscious work
The professionalism and eco-credentials of a contracting firm make the difference between being fine and being fined. Many contactors may be lax with their licenses and slow to cooperate with the authorities if an oil tank issue arises. This costs owners time and money.
Mikula Contracting takes care to avoid these issues. If oil tank problems are unavoidable, you can be sure we comply fully and promptly with environmental agencies to reach a swift solution. We can help you whether you’re a homeowner/buyer or an estate agent with oil tank scanning and residential tank removal services.
We provide peace of mind since we are fully insured and certified throughout the state of New Jersey. Our licenses and certifications include NJ Department of Environmental Protection License, NJ Home Improvement Contractors License 13VH00769700, Underground Storage Tank Certified Closure Contractor, and OSHA certification for every member of our team.
Get in touch with us for a free estimate and to learn more about how the best professionals handle an oil tank.
Mikula Contracting, Inc. provides commercial and residential customers with a wide range of excavation, demolition, environmental, snow removal, trucking, and soil materials services. For more information, call 973-772-1684 or email info@mikulainc.com
Nobody Cares for Customers Better Than a Local Contractor
The benefits of hiring a professional speak for themselves, but does it really matter if your choice is local? It certainly does. Here are the many reasons why a contractor from your own neighborhood is a cut above the rest.
Right off the bat, a local business is quite literally invested in their community. They’re not some big national corporation or shady company from out of state who lack all the right licenses. When you hire a local contractor, you’re choosing a team that has roots in the same ground you do. It’s an empowering relationship for all concerned. Customers get the best possible service while the contractor further cements (pun intended) their standing in the community.
It goes beyond this, too. A local professional understands every aspect of their job and that includes the legal and financial alongside the manual.
A local contractor knows the letter of the law
Legal requirements for contractors vary from state to state. The companies who really care will know what’s needed for their locality and make sure they’ve got it. This tells a customer two important things at once. First, this contractor takes the law seriously. Second, they care deeply about their customers and their own reputation; an unqualified contractor sets their customers up for trouble just as much as themselves.
Here in New Jersey, contractors need to carry insurance before they’re even allowed their license to start working. This is an excellent and disciplined approach which quickly presents the best available option to the client searching. It holds local contractors to a higher standard and protects everyone involved. The same goes for being bonded. A bonded contractor will be compliant with all local (as well as state) license laws. Since New Jersey contractors are all licensed at either the city or county level, bonds really show awareness and dedication to their home turf.
A local professional has the right insurance and permits
Plenty of contractors will tell you they’re insured, and an uninsured one is easy to spot these days. Check out their website to see if they have their insurance details prominently displayed. If they don’t, they’re breaking the law and putting you at risk while doing it.
All manual labor puts workers at risk. The right contractor will have worker’s compensation in place to protect their employees alongside other coverage like general liability and umbrella. As the name suggests, umbrella coverage protects them from a lot more than general does. Safety is of the utmost importance to us, which is why every Mikula Contracting operator is qualified under the strict standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
OSHA (as they’re more commonly known) treats worker safety as an absolute priority and they set the bar nationally for contractors when it comes to looking after their team. It’s more than common sense and laws; a safety-conscious contractor makes sure their customers don’t foot the bill for workers injured on the job.
We took an in-depth look at permits in our previous blog which are another benefit of hiring a knowledgeable local contractor. We’re also dedicated to keeping our local community as pristine as possible which is why we’re certified with the New Jersey Department of the Environmental Protection Agency.
A local contractor shares your weather woes
If you’re in the contracting business in New Jersey, you had better know about snow! Last year’s winter had many of us thinking we’d broken a record (but we had a long way to go). Any contractor can stay up to speed with our state weather via the web, but it’s only a local contractor who has the same experience customers do with ensuring your neck of the woods maintains business as usual.
Snow can be a sudden hazard. It can box you in overnight and leave driveways, highways, and commercial sites crippled for days, weeks, or even months. New Jersey’s northern communities are often the hardest hit and that’s why we provide both emergency and ongoing snow plowing and removal services with our state-of-the-art equipment.
What it all adds up to
Everything you’ve just read shows you why a local contractor beats the rest. Mikula Contracting is fully licensed throughout the state of New Jersey and we’re adding to our 73 year-long list of satisfied customers every day. We can be there to get the job done no matter where you are in NJ.
Mikula Contracting, Inc. provides commercial and residential customers with a wide range of excavation, demolition, environmental, snow removal, trucking and soil materials services. For more information, call 973-772-1684 or email info@mikulainc.com