Eight Steps for a Successful Tank Removal
Removing an oil tank requires special care and consideration to ensure the safety of the workers and the environment at the same time. While the tank removal process might seem simple, the reality is that specific steps must be followed to minimize complications. For this reason, it makes sense to hire an expert team to help with oil tank removal in New Jersey.
Our team at Mikula is here to help, ensuring a safe and successful tank removal from your property. If you are interested in learning more about available services, then we invite you to reach out at your convenience.
1. Do Your Research on Reputable Contractors
The first step is to explore your options. There are many providers to choose from, but these services aren’t all created equal. You need to work with a team you can trust. Not only do you want to make sure that the contractor is experienced with oil tank removal, but you also want to check their licensing and credentials to ensure that you are working with a professional crew.
You’ll want to verify the contractor’s knowledge of local regulations and requirements here in New Jersey. You need to hire a team that can handle all environmental and safety concerns.
Other research can help you learn more about the provider through their reviews and testimonials published online. You might even be able to get references and have conversations with past clients.
2. Get a Quote for the Tank Removal
Now that you have a few contractors on your shortlist, it’s time to start comparing pricing and services. Request proposals for oil tank removal in New Jersey, clarifying that all of the services need to follow state and federal regulations.
Read through the estimates and scope of work. A detailed estimate should include everything that is necessary, such as labor, equipment, and oil tank disposal fees. The team should have full information about the project, including the type of fuel tank that is being removed and any other special considerations that must be addressed. Ask the contractor if there will be any additional costs that may arise during the tank removal process.
3. Check For Tank Access
The next step is to make sure that the tank can be accessed easily. Are there any barriers that need to be removed before the project begins? The tank must be accessible so that people and equipment can move through the area.
Sometimes, there are obstructions that need to be cleared out of the way to allow for access. For example, consider any structures, fences, or landscaping features that might affect the team’s ability to move around the property. If there are any challenges, a reputable contractor should discuss them with you and develop a plan to get the work done.
4. Call in Markouts
It’s essential to bring in the utility company before work commences. Underground lines and pipes must always be marked before oil tank removal can commence. If there are any utilities near the tanks, then the crew will use extra caution to avoid damage or complications.
This step should never be skipped. It is essential to call in the markouts to prevent accidental damage to the utility infrastructure during the tank removal. In fact, it is illegal to dig without a markout. An experienced contractor will ensure compliance in all stages by following New Jersey’s requirements for excavation safety.
5. Schedule Inspections
The next step is to have the tank inspected. Your inspection should be scheduled for the date the tank removal is to be completed. During inspection, we are checking for oil leaks that could be affecting the integrity of the tank and the quality of the surrounding soil. Make sure you are hiring an inspector who follows all state and local regulations.
These inspection results are always preliminary before the oil tank removal begins. This information is used to determine if extra steps are necessary for soil remediation or environmental cleanup. During this time, your contractor will also need to make sure that the tank is properly pumped out and cleaned.
6. Tank Removal
When you are ready to move forward with removing the tank, our team will bring all of the heavy equipment and tools to safely excavate and pull up the tank. Proper tank removal methods are essential to protect the soil and surrounding environmental factors.
Next, we are proactive about proper disposal. Certain environmental regulations manage how the tanks are cleaned as well as the best practices to dispose of the tank. An experienced contractor will document this whole process, including photographs and receipts if necessary.
7. Soil Testing and Remediation (If Necessary)
Once the tank is out, there may be a bit more work that needs to be done before the project is complete. You may also need to have environmental testing done to determine if there is a leak. The hope is that the tests will come back clean. But, if there was a leak in the oil tank, then it’s possible that you might have contaminated soil.
If contamination is discovered in the testing process, then you will need to add the extra step for soil remediation. We’ll work with environmental specialists to help with your personalized remediation plan, ensuring optimal results every step of the way. We always follow state guidelines for managing hazardous materials and cleaning up the soil.
8. Clean Up
A few more steps are necessary to take care of the site. We finish by restoring the area for environmental protection. Backfilling, landscaping, and leveling are often needed after the environmental hazards are removed.
We make sure that all hazards and debris have been removed and properly disposed of. Then, a final inspection is completed so that you can sign off on the project.
Work With a Trusted New Jersey Oil Tank Removal Contractor
If you are looking for a trusted contractor to work with, then call Mikula. We offer oil tank removal in New Jersey, as well as other related services. Contact us today to get a free estimate for residential and commercial oil tank removal and more.
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.
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
10 Important Things to be Aware of Before you Buy a Home
So you are ready to purchase a new home. Congratulations. Whether you are a first time buyer or have been around the block a few times, there are several key facts you need to consider before signing on that dotted line.
When you purchase a new home, you probably think hard about things like whether it has enough space for your entertaining needs or what the neighbors are like. However, there are also bigger issues that must be included in your decision making process.
1. The pros and cons of buying versus renting in your area.
There are numerous benefits and headaches with each choice. Sometimes, based on the market and the economy, it’s better to wait. You also need to think about the return on investment and how much home you can afford. Also, if your potential mortgage would be more expensive than what you pay in rent, you may want to recalculate your finances and save for a while longer. The area where you live can also be a factor, as home prices might be vastly different from one area to the next. How long you plan to stay in the home could also contribute to your decision.
2. How the mortgage process works.
Where will you get funding? How will the amount of your down payment affect your mortgage? Buying a home can feel like you are signing your life away, especially if you’ve never done it before. Many different terms are thrown at you and lots of people with various titles will come along and offer to help you. This is on top of all the legal and real estate issues you must contend with. Know your rights and get the best advice before embarking on this confusing process.
3. Learn as much as possible about the home and don’t be afraid to walk away.
In the search for your dream home, you may find a house that you really love. When that happens, you might feel like you will do anything to get it. Even in a house that seems perfect on the surface, there could be issues lurking underneath. Basements, foundations and drainage issues must be thoroughly checked. If possible, get an inspection after it rains so you can really see what’s going on. Among other questions you may want to ask include how long the home has been on the market, typical cost of utilities and whether there is a homeowner’s association. You don’t want to purchase someone else’s headaches so if you find something that’s not right, walk away.
4. You might have to make some difficult choices.
If you are selling your current home and buying another, one may happen faster than the other. This could mean finding temporary housing to make room for the new owner or settling on a home that is less than ideal. Also, there might be repairs that have to be made on your new home. For example, you could face issues with sewer lines or it may require an oil tank or pool removal. These might be items thatthe seller won’t pay for. Therefore, you would have to decide if it’s a project you want to take on as a DIY or to hire a professional contracting service.
5. Keep all money matters in mind at all times.
The decision to buy a new home is exciting. However, don’t get so caught up in the thrill that you forget to get your finances in order. Down payments, credit scores and closing costs are all factors that will affect what you pay and how much you need to save. Experts recommend buying less house than you can afford to avoid becoming house poor. Also, it’s best to get pre-approved before you go house shopping.
6. Beware of money pits.
You may remember the 1980s Tom Hanks/Shelley Long film called The Money Pit, where a couple purchases a huge home for a ridiculously low price and then discover why it was so cheap. Everything that can go wrong with a house does, in hilarious fashion. While the movie was funny, it’s no laughing matter when this happens to you in real life. Some of the items you should look out for include a roof that needs replacement, an old electrical system, cracks in the foundation and water stains on the ceiling.
7. Don’t rush your decision.
Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you will ever make. It’s vital to take your time. Shop around for the best mortgage rates and homeowner’s insurance. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
8. Use an agent.
Some people believe that real estate agents are not worth the money and they can handle everything on their own. The truth is that agents understand the process better than you. Make sure you choose an agent accustomed to dealing with clients in your area and income bracket. A buyer’s agent will answer only to you so he will negotiate to get you the best deal.
9. Overlook the small stuff.
Don’t let little things like paint colors in the bathroom or light fixtures in the kitchen sway your decision. It’s unlikely that the seller will match your exact tastes and choose the same cosmetic features that you would. Instead, look at things like the flow of the house, the size of the rooms and that it has enough outdoor space to fit your lifestyle.
10. Think long term.
Everything about your new home will not always be picture-perfect. Whether it’s something that goes wrong or remodeling projects to make it better fit your current lifestyle, eventually, all homes require some amount of work. This is easier when you have the right contractors already lined up. Look for companies with extensive experience and the proper certifications and licenses.
For demolition, disposal, drainage, excavation and trucking and material delivery, you can trust Mikula Contracting. We handle ground, land and backyard drainage as well as rainwater and standing water drainage and surface drainage systems. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote.
