Dealing with a buried oil tank in Towson, MD, can be a challenging task, but it’s essential to ensure your property remains safe and compliant with Maryland’s regulations. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to sell your house or simply maintaining your property, understanding the proper process for removing or abandoning an underground storage tank (UST) is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address the most common questions about oil tank removal, inspection requirements, and leak management. With over 30 years of experience, GreenTrax, Inc. offers reliable, professional services to help you navigate the process smoothly. Read on to learn how to handle your buried oil tank effectively.
Q. How to handle a buried oil tank in Towson, MD?
A. That’s easy! Call GreenTrax, Inc. at 410-439-1085. With over 30 years of experience in the oil tank industry, we are your go-to experts for removing or abandoning underground storage tanks (USTs) in Towson and throughout Baltimore County.
Q. How do I know if I must remove my tank?
A. If you have a UST (Underground Storage Tank), it must be removed or properly abandoned in place. Tanks past their useful life need to be addressed immediately to prevent soil contamination.
Q. How do you know the tank is past its useful life?
A. The average lifespan of a tank is around 20 years. If your tank was installed before 2005, it is likely over 30, 40, or even 50 years old. A tank of that age is a risk and should be removed or properly decommissioned.
Q. Do I have to remove the tank?
A. Yes. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires any tank that is no longer in use to be removed or abandoned in place within 180 days of decommissioning.
Q. Can I fill the tank in place by dumping sand in it or filling it with foam?
A. No! In Maryland, simply dumping sand or using foam to fill a tank is prohibited. The tank must be thoroughly cleaned and the surrounding soil must be tested to ensure there is no contamination. Additionally, in Baltimore County, an inspector’s approval is required before a tank can be filled in place.
Q. Is a permit required for a buried heating oil tank removal?
A. Yes, a permit is required in Baltimore County, and an inspector must be onsite during the removal.
Q. How do I know if the tank is leaking?
A. Once the tank is removed or cut open, the surrounding soil will be tested using a soil meter. Additionally, we send samples to a certified lab for further testing to ensure environmental safety.
Q. Do I get a certificate or documentation for the tank decommissioning?
A. Absolutely! GreenTrax provides a comprehensive Tank Closure Package that includes step-by-step photos of the process, soil test results, and a detailed report of the work performed.
Q. I’m selling my house, should I remove the underground tank?
A. Yes. Many lenders, insurance companies, and banks require underground tanks to be removed or properly abandoned before a property sale. Avoid settlement delays by contacting GreenTrax for immediate service.
Q. Will a leaking tank cost tens of thousands of dollars to remediate?
A. No. In Maryland, most residential oil tank leaks are manageable and do not result in excessive cleanup costs when handled by a professional company like GreenTrax.
Q. How many days will the tank removal take?
A. For most standard jobs, GreenTrax can complete the tank removal in just a few hours, unlike other companies that may take days.
Q. What if I don’t know the size of my tank?
A. No problem! The most common residential tank sizes in Towson are 550 gallons or smaller. However, we occasionally see 275-gallon, 300-gallon, and even 1,000-gallon tanks in Baltimore County.
Q. I smell oil in my house, but my tank is buried underground. What should I do?
A. An oil smell is a red flag. It is likely your tank is leaking, and the oil may have seeped through your foundation or into your basement drainage system. Call GreenTrax immediately for an inspection.
Q. Can I test the tank instead of removing it?
A. No. If the tank is no longer in use, it must be removed or abandoned. Soil testing can be done to check for contamination, but tank testing at this stage is typically unnecessary and not recommended.
Q. If my tank has leaked, will I have to dig up my entire yard?
A. No. In most cases, oil contamination moves vertically, not horizontally. Excavation is generally limited to a small area directly below the tank, unless oil has entered your basement.
Q. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a leak cleanup?
A. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover oil tank leaks unless a specific rider was added. Check with your insurance provider for details.
Q. I am a real estate agent or home inspector with questions about the process. Can I call you?
A. Absolutely! We work with real estate professionals across Maryland and are happy to assist with any questions.
Contact Us Today!
GreenTrax, Inc. is your trusted partner for all underground oil tank removal and abandonment services in Towson, MD, and Baltimore County. Call us today at 410-439-1085 to schedule your consultation or learn more about our expert services.
