Underground
Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide
While most home heating oil tanks
are not regulated by the State - typically they are not over 1,100 gallons in capacity. Most residential tanks are approximately
275 gallons. Some delegated counties have regulations that apply to smaller heating oil tanks. You are encouraged
to contact the county agency to determine whether such smaller tanks are regulated.
Even if your heating oil tank is unregulated, you probably know that a leak could be very unfortunate
- not only for the environment, but for your pocketbook too. When an underground tank or pipe leaks, the cleanup can cost
thousands of dollars. And if your homeowner's insurance policy contains a "pollution exclusion" clause, which many
do, you could get stuck with the bill.
When a tank is found to
be leaking, additional work is usually needed to determine the extent of the problem and the amount of cleanup required. Contamination
must be reported to the Spills Hotline by calling 
1-800-457-7362
.
The best way to avoid significant
expenses is to replace your underground tank or have a new above ground tank installed in your basement, garage or storage
shed. You probably have questions about what this would involve. This guide has been prepared to give you answers and advice.
Why should I consider replacing my underground tank?
Like all equipment, tanks have a limited useful life and eventually have to be repaired or replaced.
Moreover, many underground home heating oil tanks are like the 275 gallon bare steel tanks you have seen in basements or garages.
These tanks were not designed to be buried and, if left in place, will eventually rust and leak. Even larger tanks that were
specifically designed for underground use can leak if they are not protected from rusting.
If you notice an unexplainable increase in your home heating oil use, your tank may be leaking. But that
information alone is not always an accurate indicator. In some cases, water may leak into the tank or the leak may occur only
when the tank is full, thus hiding the problem from the homeowner.
Odds
are an underground tank 10 or 15 years old is probably not leaking, but the likelihood of a leak increases as the tank gets
older. Even small, slow leaks can pose a serious threat to your family, your neighbors and the environment if they go undiscovered
for a long time. And, if your tank does leak, you may face a costly cleanup. Having an old tank replaced with a modern double-walled
underground tank or basement tank can save you both money and anguish in the long run. Don't forget, piping should also be
replaced when a new underground tank is installed. Contract with a reputable equipment dealer to be sure the tank is installed
with overfill alarms, vents and other vital equipment items.
How
much does it cost to remove an underground tank?
As of April 1997,
removal contractors were generally charging between 0 and ,500 depending on the size of the tank, its condition, and how easily
it can be reached. Usually not included in this price are the cost of a replacement tank, sampling and testing, cleanup work
if a leak is found, and landscaping after the removal is complete.
For
the best price, shop around. Check the yellow pages and contact your oil company. Get cost estimates from several contractors.
They can provide you with an accurate estimate only by visiting your home to determine both where your tank is located and
whether there are obstacles to getting the job done. Compare services and be sure to check references. As with any substantial
home improvement, get a written cost estimate and a contract that outlines the services to be performed before work begins.
Can I test my tank for leaks instead of digging it up?
Yes, by all means test your tank and piping for tightness, but it may cost you less to simply
remove your tank from the ground. It is important to consider that no test can predict what will happen next year, next month,
or even the next day. If you have an old bare steel tank, your money may be better spent on tank removal since you will have
to dig the tank up anyway if the test reveals it is leaking.
Although
a commercial tank tester provides the most reliable check for leaks, the handyman can obtain a gross check for a leak by checking
for a drop in the oil level in the tank when oil is not being consumed. Information on testing methods can be obtained from
DEC by calling (518) 402-9543 or companies that perform tank tests.
Can
I just empty the oil from my tank and leave it underground?
Yes,
provided certain other measures are taken.
In 1996 the Legislature
passed a State law requiring that above ground and underground heating oil tanks be emptied, cleaned and purged of all vapors.
If the tank is to be removed, the vent line and fill line must also be removed or the fill line must be capped with concrete.
If the tank is to be left in place, the vent line must remain open and intact and the fill line capped or removed.
Local government can only approve the abandonment if written proof is provided that
the tank has been properly abandoned. Call your local building department for assistance.
The best choice is to remove the tank. This will enable you to check for soil contamination and avoid
future sink holes which might occur when the tank eventually collapses.
In
addition, should you decide to sell your home, a bank or the buyer may ask for environmental testing or the removal of the
tank, which could make leaving your tank in place costlier than taking it out of the ground at the start.
How will I know if my tank has leaked?
Contamination
may be indicated by signs of a damaged tank or pipe, soil that is stained or gives off strong oil odors, a sheen on the groundwater,
or environmental test results. Sampling and analysis is recommended if the tank is located near any wells, drinking water
supplies, wetlands, ponds or streams, or if there are any indications that contamination is present.
When shopping for a contractor, ask if they have the capability of doing an environmental assessment.
What if contamination is found?
First,
don't panic. The problem could be minor and relatively simple to correct. Take cleanup actions right away. Addressing the
problem now will prevent higher cost and damage later.
If you find
contamination or even suspect there has been a leak, contact the nearest DEC regional office.