Best Practices for Underground Tank Removal and Soil Remediation

Underground storage tanks (USTs) and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are common features at commercial properties, gas stations, industrial facilities, and even residential properties throughout New England. Whether you're dealing with heating oil tanks, gasoline storage, or industrial chemical tanks, proper removal and soil remediation are critical for protecting human health, the environment, and your property value.

At TERRA Environmental, we've guided countless New England property owners through successful tank removal projects. Here are the essential best practices we recommend for ensuring your tank removal and soil remediation project meets regulatory requirements while minimizing costs and delays.

Pre-Removal Assessment: Know What You're Dealing With

Conduct a Comprehensive Site Evaluation

Before any excavation begins, a thorough assessment sets the foundation for a successful project. This includes reviewing historical records, previous environmental reports, and conducting visual inspections to identify potential complications early.

Key questions to address during pre-removal assessment:

• What type of tank system exists (UST vs AST, material construction, age)?

• What substances were stored and for how long?

• Are there visible signs of releases or environmental impacts?

• What are the surrounding site conditions and potential receptors?

Engage a Licensed Site Professional (LSP)

In Massachusetts, tank removal projects often require oversight by a Licensed Site Professional. LSPs ensure compliance with Chapter 21E regulations and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), while helping streamline the regulatory process.

Obtain Necessary Permits

Different municipalities and tank types require various permits. Common requirements include:

• Local board of health permits

• Fire department notifications

• DEP notifications for reportable quantities

• Utility clearances and dig safe notifications

Tank Removal Best Practices

Safety First: Proper Tank Preparation

Tank preparation is crucial for worker safety and environmental protection. This involves:

• Tank cleaning and degassing: Removing all product and vapors using certified professionals

• Inerting: Filling tanks with inert material (sand, foam, or CO2) to eliminate explosion risks

• Atmospheric monitoring: Continuous air monitoring during removal operations

• Emergency response planning: Having spill response materials and procedures ready

Excavation and Removal Protocols

Proper excavation techniques protect both workers and the environment:

• Use appropriately sized equipment for the site conditions

• Maintain safe excavation slopes and shoring as needed

• Segregate potentially contaminated soil from clean material

• Document tank condition and any obvious releases during removal

• Photograph the tank, piping, and excavation area thoroughly

Waste Management and Disposal

Proper waste characterization and disposal are essential:

• Sample tank contents and sludge for proper disposal classification

• Clean tanks may qualify for scrap metal recycling

• Contaminated tanks require hazardous waste disposal

• Follow all DOT regulations for transportation

Soil Assessment and Remediation Strategies

Immediate Post-Removal Sampling

Once the tank is removed, prompt soil sampling helps determine the extent of any contamination:

• Collect samples from excavation sidewalls and bottom

• Focus on areas with visible staining or odors

• Include background samples from unimpacted areas

• Test for petroleum hydrocarbons, BTEX compounds, and other tank-specific contaminants

Remediation Technology Selection

The choice of remediation technology depends on site conditions, contamination type, and project timeline:

Excavation and Off-Site Disposal

• Most immediate solution for small, localized contamination

• Provides certainty of contamination removal

• Can be cost-effective for limited volumes

• Allows for immediate site reuse

In-Situ Remediation

• Enhanced bioremediation using oxygen release compounds or nutrients

• Chemical oxidation for rapid contaminant destruction

• Soil vapor extraction for volatile compounds

• Often more cost-effective for larger contaminated areas

Monitored Natural Attenuation

• Appropriate for sites with favorable conditions

• Requires long-term monitoring commitment

• Lower upfront costs but extended timeline

• Suitable when contamination poses minimal risk

Regulatory Compliance Essentials

Massachusetts-Specific Requirements

New England property owners must navigate state-specific regulations:

• Reportable concentrations: Know when soil contamination triggers MCP reporting requirements

• Risk-based cleanup standards: Understand when Method 1, 2, or 3 risk assessment approaches apply

• Activity and Use Limitations: Consider deed restrictions as an alternative to extensive remediation

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain comprehensive project documentation:

• Pre-removal tank integrity assessments

• Soil sampling analytical results and chain of custody records

• Waste manifests and disposal certificates

• Photographic documentation of all project phases

• LSP oversight reports and regulatory submittals

Cost Management Strategies

Budget for the Unexpected

Tank removal projects often encounter surprises. Build contingency into your budget for:

• Additional contaminated soil requiring removal

• Groundwater impacts requiring monitoring or treatment

• Utility conflicts or access challenges

• Extended project timelines due to weather or regulatory review

Insurance Considerations

Review your insurance coverage before starting:

• Environmental liability policies may cover cleanup costs

• Pollution legal liability insurance can protect against third-party claims

• Contractor insurance should include pollution liability coverage

Timing and Seasonal Factors

New England's climate affects project timing:

• Avoid frozen ground conditions when possible

• Plan around wet seasons that complicate excavation

• Consider heating oil delivery schedules for residential projects

• Factor in regulatory review timelines, which can extend during busy periods

Long-Term Monitoring and Closure

Achieving Regulatory Closure

The goal of any remediation project is achieving a permanent solution:

• Response Action Outcome (RAO): The LSP's statement that cleanup goals have been achieved

• Long-term monitoring: May be required to demonstrate remedy effectiveness

• Site reuse planning: Ensure cleanup levels support intended future use

Property Value Protection

Proper tank removal and remediation protect and can enhance property value:

• Complete environmental clearance removes transaction barriers

• Documentation provides due diligence protection for future sales

• Proper closure eliminates ongoing liability concerns

Working with Environmental Consultants

Selecting the Right Team

Choose environmental consultants with:

• Massachusetts LSP licensing and local regulatory experience

• Tank removal and soil remediation project history

• Strong relationships with qualified contractors and laboratories

• Transparent communication and cost management practices

Project Communication

Maintain regular communication throughout the project:

• Weekly progress updates during active remediation

• Prompt notification of any unexpected conditions

• Clear explanation of regulatory requirements and options

• Coordination with other project stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors)

Conclusion

Tank removal and soil remediation projects require careful planning, experienced professionals, and attention to regulatory detail. While the process can seem complex, following these best practices helps ensure successful project completion while protecting your investment and the environment.

The key to success lies in early planning, comprehensive assessment, and working with experienced environmental professionals who understand New England's regulatory landscape. Whether you're dealing with a single residential heating oil tank or a complex industrial facility, proper execution of these best practices will help you achieve your project goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

For property owners facing tank removal and soil remediation challenges, partnering with an experienced environmental consulting firm familiar with State and Federal regulations and local conditions is essential for navigating this complex process successfully.

TERRA Environmental has been helping New England property owners navigate tank removal and soil remediation projects for over 10 years. Our Licensed Site Professionals and experienced project managers ensure regulatory compliance while minimizing project costs and timelines. Contact us today to discuss your tank removal project needs.