When it comes to buying a home, much like any investment, there’s always some risk involved. That risk is increased when purchasing a home with an underground oil tank (UST). Over time, buried oil tanks can pollute the surrounding soil and water systems. Taking care of the affected area falls on the homeowner and can be quite costly.
Care Environmental Remediation Services in Northern New Jersey specializes in environmental remediation services. Here, we discuss what potential homebuyers need to consider if they’ve ever asked themselves, “Should I buy a house with an underground oil tank?”
Key Considerations
Already, purchasing a home comes with its fair share of things to consider, such as the condition of the roof, the age of the appliances, and energy efficiency. If potential homebuyers are looking to purchase a home with an underground oil tank, their list of considerations grows. They now need to take several key aspects into account, such as:
Environmental Regulations
With a home that has an underground oil tank, homeowners need to familiarize themselves with the environmental regulations. These regulations dictate how much oil is allowed to remain in the soil before it is deemed unsafe. If the existing oils and contaminants are above the permissible level, then the homeowner is responsible. Environmental remediation services, such as those offered by our team, are required to remove the contaminated soil.
The Age of the Tank
The home’s age is a good indication of how old its underground oil tank is. The older the home, the older the tank will most likely be. This is important to consider because metal oil tanks can rust and deteriorate over time. When this process occurs, leaks are likely to happen and result in soil and groundwater contamination.
Homes With Underground Storage Tanks: What to Do Next
If you’ve purchased a home with an underground tank, the next step is determining the level of potential contamination. This can be done through various site assessments and sample tests. Environmental tests include:
- Site investigation: This assessment consists of collecting and sampling the soil and groundwater in question. This test is conducted to determine the level of contamination that exists at the site. If levels are high enough, remediation services may be required.
- Remedial investigation: A remedial investigation will not only determine the extent of contamination but also include an outline of the best methods for addressing the problem. This investigation takes into account environmental and public safety.
Once the due diligence above is performed, it may be necessary to have a professional remove the underground storage tank.
Trust the Remediation Experts at Care Environmental Remediation Services
If you are thinking about buying a house with an underground oil tank, consulting a professional can help bring peace of mind. Care Environmental Remediation Services specializes in UST and oil tank removal. We proudly serve customers throughout Northern New Jersey, including Somerset, Morris, Warren, and Sussex counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
