Care Environmental Remediation Services (C.E.R.S.) performs permanent system closures for both regulated and unregulated underground storage tanks (USTs) in accordance with current regulations. C.E.R.S. has twenty years of experience in UST closures, serving both commercial and residential clients in the Northern NJ area. We are experts at navigating both New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requirements and local permitting procedures.
Regulated vs. Unregulated: What’s The Difference?
In New Jersey, all underground storage tanks are classified by NJDEP as “regulated” or “unregulated.” Regulated USTs are subject to certain registration and documentation requirements that do not apply to unregulated USTs.
A few examples of unregulated USTs are:
- Heating Oil Tanks of any size used only to heat a residential building
- Heating Oil Tanks that have a capacity of 2,000 gallons or less to heat a non-residential building
- Motor fuels for farm or residential use that have a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less
- Tanks that are not technically underground (for example, a tank located in a basement)
Regulated USTs include USTs that contain heating oil used for sale, distribution or commercial use. Any size motor fuel tanks for non-residential use or sale such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Any size UST that contain waste oil, hazardous wastes and other hazardous substances.
Regardless of their classification as regulated or unregulated, all leaking UST sites must be remediated in the event of a leak or spill. Please note that you cannot close an unregistered regulated tank until it has been registered with the NJDEP. C.E.R.S. will ensure your tank registration certificate is on file and up to date. Discovered underground storage tanks falling in the category of regulated tanks are required to be registered and fees paid prior to removing the tank.
Navigating the Closure Process
C.E.R.S. has extensive experience in performing UST system closures for both regulated and unregulated tanks. A closure can mean the complete removal of a tank system or abandonment in place. C.E.R.S. reviews the specific conditions of each site and can advise on the best course of action.
To close a regulated UST, you must:
- Hire a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP)
- Notify NJDEP of your intent to close the UST. This notification must include a closure plan stating whether the UST will be removed or will be abandoned in place.
- Provide your municipal and county health departments with NJDEP’s approval of the notice of intent to close the UST.
- Apply for and receive a local demolition permit.
All of these steps must be completed at least 14 days before the closure date. We perform the closure process while following all municipal and state regulations, and are experts at helping our clients navigate these and other processes relating to our services.
To close an unregulated UST, you must:
- Hire a tank removal firm that is licensed by the NJDEP to perform closures of USTs.
- Apply for and receive a local demolition permit.
The permit must be approved prior to scheduling the tank removal. The local municipal inspector will require that you schedule the inspection on the day of tank removal.
Remediation Services for UST Sites
If there is contamination onsite, you may also be required to complete a remediation process. C.E.R.S. can conduct remediation activities, which may include:
- Excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil
- In situ chemical treatment
- Soil and groundwater sampling and testing
- Subsurface evaluation
If onsite remediation is necessary, NJDEP requires that the regulated tank project be supervised by a licensed site remediation professional (LSRP). The unregulated leaking tank systems require the project management of a licensed Subsurface Evaluator (SSE) or a LSRP. In addition to holding state certifications for tank closure and subsurface evaluation, C.E.R.S. licensed LSRP and SSEs, allowing us to manage every aspect of your removal project from start to finish.
Reach Out to C.E.R.S. for a Consultation
If you have a UST on your property and aren’t sure where to start, C.E.R.S. is here to advise you. Our expert staff can manage the closure process for you every step of the way. Our team can also safely provide diesel, gasoline, and oil tank removal services. C.E.R.S. has completed hundreds of UST closures in Morris County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, Sussex County, and other areas across Northern NJ. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
