Most environmental companies do not recommend oil tank abandonment even though it is legal in New Jersey. If available the option of tank removal should always be used. Since oil tanks dispersed underground can have detrimental effects on the environment, it is highly suggested that tank abandonment be rarely used and not the preferred method to rid yourself of your oil tank. In some cases oil tank abandonment can lead to property damage that requires financial loss for you.
New Jersey law doesn’t require oil tank removal, but tank abandonment should only be an option used under select circumstances. The only situations that would make tank abandonment conceivable would be related to tank placement. This circumstance deals with oil tanks that are located in areas that would cause harm to your home or workplace if they were to be removed. Locations that would be examples of this are: underneath your basement or underneath newly renovated addition to your home or workplace. In these circumstances tank abandonment would be understood, but not every case of tank abandonment occurring in New Jersey is done under these conditions. Some people are just too busy to be bothered with tank removal. This excuse is not the preferred attitude for home owners.
In all circumstances where it is possible, oil tanks should simply be removed and replaced not left underground. Certain areas
require by law that oil tank removal be obeyed, but New Jersey is not one of these environmentally conscious areas. If tank abandonment is going to be used then caution should be applied. Soil samples should be taken to ensure that no hazardous waste has been left from the tank after it has been thoroughly cleaned by an oil tank cleaning professional. Under no circumstance should you leave oil in the tank when you dispose of it underground. Your oil tank should be filled with sand instead of oil. While tank abandonment is not the preferred option it is more environmental safe if these precautions are taken when using this method.
Once the oil tank has been filled with sand a hole should be made for a specialist to ensure that its condition is safe and no holes are noticeable. If contamination is smelled then the tank should be removed and undergo further inspection and call a number for a spill company. These cautions must be taken because property resale is difficult and at times impossible if tank abandonment has occurred on your property. If your tank was abandoned, but precautions were taken to ensure safety, then property resale is possible and much easier.
Even though oil tank abandonment is accepted in New Jersey it should not be done regularly. Only certain circumstances exist that make it a reasonable option. Oil tanks can be hazardous when abandoned and can also affect your property value. If you do opt for tank abandonment over tank removal, then you must be sure to exercise caution and avoid causing further damage to your property and the environment.
