Frequently Asked Questions :: Residential & Farm Tanks

»FAQ :: Commercial & Industrial Tanks

What is the likelihood that my tank is leaking?

We have determined that over 60% of the tanks that we have inspected were leaking or had leaked. The probability that a tank is leaking goes up substantially after 10 years, and the life expectancy of most steel heating oil tanks is approximately 20 - 30 years, depending upon the original quality of construction.

What indications might there be that my tank is leaking?

Of all the leaking tanks that we have identified, rarely were there any surface indications such as soil staining or dead vegetation. This is because the leakage usually starts at the bottom of the tank and flows downward, not affecting surface vegetation. Loss in inventory may be an indication of a release, but usually the loss is too slow (less than 50 - 100 gallons per year) to trigger a concern. Water in a tank is typically an indication of a hole in the tank, but we have found that a lack of water in a tank is not a reliable indication that a tank is not leaking.

What if we discover a major problem, does coverage from the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (VPSTF) have a maximum limit?

The VPSTF coverage is up to $1 million dollars. Most of the residential and farm cases that we handle do not exceed $15,000.

Why should I address my tank now?

You should have your tank(s) checked out now for two reasons. First, if it is leaking it is best to address it quickly. Waiting enables the contamination to migrate further and do more damage. Second, the VPSTF financial assistance is available now and it is uncertain whether it will be available in the future.

Can I just pump the oil out and forget about it?

I If a tank is no longer in use or leaking, it is certainly a responsible action to remove the oil from it. However, this task does not address the main issue of whether the tank leaked or not. Again, this is important because if it has leaked, it should be addressed sooner, rather than later, while financial assistance is available. If you are buying a house, it is important to identify a release prior to closing. Furthermore, removing the oil does not address the National/State Building or Fire Codes.

Can I fill the tank with sand?

Some localities will allow the UST to be cleaned out and filled with sand to comply with the Code; you should check with your local fire or building official. However, filling a tank with sand is not an easy task, and it can’t be done through the fill pipe. A 275-gallon UST requires almost 2 tons of sand to fill it. One would have to remove and properly dispose of (through a permitted disposal or recycling facility) all of the contents of the tank, excavate to the top of the tank, and cut a large hole in it to enable the filling with sand. The sand would have to be leveled-out so as to completely fill the tank. Since the tank will remain buried, it is very important to have documentation (such as a certification report) to prove that the tank was properly closed.
More importantly, filling the tank with sand would not address the regulatory issue of leakage, and it would not enable evaluation of the risks to the property or surrounding properties. Again, if a tank has leaked, it is best to address it now because financial assistance currently available.

What’s the catch? It can’t be that easy.

There is no catch; we make it that easy.

What if the VPSTF does not pay? Am I on the hook?

If there is a risk of additional charges, we would let you know up front, but our contracts limit your financial responsibility. We are able to do that because the VPSTF pays for usual and necessary costs that are pre-approved by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ). We do not perform the work until the VDEQ has pre-approved the work that they are requiring.

What might happen if I remove the piping and do not tell anyone about it?

Removing piping from the tank is not a good idea. Removing piping enables rainwater to enter the UST, which then pushes the remaining oil out of the top of the tank and onto the surface creating a big mess. If this happens, environmental cleanup would be required by the VDEQ, but access to the VPSTF would be denied because the release was caused by negligence (i.e., removing the piping).

What are some potential items that could make the costs go up?

Items that may cause costs to go up are costs that are ineligible for reimbursement. Usually, these items are associated with access to the tank or tank area. For example, removal/replacement of portions of decks, patios, and driveways which are necessary to enable the cleanup work may not be eligible for reimbursement. Similarly, replacement of trees and shrubs are typically not eligible for reimbursement. There are additional items that may not be eligible for reimbursement. We would identify these items prior to performing the work, and prepare an estimate of additional charges.