Underground Tank Removal
Complete excavation and disposal of buried oil tanks by licensed environmental contractors. Includes soil testing, permits, and site restoration.
What is Underground Tank Removal?
Underground storage tank (UST) removal involves excavating and physically removing buried oil tanks from your property. This is the most thorough method of tank decommissioning, eliminating all future liability and allowing for complete soil assessment.
The process requires licensed contractors who follow strict state and federal regulations for excavation, tank disposal, soil sampling, and environmental documentation.
The Removal Process
1. Permits & Planning
Contractor obtains required permits from local authorities and/or state environmental agencies. Utility locations are marked to prevent damage during excavation.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks before work begins
2. Tank Preparation
Remaining oil is pumped out and properly disposed of. Tank is disconnected from all supply lines and vented to release vapors safely.
Timeline: 1-2 hours
3. Excavation
Using excavation equipment, contractors dig down to expose the tank. Excavation size depends on tank dimensions and access requirements.
Timeline: 2-4 hours
4. Tank Removal
Tank is lifted from the ground, inspected for damage or leaks, and loaded for transport to a licensed disposal facility.
Timeline: 1-2 hours
5. Soil Sampling
Soil samples are collected from beneath and around the former tank location. Samples are sent to certified labs for contamination testing.
Timeline: Same day; lab results in 3-7 days
6. Backfill & Restoration
If soil is clean, excavation is backfilled with clean fill material and compacted. Surface is restored (grass, pavement, etc.).
Timeline: 2-4 hours
7. Documentation
Contractor provides closure documentation including removal certificate, soil test results, disposal manifests, and photos for your records.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after completion
Removal vs. Abandonment-in-Place
✓ Benefits of Removal
- • Eliminates all future liability
- • Complete soil assessment possible
- • Preferred by buyers and lenders
- • No tank remains to corrode
- • Clear property title
⚠️ When Abandonment May Be Chosen
- • Tank under permanent structure
- • Extremely limited access
- • Cost prohibitive due to location
- • State regulations allow it
- • Tank is verified clean
Common Residential Tank Sizes
275
gallons
Basement/crawl space
550
gallons
Most common buried
1,000
gallons
Larger homes
2,000+
gallons
Commercial/large
Underground Tank Removal Cost
Standard removal (275-550 gal)
$1,500 - $3,500
Large tank (1,000+ gal)
$3,000 - $5,000
Prices include tank removal, basic soil testing, permits, backfill, and documentation. Does not include remediation if contamination is found.
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