Underground Oil Tank Locating and Property Sweeps in Westchester and Putnam County

Underground Oil Tank Locating and Property Sweeps in Westchester and Putnam County

     When purchasing (or selling) a property, In Westchester or Putnam County, it is imperative to know whether or not underground storage tanks (UST’s) are present. Even if a property is currently heated by natural gas, propane, above ground oil tank or current underground tank, it is important to know what other types of oil storage have previously existed. In most cases homes in Westchester and Putnam have been heated by oil  at one point since being built.  This is especially true in houses built prior to 1970 (or in rural areas). Although newer houses have also relied on oil for heating purposes. In some cases the current owners don't even know whether a tank exists.  For example, A house built in the 1920's most likely used coal  for heat then oil and then natural gas. A home from the 30's-80's may have had heating oil then natural gas or electric.

     In Westchester and Putnam County, many Villages, Towns and Cities did not require municipal permits to install or remove tanks. This lead to many tanks be improperly abandoned.  Now most municipalities require permits and inspections for the removal and installation of oil tanks.  Municipal involvement is designed to protect the home owner to ensure the proper disposal and documentation takes place 

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate tools used in determining if underground heating oil tanks exist at a property. Another technology is Electromagnetic Detection (ED).  Barrier Contracting uses both of these technologies to identify and locate any previous and in use underground heating oil tanks or associated piping

–Ground Penetrating Radar uses radio signals to determine the characteristics of what lays underground. These signals can identify tanks, piping and various other materials beneath the surface without excavation.

–Electromagnetic Detection involves connecting a transmitter to induce radio frequency to old oil lines and using a handheld device to trace and follow them. This technology can help determine if an underground oil tank exists or has existed.

Demolition Contractors In Westchester and Putnam County

The demolition of structures, homes, garages and other buildings, include scrap and concrete/brick segregation, foundation removal, site grading and preparation, and waste removal.  Prior to the Demolition most municipalities in Westchester and Putnam County, require permits that must be acquired. Conditions of these permits usually include proof that utilities, such as gas, electric and water, have been disconnected. Another requirement is to make sure all hazardous materials have been disposed of, this can include asbestos, oil tanks and lead.

Trained professionals in each of the trades are brought in for inspections and abatements if needed. Once these matters have been resolved, a walk through is usually done with the local building inspector. They will address any additional concerns they may have. Prior to working it is important to implement erosion control such as trap rock or silt fence to make sure you protect the surrounding areas from being impacted. It is important to know all the costs upfront, any costs that can’t be estimated should be addressed to ensure both parties know the financial parameters of the work. It is also important to make sure the contractor of choice has the proper licenses, insurances and permits to perform the work. In Westchester and Putnam County each county issues their own home improvement contractors licenses. The hazardous waste professionals, generally, have state licenses.

If you are looking for Best Demolition Contractors In Westchester or Putnam County, just contact us at 914-760-2089.

Oil Tank Removal and Installation

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Many homes and businesses have oil heat that requires large tank for storage. These tanks can either be found above- or below-ground. While either system is certainly efficient, we’ve found that above ground tanks pose significant advantages. Oil tanks need to be monitored on a regular basis, and when they are underground, it’s extremely difficult to keep an eye on them. Homes and businesses that have underground tanks aren’t out of luck, however – they can be removed and placed above-ground, which is where we come in!

At Barrier Contracting, we provide underground oil tank removal for homes and businesses. We bring our excavator machine to your location and remove the tank safely and efficiently. Oil tank removal by hand can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. Our specialists are experienced and knowledgeable about the industry’s best practices, and provide excellent service every time. Trust Barrier Contracting for all your needs, from fuel oil storage tank installation to oil tank removal.

The cost to remove underground storage tanks depends on a variety of factors and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our cost-effective solutions are perfect for all of our new and existing clients. Don’t be afraid of any hidden costs. We stand by our pricing and break down each expense to help you understand exactly what you’re paying for. To learn more about our services and get a quote, contact us today by phone or email at (914) 760-2089, (914) 760-2090 or at waynejr@barrier.com. 

Oil Tank Removal

Many homes and businesses have oil heat that require large tanks for storage. These tanks can either be found above- or below-ground. While either system is certainly efficient, we have found that above ground tanks pose significant advantages. Oil tanks need to be monitored on a regular basis, and when they are underground, it’s extremely difficult to keep an eye on them. Homes and businesses that have underground tanks aren’t out of luck, however – they can be removed and placed above-ground, which is where we come in!

At Barrier Contracting, we provide underground oil tank removal for homes and businesses. We bring our excavator machine to your location and remove the tank safely and efficiently. Oil tank removal by hand can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. Our specialists are experienced and knowledgeable about the industry’s best practices, and provide excellent service every time. Trust Barrier Contracting for all your needs, from fuel oil storage tank installation to oil tank removal.

The cost to remove underground storage tanks depends on a variety of factors and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our cost-effective solutions are perfect for all of our new and existing clients. Don’t be afraid of any hidden costs. We stand by our pricing and break down each expense to help you understand exactly what you’re paying for. To learn more about our services and get a quote, contact us today by phone or email at (914) 760-2089, (914) 760-2090 or at waynejr@barrier.com. 

Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection

Above Ground Oil Tanks require very little maintenance. However, it is very important to inspect your tank

It is important for the homeowner to understand

Painted 275 Gallon Above Ground Oil Tank
www.barrier.com

that the oil tank is their property and their responsibility. The tank owner should ensure that it is properly maintained. Proper tank maintenance should include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Subscribing to a maintenance program performed by a heating oil  system licensed service technician;

· Visually inspecting the tank(s) at least Twice a year. Careful visual inspection will uncover traces of oil on the tank surface;

· Asking a service technician to check, at least once a year, for the presence of water inside the tank and to remove it;

· Immediately correct an unstable foundation or when the tank is likely to topple. The services of a licensed installer, Barrier Contracting, should be used;

· Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface, at least once per year, by: 

       1. Gently brushing the rusted areas on the tank’s exterior with sandpaper;

       2. Cleaning the sanded surface; and

       3. Applying a coat of rust proof metallic paint (readily available at

           any hardware store). If needed, Barrier Contracting can provide paint. 

Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface is a good practice and the

application of touch-up paint will not void the warranty of the tank

· Maintaining the tank liquid level as high as possible during the 

summer months to limit water condensation within the tank.

Oil Tank Removal in Westchester and Putnam, NY

 Barrier Contracting has trained professionals to help guide you through the oil tank removal process.  If your tank is above or below ground we have the expertise to provide excellent service.  We remove 275, 550,1000 up to 16,000 gallon oil tanks. If you are buying or selling a home, we recommend any underground fuel oil tanks be removed before the contracts are signed.  
      Oil Tanks over 25 years old can have a 20% failure rate. If you wait until you have a leaky tank it can be a disaster. If your storage tank is leaking we can provide you full service environmental remediation including soil removal, water disposal, soil testing, etc.  We handle inspections, sampling, closure reports and meet with local inspectors to make sure any issue is resolved. 
        At Barrier Contracting, we provide underground oil tank removal for homes and businesses. We can bring our excavator machine to your location and remove the tank safely and efficiently.  We also provide Oil tank removal by hand, which can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. Our specialists are experienced and knowledgeable about the industry’s best practices, and provide excellent service every time. Trust Barrier Contracting for all your needs, from fuel oil storage tank installation to oil tank removal.

Oil Tank Installation

Above Ground Oil Tanks can be installed in your basement, garage or outside, depending on the tank regulations in your area.  Different towns, cities and villages in Westchester and Putnam County have different codes about the placement of oil tanks.  We can help you decide where the best location is for us to install your tank.  If the Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) is going to be installed outside we place them on 4 inch cement pads to ensure stability.  Although Tanks are already primed, we can paint them a variety of different colors before we install them.      Before installing or replacing an oil tank, there are strict regulations that need to be addressed. Experienced professionals are required to hook up oil tank systems in most municipalities, a process that poses serious risks, particularly if the original tank was not installed correctly. For more information visit http://barrier.com/oiltankinstallation.html or email waynejr@barrier.com

Information on Failed Oil Tank Tests in New York

Did you know failing a tank test creates a NYS Spill Number?

     If you have failed an oil tank test we recommend replacing the oil tank with an above ground oil tank.  This creates is the best value for the money you will spend.

     When an oil tank fails a tank test, also know as pressure test but is actually a vacuum and acoustical test, the tester must notify the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).  Once notified, the NYSDEC will assign your property a Spill Number. A Spill Number is like a case number used to reference your property and the actions taken.  Once the Spill Number is assigned an investigation is required to find out if any soil or groundwater has been impacted and if further action is required.

     This can involve excavating to the top of the tank and checking the fittings, connections and piping.  It can also lead to removing the oil tank, impacted soil, taking samples and sending the NYS DEC documentation of the actions taken.
 
If the breach is in the vent or fill, the top of the tank needs to be exposed and the piping replaced then a retest must be preformed.  If this passes the report needs to be sent to the NYSDEC.

If the breach is in the oil lines, the top of the tank needs to be exposed then the oil lines need to be exposed and replaced. Finally the tank needs to be retested.

If the breach is not found after replacing the vent, fill, oil lines and failing the second test the tank needs to be removed.   After the tank is removed the pit needs to be inspected and sampled. If the samples come back with contamination a remediation must be done.

In the end any single wall underground home heating oil tank should be replaced with an above ground oil tank.  Even if the tank passes a tank test or subsurface analysis. For more information visit www.barrier.com or email waynejr@barrier.com

ARE YOU THINKING OF PURCHASING A HOME WITH A HEATING OIL TANK?

   ARE YOU THINKING OF PURCHASING A HOME WITH A HEATING OIL TANK?

     Find out the age of the tank, some underground tanks can be as old as the house (some above ground tanks are the result of previously replaced underground tanks).  Replacing  below ground oil tanks is the BEST way to verify the tank has not failed and contaminated the property. Your home inspector, lawyer and bank will agree. We recommend to try to get the seller to remove the tank prior to closing 

   

   If no oil tank is present ask if there was a tank previously removed. If so ask for the paper work regarding its removal. Find out why they removed it. If the oil tank was filled in place ask for the results of the soil samples taken. If there were no samples taken, you can have samples taken or at least consult a professional (preferably Barrier). It is best to take sample around the sides and down roughly 2 feet below the bottom of the tank (7-12 feet). For more information visit www.barrier.com or call us today.