Underground storage tanks (USTs) are used to hold petroleum and hazardous materials. Equipment constructed before the mid-1980s is typically made of bare steel instead of fiberglass and other corrosion-resistant materials. This means older containers are prone to leaks, increasing the risk of dangerous chemicals seeping into the earth and contaminating groundwater. If you have unused equipment on your property, scheduling UST removal will prevent harm to the environment and your health. Below is a brief guide to steps involved in the process.

What Happens During UST Removal?

Project Plans are Approved by Local & State Governments

Before a licensed, certified contractor removes the equipment, you must contact local and state government agencies about the project. Thirty-day notice is required before work begins, as UST closure must meet certain guidelines. To prevent explosions, fires, and other life-threatening accidents, all liquids, vapors, and sludge must be removed from the container before it’s relocated. A UST removal specialist will help secure the proper permits.

Professionals Excavate the Area

After dangerous gases are replaced with non-flammable substances, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, contractors will remove soil around equipment. If the storage tank is under a building foundation, contents are disposed of in accordance with safety compliance standards and the equipment is left in place. 

Closure Reports are Written After UST Disposal

Removing the system could result in the contamination of soil and groundwater. Samples are collected to determine whether there’s cause for concern and if steps need to be taken to correct any issues. The findings, as well as sampling locations, and equipment disposal procedures are then included in a closure report. Local and state agencies then review the materials to determine whether additional steps need to be taken.

If you have an unused underground storage tank on your property, the technicians at Shield Environmental Associates have the skills, training, and excavation tools to remove it. People in Fayette and Jefferson counties in Kentucky look to the team to rid their properties of potentially dangerous materials. They also provide environmental site assessments to determine whether construction will have a negative impact on humans or the landscape. To request UST removal in the Lexington area, call (859) 294-5155, or connect with the Louisville location at (502) 493-0305. Visit the company online to discover how they will address your needs and keep in touch on Facebook for announcements.