Whether you have had an underground storage tank at your home that was filled with heating oil or perhaps had a business with an underground gas tank, many years may have passed since you last used these tanks for anything. If so, it is crucial you arrange to have them removed as quickly as possible. Though the process may be complex and somewhat time-consuming, there are many important reasons to remove these tanks from your property before serious problems occur.
Leaking Fluids
Since these tanks have been underground perhaps for decades, they may have deteriorated to the point where the fluids they contain are leaking. If so, you could have property where the soil and groundwater are contaminated from various chemicals, creating a potential environmental hazard. When this is the case, professionals who are trained in hazardous material cleanup will likely be needed to get the job done safely.
Compromising the Surface
Since most underground storage tanks are quite large, they can start to compromise a large area of the surrounding area once they start to experience severe rust and corrosion. As a result, if your home, business, or other buildings are nearby, these could be put at risk of sinking, experiencing foundation issues, or even collapsing. Rather than face any of these scenarios, turn to professionals who are trained and experienced in professional tank removal.
Lower Property Values
When your property is known to contain unused underground storage tanks, you can expect to see your property’s value drop dramatically. This is especially true if you own commercial property, since numerous local, state, and federal regulations are usually in place to protect environmental safety. If you don’t have well-documented reports regarding EPA inspections of your soil and groundwater, you may have a very difficult time selling your property.
Fines and Penalties
When you have unused underground storage tanks that have harmed the surrounding environment, it is very likely the state and federal government will come calling to impose fines and other penalties on you for creating unsafe and hazardous conditions on your property. Depending on the extent of damage done to the environment, you could be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines and even find yourself facing criminal charges.
By choosing to have your unused underground storage tanks removed by experienced professionals before any problems occur, you can protect the environment, keep your property values high, and know your building and surrounding grounds are safe.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
