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Oil Tank Testing and Location Service
 Many
homes heated with oil have underground oil tanks. Testing of the tank
is strongly recommended to determine if the tank is leaking and if any
contaminated soil is present. Some homes may have previously been heated
by oil and may have an unused underground tank. H&J Freile can schedule
a tank test or search for you at the same time as your home inspection.
Some homeowner’s insurance require specialized tank tests be performed
by their preferred providers. Check with your homeowner’s insurance
company to determine if they have any special requirements. Various test
and search options are available for you to choose from. Some of the options
and descriptions are listed below:
- Tank
Test: This test is recommended for anyone purchasing a property
with oil heat and an active underground oil tank or Underground Storage
Tank (UST). This test will check the oil tank for leaks. The test is
EPA approved. Technically, the test is an ultrasonic precision tightness
test. It uses a computerized probe placed inside of the tank to detect
any leaks above and below the current oil level. When scheduled through
H&J Freile, the test will also include an informational level soil
test. The informational soil test uses a tracer which will detect minute
amounts of hydrocarbons (a by-product of oil). This type of soil test
cannot determine the amount of hydrocarbons or if the source is a petro-chemical
(fuel oil).
- Abandoned
Underground Tank Location Service: Homes that were converted from
oil to gas heat and even some homes still heated by oil may have an
abandoned underground oil tank. Older properties are more likely to
have underground tanks that were improperly abandoned before the present
day environmental concerns and costly cleanups that evolved.
- Tank
Location Service: This service is recommended for anyone purchasing
a property that was previously heated with oil-heat or a property whose
historical use is unknown. The location service searches for the presence
of an underground oil tank around the perimeter of the building and
driveway using the latest electronic equipment. Special pricing is available
for expanded searches and multiple buildings.
- Soil
Borings: This test is recommended for anyone purchasing a property
with an active underground oil tank who desires a more extensive test
for soil contamination or anyone purchasing a property with an abandoned
underground tank that has not been properly decommissioned or certified
as properly decommissioned. Up to four (4) soil samples are taken near
the bottom of the tank. Typically three (3) sides of an active oil tank
are sampled and all four (4) sides of an abandoned tank are sampled.
The samples are sent to a laboratory for Certified Analysis.
- Above
Ground Storage Tank Inspection and Certificate: This inspection
is recommended for anyone purchasing a property with an above ground
oil storage tank or an oil storage tank in the basement. The inspection
is a visual examination of the tank, tank supports, fill, vent, and
supply piping.
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