First, are you sure you even have an underground storage tank? If you are not sure – give SES a call, we’ll be glad to conduct an underground storage tank survey on your residential property for no fee. And then you will know if you do or do not have an underground storage tank (UST).
If we find a tank, we’ll offer to inspect it and check it.
We will check the tank for:
- evidence of water and excavate a small boring beside the tank. As we bore,
- we’ll scan for petroleum vapors
- have the soil analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons by a certified lab.
If your tank is not leaking and you need a certified report, we’ll be glad to provide one for an additional fee.
If the tank is leaking, the next steps are:
- Report the leak to VA DEQ within 24-hours
- Contract with SES to manage the tank removal
- Contract with SES to manage the remediation and funding through the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund.
- Remove the tank and any signs of significant contamination
- Restore the site to it’s original condition
- Continue to have SES represent you and work all regulatory agencies until the case is closed.
If you are buying some real estate, be sure to check for any USTs on the property – you don’t want any surprises that could cost you extra in the future.