Benefits: Usually there is no inconvenience of site excavation or visual impact to the property. The tank is pumped out, triple rinsed and then a lean concrete mix is pumped into the tank through the filler pipe or a hole that has been cut at the top of the tank. The vent and fill pipes are cut off below grade and plugged. Abandoning a tank in place is generally less expensive than having it removed from underground. Filling the tank will help prevent future collapse of the tank and any structure above the tank. Disadvantages: Such mixture takes days to dry and may shrink - leaving residual water from the mix in the tank. Most of all, the total increase weight of the concrete mass makes any future removal of the filled tank a major project. The shell skin would have to be peeled off and the concrete broken up and removed. Sometimes since the concrete is substantially heavy, a crane is required for the removal. If no soil test are taken, the question of soil contamination has not been addressed and could become an issue at any time in the future.

Slurry Fill: The Process (What Filco Does)

1. Obtain the necessary local permits. Contact the local fire, planning or building departments for information on local requirements.
2. Find out what product is in the tank (heating oil, kerosene, waste oil, water, etc.).
3. Drain and flush all piping into the tank, being very careful to avoid spilling.
4. Have the residual heating oil pumped from the tank. Remove any solids or sludge. Any material which cannot be recycled must be disposed of in accordance with applicable Federal and State regulations.
5. The tank is filled with an inert solid material such as a lean concrete mix. The slurry is pumped into the tank through the filler pipe or a hole that has been cut at the top of the tank.
6. The vent and fill pipes are cut off below grade and plugged.
7. After completion of a job, a certification letter is provided on work performed and that it meets all Local State and Fire Code Regulations.