Benefits: The main advantage of removing the underground oil tank is that once the tank is excavated and gone you never have to deal with it again. Tank removal allows visual inspection of the area under the tank and more accurate soil testing. Disadvantages: Usually the most expensive option. The landscape could be impacted. Restoring sod, trees and shrubs can be costly. Sometimes the accessibility of the tank is a problem especially if it's under concrete. Click here for more information about complete tank removal.

Complete Tank Removal: 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. Remove oxygen from the tank to prevent an explosive mixture by inerting the tank with CO2.
6. Carefully dig down to the top of the tank to prevent possible damage to buried utilities (telephone, natural gas, water, etc.). Note any potentially contaminated soils and separate them from clean soils. Contaminated soils must be disposed of according to applicable State and local regulations. If the heating oil has reached adjoining properties; affected a well or groundwater; caused vapor problems in nearby building; or has caused extensive soil contamination our staff will inform you. If a tank has leaked, the Washington State Department of Ecology regional office may have reporting requirements based on the extent of contamination found. Minor leaks or spills from residential heating oil tanks do not have to be reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology. Minor leaks are those that affect only the soil near the tank.
7. The tank is capped except for a 1/8 inch opening prior to transport off-site. The tank is removed from the excavation. If the tank has holes and leaks, it is wrapped with polyethylene plastic sheets to contain the residues. Within in 24 hours of excavation, transport the inerted tank to an approved site to have it cut, cleaned and scrapped.
8. The hole is then back-filled with stable product such as sand and compressed down. The ground cover and or sod is replaced. We leave the job site in a clean and neat condition.
9. After completion of a job, a certification letter is provided on work performed and that it meets all local State and Fire Code Regulations.