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Heating Oil Tank Soil Borings

Underground Oil Tank Testing

When a property owner needs an underground storage tank (UST) tested (tank investigated) to satisfy an agreement of sale in a real estate transaction, soil borings around the tank (UST) is the recommended course of action. This method of tank or soil investigation, tests the soil around the tank or the former tank area for the presence of heating oil. This method will not damage the tank or the landscaping. Norroc’s test methods are effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking UST, surface spill, or previously removed leaking tank system. The tank does not have to be filled with oil. Our test method is applicable to active (in use) tank systems, previously abandoned tank systems, and in conjunction with in-place tank abandonment closures.

The Investigation Process Consists of:

1. Calling for a utility mark-out. (So underground utilities are marked)
2. Determine the tank's contents or the area of the former tank. (This determines, depth of tank and tank diameter for verification of tank size, as well as amount of liquid such as water in the tank.)
3. Physically inspecting the soil around and below the tank sides for the presence of petroleum compounds. The methodology includes collecting bored soil samples from around the tank, then analyzing the samples for a state required test such as for Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH), DRO (diesel range organics) or petroleum hydrocarbons.
4. Having an independent state certified laboratory analyze the soil sample, ensures an unbiased and accurate test result..
5. The laboratory data, once completed will be reviewed by a Norroc project manager and the results will be compared to applicable state soil stanadards.
6. Norroc Environmental will supply the homeowner with the dimensions, layout, and capacity of the tank which are then presented in a report format along with certification of findings.

Reasons You Might Require a Tank or Soil Test

• Selling or Buying a home with a heating oil tank.
• Changing Homeowner Insurance due to the presence of a heating oil tank.
• Converting from an underground heating oil tank to an above ground storage tank.
• Underground heating oil storage tank was removed and a release has occurred.
• A heating oil tank was filled with sand or foam and no report documenting the tank closure activities is available.
• Sudden increase in fuel oil consumption.

What Should I do if my heating oil tank leaked?

1. Once you have determined that your underground storage tank has leaked you must notify the applicable state agency, such as the NJDEP, PADEP or DNREC.
2. Call your insurance carrier and report that a release has occurred so that you will be given a claim number and you will then find out if the tank leak is a covered loss.
3. Call an certified Environmental Contractor such as Norroc Environmental. The environmental contractor will go over the findings of the report, offer the best solution and the possible costs associated with the tank removal and/or the cleanup procedure that may be required.

Will My Insurance Company Pay for the Oil Tank Cleanup?

In order to understand the answer to this question we need to explain the difference between first party coverage and third party coverage. There are many factors that go into determining insurance coverage for a heating oil UST release. First party coverage deals with a leak and subsequent clean up that is confined to your personal property such as soil impacted with heating oil. Third party coverage deals with a leak and subsequent clean up that spreads to property you do not own such as your neighbor's property or groundwater on your property. Under New Jersey case law, the definition of third party coverage also includes the clean up of groundwater, even if it is limited to your property as groundwater is owned by the State of New Jersey not individual property owners. So when you contaminate groundwater you are damaging a third party which is the State of New Jersey.

Norroc Environmental maintains professional a relationship with many of the homeowners' insurance carriers that underwrite in the State of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. With over 20 years of experience Norroc Environmental is well versed in the complicated world of the insurance industry as it relates to tank leaks.