Tanks are hazardous materials and should only be removed by professionals. Regarding underground storage tanks, this is remarkably accurate.
Removing USTs requires permits and is often a complex project. It also calls for extensive soil sampling to determine if the ground is contaminated and if remedial excavation is necessary.
Equipment
Tank removal is a complex undertaking that requires the help of expert professionals. Several key stages must be completed correctly for the outcome to be considered a success.
This includes recognizing safety hazards, vapor mitigation and disposal of any resulting products, to name a few. Management of contaminated soils during the process is also essential and must be handled according to state guidelines.
Finally, recycling the ground after the USTs are removed is crucial. This can involve various processes, such as collecting soil samples beneath the tank, dispensers and product delivery lines and submitting a soil sample report to the authorities. Fortunately, partnering with the experts can be done efficiently and effectively for aboveground tank removal Putnam County.
Regulatory Compliance
Whether removing or installing an existing tank, your team must be trained and licensed in all aspects. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in costly fines and potential environmental hazards.
Storage tanks are subject to state and federal regulations regarding the storage, handling and disposal of petroleum, hazardous substances/chemicals and liquefied natural gas (LNG). These laws and rules can be complicated and confusing.
In addition to regulatory compliance, USTs also must be registered and insured. AKT Peerless has extensive experience and knowledgeable staff to handle all these tasks for our clients throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, and North and South Carolina.
Safety
The EPA and other state agencies regulate the storage of fuels, chemicals, petroleum, and other hazardous materials in underground storage tanks (USTs) or aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). These regulations help ensure that leaks, spills and overflows do not occur in soil or groundwater.
When performing tank cleaning, it is essential to ensure workers have all the proper safety procedures in place. This includes wearing a hard hat, safety vests, eye protection and other personal protective equipment.
It also helps to use a tank cleaning machine with a vacuum to remove dirt or debris thoroughly. Once the tank has been cleaned, the workers should dispose of any waste material by local and state regulations.
It is recommended that a UST be degassed before being removed from the site. This can be done using dry ice to reduce oxygen levels and decrease the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). When these conditions are met, the UST is considered safe for removal.
Experience
Whether upgrading your current tank or removing an old one, the job must be completed safely. This requires experience and knowledge of the proper protocols to achieve a successful and safe removal.
When performing UST removal, many steps must be followed to ensure the project is completed safely and complies with local and state regulations. For example, a UST must be purged of flammable vapors and ignition sources removed to avoid potential fire hazards.
A correctly performed UST removal will also include soil testing to verify no contaminants are found in the ground surrounding the tank. If contamination is detected, additional excavation of the contaminated soil is required.
A professional geologist or engineer will provide a report for you and any regulatory agencies during the soil sampling. This document will identify the source of contamination and provide recommendations on what further action should be taken if further analysis is needed.
