When homeowners are faced with a decision between oil tank removal on Long Island or abandonment, several factors will influence their decision.
Included in those factors are these main three:
How old is the tank?
Is the tank leaking or corroded?
Is the tank above ground or below ground?
To further influence a choice of whether to remove or abandon an oil tank, homeowners need to consider in which county is their property located. Moreover, does the county adhere to any specific regulations, and impose any fees? Do they require specific notifications in regards to removal or abandonment?
Be mindful that the process for oil tank removal on Long Island differs in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Finally, homeowners will need to evaluate the cost of each option. Then they can then an oil tank removal on Long Island contractor.
If a homeowner needs to remove or abandon an oil tank, it’s usually because of one of two reasons:
- The tank has become too old – which all oil tanks will do eventually.
- The tank has corroded or is leaking and poses a serious environmental and safety threat.
At this point, the homeowner must take an action. This potential threat must be rectified with either removal or abandonment. First, it’s important to discuss the difference between removing an oil tank or opting to abandon it.
Removing an oil tank involves:
– draining the tank
– dismantling the tank including connecting pipes
– removing the dismantled tank from the property.
If the tank is first determined to be defective due to age, decay, leakage, or any other hazard. The unit will need to be removed from the premises and a replacement tank installed.
Oil tank removal is very common with oil tanks that are above ground. These are usually located in the home’s garage, basement, or perhaps in the backyard. Having an abandoned tank sitting in a garage or in a backyard may increase the difficulty in selling a home. Thus, in these cases, removal and replacement is the much-preferred choice.
Tank abandonment is a little different.
Abandoning an oil tank means that the tank is drained of oil, and stripped of debris or residue. Piping is disconnected and/or removed as well.
In Nassau County and in Suffolk County the tank is filled with foam or sand. The tank is buried out of sight on the property. Provided the tank was properly cleaned, this process will prevent any future leaks. Leaks could negatively impact the environment or pose dangers to the homeowner’s family or the surrounding neighbors. It’s always recommended to consult a highly qualified oil tank removal on Long Island contractor to complete this process.
Homeowners must also be aware of the county ordinances regarding oil tank removal or abandonment. To avoid violations and fees, homeowners need to research the specific ordinances involved in properly reporting, filing the proper papers, and following procedures in regards to both removal and abandonment.
Suffolk County LI
In Suffolk County, most residential oil tanks are less than 1,100 gallons and do not require any regulations. However, before a homeowner hires a contractor to remove the oil tank or abandon it, the homeowner should be absolutely sure that no additional steps are required once either removal or abandonment begins.
Nassau County LI
In Nassau County, fees may be involved if the homeowner wants to remove or abandon the tank. It may also be necessary to notify the county of a decision to remove or abandon an oil tank. Homeowners are strongly recommended to visit the county website to find out what procedures need to take place in order to adhere to County rules.
Abandonment is much more common with oil tanks that are underground. Removing an underground oil tank involves digging it up before it can be broken down and hauled away, removal becomes more expensive. Additionally, if the oil tank is located in a place on that property that is not easily accessible (like underneath a deck), then abandoning the tank becomes a much more cost-effective solution.
What should homeowners do?
Homeowners who hire reputable oil tank removal Long Island contractors should be able to consult with the contractor as to adherence to proper procedures. Reputable contractors will be aware of the proper procedures.