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Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
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In the majority of cases when an underground storage tank (UST) is removed, soil contamination is discovered. This soil contamination is an environmental concern and may lead to the more serious problem of groundwater contamination. Before removing a leaking underground storage tank, you should examine some of the "what ifs". Planning will save you both time and money. Treatment and clean-up actions relating to leaking underground storage tanks are abundant; however which one is the best? On-site and off-site treatment areas should be chosen with care. Ideal locations are at a reasonable distance (ie: >100 feet) from wetlands, streams, residential areas, or other locations where potential run-off or fugitive vapors may result in threats to the environment or cause public exposure or nuisance conditions. Proposed treatment within a 100 year flood area will require a case by case review. You must have the property owner's written approval to use their site for treatment of contaminated soils. Public access to the aerating soil must be restricted. This may require fencing the area and/or posting signs at the site to alert the public of potential health hazards. The treatment area must be prepared to meet certain conditions including lining, berming, and covering the contaminated soil (except during active treatment times). This is necessary to prevent surface water run on and run off within the treatment area. Ideally, the petroleum contaminated soil should be spread within the prepared treatment area at a depth of 6 to 12 inches and left exposed to the atmosphere. The contaminated soil should be covered with plastic sheeting during rainy periods. The plastic sheeting should be weighted or anchored so that the soil does not become exposed during storms or windy conditions. Periodic tilling or turning of the soil is generally necessary in order to facilitate complete treatment. The treatment site must be checked periodically to ensure that site security remains intact, to make progress checks on the treatment, and to generally assure that everything is going according to plan. This is especially important in order to prevent problems from developing. Another method of clean-up action is soil removal. If soil removal appears to be the best method for soil cleanup, a decision must be made concerning how the soils will be managed. Once the soils are removed, they can be independently treated (by you or your consultant) or taken to an authorized facility for treatment or disposal.
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