Tank Talk Episode 005 – Homeowner Getting Ripped Off by Another Tank Contractor

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In the episode, Teddy talks with a client about her residential gas tank that was removed by another contractor. When the tank was removed, the contractor pressured her into signing a contract for a soil remediation. She gave him a $5,700.00 deposit. After he left her home, she called our office to get a second opinion. Since the contractor didn’t take any samples when he removed the tank, we recommended to mobilize to the site to delineate the soils to determine how bad the leak was.

During our investigation, we found ZERO contamination. We sent one sample to the lab to confirm and the sample came back ND (non-detect). Since this a residential gas tank that was previously used to fill up school buses that she use to drive, we needed to get a LSRP involved.

In this call, I gave her an update on where we stood with the project.

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. What happens when the soil sample taken after the gas tank was removed comes back clean from the lab? :35 Seconds
  2. What are the next steps after getting a ND reading from the lab when we have an open case number? 1:06
  3. Can the previous contractor keep my $5,700 deposit? 2:50

Tank Talk Episode 004 – Real estate wholesaler has a deal with a previously filled oil tank on the property. Buyer wants to protect himself and seller wont do anything about it!

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Questions answered in this episode…

  1. How much do you charge for a soil investigation with a guarantee? :53 seconds
  2. Should the buyer pull the tank before closing or perform a soil investigation with a GeoProbe? 1:53
  3. How quickly can you perform a soil investigation? 1:59
  4. Can you do the cleanup and get paid at closing? 2:30
  5. How much damage is done to the property during the soil investigation? 2:40

Soil Testing? What kind of soil testing is right for you?

Soil Testing

Welcome to another informative podcast! Today, we’re delving into the world of soil testing, an essential aspect of ensuring the safety and compliance of your property, especially if you have or have had an underground oil tank. There’s often confusion surrounding soil testing, as there are different types and contexts to consider. Let’s break it down together.

At Simple Tank Services, LLC, we’re committed to providing you with comprehensive solutions for your tank removal and soil remediation needs. When it comes to soil testing, there are four primary types that you should be aware of. Each type serves a specific purpose and helps determine the appropriate course of action.

**1. Existing Tank Soil Testing:**
If you have an active or inactive underground oil tank still in place or was previously filled, and you’re concerned about leaks or discharges, soil testing around the existing tank is crucial. Our skilled team performs soil testing by probing around the exterior of the tank, usually about 7 feet below the surface. This process involves taking three borings around each side of the tank, and these samples are then sent to a certified lab for analysis. If contamination is discovered during this process, we will delineate the contamination to determine a fixed price for soil remediation.

**2. Grab Samples:**
When we remove your underground oil tank, any signs of a discharge such as holes, stained soils, or an odor warrant a grab sample. This entails collecting one sample from the bottom of the excavation. The sample is sent to the lab for a preliminary assessment of contamination levels. This assessment informs the options available for closing your case, which could include proving that contamination is below cleanup standards or undertaking a remediation process.

**3. Post Excavation Soil Samples, NJDEP Close Out:**
After a soil remediation, which involves removing contaminated soil and replacing it with certified clean fill, post excavation soil samples are taken. These samples include sidewall samples and a sample from the bottom of the excavation. Additionally, a sample may be taken from the pipeline connected to the oil tank. This step ensures that the site has been successfully remediated and meets safety standards.

**4. Sampling for NJDEP Close Out:**
We can perform a soil investigation with oversight from our subsurface evaluator to close out your open NJDEP case number. Five to six sample will be required to be extracted from the previous tank grave. All samples must be below the NJDEP cleanup criteria in order to complete a report requesting a No Further Action letter from NJDEP.

When considering soil testing, factors such as the tank’s status, any existing grab sample results, and the scope of remediation play a role in determining the most appropriate type of soil testing for your situation. At Simple Tank Services, we prioritize providing you with accurate and actionable information, guiding you through the testing process and beyond.

Got questions about soil testing or need guidance on which type of testing is right for you? Reach out to us! Our team, led by Teddy, is ready to assist you in ensuring the health and compliance of your property. Contact us at 732-965-8265 for expert insights and reliable solutions.

Stay tuned for more engaging podcasts and valuable insights from Simple Tank Services, LLC!

Tank Talk Episode 003 – We Just Found A Tank! Do I Have To Wait Before I Can List The House For Sale?

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In This Episode, Teddy Saves A Potential Client $250 By Doing A “Virtual” Oil Tank Sweep While On The Phone. She Was Inquiring About Her Sister’s Home Where A Potential Oil Tank Was Discovered During An Appraisal.

Questions Answered in this episode.

1. We just found a tank, can I still put my house on the market or should I wait until it’s out? 1:28
2. How much will this oil tank removal cost me? 2:30
3. If there is a leak, do you handle all the paperwork with the state? 6:25

Transcript Below!

Speaker 1:
Hello?

Teddy:
Yes.

Speaker 1:
Hi. I’m sorry. I work for the council of Teaneck, not that it has anything to do with what I’m about to ask you. But somebody just called in about a permit and that transferred from down. I noticed your number. A question I have for you is do you remove oil tanks?

Teddy:
Yes, 100%. That’s what we do.

Speaker 1:
Okay. Do you have like approximate prices? Obviously I know depends on the size, but what else would be factored into that?

Teddy:
It’s really the location of the tank. So is it is an underground or above ground, the tank?

Speaker 1:
Underground.

Teddy:
Where’s it located on the property? Is it front, back, sides?

Speaker 1:
The back, between a garage, which is separated from the house, and the back of the house.

Teddy:
Okay. What does the address? I’m going to try and look it up on Google, real quick.

Speaker 1:
Seventh Street.

Teddy:
And that’s in Teaneck?

Speaker 1:
Yeah.

Teddy:
Okay, perfect. I’m looking at the house right now. It looks like brick on the bottom and white on top?

Speaker 1:
Yes. Aluminum siding.

Teddy:
Yep. So you go down the driveway on the left. It’s in the driveway or it’s in the back of the house?

Speaker 1:
It’s in the back of the house. If you go up that driveway, toward the garage.

Teddy:
Yep.

Speaker 1:
It’s between the garage and the end of the house. In that area.

Teddy:
Okay. And was that tank ever filled in place? Or does it have oil in it?

Speaker 1:
It has oil in it. It is still being used right now.

Teddy:
And what’s the reason for removing it?

Speaker 1:
I’m trying to sell the house.

Teddy:
Okay. I have another option for you, that you may want to consider. It’d be a little bit more cost effective.

Speaker 1:
Okay.

Teddy:
We could come in there and we could probe around that tank, and if I could prove that the soil is clean, we can offer you an extended warranty that would cover you up to $150,000 in potential cleanup costs. What we’re finding is that, buyers are really loving this. It’s basically like an insurance product. It’s $59 a month and it’s transferable to the new owner.

Speaker 1:
Okay. To be honest with you, I did have the soil tested and the tank tested, back in November and it did come up clean.

Teddy:
Okay.

Speaker 1:
But you know, a lot of people, I understand would rather not have the tank underground.

Teddy:
Yeah.

Speaker 1:
And I’m just trying to find out how much it would be to remove it.

Teddy:
So the tank pull itself is about 1600 bucks, in the backyard, that’s what you’d be looking at roughly. But then you’ve got to figure, are you going to convert to gas? Are you going to put a new one above the ground? What are you going to do for a heating source?

Speaker 1:
I was going to leave it up to the new owners.

Teddy:
Yeah. The problem is you’re not going to be able to sell the property like that without a heating source, because they won’t be able to get a mortgage without a heating source.

Speaker 1:
I got you. Okay.

Teddy:
Do you know what I mean? So now you’re looking at, you could be spending close to four or five grand on the low end, between a new tank, pulling that tank. So it gets very costly, that’s why I was saying, we charge 600 to come out to sample it. We would have to do our own investigation. And once I prove that it’s clean, it’s basically 59 bucks a month. That’s very reasonable. And like I said, most buyers are okay with that because it’s basically covering them up to $150,000 in potential losses.

Speaker 1:
Okay.

Teddy:
But you’d have to come in and do your own survey?

Speaker 1:
I would, yeah. We have to use our own equipment. We charge 600 for that service, and then within four or five days, I could come out and do it, and then I could then offer you the program.

Teddy:
Okay. And that would be $59 a month? And then the new owners could have to be transferred and they could remove it?

Speaker 1:
Yeah, exactly. If they want to remove it, they can remove it. If there are any claims … Once they remove it, they hire us to remove it. If we remove it and find that there’s the leak, then they’re covered what that plan, up to 150 grand.

Speaker 1:
There’s a small deductible. If there’s a claim, it’s a $1,500 deductible and then they be covered up to 150 grand, so it’s a very extensive coverage. It’s the best type of warranty on the market right now. There are no loopholes where we don’t cover our clients. We’ve been doing these extended warranties for years. If you check us out online, you’ll see our reviews. We have over 212 Google reviews, with a 4.8 rating.

Speaker 1:
So, if you’re interested in that, I think that’s your most cost effective option. Or if you want us to pull it, we can pull it too. Like I said, you’re looking at 1600 and then roughly 2,500 to put a new tank in, if you wanted to put a new tank in.

Teddy:
I got you. Okay. Well, thank you. Let me think about it. I just want to make sure, your number is (732) 965-8035?

Speaker 1:
Yes. That’s our direct line. Yep.

Teddy:
Okay.

Speaker 1:
And your name is?

Teddy:
My name is Teddy.

Speaker 1:
Teddy? Okay. Thank you.

Teddy:
All right. You’re welcome. Thanks.

Tank Talk Episode 002 – My Oil Tank Leaked And I Am Not Happy With The Contractor Who Removed It! What Are My Options?

Tank Talk


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In this episode, Teddy talks with a potential real estate investor client who was referred by the City of Newark. She had her tank removed by another contractor and was not happy with how it was handled.

These are the questions answered!

1. Can you help with soil remediation?
2. Will you be able to tell if groundwater is impacted with your investigation?
3. How much of a deposit do you need for the soil investigation to determine a fixed price?
4. How fast can you schedule the investigation?
5.What happens after I sign the e-contract?

Tank Talk Episode 001 – Removal or Protection Plan. What’s the best option to sell a house with an underground oil tank?

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These are the questions answered in this podcast.

1. Do you remove oil tanks? Do you have an approximate price?
2. I had the soil tested already, do you have to test it again for Simple Guard?
3. Can I remove the tank and sell the house with no heating source, let the buyers deal with it?
4. How much do you charge to investigate the soils around my oil tank?
5. How much is Simple Guard per month?
6. Does Simple Guard transfer to new homeowner? 7. Is there a deductible for Simple Guard if there is a claim?
8. How much to install a new above ground oil tank?

Transcript Below!

Speaker 1:
Hello?

Teddy:
Yes.

Speaker 1:
Hi. I’m sorry. I work for the council of Teaneck, not that it has anything to do with what I’m about to ask you. But somebody just called in about a permit and that transferred from down. I noticed your number. A question I have for you is do you remove oil tanks?

Teddy:
Yes, 100%. That’s what we do.

Speaker 1:
Okay. Do you have like approximate prices? Obviously I know depends on the size, but what else would be factored into that?

Teddy:
It’s really the location of the tank. So is it is an underground or above ground, the tank?

Speaker 1:
Underground.

Teddy:
Where’s it located on the property? Is it front, back, sides?

Speaker 1:
The back, between a garage, which is separated from the house, and the back of the house.

Teddy:
Okay. What does the address? I’m going to try and look it up on Google, real quick.

Speaker 1:
Seventh Street.

Teddy:
And that’s in Teaneck?

Speaker 1:
Yeah.

Teddy:
Okay, perfect. I’m looking at the house right now. It looks like brick on the bottom and white on top?

Speaker 1:
Yes. Aluminum siding.

Teddy:
Yep. So you go down the driveway on the left. It’s in the driveway or it’s in the back of the house?

Speaker 1:
It’s in the back of the house. If you go up that driveway, toward the garage.

Teddy:
Yep.

Speaker 1:
It’s between the garage and the end of the house. In that area.

Teddy:
Okay. And was that tank ever filled in place? Or does it have oil in it?

Speaker 1:
It has oil in it. It is still being used right now.

Teddy:
And what’s the reason for removing it?

Speaker 1:
I’m trying to sell the house.

Teddy:
Okay. I have another option for you, that you may want to consider. It’d be a little bit more cost effective.

Speaker 1:
Okay.

Teddy:
We could come in there and we could probe around that tank, and if I could prove that the soil is clean, we can offer you an extended warranty that would cover you up to $150,000 in potential cleanup costs. What we’re finding is that, buyers are really loving this. It’s basically like an insurance product. It’s $59 a month and it’s transferable to the new owner.

Speaker 1:
Okay. To be honest with you, I did have the soil tested and the tank tested, back in November and it did come up clean.

Teddy:
Okay.

Speaker 1:
But you know, a lot of people, I understand would rather not have the tank underground.

Teddy:
Yeah.

Speaker 1:
And I’m just trying to find out how much it would be to remove it.

Teddy:
So the tank pull itself is about 1600 bucks, in the backyard, that’s what you’d be looking at roughly. But then you’ve got to figure, are you going to convert to gas? Are you going to put a new one above the ground? What are you going to do for a heating source?

Speaker 1:
I was going to leave it up to the new owners.

Teddy:
Yeah. The problem is you’re not going to be able to sell the property like that without a heating source, because they won’t be able to get a mortgage without a heating source.

Speaker 1:
I got you. Okay.

Teddy:
Do you know what I mean? So now you’re looking at, you could be spending close to four or five grand on the low end, between a new tank, pulling that tank. So it gets very costly, that’s why I was saying, we charge 600 to come out to sample it. We would have to do our own investigation. And once I prove that it’s clean, it’s basically 59 bucks a month. That’s very reasonable. And like I said, most buyers are okay with that because it’s basically covering them up to $150,000 in potential losses.

Speaker 1:
Okay.

Teddy:
But you’d have to come in and do your own survey?

Speaker 1:
I would, yeah. We have to use our own equipment. We charge 600 for that service, and then within four or five days, I could come out and do it, and then I could then offer you the program.

Teddy:
Okay. And that would be $59 a month? And then the new owners could have to be transferred and they could remove it?

Speaker 1:
Yeah, exactly. If they want to remove it, they can remove it. If there are any claims … Once they remove it, they hire us to remove it. If we remove it and find that there’s the leak, then they’re covered what that plan, up to 150 grand.

Speaker 1:
There’s a small deductible. If there’s a claim, it’s a $1,500 deductible and then they be covered up to 150 grand, so it’s a very extensive coverage. It’s the best type of warranty on the market right now. There are no loopholes where we don’t cover our clients. We’ve been doing these extended warranties for years. If you check us out online, you’ll see our reviews. We have over 212 Google reviews, with a 4.8 rating.

Speaker 1:
So, if you’re interested in that, I think that’s your most cost effective option. Or if you want us to pull it, we can pull it too. Like I said, you’re looking at 1600 and then roughly 2,500 to put a new tank in, if you wanted to put a new tank in.

Teddy:
I got you. Okay. Well, thank you. Let me think about it. I just want to make sure, your number is (732) 965-8035?

Speaker 1:
Yes. That’s our direct line. Yep.

Teddy:
Okay.

Speaker 1:
And your name is?

Teddy:
My name is Teddy.

Speaker 1:
Teddy? Okay. Thank you.

Teddy:
All right. You’re welcome. Thanks.

Tank TV Episode 22 – 64 Ton Soil Remediation Montclair, NJ

 

Welcome to Montclair, New Jersey, where we embark on a day-long journey of a soil remediation project. We encountered a thousand-gallon oil tank plagued by severe leakage. Our mission today is to remove the clean fill and separate it from the contaminated soil beneath. The contaminated soil will be excavated and disposed of at a local disposal facility.

Join us as we witness the meticulous process guided by a subsurface evaluator. With their expertise, we will dig, sample, and assess the soil, striving to reach a clean zone. Once achieved, we will backfill the area with certified clean fill. Our dedicated team will be hard at work for an estimated 8 to 10 hours, expecting to transport anywhere from one to six truckloads of contaminated soil.

Throughout the project, we conduct on-site soil tests. By smelling the soil, we detect any signs of heating oil odor. Additionally, we employ a PID meter to identify volatile organics associated with heating oil. Based on the field screening results, we determine whether to continue excavating or halt the process.

Witness the efficiency of our tri-axle dump truck, capable of carrying up to 26 tons of material. We emphasize the significance of hiring contractors with appropriate equipment. Smaller trucks can hinder progress, leading to extended project durations and increased expenses. Our fleet of tri-axle and tandem dump trucks ensures swift soil removal, keeping costs manageable.

As we conclude this job, admire the completed area adorned with meticulously laid seated hay. The property owner, preparing to sell, eagerly awaits the final paperwork, known as the remedial action report. Within one week of completing the site work, we guarantee the submission of this report. Upon receiving clean post-excavation samples, the property owner will obtain the coveted “no further action” letter from the NJDP, facilitating the property’s closure.

This project involved the extraction of approximately 64 tons of contaminated soil, which we replaced with an equivalent amount of certified clean fill. Remarkably, we accomplished all these tasks within a single day, surpassing industry standards. The client’s satisfaction is paramount, as their property can proceed towards closure by month-end.

Join us as we celebrate another successful soil remediation project and eagerly prepare for our next project. Experience the efficiency, expertise, and commitment that set us apart in the field of excavation and remediation. Subscribe now to stay updated on our upcoming ventures.

 

Tank TV Episode 21 – Oil Tank Removal Bridge Building Part I

Join us in this challenging excavation project as we confront the possibility of a leaking tank and potential soil contamination. Our main focus today is to safely remove the tank and assess the extent of the damage. We’ll take you through the process of maneuvering our machine up narrow steps and cutting a fence post to gain access to the backyard. Our priority is to excavate the tank, but the real challenge lies ahead if contamination is detected. We’ve taken soil samples and sent them to the lab for analysis to determine the contamination levels. Our goal is to meet clean standards with levels below 1000 parts per million. In the meantime, we’ve covered the contaminated areas with protective plastic while we await the lab results. Stay tuned to witness the outcome and our strategic plan to remediate the soils if needed. It’s a tough job, but we’re ready to tackle it head-on!

Tank TV Episode 20 – Tight Access Oil Tank Removal Bayonne Part II

Join us in Bayonne for another exciting episode as we complete the backfilling process after successfully removing a 550-gallon underground oil tank situated on a challenging retaining wall.

Witness our efficient method of scooping soil from the back of the truck and pushing it over the wall to backfill the excavation. This approach not only saves time but also significantly reduces costs compared to manual labor.

Stay tuned as we head to our next job with tight access and overcome another intriguing obstacle. Don’t miss a moment of our thrilling tank removal adventures! #Bayonne #OilTankRemoval #Backfilling #ChallengingJob #Excavation

Youtube Video

Tank TV Episode 19 – Tight Access Oil Tank Removal

Welcome to Tank TV, Episode 19! In this exciting episode, we tackle the challenging task of removing an oil tank situated atop a retaining wall. You won’t believe the steps we take to access it.

First things first, we need to cut the railing to create a pathway over the retaining wall. Don’t worry, we discussed this with the client beforehand to ensure they were aware of the necessary modifications. By cutting the railing, we save them thousands of dollars that would have been spent on manual excavation. Once we’re done, a skilled welder will restore the railing to its original condition.

With preparations complete, it’s time to locate the tank. Using a metal detector, we pinpoint its exact position. As we begin excavating, we discover a patch and remnants of foam, indicating previous maintenance. These findings are not uncommon, but they add to the intrigue of the job.

Working in tight quarters between two houses presents its own set of challenges. To complicate matters, there’s limited space for soil disposal. Our small excavator requires significant digging to extract the tank, which is filled with foam, making it heavier and more difficult to handle.

Prior to excavation, we take precautions to ensure utilities are safely out of the way. We confirm the location of the waterline, gas lines, and sewer lines by examining the basement and verifying their paths. This meticulous process guarantees the safety of the property and our crew.

As we approach the tank, we cut the oil lines connecting it to the furnace. This step is crucial to facilitate a smooth removal process. With the lines severed, we’re ready to extract the tank.

Cutting two holes in the top of the tank allows us to gain leverage and secure our equipment for the removal. It takes some effort, but we successfully extract the tank from the ground, ensuring no damage is caused in the process.

Job complete! The tank is out, and upon inspection, it appears there was no discharge into the soil. The homeowner got lucky this time. We’re wrapping things up for now, but we’ll return on Tuesday to backfill the excavation. Due to the access challenges posed by the retaining wall and tight space between the houses, this has been a two-day job.

Stay tuned for more exciting content as we continue our tank removal adventures. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time!