VLOG

Posted on by Jog Pal

The Crucial Role of Soil Remediation in Environmental Conservation

The Earth’s soil is a precious resource, playing a pivotal role in sustaining life and supporting ecosystems. However, due to various human activities, soil contamination has become a pressing issue, necessitating effective soil remediation processes. Soil contamination occurs when hazardous substances, such as chemicals, heavy metals, or petroleum products like oil, infiltrate the soil, posing severe threats to the environment and human health. This is where specialized entities like an oil tank removal company play a crucial role in mitigating the damage.

Soil, being a fundamental component of ecosystems, directly impacts food production, water quality, and the overall health of ecosystems. Contaminated soil affects agricultural lands, reducing crop yields and potentially introducing harmful elements into the food chain. Additionally, pollutants in the soil can leach into groundwater, compromising its quality and making it unsafe for consumption.

Among the various contaminants, oil and petroleum products stand out as significant contributors to soil pollution. Leaks or spills from oil tanks, pipelines, or industrial activities can introduce harmful hydrocarbons into the soil, leading to long-lasting damage. Addressing this issue requires specialized expertise, and this is where an oil tank removal company plays a vital role. These companies employ techniques like soil excavation, bioremediation, or chemical treatments to effectively remove or neutralize oil-based contaminants from the soil.

Soil remediation, especially in cases involving oil contamination, is critical for environmental conservation for several reasons. Firstly, it helps prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas. Oil and petroleum products have the potential to migrate through the soil, reaching water bodies or adjoining lands, exacerbating environmental damage. Prompt and thorough remediation prevents further contamination, preserving the integrity of surrounding ecosystems.

Moreover, soil remediation aids in restoring soil fertility and productivity. Contaminated soil often loses its ability to support plant growth and may remain barren for years. Remediation processes aim to detoxify the soil, allowing it to regain its natural properties and fostering the return of vegetation. This is not just about restoring aesthetics; it’s about reinstating the balance of ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.

Furthermore, by addressing soil contamination, remediation efforts contribute to safeguarding human health. Contaminated soil can pose serious health risks through direct contact or by contaminating food grown in affected areas. Removing or neutralizing contaminants minimizes these risks, ensuring the safety of communities living nearby.

In essence, the work of an oil tank removal company is integral to the broader spectrum of soil remediation. Their specialized knowledge and techniques are instrumental in tackling oil-related soil contamination. Through their expertise, these companies contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts by restoring the health and functionality of the soil.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that soil remediation is a complex and resource-intensive process. It requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and environmental organizations. Adequate regulations, funding, and technological advancements are essential to enhance remediation practices and address soil contamination comprehensively.

In conclusion, soil remediation, particularly in cases involving oil contamination, stands as a linchpin in environmental conservation efforts. It not only prevents further environmental degradation but also restores the vitality of ecosystems and ensures the well-being of both the environment and human populations. The expertise and dedication of entities like an oil tank removal company play a pivotal role in this essential task of preserving our planet’s precious soil resources.

Posted on by Jog Pal

Safeguarding Your Home: Detecting and Resolving Risks from Buried Oil Tanks

Buried oil tanks are a relic of older heating systems, common in many homes built before the shift to modern alternatives. While once a standard, these tanks now pose a potential threat due to corrosion, leaks, and environmental hazards. Identifying and mitigating these risks is crucial for homeowners to safeguard their properties and the surrounding environment.

Detecting the Presence of Buried Oil Tanks

The first step in managing the risks associated with buried oil tanks is to confirm their presence. Homeowners can start by checking historical records, property surveys, or speaking with previous owners to determine if an oil tank was ever installed. Signs such as disconnected vent pipes, abandoned oil lines, or patches of unusually healthy vegetation in the yard might indicate the tank’s location.

Professional Inspection: Consulting professionals trained in detecting buried tanks is advisable. These experts use specialized equipment like ground-penetrating radar or metal detectors to accurately locate and assess the tank’s condition.

Risks Associated with Buried Oil Tanks

Buried oil tanks, over time, are susceptible to corrosion, leading to leaks that contaminate soil and groundwater. Environmental contamination poses health risks and may result in costly cleanups. Moreover, leaking oil can seep into the foundation, causing structural damage to the property.

Environmental Impact: The leakage of oil from these buried tanks can be detrimental to the environment, affecting not only the property but also neighboring areas and ecosystems. It’s critical to address these risks promptly.

Resolving the Risks

Upon confirming the presence of a buried oil tank, homeowners should consider professional removal or remediation to mitigate potential dangers.

Tank Removal Services: Hiring a certified oil tank removal company is crucial. These companies possess the expertise and equipment necessary to safely excavate and dispose of the tank and any contaminated soil.

Remediation: If a leak is detected, remediation involves soil testing, cleanup, and ensuring no further contamination. This process may vary in complexity and cost depending on the extent of the damage.

Prevention and Future Precautions

For homeowners planning to replace their oil heating systems or in the process of buying a property with a buried oil tank, preventive measures are essential.

Regular Inspections: Regular inspections by professionals can help identify early signs of deterioration, preventing potential leaks and environmental hazards.

Tank Decommissioning: Properly decommissioning a buried oil tank involves cleaning it, removing any remaining oil, and filling it with an inert material to prevent collapse.

Conclusion

Buried oil tanks, once a standard practice, now pose considerable risks to homes and the environment. Identifying their presence, understanding associated risks, and taking appropriate action through professional removal or remediation are crucial steps for homeowners. Regular inspections, preventive measures, and timely interventions can help mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety of homes and the environment.

Remember, the expertise of certified oil tank removal companies is invaluable in addressing these issues. Prioritize the safety of your property and surroundings by addressing buried oil tank risks promptly and efficiently.

Posted on by Jog Pal

5 Signs it’s Time to Remove Your Oil Tank

Oil tanks are a common fixture in many homes, providing a reliable source of fuel for heating systems. However, they also come with risks, especially as they age. Over time, oil tanks deteriorate, leading to potential environmental hazards and safety concerns. Recognizing when it’s time to remove your oil tank is crucial for preventing disasters and ensuring the safety of your property. Here are five signs that indicate it might be time to consider oil tank removal.

Corrosion and Rust

One of the most evident signs that your oil tank needs removal is visible corrosion or rust. Metal tanks, especially those exposed to fluctuating temperatures and moisture, are susceptible to corrosion over time. Rust weakens the tank structure, leading to leaks and spills. Inspect your tank regularly for any signs of rust, particularly around the seams, joints, or the bottom. If you notice significant rust or corrosion, it’s imperative to contact an oil tank removal company immediately.

Leaks and Oil Stains

Leakage around the tank or oil stains on the ground nearby are clear indications of a problem. Leaks might not only stem from corrosion; they can also result from physical damage or cracks due to aging. Any sign of oil seepage demands immediate action. Not only does leakage pose environmental hazards, but it can also lead to costly soil remediation if left unattended. A professional oil tank removal company can assess the extent of the damage and safely remove the tank.

Obsolete or Abandoned Tanks

Older properties might have obsolete or abandoned oil tanks that are no longer in use. These tanks, if not properly decommissioned or removed, pose a significant risk. Even if the tank seems inactive, it could still have residual oil and be prone to leaks or structural failure. Considering removal for obsolete or abandoned tanks is a proactive step to prevent any potential environmental or safety issues in the future.

Changes in Heating Systems

If you’ve upgraded your heating system to an alternative fuel source or switched to a different type of oil tank, it might be time to remove the old one. Keeping an unused tank on your property not only takes up space but also poses unnecessary risks. Professional oil tank removal services can safely extract and dispose of the tank, ensuring your property remains safe and compliant with regulations.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulations regarding oil tank maintenance and removal vary by region. However, many areas have stringent guidelines regarding the proper handling and removal of oil tanks. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines or legal implications. Checking local regulations and ensuring your oil tank meets compliance standards is essential. If removal is necessary to adhere to regulations, consulting with an experienced oil tank removal company is crucial.

When dealing with oil tank removal, it’s imperative to enlist the services of a reputable and certified company. Professional removal ensures safety, proper disposal of oil residues, and adherence to environmental regulations.

In conclusion, being vigilant about the condition of your oil tank is vital for preventing environmental hazards, property damage, and legal complications. Recognizing these signs and promptly engaging a qualified oil tank removal company can mitigate risks and ensure a safe environment for your property and community.

If you suspect any of these signs with your oil tank, don’t delay—reach out to a trusted oil tank removal company to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Posted on by Jog Pal

Unveiling the Essentials of Properties with Underground Storage Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are integral components of many properties, serving as containers for a variety of substances, notably oil-based products. While these tanks are essential for storage purposes, they can present unique challenges and considerations, particularly when it comes to removal. Understanding the dynamics of properties housing underground storage tanks, and the necessity of professional services like an oil tank removal company, is crucial.

The Significance of Underground Storage Tanks

USTs are commonly used to store petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil. They are prevalent in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, catering to diverse needs like fueling vehicles, powering machinery, and heating homes. Their concealed nature offers space efficiency and minimizes environmental exposure, but it also necessitates careful monitoring and maintenance.

Risks and Challenges

Over time, underground storage tanks are prone to corrosion, leaks, or deterioration due to factors like age, material degradation, or improper maintenance. Leaks from these tanks can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing severe environmental and health hazards. Detection of leaks is often challenging due to their concealed nature, making early identification critical to prevent extensive damage.

Regulations and Compliance

Given the potential environmental and health risks associated with USTs, regulatory bodies have established stringent guidelines for their installation, operation, and removal. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory and involves periodic inspections, leak detection systems, and proper closure procedures when tanks are no longer in use. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.

The Role of Professional Oil Tank Removal Companies

When it comes to decommissioning or removing underground storage tanks, seeking professional assistance from specialized oil tank removal companies is imperative. These companies possess the expertise, equipment, and certifications required to handle USTs safely and efficiently. Their services encompass various crucial stages:

Assessment and Testing: Thorough evaluation to determine the condition of the tank, potential leaks, and soil contamination.

Safe Removal: Utilizing industry-standard techniques and equipment to extract the tank without causing further damage or environmental harm.

Environmental Remediation: Addressing any soil or groundwater contamination caused by leaks from the tank, ensuring proper cleanup and restoration.

Compliance and Documentation: Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and providing necessary documentation for closure and compliance purposes.

Cost Considerations and Long-Term Benefits

The cost of UST removal varies based on factors like tank size, location, and extent of contamination. While the initial expense might seem significant, it pales in comparison to the potential costs of environmental damage or legal liabilities resulting from neglected tanks. Moreover, removing outdated or unused USTs increases property value, eliminates potential hazards, and prevents future liabilities.

Conclusion

Properties housing underground storage tanks demand careful attention, compliance with regulations, and proactive maintenance. Entrusting the handling and removal of these tanks to professional oil tank removal companies ensures adherence to safety protocols, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Prioritizing the proper management of underground storage tanks not only mitigates risks but also contributes to safeguarding the environment and the well-being of communities.

Posted on by Jog Pal

The Role of Soil Analysis after Oil Tank Removal: 5 Reasons Why It Matters

When an oil tank is removed from a property, the task doesn’t end there. Ensuring that the soil beneath remains healthy and uncontaminated is equally vital. Soil analysis, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in determining the environmental impact of oil tank removal. A soil testing service is not just an additional step; it’s a necessary safeguard for multiple reasons.

Environmental Preservation: Soil analysis after oil tank removal is a fundamental step toward environmental preservation. Oil spills or leaks from tanks can seep into the ground, leaving behind hazardous chemicals. Without proper testing, these contaminants can linger for years, posing risks to both the environment and human health. A soil testing service helps identify any lingering pollutants, enabling timely remediation measures.

Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory standards is imperative when dealing with oil tank removal. Soil analysis is often a mandatory requirement by local or state authorities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Failure to conduct proper soil testing can lead to legal liabilities, fines, and even delayed property transactions. A comprehensive analysis ensures adherence to these legal standards, mitigating potential issues in the future.

Property Value Preservation: The condition of the soil significantly impacts the value of a property. Any residue of oil or contaminants left unchecked can affect the land’s fertility and overall usability. Soil analysis post-oil tank removal helps in preserving and, in some cases, restoring the quality of the soil. This not only safeguards the value of the property but also ensures its suitability for various uses like gardening, landscaping, or construction.

Health and Safety: Contaminated soil can pose serious health risks to individuals exposed to it. Chemicals from oil spills can infiltrate groundwater, affecting its quality and potentially endangering nearby communities. Soil analysis is crucial in identifying such risks, allowing for appropriate remediation to safeguard public health and safety. It provides peace of mind, assuring that the land is safe for current and future inhabitants.

Preventive Measures for Future Concerns: Soil analysis acts as a preventive measure against future concerns. Identifying any residual contamination early on allows for prompt action, preventing further spread or deeper infiltration of pollutants. Addressing these issues proactively can save significant costs and efforts that might arise if contamination spreads unchecked over time.

Engaging a professional soil testing service post-oil tank removal is an investment that pays dividends in various aspects. It not only safeguards the environment and health but also ensures compliance with regulations while preserving property value. Ultimately, it grants the assurance that the land is clean, safe, and ready for its intended use.

In conclusion, soil analysis after oil tank removal is not merely an optional step but a necessity for various reasons, ranging from environmental protection to safeguarding human health and property value. Prioritizing soil testing post-removal is a responsible and proactive approach toward ensuring a clean and secure environment for all.

Posted on by Jog Pal

Essential Tips for Purchasing a Home with an Underground Oil Tank in New Jersey

Buying a house is an exciting journey filled with decisions and considerations. In New Jersey, one particular concern that frequently arises during the home buying process is the presence of an underground oil tank. While these tanks were once commonly used for heating purposes, their presence can present challenges during a property transaction. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, purchasing a home with an underground oil tank in New Jersey can be navigated smoothly. Here are some essential tips to consider:

Tank Inspection: Before finalizing the purchase, insist on a thorough inspection of the underground oil tank. Engage a reputable oil tank removal company in New Jersey to conduct a comprehensive assessment. They will evaluate the tank’s condition, potential leakage, and any environmental risks associated with it. This inspection is critical to understanding the tank’s status and potential remediation costs.

Review Environmental Records: In New Jersey, environmental regulations regarding underground oil tanks are stringent. Research the property’s environmental history and request any available records related to the tank. Check for past leaks or clean-ups, as these could impact the property’s value and future liabilities.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that the tank complies with New Jersey state laws and regulations. Some older tanks might not meet current standards, and bringing them up to code can be expensive. Consulting with a real estate attorney who specializes in underground oil tank issues is advisable to understand legal ramifications.

Insurance Coverage: Verify if the homeowner’s insurance covers any potential issues related to underground oil tanks. Some insurers might have specific clauses or limitations regarding these tanks. Discuss this with your insurance provider to comprehend the extent of coverage or any potential additional costs.

Remediation Costs: If the tank requires removal or remediation, obtain estimates from multiple oil tank removal companies in New Jersey. Seek quotes that include not only the removal process but also any soil testing and cleanup expenses. These estimates will help in negotiating the property price or understanding the financial commitments post-purchase.

Negotiation and Contingencies: Use the inspection results and cost estimates as negotiation points. You can negotiate with the seller to either remove the tank before the sale or adjust the price to accommodate potential remediation expenses. Including contingencies in the purchase contract regarding the tank’s condition is also prudent.

Future Prevention: If you decide to proceed with the purchase, consider investing in homeowner’s insurance that specifically covers underground oil tank issues. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections of the heating system can prevent potential problems down the line.

Consult Professionals: Throughout the process, seek guidance from professionals experienced in dealing with underground oil tanks. Real estate agents, environmental consultants, oil tank removal companies, and legal experts can provide invaluable insights and guidance.

Buying a house with an underground oil tank in New Jersey requires diligence and careful consideration. While the presence of a tank shouldn’t necessarily deter you from purchasing a property, it’s crucial to approach the situation with awareness and thorough evaluation. By following these tips and working closely with knowledgeable professionals, you can make an informed decision and navigate the process confidently.

Posted on by Jog Pal

Unveiling the Risks and Solutions of Underground Oil Tank Leaks

Underground oil tanks have long been fixtures on many properties, providing a convenient storage solution for heating oil. However, as time passes, these tanks can deteriorate, leading to leaks that pose significant environmental and financial risks. Understanding the implications of these leaks and the essential role of specialized oil tank removal companies and services becomes paramount for property owners.

The Perils of Oil Tank Leaks

The primary concern with an underground oil tank leak is environmental contamination. Oil leaks can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing widespread pollution. This contamination not only threatens the immediate vicinity but can also spread over time, impacting neighboring properties and water sources.

Moreover, the financial repercussions can be substantial. Property owners are legally responsible for the cleanup costs associated with leaked oil, which can escalate quickly, leading to exorbitant expenses if not addressed promptly. Home insurance policies often don’t cover these costs, leaving the burden squarely on the property owner.

Detecting Leaks: Signs and Challenges

Detecting an underground oil tank leak is challenging since these tanks are buried. However, several signs might indicate a leak, such as a sudden increase in fuel consumption without explanation, unexplained oil stains in the vicinity of the tank, or a strong odor of oil around the property.

Yet, these signs are not always definitive, emphasizing the need for professional assessment. Specialized oil tank services employ advanced techniques like soil testing, ground-penetrating radar, and tank integrity assessments to accurately detect leaks and evaluate the extent of contamination.

Role of Oil Tank Removal Companies and Services

When a leak is suspected or confirmed, prompt action is imperative. This is where oil tank removal companies play a pivotal role. These specialized firms have the expertise, equipment, and certifications necessary to handle the complexities of underground tank removal and remediation.

A reputable oil tank removal company ensures compliance with environmental regulations, safely excavates the tank, and conducts thorough cleanup and remediation processes. They work in adherence to stringent guidelines, preventing further environmental damage and mitigating the financial liabilities for the property owner.

Mitigation and Preventive Measures

Preventing leaks in the first place is ideal. Regular maintenance and inspection of underground oil tanks are crucial. Timely detection of rust, corrosion, or other signs of deterioration can prevent leaks from occurring or escalating.

For older properties, proactive measures like oil tank abandonment or removal, even if the tank is not currently leaking, can prevent future issues and provide peace of mind.

Conclusion

Understanding the risks associated with underground oil tank leaks is essential for property owners. Identifying signs of leaks, relying on specialized oil tank services for accurate assessments, and promptly engaging reputable tank removal companies in case of leaks are vital steps to safeguard the environment and mitigate financial liabilities.

Ultimately, prioritizing preventive measures and seeking professional expertise when dealing with underground oil tanks can save property owners from significant headaches and potential environmental disasters.

Remember, when it comes to underground oil tank leaks, awareness and swift action are key to protecting both your property and the environment.

Posted on by Jog Pal

How we approach a Fixed Cost Soil Remediation

In the realm of home improvement and environmental responsibility, the removal of a Soil Remediation can be a complex process. However, here at Simple Tank we adopt a strategic and professional approach, not only can you ensure the safe extraction of contaminated soils, but also to save our customers money in the process.

The first step to providing a Fixed Price Soil Remediation is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the property and the oil tank itself with soil sampling. With this we can identify potential challenges, such as accessibility issues, and soil contamination concerns. This step is crucial for developing a precise plan to provide our customers with fixed costs.

By approaching the oil tank removal with a combination of professionalism, cost-effective strategies, and environmental responsibility, our customers can rest assured with a fixed cost while ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Posted on by admin

Tank Talk Episode 015 – Open Ended Soil Remediation Questions

Tank Talk


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In this episode, Teddy talks with a client about the open ended soil remediation process.

Questions Asked…..

  1. Any extras that will make the invoice higher then the quote? 35 sec
  2. What happens if job takes longer then one day? 2:15
  3. What would be the additional fees if you have to come another day to finish? 4:30
  4. Is there a way to cap the costs of remediation? 6:00
  5. If we stop the remediation, can we finish it one year later? 7:40
  6. Is the $400 NJDEP review fee in addition to the quoted price? 9:00
  7. If we do not finish the job, are we still responsible for the remedial action report? 9:30
Transcript….

Intro:

Welcome to Tank Talk With Teddy, a podcast talking all things related to residential oil tanks. You have questions, Teddy has answers.

Customer:

Hey, Teddy. How are you?

Teddy:

I’m good. I’m good. I got your email. So yeah, I wanted to just kind of go through that with you. Do you have a second?

Customer:

All right. I’m sorry. Yes, go ahead.

Teddy:

Okay, let me just pull that email up, and see the questions that you had. Let me see, where is that email?

Customer:

Yeah, so I can just walk you through it. So the first question that I have, yesterday we talked about what would happen if it goes over 20 tons and you mentioned that the variable costs will be the exportation of the contaminated soil, and the clean fill material. But I just wondered if there was anything else that will increase the cost of the quote by unit, any other variables that will make it higher, than-

Teddy:

Yeah. So there were three line items that we have to be concerned about if we go over 30 tons of soil. So the first one would be the waste classification sample. So that’s going to increase an additional $600. That’s what the facility charges to bring in additional soil, over 30 tons. It’s a one-time charge. So, I mean, you could go up to 500 tons and there’s no additional fees, but if it’s over 30, they will charge us that additional fee. So that’s one variable. And then the two other variables is the soil disposal at $75 a ton, and then the clean fill at $25 per ton.

Teddy:

So whatever that tonnage is, if it’s 40 tons, we’re going to bill you for that exact tonnage for removal and replacement.

Customer:

Got it. Okay. So I should say, it would be like an additional 600, so it would be like a total of 1095?

Teddy:

Exactly. Exactly. Yep.

Customer:

Okay.

Customer:

And so, and I noticed for example, like all of the costs of the excavator and the trucks and everything, I assume that’s for the day, right?

Customer:

So what happens [crosstalk 00:02:11] if you have to go to, if this takes more than one day? Would that be like an additional cost of all that? Or that’s all for the job?

Teddy:

No. Yeah. The open-ended contract is time and material. I could tell you that about 90% of our jobs, we finish in one day, it’s very rare that we have to return for a second day, or a third day. I mean, it does happen, but it is very unusual and we are capable of removing … and this is a question that is a good question, because there’s some companies that what they do is they mobilize with really small equipment. So they can only take out, let’s say, 30 or 40 tons of soil in a day. And then they want to charge you for a second and third day. We don’t operate like that. We’ve mobilized to your house. We have the capabilities of moving, depending on the access, anywhere between a hundred to 150 tons in one day, if we have to.

Teddy:

Obviously, we’re not taking that out if we don’t have to, but we have the capabilities of doing that amount of soil in one day, which is really a lot of soil.

Customer:

Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

Teddy:

Yeah. We’re not looking to milk a job and have it run into a second or third day, that’s the last thing we’re trying to do. And our guys work from basically 7:00 AM till seven, eight o’clock at night, to sun down. And a lot of companies, again, same thing, two o’clock comes around … “No, we’re eight hours, we’re leaving. We’re going to come back tomorrow.” We don’t play that game. We work until basically the facilities shutdown, which is about 4:30, five o’clock and then we could be on site for another two hours finishing up.

Customer:

Okay. Got it. So basically what you’re saying is that the 8500 quote is really for one day of work, for 20 tons. And then it will increase depending on the tons of soil that you take out, and the [inaudible 00:04:01], but then if it takes up to 150 tons to take out in that one day, all of our costs remain the same.

Teddy:

Exactly. [crosstalk 00:04:11]. The only variable that will be is the soil itself. That would be the only variable cost in that. Yeah, exactly. So, yeah. And then if it does so happen that we wind up pulling a hundred and something tons, and we have to come back to backfill or something, then there’ll be some additional fees for the equipment and the labor.

Customer:

And what would be those fees?

Teddy:

You’re looking at, again, it depends. If we’re just back filling the hole, let’s say we got all the contamination out the first day, and it winds up being a hundred and something tons, and we have to come back to backfill, well, we’re not charging you for subsurface evaluator, because he’s the guy who does all the samples. So that would have been done the first day. You would have a field foreman, an environmental technician, you would have the service truck, you’d have the excavator, those line items.

Customer:

Okay. Got it. So basically everything, the excavators, [inaudible 00:05:06], the field vehicle. Okay. All right.

Teddy:

And again, it’s very rare. I mean, and we’ll know by 11 o’clock the day we come out to do it, but typically by 11, 11:30, we know how extensive it’s going to be. Majority of the time, we get all the contamination out by noon, and then the afternoon we’re filling in the excavation. We’re done.

Customer:

Yeah. No, no, I get it. I’m just trying to prepare for what a worst case scenario, hopefully that doesn’t actually happen, you know?

Teddy:

Absolutely. I get it.

Customer:

So the other thing is that, in the very rare case, hopefully this doesn’t happen, that this is looking to be over a hundred tons of soil, depending on how you guys are looking at that, because we have a budget for this, right?

Customer:

So like, the 8500 is really just about the top of what we can actually afford to spend on this. So like, if it goes for another $2000, or something like that, I mean, that’s doable. But if he goes way above that, it will be hard for us to be able to cover that. Is there any way that we can assess the tonnage that you guys are taking in, be able to like stop at some point, if it goes beyond something that we’re able to actually cover? Or pay for?

Teddy:

Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. So here’s the thing, so if you say to me, “Okay, Teddy, I got, $10,000 is the absolute max,” and let’s say that’s 40 tons of soil, whatever that calculation comes out to, which is roughly about two truckloads of soil.

Teddy:

So if I know that, once we get to that point on the job, let’s say I’m out there and we get the one truck out and we say, “Oh, you know what? It still looks kind of dirty.” But we make a decision together on site. Do you want to take another truckload out? And you agree because you see the soil, you smell it, the geologist on site says that we should. So we take out that second truck. But now you’re telling me, “Okay, I’m maxed out. I don’t have any more funds.” So we can sample the excavation at that point and backfill the hole, finish all the site work.

Teddy:

Now, even though those samples are going to have an odor to it, because obviously, I mean, unless they’re clean, and obviously we know it’s finished. But if it’s not, we could still stop the job and say, “All right, let’s take the samples anyways, and then just backfill the hole.” Let’s see what those lab results are, because even if it’s contaminated, as long as it’s under the level of acceptable limits, we can close it out. And we could absolutely stop the drop at that point.

Teddy:

Now, I can’t guarantee that those samples are going to be clean and you’re going to pass.

Customer:

Yeah.

Teddy:

But we can stop the job at that point. Absolutely.

Customer:

Yeah, exactly. So what I was wondering, because I want to get this done, but obviously I don’t want this to be like a $20,000 job, because I don’t think we can afford that. But what I would say is that I would want to be able to say, okay, if we at some point realized that it’s going to go above where I want to pay, stop it at that point, and maybe we can finish it up in a year or two years from now. Is that something that is possible?

Teddy:

A hundred percent. 100%. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, hopefully, again, I mean, I’ve had this happen in the past where customer tells me, “I have a limit,” and we stop and we take our samples, even though they’re dirty and they come back and they’re a pass, and they’re under the limit. And then the client’s finished, a hundred percent. So that’s capable. Now, let’s say worst case they don’t pass. Yeah, you’re not under any kind of timeframe where you have to then finish it in a certain timeframe.

Teddy:

You could tell me, “Hey, Teddy, I got to save up some money when I have another couple thousand dollars to complete it, I’ll let you know. And the thing is, at that point, let’s say those five or six samples comes back and only one of them is over the limits. Well, I’ll be able to come back to you and tell you, “Hey, we only have one area that we have to dig out, it’s this one sidewall. So here’s the estimate to do that, to come back.” And at least you’ll have an idea of what that additional cost is going to be, and then you can determine on when you’re going to have us come out.

Customer:

Yeah. That makes sense. That makes sense. Okay, great. I think … oh yeah, and the other question that I had is the 400 check to the treasurer, so that’s on top of the $500 prep fee, right?

Teddy:

Yes. That’s a separate check that at the end of the project, you’re going to cut a check directly to the Treasurer, state of New Jersey. You’re not going to send it to them, you’re going to give it to us. We’re going to attach it to your report, and we’re going to send that to the state once the project is a hundred percent complete. So until that report is finished and we’re a hundred percent ready to submit it, to ask them for an NFA, that check is not due. So don’t send them any money. Don’t do anything until the final report is done, and then we’ll tell you what the process is from there.

Customer:

Okay. So that’s actually, that’s another question. If for whatever reason, we don’t happen to finish the job this time around because it goes above with what we’re able to pay. So all have these fees around the action reports and everything, doesn’t take place, right? Because that only happens when it’s done?

Teddy:

Exactly. Yep. Yeah. So you can hold back that money. So, initially how it works is the 50% deposit, so we take that 50% deposit, we schedule you, we come out, we do the work. If there’s a situation where one of those samples is not clean, and you tell me, “Hey, I can’t finish this,” then yeah, you can pay the balance minus the report and reporting fees. Yeah, absolutely. 100%.

Customer:

Okay. That makes sense.

Teddy:

All right?

Customer:

All right, Teddy. Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate you taking the time to walk me through this. I’m going to- [crosstalk 00:10:36].

Teddy:

Yeah, man. Any other questions, you let me know. I mean, we’re scheduling about a week and a half out right now. So as soon as you give us the green light, I’ll get you scheduled in right away.

Customer:

Okay. Sounds good. Thank you so much.

Teddy:

Thank you, sir.

Customer:

Have a good day.

Teddy:

You too.

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Tank Talk Episode 014 – Realtor Representing Buyer Who Wants To Buy A House With A Leaking Underground Oil Tank!

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In this episode, Teddy talks with a client who is representing a buyer who wants to buy a house with a leaking underground oil tank. The buyer is looking for a fixed price for the project.

Questions Asked…..

  1. Do you guys offer a flat rate or fixed price for remediation? 1:25
  2. How can I get a fixed price? 2:15
  3. How long is the price good for? 3:15
  4. Does the initial cost of $600 get credited back to my account? 3:30
  5. What are the payment terms? 3:50
Speaker 1:

Hey, sorry about that, Teddy.

Teddy:

Yeah, no worries. What’s going on, man? How can I help you out?

Speaker 1:

Well, I was referred to you by Saeed Hammond Group.

Teddy:

Oh, yes. Yeah. I do a lot of work with Saeed.

Speaker 1:

Yep. So we have a house. I have the buyer, and they have the short sale listing. And they did disclose that there was an oil tank, but they said it was empty. We went to the property, and we think that the property is basically contaminated.

Teddy:

What’s making you think that? Do you have any kind of lab results that were done or?

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Yes, we do. We do. My guy Raul, who does my oil tank sweeps and he also do the testing, it was 1,100 gallon tank. And the problem was that it was filled with water. That’s what the tank was filled with. But the soil testing came back contaminated.

Speaker 1:

So what we were trying to do was see who’s going to pay for the removal and for the remediation. And they had proposed that you guys do a flat rate?

Teddy:

Yep. Yeah. We can help you with that. So essentially, you’re trying to get the bank to pay for it, and you want to get a proposal for a fixed price? Is that kind of what you’re looking for?

Speaker 1:

That’s kind of what we looking for. Now, the thing about it is, the short-sale bank, they’re not going to pay for it. That’s what I’m being told.

Teddy:

Yeah. Usually, [crosstalk 00:01:50] as is. That’s exactly why we have this program, to be honest with you. It’s for investors. I mean, we’re very investor friendly. We came out with these programs for people that are in your exact position, because as you probably know in the industry, it’s very common to get what’s called an open-ended contract, and they could quote you at eight grand and then you buy the property and it costs you 30 or 40. So that doesn’t happen with us.

Teddy:

The way that it works is we charge a fee, it’s $600 to come out. We do a soil investigation that consists of us determining how deep that contamination is, how far out it traveled. We determine if groundwater is impacted. We determine if it’s under any structures, if it’s offsite, all those data points we need to gather. And then we could come back to you with a fixed price contract. That price does not fluctuate. It’s an all-inclusive contract, guaranteed, no further action letter, unlimited amount of soil that gets disposed. It’s all included in that price. So there’s no gimmicks, there’s no catches. I know there’s another company right now that’s giving a flat rate, but it only includes 20 tons. Anything over that you’re responsible. So it’s not a true fixed price. So our contract is a true fixed price. It will not fluctuate. So if the deal makes sense, and I come back to you with a quote. Hypothetically, it’s $12,000. That makes sense for your deal, you close on it. We come and do the work afterwards, and that price is not going to change.

Speaker 1:

Oh, okay. Okay. All right. And that price won’t change.

Teddy:

No, yeah, it doesn’t change. It’s a fixed number. Once I give it to you, that’s good for six months. I mean, as long as you close and get it done within six months, that number is not going to change.

Speaker 1:

Okay. All right. All right. So I just wanted to get a little bit of information from you. So to come out, it’s $600.

Teddy:

Correct. And that 600, we will apply as a credit towards your file if you decide to move forward. So 600, well, if it’s a $10,000 quote, you would only owe us 9,400 bucks. So it will get applied as a credit.

Speaker 1:

Okay. And do you need all monies upfront or what is the?

Teddy:

Well, tell me what you’re doing. So is this a flip for you? Are you going to renovate it and flip it?

Speaker 1:

No, this is an actual buyer, a client who’s looking to be an owner occupant.

Teddy:

Okay. So yeah, in that situation, yeah, the way that it works is we would get a 50% deposit before the job starts. And then after the site work is complete, we ask for the balance. Typically if you were representing a seller and you had a buyer involved and there was a closing coming up, we could arrange to get paid at closing. But in this situation, I mean, unless there’s some way you could get money put in escrow from the closing, from the seller, I mean, I don’t know how you would do it, but yeah, typically we get paid 50% up front and then the balance after the site work.

Speaker 1:

Okay. All right. Now, I got to figure this out because I’m trying to bring both sides together. Well, at least tell my buyer, hey, they are willing to go lower on the price. So you get in on the back end.

Teddy:

Well, exactly. And what we can do is [crosstalk 00:05:06] the bank. So I’ll work for you, man. We’re real investor friendly. We’re trying to make it work for everybody. And we do accept all major credit cards as payment and obviously checks and cash as well.

Speaker 1:

Okay. All right. Thank you. I appreciate you. I have some information to take back to her.

Teddy:

All right. If you have any questions or if they want to call and have any questions about the process, feel free to have them give me a call.

Speaker 1:

Will do. Thank you.

Teddy:

All right. Thanks. Bye.
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Tank Talk Episode 013 – My Oil Tank Leaked! Now What? Part 2

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In this episode, Teddy talks with a client in regards to their soil sample that was extracted the day of the tank removal. The lab results came back over the NJDEP clean up standards.

Questions Asked…..

  1. What do my soil sample results mean? (25 Seconds)
  2. What type of pricing options do you offer? (1 min)
  3. Can you just sample the excavation instead of remediating? (2 min)
  4. Is the subsurface evaluator included in the price? (2:52)
  5. If we go with open ended contract, you will just come out and start digging? (3 min)
  6. How often does groundwater get contaminated? (3:30)
  7. How much does it cost to investigate the soils for a fixed price? (5:30)
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Tank Talk Episode 012 – How Can I Protect My Downside When Buying A Home With An Oil Tank?

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In this episode, Teddy talks with a future client about buying a home with a previously filled underground oil tank. The seller is pushing back saying that they have all the proper documents. Teddy explains why it is so important to not trust those docs!

Questions answered in this episode…

Questions Asked…..

  1. The seller refuses to remove the tank, is there anything I can do to minimize my risk? 1:00
  2. Does the cleanup mean we need a No Further Action letter 2:30
  3. How can you see if the soil is contaminated 4:30
  4. Is the tank filled properly, what is the chance you will find a oil leak? 5:30
  5. If the tree is on top of the tree, will your company take it down? 6:30
  6. How big will the holes be when you test the soil? 7:30
  7. How much does average oil tank removal cost? 8:30

Transcription…

Narrator:

Welcome to Tank Talk with Teddy, a podcast talking all things related to residential oil tanks. You have questions? Teddy has answers.

Teddy:

Hello?

Andrew:

Hi. My name is Andrew. I got a question related to oil tin removal.

Teddy:

Sure, I can help you with that.

Andrew:

I hope you can help me that. So, the situation is that I’m going to buy a house with an underground oil tin. It’s a 550 gallon tin, which is under the front yard of the house. It was properly abandoned in 1996. My situation is down the seller of the house, where it fails to do anything. So, I have to take the risk to buy the house with the tin. But before I do that, I want to find out, is it any key cautions, any soil testing that I can do in the inspection period? So, I can at least have a better idea whether there’s an oil leak or whether there’s soil contamination around the tin. Is this something that’s possible or there’s no way to tell?

Teddy:

Absolutely. Yeah, I could definitely help you with this. So, I’ll explain typically how the industry works. For soil testing around a tank like this, basically they will send somebody out to do it by hand, and they bore down alongside the tank. But a lot of times they don’t get to the proper depth and they don’t ever back up the results with some kind of warranty or guarantee. So, for you as a buyer, if you were to pay somebody five or $600 and they gave you results with no guarantee, you are going to be liable for a potential cleanup in the future. So, that’s not going to work, right?

Teddy:

So we have a program where we can come in. We have a special machine called a geoprobe that probes around the side of the tank. I just pull a lever, so I know my guy is going to get to the proper depth. If we can prove that the soil around the tank is clean, we’re going to offer you an optional guarantee for that. It covers you for up to six months. So as long as you hire our company to pull that tank within six months, and if we find any contamination, it could be $50,000 worth of cleanup, you’re covered. We would cover it and clean it up for no additional cost to you, if you take the optional guarantee.

Andrew:

Okay, so the cleanup doesn’t mean that it’s over township and get the no follow up actions certificate?

Teddy:

Yes, that’s what I mean. So let’s say hypothetically, we test the tank next week. I tell you that the soil is clean. You say, great, I’m going to buy the house. Two months from now, you close on the house, you hire us to pull it. I come out and pull that tank out of the ground, and I find that it’s riddled with holes and there’s contamination directly under that tank that we missed. We would then have to get a case number from the DEP, we’d have to then clean up the soil and write a report to get you that no further action letter. That is going to be all included in your guaranteed price.

Andrew:

Okay. I see. So, that means it’s kind of an insurance. So maybe you charge a little bit more than the other company, but you guarantee that you take care of the pull up? [crosstalk 00:03:22]

Teddy:

Exactly. The first step is we charge $600 for the investigation. So, you’re going to have two outcomes. If you can picture that, you’ll have two outcomes on that initial test next week. One outcome, we’re going to find clean soil. I’ll come back to you. I’m going to send those samples to the lab, get lab results and give you those results and tell you that you’re all clear, you’re good to go. Okay, that’s one outcome.

Teddy:

The second outcome is that we find contamination. And when we’re out there that day, if we find contamination, we’re going to do what’s called a delineation. What that means, in layman’s terms, is we’re going to figure out how deep the contamination is, how far it traveled in each direction, and we’re going to give you a fixed price that you can then go to the seller to negotiate. We even have a program where… I’m going to throw numbers at you. Let’s just say it’s a $15,000 remediation. We could come in now, do the remediation at no cost to you or the seller, and the seller could pay us at closing, once we give him the clean bill of health.

Andrew:

Okay. I think that makes sense to me. I think that’s just more save approach. But do you mind just to expand a little bit, like soil contamination? I don’t think it’s like a zero and one thing. So, how do you consider the soil is contaminated? Is it really a black and white case or [inaudible 00:04:42] area?

Teddy:

It’s very black and white. It’s very obvious. So you, as a homeowner, a potential homeowner that has never seen an oil tank come out of the ground, you don’t need me or a township inspector to tell you it’s leaking. It’s very obvious. You can see the soil. It’s discolored. It’s got an odor to it. The tank is riddled of holes. It’s a very obvious thing. So, it’s a visual inspection, initially, that’s done, and then a sample is typically taken from the bottom of the excavation to determine what level the contamination’s at, okay? Because you are allowed to keep contamination in the ground, up to a certain level. And we would have to go through that process once the tank is out. But yeah, if you have the guarantee, you are completely covered, you have no additional worries, you have nothing else to worry about once you close on that property. You have no extra liability. You have nothing that’s going to pop out at you down the road that’s going to cost you a fortune.

Andrew:

Okay, got it. Do you mind if I ask two more questions?

Teddy:

Absolutely.

Andrew:

The first one is, based on your experience, if the tin is sealed properly, in 1996, what’s the chance to have an oil leak come from that tin?

Teddy:

Very high. And let me, [crosstalk 00:05:56]. Yeah, let me explain why it’s very high. Because in 1996, they decided to take that tank out of service. Most of the time, the people didn’t just decide on a whim that they didn’t like oil heat anymore, most of the time. Most of the time that that tank was taking on water, and the heating system wasn’t properly working, which means they had no heat. So what they did is they followed all the proper rules and regulations back then, they opened it up, and they threw sand in it. The problem is it wasn’t required to test the soil around the tank, so there’s no way to tell back in 96 that tank was actually leaking. So a lot of these previously filled tanks were actually leaking before they were filled in place. So, once we pull it, we’re going to find that out, or once we do our soil investigation, we’re going to know that.

Andrew:

Okay, I see. And another thing is that it looks like there’s a tree on top of the oil tin. Do you also take care of the tree removal or I need to find a different company to handle that?

Teddy:

It depends on the size of the tree, but when we come out to do our soil investigation, we’ll be able to let you know if we can handle it and how much it would cost or if it was too big and you had to hire someone else to remove it. When we do our soil investigation, we’re going to know the exact location of that tank, and we’ll let you know which landscaping will be impacted during the dig, and we’ll be able to give you a fixed number on what the cost would be to remove it and all that stuff at that time, and we’ll be able to tell you if we can handle the tree or not.

Andrew:

Okay. And I think you mentioned you have the tools to dig down into the ground to test the oil. What little bit, the impact… Is it just a small hole or there will be a big hole that you need to dig from the ground?

Teddy:

It’s a two inch piece of pipe that gets drilled in through the ground. So, it’s a two inch hole, and we fill the hole in when we’re done. So, when we leave initially during that investigation, you won’t even know we were there.

Andrew:

[inaudible 00:07:56]. Okay. I think that’s really helpful. Let me just talk to my real estate agent. I think most likely I will just call you back and arrange a visit to your house.

Teddy:

Okay, perfect. Yeah, call back and I can take your info, email you out a proposal. Everything we do is electronic. You would sign it electronically. We’ll call you for a 50% deposit, and then we’ll set you up on the schedule. And then when we come out, you pay the balance.

Andrew:

Okay. Sorry, just one more thing forget to ask. So $600 for the inspection, and we want to remove the oil tin, assume there’s no soil contamination. What’s the FH cost for that?

Teddy:

So, it’s about $1,500 typically, plus permits. And if the sand inside of it is contaminated, there’s typically a charge to dispose of that. If it was done in 96 with a permit, most likely that sand is going to be clean. I’m going to reuse that sand as fill material, so there’s no charge for that. But if it’s contaminated, there’ll be an additional fee. So, all that will be spelled out in the contract, if you decide to go forward with us on the guarantee, and that’ll be in the contract itself.

Andrew:

Okay. Sounds good. What’s the name?

Teddy:

My name is Teddy, T-E-D-D-Y, Slack, S-L-A-C-K, from Simple Tech.

Andrew:

Okay, understood. So if I call back, do I need to ask for you or I can just speak to somebody else?

Teddy:

If you want, what I could do is I could take your info right now, I’ll email you proposals in the next few minutes. And then if you decide that you want to move forward, all you have to do is literally open up the email and click approve and type in your name, and then we’ll get everything rolling from that point. Would you like to do that?

Andrew:

Yeah, sounds good. Let’s do it.

Teddy:

Okay, perfect. Look into your email inbox in the next few minutes. You’ll have it there. If you have any questions, my name is Teddy.

Andrew:

Okay. Thank you very much.

Teddy:

Thank you, sir. Bye-bye.

Andrew:

Okay, thank you. Bye-bye.

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Tank Talk Episode 011 – Homeowner Not Happy With Lowest Price Contractor!

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In this episode, Teddy talks with a homeowner that we sent a quote to remove her underground tank and install a new above ground tank. She decided to hire another contractor because he was cheaper. Once the tank was out of the ground, the contractor found a few pin holes and tried to pressure her to sign on for a soil remediation right away! He did not take any samples of the soil to determine the contamination levels to properly advise her. Please do your homework and don’t hire the cheapest contractor to remove your oil tank. The process that the contractor follows once the tank is out is more important and if not followed properly can cost you thousands of dollars in the end.

Transcript

Speaker 1:

Welcome to Tank Talk with Teddy. A podcast talking all things related to residential oil tanks. You have questions. Teddy has answered.

Teddy:

Hey guys. So I don’t typically hop on before the podcast starts, but I really felt the need to just get on real quick and explain this situation. So this client, had us quote them to remove their underground tank and install a new tank. They’re out in Phillipsburg area. So we gave them a very competitive price, we thought, and they did some price shopping. And they got somebody who was cheaper, that was more local to their house. And they were able to save a couple of hundred bucks on the project. So we didn’t hear from them after the project. Well we get a call and that contractor pulled the tank, and now there is a problem. They have holes in the tank, and there’s some contamination there. And the contractor did not follow the proper procedure. Did not take a sample of the soil.

Teddy:

That’s number one. Okay. And then he’s trying to force a remediation on them right away. That’s a tactic that they like to do. They like to pressure you to do that remediation right away, because they want to get that money out of your pocket and get that job done, and collect the balance. Okay? The proper procedure is to sample the excavation, determine the level of the contamination, and then give the client some options. That is not the process that was followed. So she called us, we are going to now give her a quote to go down to her property and perform what’s called a fixed price investigation. So we will probe around her tank. I mean, around the area where the tank was located, this way, we can get an idea of what the level of contamination is.

Teddy:

And then we’re going to provide her with a couple options to close out her case number. That is the proper procedure. We could’ve skipped this step, which is a $600 step, if the contractor pulled the sample the day he removed the tank. We would have had an idea of the levels of contamination. And then we would have been able to just explain to her over the phone, what her options are. But because he didn’t follow that procedure, she’s looking now at additional $600 to investigate it. And then we’re going to go back to her with some options on how to close out her case number. So listen up, and hope you get some value out of this call.

Speaker 3:

Hi, good afternoon. This is [inaudible 00:02:39]. I have used your services in past, and I wanted to inquire about a property that we took out a thousand gallon tank today. The guy said since there was a hole in the tank, right? They put it as a contamination.

Teddy:

Okay. Where is the house located? What county is the house located in?

Speaker 3:

How would I know? What are my next steps? Because I was not very happy and excited with the company who took out the tank. I felt like they’re over selling me.

Teddy:

Yes. Yeah unfortunately, a lot of that happens in this industry. It’s really unfortunate. If I had to take a guess, I’d say you’re out by Philipsburg, right?

Speaker 3:

Yes. [inaudible 00:03:22] literally by Philipsburg. In fact, you can call it as Philipsburg.

Teddy:

Yes. Yes. So did you use the local guy over there, ADS?

Speaker 3:

Yes.

Teddy:

Yeah. Did they take any samples when they removed the tank yesterday or today?

Speaker 3:

No. They removed it today and no, they did not. I mean, the weird thing was they just called up immediately saying that are two holes in the tank. Tiny, teeny, tiny holes. Okay? And then the inspector didn’t even look at the holes or anything. They just said, this is the DEP ID.

Teddy:

Wow, yep. Yep. This is exactly what a lot of these guys do. It’s really a shame. They really should have taken a sample. So did they explain to you that you’re allowed to keep contamination in the ground up to a certain level?

Speaker 3:

No, no, no. That’s the problem. See again I am a person who goes by rule book, right? You can’t bullshit me. But he says, oh this looks ugly. This looks bad. Come on, dude. There has to be some kind of a process in place. This is US. This is not like third world country where you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Teddy:

Yes, yes, exactly.

Speaker 3:

And I’m very upset, okay? I’m sorry. I’m like, I need to call up… I wish I had gone with you guys, but see the budget was a thousand dollars difference between your estimate and the guy’s estimate. And I don’t have any complaints on taking the tank out. It’s more of like, after the tank. And they said, “We can start tomorrow.” I’m like, Nope. Literally you should of looked at his face. The way I said, “Nope, you cannot start tomorrow.”

Teddy:

No, that’s the thing. They try to pressure you. It’s a pressure move. You know what I mean? They try to get you to do it right away, right away. You got to be careful. And then let me ask you this. Are you selling the property or anything? And what was the reason for removing the tank?

Speaker 3:

[inaudible 00:05:21] I got the property, I’m redoing it because my sister wants to move in. Okay? Unfortunately my next door neighbor is a police cop, and we had [inaudible 00:05:32] three bushes down to get it out, my oil tank. Somehow the oil tank is on a very tight spot between the two houses. So he wants to make sure. And I obviously, I don’t want an oil tank on my property, underground oil tank, no way.

Teddy:

Wow. Yeah, no, absolutely. You did the right thing. Absolutely. Yeah. I see that in our file. I guess we did send you a proposal. So for a removal and an install, and then also one for removal. So were we that much more expensive than those guys?

Speaker 3:

Yeah. You were a thousand dollars more expensive.

Teddy:

A thousand. Wow. So then they did a what? A removal and an install for $2,500 bucks?

Speaker 3:

Yes, yes.

Teddy:

Wow. See, this is the problem in this industry, they-

Speaker 3:

I had to pay-

Teddy:

Go ahead.

Speaker 3:

I had to pay a little more extra because it turned out to be 1,000 gallons, right? Instead of 500 gallons.

Teddy:

Okay. So I mean, see, this is the thing. They try to give a very low price and they want to be able to just get that tank out. And then the first thing they do is report you to the state. When a lot of times it’s not even required to report you to the state, because you can have a hundred holes in your tank. I don’t care if there’s no contamination, I’m not reporting you to the state, but that’s not how everybody works.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, no. He said smell the soil, it smells bad. So you definitely had a leak.

Teddy:

Did you smell it, that it had an odor?

Speaker 3:

Very slight odor. It wasn’t like, oh my God, I have to close my nostril. I mean, honestly see it was raining and it was pine tree freshly cut. I don’t even know whether it was petrochemicals, but it was weird. So, and I don’t know it’s the place for it, right? You’re talking to wrong person.

Teddy:

Yeah. Yeah. And he didn’t tell you that he’s taking a sample or any of that stuff, right?

Speaker 3:

No, no, no.

Teddy:

So the process he should have followed and here’s how it works. This is the way it’s supposed to be done. He should have taken one sample from the bottom of the excavation where the tank was. He runs that to the lab. He gets results within three to four business days. Then he should come back to you and tell you, okay, here’s the level of contamination. Because depending on what the level of the contamination is, then you have options. He’s not giving you any options. He’s trying to pressure you to do it right away. That’s not good businessmen.

Speaker 3:

Yeah. That’s, see he lost my business, because obviously I went to him right? You guys, and now I’m calling you back. That should tell you. My problem is, first of all, honestly, listen, I don’t know whether I have a problem or not. So it’s kind of like, no I definitely have a problem because he reported it to DEP, and the case is there, but there is a problem. Now I don’t know how to address that because I have zero clue. Google is not helping me out. And I’m like at dead ends. And I don’t want to go back to that guy no matter what.

Teddy:

Yeah. I mean, we could definitely help you out, and I’ll give you some different options. But what I would recommend since he didn’t take any samples, what I would recommend is… Now, did he backfill the hole? Is it all the way back filled up to grade and everything?

Speaker 3:

Yeah. I’m sorry to say this, I was so upset, so upset with him. I said to him, “Why don’t you leave it like that?” He said, “No, no. By law, I have to do it.” And do you know what he did? He took out and he mixed all the… I mean, that’s not the way it has to be. The way you need it, it’s like, if you dug through three layers and you made three different stages, right? You don’t mix all the three stages together and put it back, right? If there is a contamination, right, you leave the contamination on the bottom most, then you put the fresh soil. He mixed all the soil, so now if there’s contamination I have [inaudible 00:09:22].

Teddy:

Yeah, the right process is to line the hole with plastic. And then you put the clean stuff on top of the plastic. That’s the proper way to do it.

Speaker 3:

Yeah. No, he did not do anything like that. He just put it back. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Teddy:

Well, so all right. So here’s what I would recommend. We can definitely help you out, but the first step, okay? We need to know how extensive this contamination is. And what I would recommend is have us come down. We would drill around in that area. It’s a two inch pipe that we would drill down holes, and then we would pull the soil up. And we would see what the level is of the contamination. If it’s under a certain level, then we could just write a report for the state and you’re done with it. Okay? If it’s over the-

Speaker 3:

And what is the certain level?

Teddy:

Well the initial investigation is $600. That’s what we charge for that service. And that’ll tell us-

Speaker 3:

No, no, no.

Teddy:

Go ahead.

Speaker 3:

What are the certain levels, of the soil?

Teddy:

The levels, levels. So all right, so it’s a two step levels, basically. So ideally you really want everything to be under a thousand parts per million. That’s best case. If it’s under a thousand, we don’t have to do any additional analysis at the lab, and we can close out with a report to the DEP, and they’ll give you a no further action letter. That’s best case. Okay? If it’s over a thousand parts per million, but below 5,100 parts per million technically it can stay in the ground, but it will have to pass additional analysis at the lab. So a lot of times, if it is in between those two numbers, it will pass. So really, you really want it under a thousand. Next best thing is under 5,100. Anything over 5,100 has to get remediated.

Speaker 3:

Okay. Now, can you help me out? If it’s under 51… Now I’m understanding. I don’t even know. I don’t even freaking know, as sitting here right now that it’s under thousand or it’s under 51,000 or under 6,000, okay? So sitting here, I’m asking you, how would I know, if it’s just giving you vague example, if it’s 4,000, what would be the next step?

Teddy:

So, okay. So if we come down there and drill around, and this is what I would do. I’d go down there, drill around and I would send one sample out to the lab. Let’s see what that sample is, okay? And if it comes back at 4,000, like you just said, and whenever it comes back over a thousand during this initial investigation phase, I would recommend taking a little bit of soil out, okay? Because we can go back and take our six, because you need six samples taken with the oversight from a geologist. And we don’t want to spend all that money initially, if it’s going to be over the limits. That’s why the first phase is just investigation. It really is only for your use and my use. It’s not for the DEP, it’s for you and I to figure out how extensive this cleanup is. And then we can come back to you with some pricing. But if it’s a 4,000 parts per million, that first sample I would recommend to take out a little bit of soil in that situation.

Speaker 3:

Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, and this has to be done by a certified licensed professional like you, or can I just do it and give it to the lab and figure it out?

Teddy:

No, it has to be done by a certified contractor. In order for us to come down there and really drill down and figure this out. Because for us, when we do that investigation, once we’re done, I’m going to be able to tell you to the dollar and it’s going to be a fixed number, exactly what it’s going to cost for you to close this out. All these other guys give you open-ended contracts. So they’re going to tell you, oh it starts at 6,000 and then it goes up from here. And then they don’t tell you what the final invoice is going to be. A lot of times they come out that $6,000 quote, the invoice is $20,000 at the end of the day. So you’ve got to be very careful. Our program, when we do our investigation for $600 bucks, I’m going to give you a fixed number. That number does not change. You make the decision before the project starts, if you want to pay. And that number will not fluctuate.

Speaker 3:

Okay. Okay. Okay. So that’s a nice thing to know.

Teddy:

Now, if he had a sample, that’s why I asked. So a lot of times we get these phone calls where another contractor pulled the tank. They took the one sample, so they followed the correct process. And then the-

Speaker 3:

No, he did not.

Teddy:

Yeah. See, and then the homeowner would call us at that time. And then I ask, “Do you have a sample?” They say, yes. “Okay. What are the results?” And then we don’t have to do this next step. So, because he didn’t do the sample, we have to now go out down there and prob around to find out.

Speaker 3:

No [crosstalk 00:14:06]. Yeah, he said you can see it from a naked eye, right? That there is an oil contamination and I’m like, okay. See you go by what they say, right?

Teddy:

Well, of course, he’s trying to tell you that because he wants you to do the most expensive job, which is a remediation, but you may not even need that. You might be able to just sample it and write a report. And a lot of times it’s a quarter of the price of a remediation. A typical remediation, just so you understand, if we find that we have to take soil out, just so you understand cost. Typically on average they are about 8 to 15,000. So it’s very expensive. If I can prove that that soil is under the limits, I could close out something for $4,500 bucks. I could close the whole job, it can be finished.

Speaker 3:

Oh okay. I mean $4,500. I’m not able to understand. Okay, you need to repeat again, what did you just say?

Teddy:

Okay. So if we find, okay, so step one is for us to come down there and probe around to determine the level of contamination. That’s step one. Once we have the level, then I’m going to come back to you with options. I’m going to say, here are your options. Option one is going to be for us to basically, to come back and take the six samples that are required. And that’s something like that with the report is about $4,500 bucks.

Speaker 3:

Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Depending on the readings, right?

Teddy:

Exactly. Exactly. We need that initial reading.

Speaker 3:

Depending on the first sample.

Teddy:

Exactly.

Speaker 3:

Okay. Let me do one thing. Sorry, I came back to my house and my little one is literally all over me, because he didn’t see me since morning. You there?

Teddy:

Yes, I’m here. Yep.

Speaker 3:

Hello?

Teddy:

Yeah, yeah I’m here. Can you hear me?

Speaker 3:

Okay. Yeah, I can hear you. Give me some time, okay? Let me, I’m not available tomorrow and day after tomorrow, I want to meet the person who will be doing the sampling. Let me circle back to you Friday, first thing around 11:00 ish, okay? And then schedule a time for Monday or Tuesday.

Teddy:

Okay. So yeah, I’m going to email you right now, I have all your info. I’ll email you the proposal for the $600 bucks. Once you sign it, it takes about four business days for us to get out there on our calendar. So just keep that in mind. I’m going to email it to you, so you have it in your inbox. If you want to call Friday, that’s fine, but it’ll be about four business days out in our schedule.

Speaker 3:

Okay. Perfect. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you.

Teddy:

All right, thank you for calling. Take it easy. Bye. Bye.

Speaker 3:

Bye. Bye.

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Tank Talk Episode 010 – My Oil Tank Is Under My Driveway! What Are The Steps To Remove It?

Tank Talk


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In this episode, Teddy talks with a prospective client about the oil tank buried under their driveway! The client had some really nice things to say about Simple Tanks online reputation and not so nice things about some of the other contractors out there. Teddy will explain the step by step process to remove an underground oil tank that is located under the driveway!

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. What damage will there be to my front lawn since the tank is located in the driveway
  2. What is the process to get the tank removed from the ground?
  3. Once permits are approved how long does the job take to get done?
  4. What is the process once the tank is out?
  5. Will I be able to communicate with the employees that are sent to our house.
  6. Will you come to my house to look before the work is started?
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Tank Talk Episode 009 – I Am Buying A House With A Previously Filled Oil Tank, How Can I Protect Myself?

Tank Talk


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In this episode, Teddy talk with a prospective client who is an investor buying a property with a previously filled oil tank that was properly permitted. Teddy explains that the soil around this tank still MUST be investigated since it was not required before it was filled in place.

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. The house I am buying has a previously filled oil tank that has all the proper permits, does that mean the soil is clean around the tank.
    45 seconds
  2. How can you tell with 100% certainty that the oil tank has contamination? 2:20
  3. How much does it cost for the soil investigation around an existing underground oil tank? 3:20
  4. How long does it take to get on the schedule for a soil investigation? 4:45
  5. How long does it take to get the results from the soil investigation? 6:15
  6. When is the guarantee offered with the soil test? 8:00
  7. How much does it typically cost to remove a 550 gallon UST? 8:45
  8. How much is the soil sample guarantee? 9:05
  9. How can you figure out an exact price for the cleanup by sending one sample to the lab? 9:55
  10. Can you explain the entire soil investigation process again? 10:40
  11. We you stand behind your fixed price remediation contract? 13:30

Speaker 1:
Welcome to Tank Talk with Teddy, a podcast talking all things related to residential oil tanks. You have questions? Teddy has answers.

Teddy:
[inaudible 00:00:18] this is Teddy.

Jennifer:
Hi Teddy. My name is Jennifer [inaudible 00:00:20].

Teddy:
Oh yes, how are you doing?

Jennifer:
Good, thank you. So my husband and I have an accepted offer on a HUD home that has a properly permitted, decommissioned oil tank. And I naively thought that if it was permitted and it was decommissioned, that would mean that everything was fine. And that’s not what I understand to be the case. And I was wondering if there was any way to mitigate the risk through testing or something. We’re interested in the place, probably everything’s fine, but I understand that doesn’t mean certainly everything is fine.

Teddy:
Correct. No, you’re 100% correct. And you are absolutely taking the right precautions, because most people believe what you believe, that if it had proper permits, that everything is good. It’s the absolute, complete opposite of that. We actually find that a lot of these tanks that have permit, and were filled properly, inspected, a lot of those tanks, majority of them were actually leaking before they were filled in place. And it wasn’t detected because it wasn’t required to test the soil, so is a visual inspection which you can’t tell if the tank was leaking at the time and they just fill them in place. So we have a product or service that is set up exactly for this, where we come in and we probe around the tank. And we can tell you with 100% certainty if there is a problem. And if there is a problem, we’ll tell you to the exact penny on how much it would cost to cleanup. If it’s clean-

Jennifer:
Wow, you’re exactly the person I was looking for.

Teddy:
Yes. These are services are set up for… 90% of our clients are real estate related transactions, so we have very unique services that are set up for exactly what you’re trying to do. And we actually have a product where I could test it and if I tell you it’s clean, we back it up with 100% guarantee. As long as you pull that tank within six months by us, if there’s any contamination that we missed, we’re going to clean it up and no additional costs.

Jennifer:
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this.

Teddy:
How does that sound?

Jennifer:
I called so many people and everyone’s like, “Oh, there’s no way to know.” So how do you know? Help me understand. I don’t…

Teddy:
So here’s the trick.

Jennifer:
And tell me what it cost because that’s very important.

Teddy:
Yes, absolutely.

Jennifer:
So go ahead.

Teddy:
So I’ll go through it. So yes, if you call 10 companies, nine of them are going to tell you it’s impossible, we’re the only company in the state New Jersey. We actually come out and we bore around your tank with what’s called a Geoprobe. It’s a tract rig machine, about $115,000 piece of equipment. The other guys that do your testing, they come out with hand boring equipment, and they send the guy out there that’s 10, $12 an hour. He’s not going to get to the proper depth, he’s going to get you a false reading, all these things. That’s why they don’t back it up with a guarantee. When we do our testing, we’re using a very high powered piece of equipment. And our tech is going to be able to get to the proper depth because that equipment is capable of going down to 30 feet if needed. I only need to go down to seven or eight, so I know I’m getting to the proper depth. So if there’s a major, major problem out there, I’m going to find it.

Teddy:
The only thing I could miss is I could miss a leak under the tank, but it’s going to be very minor because I know I sampled at the proper depth. And that’s why we offer a guarantee. It is an optional guarantee, there is a fee for it. So the way that it works is the initial investigation is $600. So for 600, I’m going to come out there-

Jennifer:
That’s a bargain, my God that’s such a bargain.

Teddy:
Yes. It is a good price. It’s very comparable to a regular soil test as a run 500, 600 bucks, and these guys are doing it by hand, and they’re not giving you all the information I’m going to give you. So we start at 600 initially. So worst case scenario, if I come out there next week for 600 bucks and I find a mess, and I come back to you and say, “You know what? You have a complete mess out here, it’s going to be 15,000, 20,000 to cleanup.” You could walk away, you’re only out of pocket the $600. If I find that it’s clean, you then go and buy the house, you close on it in 60 days, whatever. After the closing, then you would pay me a deposit for the tank removal, which is typically about $1,500. And then we charge, if you want that guarantee, it’s an additional 1400 bucks on top of the removal clause. And then you’re 100% covered for any liability.

Jennifer:
Okay.

Teddy:
So all in it’s about 3,500 bucks, if it’s clean.

Jennifer:
When are you available to bore around the tank?

Teddy:
If you sign on today, I could email you a proposal right now, it’s all electronic. I could have a guy out there, we have to call for utility mark-outs. What town is it in?

Jennifer:
Blairstown.

Teddy:
In Blairstown. So we’d probably be looking at Tuesday, the 26th.

Jennifer:
Today?

Teddy:
Today is Tuesday the 19th. So that’d be next week.

Jennifer:
Oh, so like a week.

Teddy:
Yeah, one week from today.

Jennifer:
So you come out with a high powered piece of equipment for $600 and you bore around everywhere, so you’re taking basically lots of soil.

Teddy:
Why our equipment is the proper way to do it is because it’s really the… It’s not amount of soil, it’s the depth of where you’re taking your sample. So for example, if a guy goes out there with hand boring equipment and he gets stuck around four or five feet because he hits a rock, and he can’t hand bore through it because he doesn’t have the power, he’s going to take a sample at four or five feet, give you the test results. Those test results 99% of the time are going to be clean because the proper depths where the oil is going to be leaking is around seven or eight feet, that’s where the bottom of the tank is.

Teddy:
So I know with my equipment, my guys just have to pull a lever. And like I said, it could go to 30 feet if it wants to, so I know I’m getting to the proper depth. And that’s why we are able to give you guarantee on it because I know I’m going to get to the proper depth. Worst case if I miss something, it’s going to be very minor and we’re willing to clean that up at no additional cost if you take the guarantee.

Jennifer:
And the name of your company, I wrote it down so sloppily when Sue gave me the thing, is what?

Teddy:
It’s Simple Tank Services. If you go on our website, which is simpletankservices.com, there’s a ton of video content on there. And you’ll be able to see what that machine looks like, and how the process works, as far as the borings go and everything, and you’ll be able to watch a short YouTube video on it. But we can do it typically within four business days and I’ll have verbal results for you that day, I’ll be able to tell you what’s going on. And then the lab results take five business days.

Jennifer:
All right, I’m sorry. What’s the four business days?

Teddy:
Four businesses is like if you sign today, I have to call for mark-outs, takes three days. So typically on the fourth day when you sign-on is when I could get you scheduled in.

Jennifer:
Okay. But if I sign on right now, can you get me scheduled for next Tuesday?

Teddy:
Yes. If you sign today, I’m going to email you right now. I’ll take some your info, I’ll email you out the contract, you just click approve on it. I’ll send you a link for deposit, I’ll set up your file, and put you on the schedule for Tuesday.

Jennifer:
Okay. Forgive me, I’m a little distracted. So it’s $600, you’re boring around, you’re taking lots of samples. And then how does it go from there? You’ll tell me that day, “This place is a disaster, you don’t want to buy it.” Or, “I think it’s pretty good.” That day?

Teddy:
Right.

Jennifer:
Now, is it you, or is it your guys?

Teddy:
No, I’ll have somebody out there. It would probably be one of my two project managers will be doing the borings.

Jennifer:
Okay. So I pay a deposit, I pay the [inaudible 00:07:53] 26. So you bore around it’s $600, you tell me that day is good or bad, and then what happens from there?

Teddy:
So I take one sample, I send it to the lab. The lab will pick up on that Wednesday and it’ll take about five business days. So the following week I’ll have you those lab results, which they just gives me confirmation. So if the soil is clean, we want to see the lab results come back non-detect which means there’s no detection of oil. And then that’s when we offer you the guarantee, which you decide on when you want… You don’t have to pay for anything until you close on the property as far as the guarantee goes in the tank removal. So you pay the only thing your pocket is $600, 300 today, 300 next week when we do the job, that’s it.

Teddy:
And then once the deal closes, if everything’s clean and you closing the deal, then you call us up, we send you a contract for the tank removal itself and then also the guarantee that would be included in there. And then you’re 100% covered, you have no risk at all. If we messed up and we didn’t find contamination and we completely missed it, we’re cleaning it up at no additional fees on top of the guarantee cost and the removal costs.

Jennifer:
All right. So the removal is how much?

Teddy:
Without looking at the job, typically, it’s about 1500 bucks to remove a tank if it’s easily accessible. And-

Jennifer:
And the guarantee… And you have to decide obviously before you remove it if you’re taking the guarantee or not.

Teddy:
Exactly, yeah. As long as you just tell us, the day before we pull it, and, “Hey, I want that guarantee.” And you pay for it with a credit card, you’re covered.

Jennifer:
And the guarantee is another 1400?

Teddy:
1400, correct.

Jennifer:
All right. So basically, you have a higher tech way to gather the things. But next Tuesday, your guys will be able to tell me like, “Yeah, you should go for this place or not?”

Teddy:
Yes.

Jennifer:
You’ll know if it’s a mess?

Teddy:
Exactly. I’ll be able to tell you with a pretty good confidence level what it looks like. And if it’s a mess I’ll be able to really tell you, “Hey, listen, this thing is a mess.” I’ll be able to tell you 100%. Yeah, next week you’ll have a verbal answer of what’s happening out there. And won’t be able to put an exact dollar figure on it until I get those lab results, typically. But I’ll be able to tell you, “Hey, this is pretty nasty, it’s leaking all over the place. It’s 10 feet deep. It’s five feet in this direction.” We’re going to figure all that out.

Jennifer:
And you’re able to do that only sending one sample to the lab?

Teddy:
That’s a great question. But the lab result really is a minor point of the equation, it doesn’t tell us that much. The main data that we need is how deep the contamination is, how far did it travel in each direction? And how deep did it go? That-

Jennifer:
And you can basically tell that by looking at the soil that you bring up?

Teddy:
Exactly. When I drill a probe down, it’s a two inch piece of pipe and I’m basically hammering that into the ground, let’s say eight feet. I pull it up, I have a eight foot sleeve of soil. I open it up and I can see all right at three feet, that’s where the contamination starts, it stops at seven and a half feet. And it tells me all that stuff.

Jennifer:
So I hire you, you come out at $600… I’m sorry, I just want to fully understand the process because it’s all new to me. Your guys bore around with these big expensive machines, and that day you’ll be able to tell me this place is a mess or not, so I’ll know whether or not to go forward?

Teddy:
Correct, exactly. Yeah.

Jennifer:
Okay. And then from there… So obviously you’re not going to… Oh, because you only offer a guarantee if you feel it’s not a mess. You’ll be able to tell me this place is clean and you’ll be so confident. So next Tuesday when I speak to your guys, you’re either going to say, “Buy this place, it’s clean. And I’m willing to remove the tank for $1,500 plus another $1,400 to guarantee my work.” Or you’re going to say to me, “This place is no good, don’t buy it?”

Teddy:
Well, yes, sort of. And the reason why I say sort of is because if the soil is clean, I’ll be able to tell you, “Hey, everything looks clean, appears clean, but we will need confirmation before I offer the guarantee.” Because the reason is it may be such a small traces of contamination that we may not pick it up visually or with our meters on site, we may have to wait for the lab to come back and tell us, “Hey, here’s your results. It’s a super low reading.” At that point then we don’t offer the guarantee. But I will be able to tell you confident, “Hey, this is a very minor issue here, you’re not going to have any major problems.” You know what I mean? I’ll be able to tell you that for sure. But the confirmation of that lab result really needs to say non-detect for me to offer the guarantee. That’s how it works.

Jennifer:
I see. So if I schedule you, and you’re not available any sooner than a week from now?

Teddy:
The problem is unless I could get one of my guys to come in on Saturday, which is possible, I could talk to them. But I might be able to do it Saturday because I have to call for utility mark-out, that takes three business days to clear. It’s already Tuesday, so Wednesday, Thursday, Friday is no good. So Saturday would be the first day, Monday is a holiday and then Tuesday, so either Saturday or Tuesday.

Jennifer:
Monday is a… Oh my God, it’s Memorial Day already? Wow.

Teddy:
Yeah.

Jennifer:
Okay.

Teddy:
[inaudible 00:13:08].

Jennifer:
So basically you wouldn’t be in a… But that would be before we close. So if it’s $600, I pay $600 and you’re like, “Oh, this place.”

Teddy:
Correct.

Jennifer:
Then I lose my 1,000 and 600. Well, I could probably get the 1,000 back if the place is a mess. And then when the lab results, the only way you offer it… So when the lab results come back, you will be able to price the cleanup at that point?

Teddy:
Yeah, exactly. Once the lab results come back, I’ll be able to put an… Either tell you, “Hey, you have a guarantee.” Or, “Here is cost for the fixed price remediation.”
Jennifer:
Okay. And you’ll be able to stand behind that cost? It’s not like you’ll say, “Oh, the cost is 5,000, [crosstalk 00:13:55] 25,000.”

Teddy:
No. That’s what’s very unique about our company and our services. Once I give you a number, it’s literally to the penny. It’s going to say, let’s say $9,765.32, it doesn’t change. That’s the quote, and if we completely mess up our investigation and I misquote you, and I come out there and I find a major mess, I’m going to do it, and you’re going to get a no further action letter. And your invoice is still going to be that 9,700 or whatever the quote is, that’s how it works.

Jennifer:
Okay, all right. Well, send me your stuff I can’t wait to hire you. And I’ll give you the deposit so you can plan for me and put me in for next Tuesday.

Jennifer:
(silence)

Teddy:
Okay. I’m going to email this to you, you’ll have it literally in a few minutes here. If you don’t get it in five minutes, just call me back it means I have your email wrong. But I’m going to send this out right now. If you have any questions, otherwise just click approve, type in your name as the signature. And then once that happens, I’m going to send you a link for the deposit and I’ll put you on the schedule.

Jennifer:
Awesome. I’m not home now, so give me a couple of minutes to get home and I’ll take care of it.

Teddy:
No worries, take your time.

Jennifer:
Thank you.

Teddy:
All right, bye-bye.

Jennifer:
Bye-bye.

Posted on by admin

Tank Talk Episode 008 – Should I Remove My Tank Now Or Later?

Tank Talk


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In this episode, Teddy talks with a potential client about the best of plan of action for removing their underground oil tank. They are not selling but are concerned that it could start leaking one day. Teddy explains why they shouldn’t wait and what the project consists of.

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. How much is it to remove an underground 550 gallon oil tank that is easily accessible? 1:40
  2. I’m not selling, should I remove the tank now or wait? 2:30
  3. How quickly can you schedule the project once I sign on? 3:20
  4. Does the NJDEP get involved? 4:00
  5. How do you close out a case # with NJDEP? 4:20

Speaker 2:

Just wanted a ballpark figure on a tank removal.

Teddy:

Sure. Yeah, I can help you with that. Where’s the tank located on the property?

Speaker 2:

Between the house and the driveway.

Teddy:

Between the house and the driveway. Okay. Is it a 550 gallon tank?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s 550,

Teddy:

Is it actively being used or was there-

Speaker 2:

No, it’s been deactivated for a couple of years now.

Teddy:

Okay. Was it filled in place with sand anything like that or foam?

Speaker 2:

No. It’s got about 50 gallons of residual oil.

Teddy:

Okay, perfect. That’s better. Sometimes the ones with the previously filled sand can be more expensive to remove, because it’s not cleaned out properly, so that’s good. So yeah, I’m looking at the property. Yeah, I see it. Okay. So it looks like there’s a tree when you first pull in the driveway to the left?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. The tank is to the left of the driveway.

Teddy:

To the left of the driveway, okay. Yeah. That’s easily accessible. Yeah, so something like that, pretty basic, typically how it works is we go to the town of Highland Park. We get the permits for you. Once they’re approved, we come out. We dig down to the top of the tank, cut it open, take all the oil out, wipe it down completely, and then we pull it. Once it’s out, we’ll have the town come do their visual inspection. This all’s going to happen in the same day. As long as their visual inspection passes, there’s no sampling required. We’ll be able to backfill the hole and take the tank away. And you’ll get a certificate from the township once we submit to them the disposal documents for the tank and the oil. So something like that, you’re looking at 1400 bucks. The only additional costs would be the permits. I think there’s $75 in Highland Park. And if there’s any water in the tank, we charge a dollar a gallon to dispose of water.

Speaker 2:

Sounds pretty good to me actually. Yeah, I’ve been sitting on a tank for 20 years. We used it for 20 out of the 25 years. And then a couple years ago, but just got paranoid, had them put in a tank in the house and disconnected that one.

Teddy:

So yeah, you have any plans of selling in the near future or?

Speaker 2:

No, but I’m afraid someday it’s just going to rot through and leak. I’m uphill from the river. The oil will float downhill and I’ll be responsible for everybody from here to New Brunswick.

Teddy:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, I mean, here’s the thing. So you definitely want to remove it. And the reason is because yeah, it will eventually leak. All these tanks, they’re steel; they’re going to corrode. So if it’s not leaking today, it could start in a year or two years. They will leak. And the best part about it is if you pull it today, let’s say worst case scenario, there is a leak, a lot of people think that that starts the ball rolling. They fear that if they pull it, then they’re going to open up a can of worms and they have to clean it up.

Teddy:

With residential sites, since you’re not selling right now, you can pull that out. And that’s when my recommendation would be. And if you don’t have the funds to go forward, you can wait until you have the funds. Nobody’s going to come after you to make you do the cleanup. The only thing is if you want to sell the property, then you have to do the cleanup. But other than that it’s good because you’re getting the source out, so it can’t get worse. So that’s definitely recommended to pull it.

Speaker 2:

When would be the earliest we could schedule something like this?

Teddy:

So I could email you out a proposal today. When you sign on, everything is electronic. You just click approve, type your name in. We’ll send you the link for the deposit and then we overnight the permit application to Highland Park. They typically take about two weeks to approve it. They are still open, Highland Park. Some of the towns have slowed down because of COVID, but Highland Park is still actively open from last time we checked. So I would figure two to three weeks.

Speaker 2:

Not bad. Well does the state have to approve it? You told me I’d get stuff from the municipality, but does the state have to approve anything? Give me any kind of certification that the tanks removed?

Teddy:

So as long as the township visual inspection passes and there’s no holes in the tank, there’s no visible signs of a discharge, the DEP won’t get involved. If it fails inspection, then you’re going to get what’s called a case number. That’s from the state. Once you have a case number from the state, there’s two ways to close it out. Either one, you sample the excavation to prove to them that yes, there’s been a discharge, but it’s below the cleanup standards. We don’t have to go any further. Or B, we have to remediate, which means we have to take out that soil that’s dirty, sample to make sure we got it all out and then replace it. So those are the two ways to close the case number out. And that’s the only time you’ll get involved with a DEP. So if the first inspection passes, you’re good to go.

Speaker 2:

Okay. Thank you.

Teddy:

All right. You’re welcome.

Speaker 2:

Bye-bye.

Teddy:

Bye-bye.

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Tank Talk Episode 007 – My Tank Leaked! Now What?

Tank Talk


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n the episode, Teddy talks with a client about what the next steps are since their oil tank failed the township inspection. Simple Tank grabbed a soil sample when the tank was removed and the results were 35,000 PPM. This is way above the cleanup standards of 5,100 PPM. We gave them some options with open ended contracts and also a fixed price cleanup contract.

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. What line items are variable in the open ended soil remediation contract? 1:15

  2. Can you give me a price from the one sample you took on the day you removed the tank? 3:45

  3. How far do you think the contamination traveled? 5:10

  4. How much should a groundwater investigation cost? 6:10

  5. If the initial groundwater samples fails, will we be charged every time you return to sample? 7:25

  6. What is the worst case scenario cost for the cleanup? 8:30

  7. How does a soil delineation work to get a fixed cost? 9:50

  8. Does the state certified subsurface evaluator work for you? 11:00

  9. Does the township have to do another inspection? 12:05

  10. How quickly can you get the final report that needs to be reviewed by NJDEP? 13:25

  11. Can we pay at closing? 14:00
    Is there an additional fee to pay at closing? 15:00

  12. What are the odds of hitting groundwater in Metuchen? 17:20
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Tank Talk Episode 006 – Five Star Review From Seller And Realtor

Tank Talk


Listen By

In the episode, Teddy talks with a client about what the next steps are since their oil tank failed the township inspection. Simple Tank grabbed a soil sample when the tank was removed and the results were 35,000 PPM. This is way above the cleanup standards of 5,100 PPM. We gave them some options with open ended contracts and also a fixed price cleanup contract.

Questions answered in this episode…

  1. What line items are variable in the open ended soil remediation contract? 1:15
  2. Can you give me a price from the one sample you took on the day you removed the tank? 3:45
  3. How far do you think the contamination traveled? 5:10
  4. How much should a groundwater investigation cost? 6:10
  5. If the initial groundwater samples fails, will we be charged every time you return to sample? 7:25
  6. What is the worst case scenario cost for the cleanup? 8:30
  7. How does a soil delineation work to get a fixed cost? 9:50
  8. Does the state certified subsurface evaluator work for you? 11:00
  9. Does the township have to do another inspection? 12:05
  10. How quickly can you get the final report that needs to be reviewed by NJDEP? 13:25
  11. Can we pay at closing? 14:00
  12. Is there an additional fee to pay at closing? 15:00
  13. What are the odds of hitting groundwater in Metuchen? 17:20
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Tank Talk Episode 005 – Homeowner Getting Ripped Off by Another Tank Contractor

Tank Talk


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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
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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!

Tank Talk


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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