Underground & Aboveground
Storage Tanks Closure
Professional UST and AST Closure Services
TEC specializes in providing comprehensive closure services for underground (USTs) and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs).
Our in-house environmental professionals and experienced foremen/crew will ensure environmentally responsible and regulatory-compliant services.
Whether you need to decommission, remove, or upgrade your storage tanks, trust our professional team to deliver a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
Advantages of Partnering with TEC
Expert Tank Closure Services
Experience the peace of mind that comes with our UST and AST removal services. We’ll manage the entire process, from obtaining permits to working with inspectors and tank removal or abandonment.
Compliance-Driven Environmental Solutions
Our unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance guarantees adherence to EPA, state, and local guidelines on every project we undertake.
Government-Approved Vendor Service
TEC is an approved vendor for several county and state government agencies, making it far easier to schedule work in advance. We can also serve as a consultant for the permitting process.
What Is UST and AST Closure?
Aboveground and underground storage tanks require decommissioning when they start to leak or reach the end of their service life. This process is often referred to as “closure.” It involves a series of essential steps that include obtaining necessary permits, draining, cleaning, and underground storage tank removal or abandonment in place.
The purpose of closure is to make sure unused tanks do not pose a risk to the environment or public safety. Whether removing or leaving in place, it’s crucial to adhere to all environmental regulations and guidelines. Every state and local jurisdiction has different requirements and protocols for underground oil tank removal, UST, and AST closure.
These rules can include specific steps for safe removal or tank abandonment, soil testing procedures, and reporting/documentation regulations. Failure to comply with these unique jurisdictional requirements can lead to severe penalties or legal issues.
UST/AST Closure Requirements and Regulations
The EPA and other government agencies created an intricate set of regulations to ensure environmental and public safety during AST and UST closures. These rules address everything from obtaining necessary permits to handling potential contamination.
Navigating these regulations can be complex, but our team at TEC simplifies the process. Our experts are well-versed in these regulatory landscapes and will guide you through every step of the process to ensure that your tank closure adheres to the appropriate rules.
How Does the UST or AST Closure Process Work?
The closure process involves a systematic approach to safely decommissioning ASTs or USTs. Each project will require a slightly different tactic based on local regulations, tank conditions, and other potentially unforeseen challenges.
The majority of closures involve underground tank removal or abandonment in place. AST closures include removing and hauling them away or on-site decommissioning (crushed and/or cut up).
The below example process is for a UST abandonment job wherein the tank will be left in the ground:
Identification, Notification, & Preparation
- Coordinate and schedule start date with owner/owner’s representative
- Provide 30-day notification before UST removal work to relevant authorities (if required)
- Obtain local building and/or fire marshal permits
- Provide product submittal data as required
- Mobilize on-site, layout, secure work areas, and staging/stockpile location
- Notify local utility and perform tests to locate the tank
Tank Closure
- Excavate to tank top
- Cut accessway at tank top
- Pump out residual waste fuel from USTs and dispose at an approved facility
- Clean the tank
- Disconnect tank top accessories and existing piping, remove and dispose of
- Collect soil samples per state or local jurisdiction either at sides of UST or through the bottom of UST
- Fill UST with a concrete slurry mix to tank top
- Add backfill void to grade
- Produce tank closure report complete with disposal manifests, analytical sampling results, site map, photos, etc.
How Much Does UST or AST Closure Cost?
Various factors can influence a UST or AST closure project, including:
- Tank material and condition
- Tank capacity and size
- Location accessibility
- Presence of leaks or contamination
- Local, state, and federal regulatory requirements
- Permitting
- Disposal of tank material and any contaminated water or soil
- Labor and equipment costs
- Any additional site restoration including landscaping costs after closure
The best way to get an accurate gauge of the total cost of your UST or aboveground oil tank removal project is to contact the experts at TEC.
Our expert engineers will provide you with a proposal that includes a detailed project scope and transparent pricing.
Industries We Work With
Total Environmental Concepts regularly provides AST and UST closure services for the following industries:
Why Choose TEC?
Total Environmental Concepts is a full-service environmental consulting firm servicing the Mid-Atlantic area.
We have over 60 full-time professional staff members, certified environmental construction operators, and service technicians who operate from one of several strategically-located offices.
Our goal is to help our clients navigate the often-complex world of AST and UST closure while expertly solving any technical or consulting challenges that may arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
UST and AST Closure Resources
Understanding VA New AST Regulations
Virginia recently modified its aboveground storage tank environmental laws. Discover what has changed and how it will affect you and your AST.
Electronic Tank Monitoring Systems
Our electronic tank monitoring systems will allow your facility to streamline management processes, closely monitor fuel, and avoid taking time-consuming, on-site readings.
