Petroleum Remediation

Petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and heating oil that are spilled or leaked into the environment can be a risk to human health and have a negative economic impact on land and property values.

TEC provides remediation services for soil and/or groundwater that has been impacted by petroleum products. 

Our geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists conduct a subsurface characterization of your site to determine whether remediation is warranted given the risks and levels of contamination. We then select a remedial technique that’s appropriate given the subsurface geology, time constraints, and budget available.

professional asbestos abatement and removal services

Benefits of Petroleum Remediation

Safety for Human Health

Petroleum remediation from the ground reduces human health hazards like ingesting contaminated drinking water, breathing in petroleum vapors entering through foundation cracks, or even tainted dirt on playgrounds where children play.

Clean Environment

Petroleum-contaminated soil and/or groundwater can harm pets, wildlife, ecosystems, plants, and trees. Cleaning up these hazards fosters healthier environments for not only humans but our ecosystem as a whole.

Increase Property Values

Real estate values are negatively impacted by petroleum-contaminated soils and water supplies. Some buyers view these issues as health risks or liabilities. Property transactions may be delayed, or even canceled.

How Petroleum Remediation Works

Remediation can be accomplished through a variety of methods. 

Physical remediation – This method involves the excavation and on or off-site disposal of petroleum-impacted soil or groundwater. This method requires basic construction equipment but has limitations based on geology, depth of contamination, and proximity of surface structures (building foundations). Soil and/or groundwater can be transported to licensed and permitted facilities that handle such waste. 

Chemical and/or biological remediation – This method involves the introduction of components that either stabilize or break down the petroleum pollutants into a less toxic form. These chemical/biological components can be introduced directly into the ground via wells or by first extracting the groundwater and adding the agents before returning it to the subsurface. Remediation timeframes vary based on the extent and type of contamination but can take several months to many years to accomplish.  

Step 1: 

Reach out to us via phone, email, or a contact form to get the process started.

Step 2:

Our team will conduct an In-person site visit to establish the extent of remediation needed.

Step 3:

A comprehensive quote and plan that outlines all of the work that will be completed and provided to you for review.

Step 4:

Permitting and initiating a job? Whether you’re a commercial entity, municipality, or private homeowner, you can count on TEC’s comprehensive assessment process to determine a timely and tailored solution to your environmental challenge. 

Here are some potential scenarios:

  • Let’s say you received communication from a regulatory agency (DEQ, MDE, DOEE) requiring assessment or remedial action. TEC’s environmental experts have deep experience working with these regulators throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District to determine the next steps to achieve regulatory compliance.
  • Perhaps you are made aware of an oil tank on your property that is malfunctioning and leaking oil. TEC has worked with hundreds of homeowners to remedy oil tank problems, from minor remediation to major groundwater cleanups.

Advantages of Partnering with TEC

Expert Asbestos Removal

The abatement professionals at TEC hold a wide range of licenses and certifications that help ensure the highest standards of safety and competency in every project we undertake.

Independent Testing

We utilize an independent 3rd party to conduct air sampling testing and document a clean environment after completing the abatement process.

Safety is Priority # 1

Our in-house Industrial Hygienists and contractors follow strict safety protocols to ensure the health and well-being of your building occupants.

Trust Total Environmental Concepts with Your Petroleum Remediation Needs

TEC serves a diverse range of industries addressing both petroleum and environmental concerns. When you partner with us, you have access to a knowledge base via our expert team of geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists. Let us work together to develop a tailored solution to solve your environmental challenges.

Petroleum Remediation FAQ

  • Contamination can be caused by a variety of circumstances, from accidental spills to underground piping leaks which are continuously leaching pollutants. The most common challenges TEC addresses include industrial oil spills, rupture or deterioration of underground storage tanks, storage tank spills, and overfills.

  • Remediation is the process of cleaning up soil or groundwater contaminated by a pollutant like leaked or spilled petroleum. To assess the extent of contamination, TEC conducts field screening, soil & groundwater sampling, and laboratory analysis to determine the scope of the problem and craft a comprehensive solution.

  • Discolored soil or distressed vegetation around an oil tank may indicate a problem. You may also detect odors around the area. However, the only way with certainty is through sampling and testing.

  • Timely remediation of soil and groundwater following the first sign of contamination is crucial. Contamination exposure can be harmful to human and pet health as well as the environment.

  • Each state TEC operates in is different when it comes to reporting. We understand state regulations and can discuss in-depth rules and requirements based on your location.