The last time I checked with the fire marshal, it was acceptable to abandon old unused oil tanks in place. A permit was required and there are some other considerations:
• The owner may be required, by the lender and buyer, to have the soil beneath the tank tested. Because getting soil samples from underneath an underground tank is difficult, this may cost more than removing the tank.
• The tank must be pumped out and cleaned before it is decommissioned in place. All oil, rinse water, and sludge must be disposed of properly.
• A tank that has been fi lled in place will be difficult to remove at a later date.
Once you have made the decision to abandon in place and have the necessary permits, it's time the tank was filled with an inert, solid material to prevent the tank from:
Shifting in high ground water.
Caving in as it deteriorates.
Filling with vapors.
Inert materials such as sand, gravel, or a weak cement slurry are used to fill tanks.
Each type of fill has advantages and disadvantages. Check them out before deciding which is right for your situation. Semifluid materials, like foam or cement slurry, that are injected into the tank do a better job of filling than sand or gravel. Gravel is usually avoided as the voids provide space for future liquids but is capable of anchoring the tank.
For more info, contact the Whitman County Fire Marshall.
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