Oil Tank Info & Options

A leaking tank is an expensive problem

A leaking underground oil tank is an expensive problem. "Removing contaminated soil, abandoning the old tank and installing a new one could cost thousands of dollars, says Gary Dymsky of Newsday.

Says Dymsky, "there are an estimated 70,000 underground tanks on Long Island - about 40,000 in Nassau County and 30,000 in Suffolk, according to the DEC. Their life expectancy, from the time of installation, is less than 20 years. About 25 percent of these containers fail each year."

The DEC can hold you responsible for all cleanup costs. What's worse is that your homeowners insurance probably won't cover the cleanup costs associated with a leaking oil tank. Home buyers are afraid of "unprocessed" underground oil tanks while some mortgage lenders won't approve loans, fearing their clients potentially face large environmental cleanup costs and could default on the mortgage.

Taking care of the problem now is considerably less expensive than paying for an environmental cleanup later!

Energy Smart Heating Consultants is an authorized Long Island representative for ZCL Composites and Granby Steel Tanks. We can install a new above-ground or underground oil tank made of fiberglass or steel. We offer models in a wide range of shapes and sizes with capacities from 130 to 330 gallons. Some models come with a 30-year warranty.

	ZCL fiberglass tanks Non-corrosive and UV-protected fiberglass Lightweight and easy to install—inside or outside the home Single- and double-wall options 25-year limited warranty 240 and 300 gallon capacities
	Granby underground tanks Built for environmental protection Polyurethane-coated heavy gauge steel 30-year limited warranty 300 gallon and larger capacities
	Granby aboveground tanks Leading edge corrosion protection White color reduces condensation 20-year limited warranty 275-330 gallon capacities

Dealing with an old tank

Underground oil tanks actively used for home heating and hot water can remain in use as long as they are not leaking. Any unused underground oil tank under 1100 gallons capacity must be pumped out, and then removed or abandoned in place.

Abandoning a tank involves pumping it empty and filling it with an absorbant foam, cement slurry, or sand. Suffolk County homeowners are not required to prove their tank is not leaking for voluntary abandonment in place. Nassau County homeowners are not required to prove their tank is not leaking for voluntary abandonment in place but do need an official tank notification form. (Forms and info available from the Nassau County web site.)

Leaking tanks cannot be abandoned and must be removed from the ground. Homeowners are required by federal and state regulations to clean up any contamination and environmental damage on their property at their own expense. Most insurance policies contain a "pollution exclusion" clause, so homeowners end up paying the bill.

Underground oil tanks can be tested for tightness, or soil borings can be performed around the tank to check for any sign of leaks. Oil suppliers are required by law to notify state authorities if they suspect a tank is leaking.