The smart choice for underground oil tank removals in Massachusetts

Whether you own a residential or commercial property, it’s important to know that most underground storage tanks will only last about 10 to 20 years. They may eventually leak if left in place or are improperly maintained, which could contaminate the property and cost thousands to clean up. Even larger tanks specifically designed for underground use can leak if they do not have adequate corrosion protection. That’s why underground tank removals make sense for some property owners – and CommTank can help.

Since 1994, we’ve successfully removed underground storage tanks for thousands of residents and businesses. Whether your underground oil tank is 275-gallons or 20,000-gallons, you can count on CommTank to get the job done right.

What do underground tank removals involve?

Underground oil tank removals in Massachusetts require knowledge of the fuel type in the tank, and proper handling of the tank’s vapors because they’re highly flammable. Prior to removing your underground storage tank, our licensed, knowledgeable technicians will inspect your property to determine what’s needed to prepare the site. If necessary, we obtain permits from your local fire department to make sure the property is “dig-safe,” since underground oil tank removals in Massachusetts typically involve uncovering and removing the tanks with excavation equipment. Utility companies then mark the property to ensure safe excavating. Our crews pump out the remaining fuel, evacuate the fuel vapor, cut open the tank, clean the sediment from the tank bottom, hoist the tank out of the ground with an excavator, and place it on the trailer to be brought to a licensed Massachusetts tank disposal/recycler.

It takes about 4-6 hours to remove an underground storage tank.

Before we fill the tank’s “grave” with clean landfill and evenly grade it, we’ll sample the soil and groundwater around the tank. For underground tank removals in Massachusetts, the state requires soil and water sampling before closing out the excavation (or tank grave). Your fire department will typically inspect the tank grave before giving approval to backfill. If there’s evidence of a leak, CommTank will field-test the soil; if it reads above-normal, we send a sample to a certified lab for analysis.

After the job is complete, CommTank guarantees to leave your property cleaner than we found it. Since using excavation equipment for underground oil tank removals typically tears up grass, we bring sheets of plastic or wood to cover the lawn to protect it. And, our crews are experienced at landscaping and mason work, so we can restore or limit damage done to shrubs, gardens, rock walls and patios. Before the job is complete, we’ll make sure your property looks better than you remember it.

Contact CommTank for underground oil tank removals in Massachusetts: 1-800-628-8260