Professional Oil Tank Removal & Protection
Secure your home’s value and avoid costly cleanup remediation. Call Aegis Environmental, the Midwest’s trusted environmental experts.
If your home was built between 1950 and 1980, you may have a liability in your backyard, a heating oil tank. Most residential heating oil tanks are designed to last about 20 years. Older residential heating oil tanks are highly susceptible to leaks, creating hidden liabilities for property value and environmental health.”
At Aegis Environmental, we have experience in tank closure and removal. Once we have closed your tank in place or removed it, we provide a closure report that protects you from future legal and financial headaches.
Why Your Underground Tank is a Risk
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are susceptible to corrosion over time, a process where environmental conditions can degrade the steel tank.
Our Service Features & Benefits
| What We Provide | How It Benefits You |
| Geophysical UST Survey (GPR) | Pinpoint accuracy using Ground Penetrating Radar and specialized instruments to locate tanks and piping. |
| Certified Fluid Extraction | Removes hazardous “bottom sludge” to prevent spills during excavation. |
| Vapor Inerting | Eliminates explosion risks by displacing oxygen before the tank is moved. |
| Independent Lab Testing | Provides scientific proof (TPH levels) that your soil is clean. |
| Closure Report | Professional documentation and ‘No Further Action’ letters are required to sell your home with confidence. |
Being proactive pays off!
The probability of erosion and, therefore, product leakage rises exponentially after three decades. Acting now might save you thousands in remediation. Closing or removing an existing tank that hasn’t yet leaked is much less costly than cleaning up contamination caused by a leaking tank.
Be proactive!
The financial argument for proactive removal is clear. Spending a few thousand dollars today prevents a liability that could cost thousands more.
Proactive Removal vs. Reactive Cleanup
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | The Outcome |
| Proactive Removal | Contact for Quote | Clean deed, protected property value, and total peace of mind. |
| Minor Soil Leak | High remediation costs | Extensive excavation, disposal fees, and long-term monitoring. |
| Groundwater Impact | Significant financial loss and potential regulatory action | Devastating financial loss and a potentially unsalable home. |
Expert Note: Most homeowners’ insurance policies contain a Pollution Exclusion. This means they will not pay for the damage a leaking tank does to your soil or foundation.
The Aegis “Gold Standard” Removal Process
We manage every step of the process so you don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy.
- Site Assessment: We use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and historical research to locate the UST accurately.
- Safety First: We use low-impact mini-excavators and vacuum out all hazardous liquids before the tank is lifted.
- The Extraction: The tank is vacuumed of product, purged of vapors, removed, and transported offsite for proper disposal or recycling.
- Environmental Verification: We take soil samples from the excavation floor for laboratory analysis.
- Closure Report: You receive a complete report, including lab reports and fire marshal approvals.
Why Choose Aegis Environmental?
While some might push “closure in place” (filling the tank), we recommend physical removal.
Why? Because an abandoned tank remains a permanent “red flag” on your property record. Physical removal is the only way to eliminate the liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove an underground oil tank?
The cost varies depending on tank size, whether the tank contains heating oil, the quantity, and access to the tank, along with other factors. Please call our office to schedule an inspection before removing or closing the tank in place, so we can provide an accurate cost to remove it from your property.
What happens if you find contaminated soil?
If a leak is discovered, we help you report it to the DEQ and guide you through the VPSTF application.
Can I just fill the tank with foam instead of removing it?
While “abandonment in place” is allowed in some cases, it can complicate future home sales. Buyers and lenders prefer physical removal because the liability is gone.
How long does the process take?
The timeline varies from tank to tank. Each project is unique and treated as such. Once an inspection is completed, we will provide an estimate of how long the job will take.
Take the first step toward a clean property.
Are you ready to remove a tank and eliminate related liability?
Schedule an inspection. Call Aegis today.
