What are the regulations & guidelines for removal and abandonment of oil tanks?
Any oil tank that is 1,100 gallons or above needs to be registered with Westchester County at The Westchester County Department of Health located in New Rochelle.
When removing an oil tank, a building permit and plumbing permit are required. The Building Inspector also requires inspections when the tank is removed. The tank is then cut, cleaned, and removed and properly disposed of according to D.E.C. Regulation 613.9(B). Soil samples are taken whether it was a clean (no contamination discovered) or un-clean (contamination discovered) excavation. The soil samples are then sent to an analytical laboratory for testing. If contamination is evident in the soil samples reviewed by the laboratory, the soil must be removed to the satisfaction of the Westchester County of Health and the local Department of Environmental Conservation. A manifest must be provided to the Building Department if leakage is detected.
Tank abandonment/in-place closure also requires a permit. An in place closure can be performed if a tank contains no holes and no contamination s found in the soil. Soils are sampled below the tank through a hole drilled or cut in the tank. The tank can be filled with concrete or sand (inert materials) depending upon the location.
If you are interested in purchasing tank insurance, you should call your oil company for information.
To apply for the building permit:
1. Fill out building permit application
2. Furnish 3 copies of survey showing the location of the oil tank
3. Pay building permit fee
4. Submit insurance form
5. Plumbing permit must be filed by oil tank company or licensed plumber.
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