Underground Storage Tanks:

Because of the large number of tanks in the ground, USTs are one of the most significant sources of soil and groundwater contamination. Even modern fiberglass or double-walled tanks can leak. In addition to the environmental damage caused by a release from an underground tank, regulatory problems are also created, whether the tank is regulated or not. GCI can provide a full range of services to assist you in eliminating regulatory problems.

GCI has managed UST removal and the remediation of soil and groundwater at hundreds of service stations, industrial and privately owned sites. Our services include UST closure, regulatory interaction and permitting. Additional services offered in the event that contamination is encountered include waste disposal, site characterization to define the nature and extent of impacted soil and/or groundwater, risk assessment, preparation of corrective action plans, remedial feasibility testing, remedial system design, installation and operation of remedial systems, and overall regulatory compliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are regulated and non-regulated tanks?
Most underground tanks for motor fuels, greater than 110 gallons in size, are regulated in Pennsylvania by the Storage Tank Act. Fees are paid on these tanks that provide insurance coverage, after a deductible, if a leak does occur.

Non regulated tanks include all heating oil tanks and some small motor fuel tanks for farm use.

Why do tanks leak?
Corrosion, an electrical interaction between the tank and the surrounding soil, is a primary enemy of a steel tank. The length of time that a tank can last before corrosion causes a leak depends on the particular materials surrounding the tank. It is possible for an unprotected tank to last over forty years, though corrosion can claim tanks in less than ten years. All regulated tanks, and recently installed tanks non-regulated tanks are cathodically protected against corrosion.

Are tests available to determine if a tank has leaked?
Pressure tests can be used to determine if a tank is leaking. However, there is the chance of false negative reading when this method is used. After lines have been removed from a tank, air is pumped into the tank to see if there is a pressure drop over time. However, the clayey soils found in many areas in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania can cause the test to falsely indicate that the tank is tight. This method can not detect any environmental impairment due to spills, overfills, or from previously removed tanks.

Soil borings, another approach to evaluating environmental conditions associated with an underground tank, can also result in false negative readings. When a tank leaks or there are overfills, the petroleum product runs around the outside of the tank to the tank bottom, where it migrates downward under the influence of gravity. The contaminants will not spread laterally unless a less permeable zone such as a clay layer, bedrock or groundwater is encountered. Soil borings, located several feet to each side of a tank and extending to a depth below the bottom of the tank might not detect contamination even if it were present. If the boring were extended down to bedrock or groundwater, there is a better chance of detecting contaminants, though you would still not know if there are contaminants under the tank but not extending to the bedrock or groundwater.

The best way of determining if there are environmental problems associated with an underground storage tank would be to remove the tank and obtain soil samples from immediately beneath the tank.  Taking no action is a dangerous choice.  All tanks will eventually leak, and the older the tank, the greater the likelihood that this will happen.  Even if a tank is pumped out, some liquid will always remain in the tank.  When the tank eventually leaks, this residual liquid will contaminate the soil.

What should I do about my underground tank?
Every case is a little different, so if you have a tank in the ground, call GCI Environmental Services and let us explain the options available to you.