Underground Storage Tank Testing for Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey.

Curren Environmental is an NJDEP certified company able to perform all testing required with regards to residental heating oil tanks.
By: Curren Environmental Inc.
 
Nov. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Underground Heating Oil Tank Testing


Underground Tank Testing   

When a property owner needs an underground storage tank (UST) tested (tank investigated) to satisfy an agreement of sale in a real estate transaction, soil borings around the underground storage tank is the recommended course of action.  This method of tank or soil investigation, tests the soil around the tank or the former tank area for the presence of heating oil.  This method will not damage the tank or the landscaping. Curren’s test methods are effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking underground storage tank, surface spill, or previously removed leaking tank system. The tank does not have to be filled with oil. Our test method is applicable to active (in use) tank systems, previously abandoned tank systems, and in conjunction with in-place tank abandonment closures.

The Investigation Process Consists of:

1.   Calling for a utility mark-out.
2.   Determine the tank’s contents or the area of the former tank.
3.   Physically inspecting the soil for oil odor and residue.  The methodology includes collecting four bored soil samples from approximately 0-6" deeper than the tank, then screening them for EPH
4.   Submitting a soil sample for laboratory analysis by an NJDEP certified lab.
5.   The samples will then be analyzed for EPH content, a requirement set forth by the NJDEP for evaluating number two heating oil underground storage tanks (USTs).
6.   Curren Environmental will supply the homeowner with the dimensions, layout, and capacity of the tank which are then presented in a report format along with certification of findings.


Reasons You Might Require a Tank or Soil Test

▸    Selling or Buying a home with a heating oil tank.
▸    Changing Homeowner Insurance due to the presence of a heating oil tank.
▸    Converting from an underground heating oil tank to an above ground storage tank.
▸    Underground heating oil storage tank was removed and a release has occurred.
▸    Sudden increase in fuel oil consumption.


What Should I do if my heating oil tank leaked?

A.   Once you have determined that your underground storage tank has leaked you must notify the NJDEP.  The Action Hot Line number is 877-WARN-DEP.
B.   Call your insurance carrier and report that a release has occurred so that you will be given a claim number.
C.   Call an NJDEP certified Environmental Contractor such as Curren Environmental. Curren Environmental will go over the findings of the report, offer the best solution and the possible costs associated with the tank removal and/or the cleanup procedure that may be required.


Will My Insurance Company Pay for the Cleanup?

The answer to that is, it depends.  In order to understand the answer to this question we need to explain the difference between first party coverage and third party coverage.  There are many factors that go into determining insurance coverage for a heating oil UST release.   First party coverage deals with a leak and subsequent clean up that is confined to your personally property such as soil impacted with heating oil.  Third party coverage deals with a leak and subsequent clean up that spreads to property you do not own such as your neighbor’s property or groundwater on your property. Under New Jersey case law, the definition of third party coverage also includes the clean up of groundwater, even if it is limited to your property as groundwater is owned by the State of New Jersey not individual property owners.  So when you contaminate groundwater you are damaging a third party which is the State of New Jersey.

What happens if my Insurance Company will not pay for the Cleanup?

Curren Environmental will assist the property owner in obtaining grant funding from the NJDEP/NJEDA.  Curren has applied for and received over $500,000.00 in NJDEP grant money for our clients.

Curren Environmental maintains professional relationship with many of the homeowners’ insurance carriers that underwrite in the State of New Jersey.   With over 18 years of experience Curren Environmental is well verse in the complicated world of the insurance industry when it relates to tank leaks.

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Curren Environmental is a full service consulting and contracting company servicing New Jersey, for more than 18 years. Curren is a certified NJDEP contractor able to perform all testing pertaining to the removal of underground storage tanks (USTs).
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