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Realtor and Real Estate Agents
Call on Enviro Clean
Underground storage tanks continue to be of great concern for buyers when purchasing a residential or commercial property. A leaking oil tank can pollute nearby wells, contaminate groundwater, and scare away potential buyers. Call on Enviro Clean to safely remove, install, and test underground oil tanks.
Enviro Clean works with both buyers and sellers of homes, or commercial properties, to provide an effective means of expediting the transfer of title without the added risk of environmental liabilities.
We recognize that these issues can cause a pending transaction to become delayed or even derailed and we promise to assist you in handling your client’s requirements as expeditiously as possible.
Like many real estate agents, you may have a feeling of uneasiness upon learning there is an underground storage tank (UST) on the property your client is contracted to purchase or to sell.
It is an understandable concern, but a very manageable situation that is easy to handle. It is imperative that the agent be proactive in rectifying the tank issue, especially if there is a possibility of contamination.
Underground Oil Tanks- What’s the Concern?
Underground storage tanks continue to be of great concern for buyers when purchasing a residential or commercial property. A leaking oil tank can pollute nearby wells, contaminate groundwater, and scare away potential buyers.
For properties serviced by fuel tanks less than 1100 gallons in capacity, there has been a wide interpretation of what is required with respect to the disposition of these tanks.
The term “legally abandon” is widely used, however, it does not address existing or potential environmental liabilities from leakage. We have found numerous instances where individuals have been given assurances that their tanks have been properly abandoned but during the course of further investigation improper abandonment procedures were used, or worse yet, that remediation is required due to prior leakage. Once title is transferred, the title holder is responsible for the cleanup.
The commercial Phase I, II & III process provides relief for commercial transactions, however typical home inspections don’t include performance of assessment services for UST’s.
How do I know if there is an underground oil tank if the current owners don’t know?
This is a common question, especially with bank-owned or inherited properties. Although the oil tank itself is buried and out of sight the piping leading to it can help identify its presence.
UST Locating Tips:
Following the fuel lines from the house
• Usually visible, small copper tubing
• Usually runs along a wall to the furnace
Old vent piping
• Usually found outside of the house
• Vents are normally made of 1 ½ to 2” galvanized piping
• Look for caps on the top of the piping
• Piping can be 2” to 12” tall
Fill piping
• Normally directly over top of UST
• Fill pipe usually has special cap requiring tool for removal
Abandoned piping
• Structures may change their source of heat and leave behind abandoned piping
• If abandoned lines run out through a wall there is a good possibility a UST may exist
Let’s Talk!
Are you interested in having us speak at your next staff meeting? Please complete this form and return to us with the details so we can schedule it.
Our in-office presentation consists of a brief overview of environmental issues relating to the housing market followed by a Q&A. Refreshments are provided!