|
Underground Storage Tanks
In regards to residential homes when
you talk about underground storage tanks you are generally talking about Oil
Tanks.
While doing a home
inspection we do not include an underground storage tank as part of the
inspection simply because it is underground and you can’t see it. And a home
inspection is a visual type of inspection.
If during a home inspection we see either the copper supply lines, a fill pipe
or a vent pipe in the yard, we will suggest that their may be an underground
tank on the property and further evaluation is recommended. But in some cases
even these signs may be hidden by vegetation, building construction or other
things.
Another way to find an
underground tank is to ask the current owner.
If a tank is on the property, it is important to find out if it is being used or
if it is abandoned. If it is being used, generally the company supplying the oil
will test it every year to make sure it isn’t leaking. If it is abandoned and
not in use, it is important to make sure it was ‘Closed” properly. The current
owners should have documentation.
It is important to know the condition of the tank, because if you buy the
property, and the tank is leaking, you will be the one financially responsible
to clean it up. And that potentially can be very expensive.
The State Department of Environmental Quality does run a program where they
reimburse the expenses for an oil leak cleanup. The rules of this program and
level of reimbursement can change. So it is important to know what the current
rules and level of reimbursement are BEFORE doing any work. But the dollar
amount can vary depending on what is happening in a particular year.
Here is the Website of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Petroleum Program
DEQ
website on Home Heating Oil Tanks
JA Mersereau & Associates, Inc. is not responsible for the authenticity or
accuracy of information contained within other websites recommended by us. They
are intended for informational purposes only. We do not have control over
content or accuracy. Products and services that are mentioned or advertised
within this site do not carry any kind of endorsement by JA Mersereau &
Associates, Inc.
Give us a call to Schedule an inspection,
804-364-3303 
JA Mersereau & Associates, Inc.
11205 Brewer Road
-
Email:
jamersereau@hotmail.com
| 
