Oil Tank Removal Process in New Jersey: What You Need to Know

The oil tank removal process in New Jersey is a vital step for property owners looking to prevent environmental hazards and maintain compliance with state regulations. This process involves securing the proper permits, coordinating utility markouts, safely extracting any remaining oil, cleaning the tank, and carefully excavating it from the ground. Once removed, soil testing is conducted to check for contamination, and if necessary, remediation is performed to restore the property. Working with licensed professionals ensures the oil tank removal process meets all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) standards and helps protect both the environment and property value.

Here is a quick overview of the steps Hydroscience Group takes in the oil tank removal process:

1. Permit Application & Inspection
Most local governments require a permit and inspection. A licensed contractor will handle this paperwork and coordination.

2. Safe Tank Cleaning
Any remaining oil and sludge will be pumped out and disposed of according to environmental regulations.

3. Tank Removal
The tank will be carefully excavated (if underground) or dismantled and removed (if aboveground) with minimal disruption to your property.

4. Soil Testing (If needed)
Soil samples may be taken to check for contamination. If oil leakage is found, remediation will be recommended.

5. Site Restoration
The excavation area will be backfilled and restored, leaving your yard or property clean and safe.

If your property has an old underground or aboveground heating oil tank, you may be facing the question: Should I have it removed? The short answer is — yes, and here’s why.

Protect the Environment
Over time, heating oil tanks can corrode and leak, contaminating soil and groundwater. Even small leaks can turn into major environmental hazards and cleanup costs.

Improve Property Value
An abandoned oil tank is a liability. Many buyers hesitate to purchase homes with old tanks due to potential risks and future costs. Removing it now will make your property safer and more attractive to future buyers.

Stay Compliant
In some towns, regulations require the decommissioning or removal of unused tanks. Ignoring this can lead to fines, violations, or legal complications.

The entire removal process can usually be completed within 1 day, depending on the tank location, size, and site conditions.