Due to the inherent risk of contaminant release to the subsurface of a property, underground storage tanks (USTs) and associated piping and dispensers represent a significant environmental liability. For decades, USTs have been utilized to store petroleum-based fuels (gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, heating oil), hazardous liquids (solvents, etc.) and waste materials. Due to widespread use and propensity for leakage, USTs are considered a significant risk to tank owners/operators, as well as prospective property buyers that may be unaware of abandoned and undocumented USTs.
GRI provides comprehensive underground storage tank (UST) closure services within the Southeast. We are experienced in removal of large commercial tanks and small heating oil tanks. We conduct closure by removal and also closure-in-place.
The installation, operation, closure and removal of USTs are regulated by federal law under 40 CFR Part 280-282. In NC, SC, VA and GA, USTs are also regulated at the state level:
- North Carolina’s UST regulations are enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, NCDEQ UST Regulations
- South Carolina’s UST regulations are enforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), SCDHEC UST Regulations
- Virginia’s UST regulations are enforced by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), VADEQ UST Regulations
- Georgia’s UST regulations are enforced by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD),GAEPD UST Regulations
Our services include the following:
- State and local permits
- Removal of residual product and sludge
- UST location services
- Tank purging & Inerting/removal of explosive vapors
- Tank removal and disposal
- Contaminated soil and water disposal
- Closure-in-place with inert material (foam, slurry)
- Tank basin dewatering
- Soil and groundwater sampling
- Sealed professional reports (P.E., P.G.)
- Site demolition and restoration
- Applicable Trust Fund reimbursement
GRI can provide and coordinate all necessary permitting, excavation equipment, product removal and disposal, and environmental sampling. Our services also include preparation of all required reports and submittal to the regulatory agency. Regulated removal and closure of UST systems can be a lengthy and costly process. GRI’s experience and expertise can help reduce cost while ensuring compliance. In the past 5 years, GRI has conducted UST closures at approximately 120 sites. GRI has a mobile lab for accurate, rapid lab analysis on-site.
In the petroleum business each individual is required to “wear many different hats” and that has been obvious with working with GRI. When the owners are involved at every level, including those involving work boots, you know that you are getting the best, hands on service that can be provided. As the responsible party/owner of each site, I know that the expertise provided from the initial meeting discussing the scope of work until the completion of the project will always be done in a professional and the most economic avenue possible. It is also reassuring to have the owners or any other knowledgeable GRI employee to discuss with a third party property owner who may be impacted from a release. While we have dealt with NCDEQ over the years, to have an expert in the field on your side is invaluable and that is what GRI has provided us.
Former Petroleum Retail Facility in Wilson, NC
A developer for a fast food restaurant chain purchased a site located in Wilson, NC. The site was initially a petroleum retail facility, then later housed a steak house for 20 years prior to being purchased by the developer. While beginning pre-construction activities, the developer discovered six abandoned Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) of unknown contents. Geological Resources, Inc. (GRI) was called in to coordinate the removal of the abandoned USTs from the site.
Read moreFormer Petroleum Retail Facility in Wilson, NC
A developer for a fast food restaurant chain purchased a site located in Wilson, NC. The site was initially a petroleum retail facility, then later housed a steak house for 20 years prior to being purchased by the developer. While beginning pre-construction activities, the developer discovered six abandoned Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) of unknown contents. Geological Resources, Inc. (GRI) was called in to coordinate the removal of the abandoned USTs from the site.
Read more