Inactive Underground Tank:

• Since this tank is no longer in service, it is recommended that the tank be “properly closed."
• Removal of the tank is recommended as the best and least costly means of closing the book on the inactive tank.
• If the tank is completely inaccessible or underneath a structure, Lawes can sandfill/groutfill the tank.  This will include soil sampling beneath the tank to document the soil condition at the time of closure.
• The tank should be removed prior to selling the property.  The Buyer’s attorney will likely require the removal to assure that there is no environmental impact.  Also, the Buyer may encounter difficulty securing homeowner’s insurance with an abandoned underground oil tank on the property.
• The first step?  Call Lawes Environmental Services to request a free survey.
• We will discuss the process in detail so you can make an intelligent and informed decision.

Inactive Underground Tank:

• Your attorney will require full disclosure from the homeowner regarding underground tanks.
• If there is no knowledge of an underground tank at the property, your attorney will typically require a “Property Sweep” to search for a potential tank.  Simply call our office to make arrangements.  Click on “Property Sweep” for more information.  Click HERE to complete our property sweep information form.
• If the owner does disclose an abandoned tank on the property, your attorney will typically require the tank be removed prior to closing.  At that time, the condition of the tank and surrounding soil will be inspected.
• If the owner discloses a sandfilled tank on the property, they should provide you with documentation from the town showing permits and inspections.  Additionally, there should be documentation from the firm that sandfilled the tank.  If analysis was not performed at the time the tank was sandfilled, soil boring samples should be taken from around the tank to investigate possible leakage.  Click HERE for our soil boring information form
• If the owner does not have any documentation that the tank was properly filled, Lawes can investigate inside the tank as well as the soil surrounding the tank.  Tanks improperly sandfilled can still breach integrity and should be either cleaned and filled or removed.

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