Underground oil tank surveys

We offer ferromagnetic scans for locating underground oil tanks (UST) in Revelstoke, Golden BC, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Nakusp, New Denver, Galena Bay, Trout Lake, Malakwa, and everything in between in the Kootenay – Columbia – Shuswap regions.

Using a top of the line Schonstedt magnetic locator, the property is swept for any indications of large magnetic anomalies. If a magnetic anomaly consistent with a buried oil tank is located, further investigation is conducted by probing the ground with a 4 foot ground probe. Other visual techniques are used to home in on buried oil storage tanks, such as; abandoned oil filler or vent lines on the interior or exterior of the building, sunken spots in the yard, and if available, an interview with the current owner is conducted to determine if there is any history or record of a buried underground storage tank.

Oil Tank Scans – Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Golden BC, Sicamous, Nakusp, New Denver, Galena Bay, Trout Lake, Malakwa, and Kootenay – Columbia – Shuswap regions.

Do I need to remove an oil tank?

Any homes built before roughly 1970 could have an underground storage tank (UST). If you suspect there could be buried oil tank, you should locate and have the tank removed. There are 3 main reasons for locating and removing the tank.

1. Oil contamination of the soil and ground water

Underground storage tanks are made from steel and over time will rust out. If there is residual oil still in the tank, this will leak into the ground and cause contamination of the environment. Once the ground is contaminated it can be very costly to remove all of the contaminated soil and have it disposed of at a proper disposal site. It’s best to catch this before it is a problem and to avoid the costly remediation work. Home Owners Guide to Buried Oil Tanks

2. Burden when house is being sold

If you are putting an offer in on a home, it is best to have a ground scan done before the sale completes. This way the seller can organize and pay for the tank removal, and any decontamination work needed. Depending on if there is contamination of the ground around the tank, this can get very expensive. It’s best to have the seller take care of it. On the flip side, when you go to sell your home, if an underground storage tank is found, this can collapse a sale or add stress to an already stressful process. Information on USTs from BC Real Estate Association

3. Difficulty getting insurance

More and more, insurance companies are requiring proof that any underground storage tanks have been removed prior to issuance of insurance. They may even require that soil testing is done after the tank has been removed to ensure no soil contamination has occurred.

Signs of a buried tank?

Before scanning the ground there are a few signs that we look for that may indicate if there is or ever was an oil burning heating system and buried tank.

Disconnected forced air system in house
Disconnected chimney above roof, in attic, or in the basement.
1/4″ copper oil lines in basement / crawlspace or on outside of home
1 1/2″ Galvanized steel vent pipe coming out of the ground
Sunken spots in yard, 8×4 feet
Oil smell or old oil heating systems

Locating Underground Storage Tanks – Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Golden BC, Sicamous, Nakusp, New Denver, Galena Bay, Trout Lake, Malakwa, and Kootenay – Columbia – Shuswap regions.