Underground Storage Tank / In-Ground Lift Management

Leakage from Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) can be caused by a number of sources: the former presence of USTs, where the tanks have been removed but impacts remain; abandoned USTs that were left on a property; or from the presence of active USTs. The proper assessment and management of USTs is essential to obtain regulatory closure at operating properties and/or to facilitate redevelopment activities in a timely manner.

In addition, either as part of on-going operations or as part of property redevelopment, in-ground hydraulic lift systems are another potential source of environmental impacts that require management. For example, properties with active automotive service facilities need to maintain operations within a service bay. As in-ground lift systems deteriorate, they are often replaced with above ground systems. Before the new system is installed, the in-ground system is often removed, along with environmental impacts, to the subsurface. Experience and proper management are required for the timely completion of the removal services, while the remaining service bays are active. Also, as many of the “best” properties available for redevelopment are located where former automotive service facilities are being demolished (i.e. the corner lot), the proper closure of former in-ground lift systems is important to efficiently managing the environmental risk at the property.

Watterson services for USTs and in-ground lift systems include:

Removal and sampling around active/abandoned USTs or in-ground lifts. This generally includes the removal of the concrete/asphalt surface, excavation of the soil to expose the system, removal of the system, overexcavation, as needed, impacted soil, sampling at the limits of the excavation, and restoration of the work area.
Assessment of impacts identified during the UST or in-ground lift removal services. This is typically performed to evaluate the nature and extent of the environmental impacts and often includes soil borings via direct push or hollow-stem auger methodology, and the sampling of soil and groundwater for laboratory analysis.
Regulatory closure consulting for previously removed systems where releases were reported to the state agency, or for releases identified during the completion of the activities listed above.
Remediation action assessment and design. This commonly includes an evaluation of the various remedial alternatives in response to regulatory requirements, your goals, and cost effectiveness, such as soil removal, groundwater treatment, and/or risk assessment.

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