| Underground tanks were once common in many parts of the United States to store a variety of petroleum products, from heating oil to gasoline to diesel fuel. But as tanks began to age, some communities with such tanks began to report higher-than-normal rates of cancer, which later was linked to these underground storage tanks.
Underground tanks for storing heating oil were common in NW Oregon in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Today, few homes with underground tanks still exist. However, a number of otherwise nice homes are still in use with underground heating oil tanks. Many of the tanks at these homes are no longer in use, with their heating systems long ago having been converted to natural gas or electricity. However, many such tanks were never properly tested and decommissioned and can still pose a serious environmental threat.
Additionally, underground tanks were sometimes used on farms, ranches and other rural properties throughout Oregon for the storage of fuels for cars, trucks and farm machinery. Record-keeping on many of these tanks was spotty at best, and certainly some of them have never been properly decommissioned.
Underground storage tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of many environmental problems, resulting in financial headaches and lawsuits.
The chief problem underground tanks pose is that most are made out of metal, or a combination of metal and concrete, and as they age, they begin to rust, crack and break down. This leads to leaks, which release dangerous carcinogens into the soil. These cancer-causing agents may remain in the soil, or can flow or filter down into ground water, contaminating wells used for both private and public drinking water.
Buyers should insist that any seller produce written evidence that his underground tank was both inspected and properly decommissioned according to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality standards. The DEQ issues a certificate on each properly decommissioned underground storage tank.
If a proper certificate cannot be produced, the buyer should absolutely insist that the seller have the tank tested and decommissioned according to DEQ standards prior to closing the sale. The purchase contract should also specify that the seller will pay all costs to eliminate any contamination found in the testing.
Homeowners who think they may have ever had an underground tank on their property, should consult a DEQ-certified inspection and removal contractor for information about how to locate an underground tank. A list of contractors can be obtained from the DEQ office in Salem.
Home sellers with an underground tank, or suspected underground tank, should consult an attorney for specific language and information to include in the sales contract to protect the seller from any undue liability.
Buyers who don't want to replace a heating oil system that's still in use can opt for an above-ground tank to be installed in a basement or other area sufficiently protected from the weather. Because they can be visually monitored for leaks, above-ground tanks do not pose nearly the environmental hazard that underground tanks do. |
