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Oregon Real Estate Broker @ M Realty Specializing in Clackamas County
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TwitterIs your tank leaking?
I recently attended a class presented by the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), hosted by First American Title Company explaining how new standards may affect property owners where a Home Oil Tank (HOT) has leaked. The Oregon DEQ began using new Federal standards in January 2009, which may affect numerous decommissioned underground heating oil tanks statewide each year.
Have you ever wondered why we have so many heating tanks in the Portland Metro area? After the war, like many other places, there was a building boom. Here in Oregon, it gets cold, and people needed heat. Oil companies would roll tanks down the roads, and give them away for free. The philosophy was, if you had a tank, you would want to use it, and need to get it filled. At that time, the natural gas infrastructure was not available.
Tim Brown, Cleanup Project Manager, has been with the DEQ since its beginning, and shared some interesting statistics. For instance, it is estimated that approximately 100,000 underground tanks continue to be used or sit filled with oil in the State of Oregon, with approximately 80% of those being in the Portland Metro area alone. By law, if an oil tank is not in use, the tank needs to be pumped out or removed. Oregon, in general, has very acidic soil, and most of the tanks were made of steel, this combination equals leaks.
When and why a tank needs to be removed is based on risk. Just because it looks clean, it may not actually be clean. When soil samples are being taken, it’s important to realize that differences in the types of soil, clay, sand, etc. can affect results, so wait for the lab results before coming to a conclusion. If a tank has been leaking, soil is removed based on multiple risks, ex. shallow ground surface (3-5 ft below ground surface); sensitivity of the environment (lake, stream, ground water, etc.) and is site specific. The soil test sample that has been taken is valid for 90 days. In addition, according to the DEQ, decommissioning has not occurred unless at least two soil samples were taken. If soil samples show contaminants above safe levels, indoor air sampling (soil gas testing) will need to be done. This process is a collection of air samples over a 24 hour period.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently updated the Risk Based Concentrations (RBC’s) of contaminates. For example, prior to October 2008, Naphthalene was not considered a carcinogen, now it is. For additional information on the new standards, you can contact the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, or the EPA.
The cleanup or removal of a HOT must be performed by a licensed service provider. Just because someone has a license, it doesn’t mean they will do it right or be honest. That is why, as a consumer it is important to check the Licensed Service Providers list with DEQ.
As an owner, it is typically your responsibility to notify the DEQ and update them within 45 days of the cleanup procedures. There is no enforcement by the DEQ to make a homeowner follow through with cleanup, unless it is determined to be an immediate health or environmental concern. The DEQ does not perform soil samples or the actual work, the service providers do. After the cleanup has been completed, the service provider has 60 days to submit certification to the DEQ. Service providers may provide the certification letter, however the process is not completed until you receive the certified closure letter from DEQ. At any time, if you have any question on the validity of a past closure letter, contact the DEQ.
If you would like to find out about your property, or a property you’re considering purchasing, the following links may be helpful.
DEQ information
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) and Heating Oil Tank (HOT) information
Portland maps (historic permits)
The DEQ is a fee based program, which means, their only funding comes from fees. As of June 2009, the DEQs processing fee for clean decommissioning is $75, and for oil tank cleanup is $200.
Just a little note, there are only 5 people handling all the cases in Oregon State, so be respectful and patient.
Thanks to Rebecca Wells-Albers (Groundwater and RBC Project Manager) and Tim Brown (Cleanup Project Manager) for sharing the information and keeping us informed.
Milwaukie Floral Greenhouse and Garden Shop
Looking for a bouquet, or for a new plant to put in your yard, Milwaukie Floral has a little of everything. While at the nursery, take a walk around and search out the pond, you may see the ducks or hear the peacock making his presence known. For additional information visit the website or call (503) 659-1301.
3306 SE Lake Rd Milwaukie, OR 97222 Hours: M-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 9am – 4pm; Closed Sundays
