Tank Closure

Tank closure is the regulated process of permanently taking an underground storage tank out of service. There are two methods: removal (excavating the tank from the ground) and closure in place (filling the tank with an inert material like sand or concrete slurry). Both methods require compliance with federal and state regulations to minimize environmental risk.

Before closure, the tank must be emptied of all product and residue, and a site assessment must be conducted to determine whether any contamination has occurred. Soil samples are typically collected from beneath and around the tank during removal, or from soil borings around a tank closed in place. If contamination is detected, the site enters the LUST corrective action process.

Proper tank closure documentation is essential for future property transactions. Closure records should be maintained and are typically filed with the state regulatory agency. Incomplete or improper closures can create significant liability for property owners and may result in enforcement actions. Many states maintain registries of closed UST sites that can be searched for due diligence purposes.