Inspection Services
Underground Storage Tank Locating (Oil-Tank)
This service is usually used when a client needs to perform what is called an Oil-Tank Sweep/scan on a property they are looking to purchase or sell. The purpose of this inspection is to help locate any potential Underground Storage Tanks (USTs or better know as Oil-Tanks). Underground Storage Tanks were popular in the early 1900's all the way up to the early part of 2000's. These tanks are the fuel source for the furnace and heating elements to provide heat for the buildings. Although Underground Oil Tanks were popular, they are now an environmental issue due to the possibility of leaking into the ground and causing issues to the surfaces around. The remediation for a clean up could be astronomical so it is key to try and locate these tanks before it gets out of hand.
Ground Penetrating Radar Scanning (GPR)
This service sometimes goes hand in hand with the search of Underground Oil-Tanks and other Underground Utility Scanning. When an Underground Storage Tank is found we take out the GPR to help view the image underneath on a screen in real time. This helps prevent the need of digging up an anomaly or causing any destruction to the surface below. We also use the GPR to help see through concrete, asphalt, sand, gravel, soil, etc. when other methods of investigation cannot be used properly. We also have had success in finding underground piping and other anomalies while using the GPR equipment.
Soil-Sample & Lab Testing
This step is often used when a Tank has been located and the soil needs to be tested for contamination prior to removal. We also do these tests in areas where a tank was already removed from and the client wants to make sure no contamination still exists. We start by drilling holes in & around the area of concern and collect the soil in sealed containers. We then get these samples lab tested and supply a report when the results come in.
STEPS WHEN PERFORMING UNDERGROUND OIL-TANK LOCATING SCAN:
STEP1: Visual inspection of basement and/or lowest level of the structure.
This is where we search for any evidence or signs of prior oil use. Some of the evidence we look for but not limited to are as follows: Copper and/or metal Fuel lines (Feed Lines). This is what carries the Oil from the Tank to the heat source (furnace, heat pumps, or other heat sources). “On/Off” switches labeled oil. Sometimes these are only on the heat sources and other times they could be in a hallway or staircase going into the lowest level of the home. The switch is meant to stop the power to the heat source for emergency purposes or routine maintenance. Other evidence is patchwork on the floors or walls that could have been to cover up locations that the Fuel lines exited or entered from. There also could be patchwork for a vent & fill pipe which is typically seen for Above Ground Storage tanks (Above ground oil tanks) located in basements or lowest level of the structure. This patchwork helps us gain knowledge that they once had an above ground tank in the lowest level. Please note no two houses are alike and any house could have all evidence noted above or none. Some of this evidence helps point us in the direction of where a tank is or could have been.
STEP2: Visual inspection outside around the home and property.
This is where we search for similar evidence seen inside the home but also outside. Some of the evidence outside could be buried underneath the ground and it may be hard to find. Please note no two houses are the same and any house could have all evidence noted above in the previous step or none.
STEP3: Start the Tank sweep using a Fisher TW-6 Locator (Metal Detector).
We start our process by scanning the exterior of the property with the Fisher TW-6 Locator. If we happen to find any areas of concern (AOC) we then mark the area and come back to it once we finish our scans. If no areas of concerns are found then we give an all-clear report. A verbal clear report will be given at the time of inspection and a written report will be emailed to the clients. Based on the findings the technician will either give an all clear or proceed to step 4.
STEP4: (If Needed) Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) over Area of Concern (AOC)
When an Area of Concern is located, we then use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to determine what is causing the metal detector to have such high readings in that area. The Ground Penetrating Radar shows us images on a screen in real time of what is beneath the surface and our trained technician deciphers what the images are to get an accurate reading. Based on the findings the technician will either give an all clear or proceed to step 5.
STEP5: (If needed/approved) Probe and/or drill. (Soil-Probe/Lab Testing is extra and not included in normal inspections)
If the Ground Penetrating Radar showed signs of an Underground Oil Tank (UST) then the technician will start to probe holes to contact the tank. If the Area of Concern was in the grass, then the technician will simply probe to make contact. If the Area of Concern is in concrete or asphalt then they need sellers’ permission. The purpose of this step is to make sure the findings (anomaly) is a metal tank and not of different material. Based on the findings the technician will either give an all clear or not clear report.
STEP6: (step is after 3 if steps 4 &5 are not needed) Reports.
The technician will give a verbal report at the place of inspection. A written report will be emailed over to the client same day or within one business day. The reports will state the findings and what process the technician took to get to his/her findings.