New Jersey Oil Tank Removal: Complete 2026 Guide

All underground oil tank removals in New Jersey must follow NJDEP Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (N.J.A.C. 7:26E). Key requirements include: • **Licensed contractors only** - Must use NJDEP-certified tank removal companies • **48-hour notification** - NJDEP must be notified before removal begins • **Soil sampling** - Mandatory soil samples from beneath and around the tank • **Proper disposal** - Tank must be cleaned and disposed at approved facilities • **Closure documentation** - NFA (No Further Action) letter required for clean closures If contamination is found, additional remediation may be required under the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA).

New Jersey doesn't require removal of all buried tanks, but you'll likely need removal if: • **Selling your home** - Most buyers and lenders require tank removal or certification • **Tank is leaking** - Immediate removal and remediation required • **Tank is abandoned** - Inactive tanks must be properly closed • **Converting to natural gas** - Old oil system decommissioning • **Insurance requirements** - Many insurers won't cover homes with buried tanks Real estate transactions in NJ frequently require tank sweeps, and discovered tanks often become a negotiation point between buyers and sellers.

A typical New Jersey oil tank removal follows these steps: 1. **Hire a certified contractor** - Verify NJDEP certification 2. **Obtain permits** - Contractor handles municipal permits 3. **Notify NJDEP** - 48-hour advance notification 4. **Excavate and remove** - Tank is dug up and extracted 5. **Soil sampling** - Samples taken from pit floor and sidewalls 6. **Lab analysis** - Testing for petroleum hydrocarbons 7. **Backfill** - Clean fill used if no contamination 8. **Documentation** - Closure report submitted to NJDEP 9. **NFA letter** - Issued if site is clean (usually 4-6 weeks) If contamination exceeds NJDEP standards, a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) must oversee additional cleanup.

When soil contamination is discovered during tank removal, NJ has specific cleanup standards: • **Residential soil standards** - Must meet NJDEP Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards • **Groundwater concerns** - Additional testing if water table is shallow • **LSRP oversight** - Licensed professional required for contaminated sites • **Remediation timeframes** - SRRA establishes mandatory deadlines • **Homeowner liability** - Property owner responsible for cleanup costs Contamination can significantly increase project costs, from a few thousand dollars for minor issues to $50,000+ for extensive groundwater contamination.