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PennsylvaniaRegulatory Agency: PA DEP (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection)
Pennsylvania Oil Tank Removal: DEP Rules & Process
Pennsylvania regulates underground storage tanks through the PA DEP under the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (Act 32). Eastern Pennsylvania, particularly the Philadelphia suburbs, has a high concentration of buried heating oil tanks. Understanding PA DEP requirements helps homeowners navigate tank removal and potential contamination issues.
š In This Guide
PA DEP Storage Tank Regulations
Pennsylvania's Act 32 and related regulations govern underground tanks:
ā¢ **Registration** - Tanks over 3,000 gallons in certain categories
ā¢ **Closure requirements** - Proper tank closure procedures
ā¢ **Certified installers/removers** - Must use certified companies
ā¢ **Soil assessment** - Required during closure
ā¢ **Cleanup standards** - Act 2 land recycling standards apply
ā¢ **Release reporting** - Spills must be reported
Residential heating oil tanks under 3,000 gallons have fewer registration requirements but still need proper closure.
Philadelphia Area Considerations
The Philadelphia region has specific considerations:
ā¢ **Older row homes** - Many have or had buried tanks
ā¢ **Dense neighborhoods** - Access can be challenging
ā¢ **Property values** - Tank issues affect sales
ā¢ **Local requirements** - Philadelphia has additional city permits
ā¢ **Neighboring properties** - Contamination can migrate
Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County also have many properties with buried tanks.
PA Tank Removal Process
Pennsylvania tank removal typically follows this process:
1. **Hire certified company** - PA DEP certified tank remover
2. **Obtain permits** - Local and municipal permits
3. **Excavation** - Careful tank removal
4. **Soil sampling** - Per PA DEP guidance
5. **Laboratory analysis** - Certified lab testing
6. **Compare to standards** - Act 2 cleanup standards
7. **Remediation if needed** - Meet applicable standards
8. **Closure report** - Documentation of proper closure
9. **Backfill and restore** - Site restoration
10. **Record keeping** - Maintain documentation
Act 2 Land Recycling Program
When contamination is found, PA's Act 2 provides cleanup framework:
ā¢ **Background standard** - Return to natural conditions
ā¢ **Statewide health standard** - Numeric cleanup levels
ā¢ **Site-specific standard** - Risk-based approach
ā¢ **Special industrial area** - For certain urban sites
ā¢ **Liability protection** - Available upon cleanup completion
Act 2 provides flexibility and liability relief for cleanups.
š° Typical Pennsylvania Costs
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Sweep | $250 - $500 |
| Standard Tank Removal | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Removal with Contamination | $4,000 - $15,000 |
| Major Remediation | $15,000 - $50,000+ |
| Environmental Consulting | $2,000 - $10,000+ |
* Prices vary by location, contractor, and site conditions. Get multiple quotes.
š” Pro Tips for Pennsylvania Homeowners
- āVerify PA DEP certification of removal company
- āPhiladelphia requires city permits in addition to state
- āUnderstand Act 2 cleanup options
- āGet multiple quotes - prices vary
- āKeep closure documentation for future sales
- āConsider environmental insurance for contaminated sites
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