Executive Summary
- Storage tanks are typically used to hold compressed gases and liquids of varying toxicity, such as petroleum products like diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas.
- Soil sampling around storage tanks is crucial to assess whether toxic substances have leaked into the ground. Polluted soil and groundwater can hinder surrounding ecosystems and harm human inhabitants.
- The soil sampling process typically starts with an initial visual assessment, a sample collection phase, laboratory analysis, and a reporting period that may include recommendations on improving or preserving soil quality.
- Over time, soil sampling can save costs by encouraging early detection, which can avert expensive remediation projects, widespread contamination problems, and health complications.
Understanding Soil Sampling and Its Role in Storage Tank Maintenance
Storage tanks are large containers that house liquids or compressed gases. Over 500,000 underground storage tanks (USTs) throughout the United States store petroleum or other hazardous substances. As storage tanks break down over time, it can lead to various environmental hazards.
Damage or age-related deterioration can cause a tank to leak its potentially toxic contents, contaminating the land around it. When unchecked, polluted soil can negatively affect ecosystems, harming nearby plants, animals, and humans. It can also lead to legal penalties and expensive large-scale remediation projects. Scheduling professional-led soil sampling is an excellent way to ensure that your property does not have unsafe pollution levels.
A trustworthy environmental remediation company can perform a soil analysis, extracting samples from the dirt and groundwater surrounding each storage tank to gauge the level of contamination. This process can help keep the property’s inhabitants as safe and healthy as possible.
What Is Soil Sampling, and Why Is It Important?
Soil sampling evaluates the chemical, physical, or biological state of dirt by carefully extracting it from a property and having it examined in a qualified laboratory. Soil analyses are especially important for properties that house storage tanks holding chemicals, heating oil, or other environmentally hazardous liquids because these containers are susceptible to leaks and spills, especially if they are old or damaged in any way.
When testing soil near storage tanks, gathering several dirt samples from different locations around the tank is essential for obtaining comprehensive readings. This process will help environmental remediators gauge the pollution level on a property’s grounds. If dangerous toxicity levels are present, experienced environmental specialists can take measures to remediate the property and keep it safe, such as excavation services or hazardous waste disposal.
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Detecting Contamination from Storage Tanks
Each property may have a unique use for its storage tank, but many of them hold dangerous pollutants that have the potential to leak or spill and infiltrate the ground below. Some examples of contaminants commonly found near storage tanks are:
- Gasoline
- Heating oil
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Industrial by-products
The liquids above can contain toxic ingredients that can severely damage ecosystems. For example, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an ingredient that can harm various levels of the food chain, can be found in older forms of reformulated gasoline, oxygenated fuel, and premium grades of unleaded gasoline that may still be housed in some USTs.
Dangers of Contaminated Soil
When unchecked, solids contaminated with toxic substances can have several negative impacts. An example of a sequence of events that can cause soil contamination to affect several levels of the food chain is:
- A chemical housed in a UST leaks through a hole or fissure.
- The chemical soaks into the ground.
- Plants grow from the contaminated soil.
- Small herbivorous animals eat the toxic plants.
- Larger carnivorous animals eat the toxic herbivorous animal.
- Humans eat an animal or plant that has absorbed the toxic substance.
Although each contaminant poses unique risks, many chemicals housed in storage tanks, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, can hinder the function of an animal’s endocrine, immune, reproductive, or nervous system. Protect your property with soil testing to increase your chances of early detection and make it easier to avoid ecosystemic harm.
The Process of Soil Sampling
Each property may require a unique approach to soil sampling, depending on the facility’s operations, physical obstructions, and surrounding environment. Nevertheless, the following steps may be used during soil testing:
Initial Assessment
Environmental experts usually start by examining the site to determine possible pollution hazards, locating and counting the number of storage tanks present, and gauging their age and condition. If the tank is visible, the specialist may check for corrosion indicators.
During this step, the environmental professional will also visually examine the condition of the soil surrounding the tank. The soil may already be polluted if it is oddly discolored, desolate, eroded, or malodorous. Usually, the professional will also use this step to develop a sampling plan and pinpoint which spots are best for dirt extraction.
Sample Collection
After visually examining your property, an environmental specialist will take soil samples from several places surrounding the storage tank to guarantee a thorough analysis. Usually, dirt is removed at various depths using specialized boring and sampling instruments.
During this process, the professional will be equipped with the appropriate protective gear to avoid coming into contact with toxic substances. Moreover, they will securely contain the sample after collecting it to ensure it makes it to the laboratory without dispersion.
Laboratory Analysis
Since the analyzing equipment cannot be brought to the site, the collected soil samples are sent to a laboratory, where they are thoroughly tested for contaminants. The lab analyzes the samples for various pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. Although each lab may uniquely approach soil testing, some use gas chromatography or mass spectrometry techniques.
Reporting and Recommendations
In most cases, the laboratory analysis results are combined into a report that lists the kinds and quantities of pollutants found. Based on these findings, environmental professionals can offer recommendations for remediation or preservation of soil quality.
Commercial properties must be free of harmful pollutants to avoid legal penalties and fines. For Oregon, OAR 340-170-0020 describes the expected process for soil assessments, and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides guidance on heating oil tank cleanup for residential properties.
If contamination is detected on a property, soil cleanup or tank repair may be required to rectify pollution issues and guarantee environmental safety. If the storage tank is damaged, threatening the environment, or no longer being used, you may have to decommission or remove it entirely to ensure the safety of everyone inhabiting the property.
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Benefits of Professional Soil Sampling Services
Having your property inspected and soil analyzed by a trusted environmental remediation team can offer various advantages. Some examples of benefits of soil sampling are:
- Accurate detection – By learning the state of your soil and its potential health risks, you can make informed decisions that keep you and everyone else on the property as safe as possible.
- Potential financial savings – Soil sampling can save money in the long run by promoting early detection, which can prevent extensive contamination issues and expensive remediation efforts.
- Peace of mind – Even if there are no dangerous levels of contaminants on your property, soil sampling can be beneficial because it can assure you that your property is safe and compliant with regulations.
In addition to the advantages above, scheduling routine soil sampling on commercial land can boost worker productivity. Knowing that their work environment is safe or that the property owner is taking steps in the right direction can boost employee morale and allow them to focus on their individualized tasks rather than their health.
Alpha Environmental’s Expertise in Soil Sampling
Alpha Environmental has extensive experience evaluating storage tanks and performing soil sampling in the greater Portland, Oregon, area. Having worked on many properties with environmentally hazardous USTs, our certified specialists know how to use cutting-edge technology, such as augers and other boring instruments, to extract soil samples proficiently.
We may also use geophysical tools, like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and metal detection equipment, to locate USTs quickly and accurately. We can efficiently assess tank conditions and find evidence of oil contamination in the ground so you can return to typical day-to-day operations as soon as possible, knowing that your property is safe from pollutants.
If contamination is detected during soil sampling, we can also schedule reliable remediation services to refresh and safeguard your property. Our highly qualified remediation team is a dependable one-stop resource for all your environmental needs.
Soil-Testing Testimonials
The following quotes are some of the many satisfied clients for which Alpha Environmental has performed soil testing services.
“We were in the process of selling our home, and [Alpha Environmental] were quick to schedule an appointment to first do the soil sample test, and when that came in, it was very easy to get scheduled to have the oil tank decommissioned. They were prompt and cleaned up when they were done. You cannot even tell they were there! Thank you”
Sue S.
“We needed a quick soil test done on a house we were purchasing. Alpha got the soil tested and gave us back a report that was easy to understand in 48 hours. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs environmental testing.”
Jason and Kaela L.
“[Alpha Environmental] conducted a sewer scope, radon test, and soil test for a home we are purchasing. I was very impressed with their quick turnaround and willingness to answer all of my numerous questions. I appreciate their professionalism all around! I would absolutely use them again when needed!”
Chaz M.
The Bottom Line
Soil sampling is integral to property monitoring and maintenance, especially if it has lodged a storage tank holding harmful substances. Many property owners are unaware that their storage tanks may have leaked or spilled pollutants onto their land. The best way to ensure the property is safe from environmental hazards is to have an ecological professional perform a thorough soil analysis.
If you own property near Portland, Oregon, and have a storage tank holding chemicals at any point in time, it is crucial that you have your soil tested by the trustworthy specialists at Alpha Environmental. We have the tools and environmental knowledge to help you keep your property and its inhabitants safe.
Contact Alpha Environmental today to schedule top-of-the-line soil sampling services.
