Tank Decommissioning & Replacement in Portland, OR

The tank decommissioning process refers to permanently closing a tank by capping it, filling it with slurry, or digging it up and removing it from the ground completely. Alpha Environmental offers tank decommissioning and replacement services for residential and commercial properties in Portland, Oregon. We service all heating oil tanks, whether located above-ground, underground, or in a basement.

Heating oil tanks are containers that hold oil to heat homes or buildings. Underground storage tanks (USTs) are used to store oil or other materials. In each case, these types of tanks can become hazardous over time. As such, they require decommissioning or replacement.

Faulty or Leaking Heating Oil Tanks

There are several possible reasons a tank may leak. Tanks are made of steel, which is subject to corrosion over time. There may also be leaks in worn-out fittings, filters, and hose connections. A UST leak can lead to an environmental hazard in the soil and water. If a worn-out or damaged tank causes the leak, we will need to decommission or remove the tank. Repairs are not an option.

Our decommissioning process includes the following steps:

  1. Pump and clean the tank
  2. Fill the tank with sand or concrete
  3. Collect soil samples around the tank
  4. Cut off the fill and vent pipes
  5. Register the tank with the Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality (if necessary

Our Tank Decommissioning Process

Alpha Environmental follows a step-by-step process for decommissioning your heating oil tank. We either subcontract or refer to a GPR person to locate and identify the tank. We will then determine the tank size and physical parameters. Keep in mind that damaged oil tanks cannot be repaired. Instead, they must be replaced.

Heating Oil Tank Decommissioning

Heating oil tanks peaked in the 1970s but can still be found on many properties today. Until the mid-1980s, most heating oil tanks were made of bare steel, which corrodes over time. As a result, leaks occur, causing contamination in the surrounding area. 

The greatest threat of a leaking tank is that the contents seep into the soil and groundwater. Therefore, leaking tanks must be properly decommissioned to avoid environmental issues.

Our Decommissioning Process

Soil Matrix Cleanup

This process often removes the contaminated soil at a heating oil tank cleanup site or covers low-impact closures where limited contamination is present.

Risk-Based Decision-Making Cleanup

This process involves closure with some of the contamination on your property if we can demonstrate that leaving the pollution from the heating oil tank will not impact human or environmental health. The process is often used when removal impacts structures, is too costly, or we cannot remove all contamination.

General Remedy Cleanup

This process involves a limited risk assessment closure for lower-risk sites.

Schedule a Tank Decommission Today

If you discover an oil leak on your property, you need to act quickly before the leak spreads further into the soil and water. If you would like a tank decommissioning in Portland, Oregon, contact Alpha Environmental today. Call (503) 292-5346 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate

Contact Us

A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule

Why Choose Alpha Environmental

Our goal is to get the job done right while protecting our client. We are committed to ensuring you are safe in your residence, no matter what. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and here to help with all of your environmental needs.

Family Owned & Operated

We pride ourselves on strong company values that translate into service levels which go above and beyond average service providers

21+ Years Experience

For over two decades we've been doing the dirty work, serving residential and commercial customers in the greater Portland area

Care & Ownership

Our entire team is committed to ensuring your home or place of business is safe and every job gets done the right way

David D.
Lake Oswego, OR
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My wife and I experienced a hot water pipe busting in the crawlspace. It has been a total nightmare. However, Chris and his team provided expert quality care, with timeliness and the greatest degree of professionalism. I would HIGHLY recommend Alpha Enviornmental!
Zhanna S.
Beaverton, OR
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Can’t say enough about Alpha Environmental! Their costumer service is 10/10, they have really good systems in place, responsive, and professional. The gals in the scheduling department are always so kind! As a real estate agent, I use Alpha’s services numerous times a year. Either it’s for Mold bids, oil tank decommissioning, radon etc. They always do a fantastic job! Thank you for all the work you do!
Kristen L.
Portland, OR
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Wow where do I even begin?? We’re absolutely thrilled by the work Alpha has done for us and we’re eternally grateful to them for ridding our house of asbestos tile! They’re polite, kind, professional — from estimator Filo to manager Dame to Jake, Melvin and the other two guys on the crew (so sorry we didn’t get your names) — you guys are awesome and we so appreciate your help. Our house looks amazing. The peace of mind you’ve given us is priceless. We can’t thank you enough. We’ll certainly be in back in touch if we ever need any of your services again. Thank you thank you!!!
Jeff S.
Salem, OR
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Alpha environmental's employees were punctual, pleasant to work with and there services are reasonably priced. I highly recommend them because I would use them again in the future.
Lea C.
Tualatin, OR
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Took a water sample in for lead testing and they were so fast and helpful. Rodolfo was so nice and informative in explaining the testing and what it meant! Would definitely recommend everyone to go there and will go to them for any future needs!
Claire B.
Portland, OR
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Alpha environmental was extremely helpful in navigating me through the process of testing some leftover construction debris for asbestos so I could take it to the dump. Their office manager spent time with me on the phone discussing the options for sample collection, and was extremely friendly in answering my many questions. Sample drop off at the office was easy and the results even came back a few days earlier than expected. Will definitely return if I need more sampling done!
Jeff C.
Tigard, OR
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I would highly recommend anyone wanting, quick efficient services relating to environmental testing to check out Alpha Environmental. Not only was the staff friendly and responsive, but also professional! If I could 6 stars out of 5, I would!
Jotham P.
Portland, OR
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We used Alpha Environmental Services to conduct our home inspection, radon testing, sewer scope and oil tank decommissioning. Every part of their service was really professional. They took so many great photos of the house during the inspection and offered lots of explanation on what they found. Great team. Highly recommend!
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A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule