Soil Testing in Portland, OR

Heating oil presents an immediate environmental and hazardous threat to communities that require its use. The oil is stored in underground storage tanks (USTs) to minimize its environmental impact. While this storage method solves one problem, it also creates another. Over time, storage tanks corrode in the ground, increasing the risk of an oil leak, which can contaminate the nearby water, soil and cause harm to healthy plants.

If you have a UST on your property, now is the time to schedule a tank search/locate and soil testing. Alpha Environmental offers comprehensive storage tank and soil testing in Portland, OR. Using advanced technology and proven methods, we can evaluate the current condition of your storage tank and identify any oil contamination in the soil.

Why You Need Your Soil Sampled & Tested

As an oil tank ages, it shows signs of corrosion. Eventually, the corrosion eats through the tank, allowing heating oil to leak. As the oil leaks, it contaminates the soil and water in its path. A tank search and sample provide an accurate assessment of the tank’s location, condition, and level of contamination in the soil.

You may need a tank to locate and sample in the following situations:

  • Selling or buying a home with a heating oil tank on the property
  • Updating homeowner Insurance coverage
  • Discovering a UST for the first time
  • Converting from an underground tank to an above-ground tank
  • Increasing your home heating oil consumption
  • Applying for a home mortgage

Although every UST in the United States should have documentation, some tanks can go years without an assessment. If you discover a tank on your property, Alpha Environmental can research the history of the tank and perform a complete assessment to determine what you need to do next.

Symptoms of a Leaking Oil Tank

Oil tank leaks slowly develop over time. As a result, the signs of a leak are not always evident. A single tank could contaminate the soil and water in surrounding areas for several years before you realize there is a problem. Therefore, it is important to identify the symptoms of a leaking oil tank. Some of the most common signs of a leak include:

  • Oil sheen in the water
  • A strong and constant oil smell
  • Dead plants in the vicinity
  • Dark brown spots on the ground
  • More frequent requirement to refill the heating oil tank

How We Assess Leaking USTs

Alpha Environmental follows a thorough, step-by-step process when locating and assessing your tank. However, each scenario is different and dictates precisely how we perform tank testing on your property. Below, we break down our procedure.

1. Locate the Tank

A tank that has been buried on your property for decades can be difficult to find. We use several methods to identify connecting pipes or related equipment. Our technicians also use specialized equipment to identify the size, shape, and depth of the tank. There may or may not be signs of oil or penetrations in the yard, so it is important to have certified personnel perform these assessments.

2. Soil Sampling

One of the best ways to identify a leak is to retrieve a soil sample around the tank. We may need to take samples inside the tank if there are signs of leaks or corrosion. Soil samples can help us locate the leak, the path of the oil, the type of oil in the ground, and how long the oil has been leaking.

3. Decommission or Risk Assessment

Our certified heating oil tank supervisors perform clean decommissions, full decommissions, and risk assessments on a daily basis, depending on the assessment outcome. We ensure the site meets the requirements set by the EPA and DEQ, along with submitting the proper permitting and paperwork required prior to closure.

4. Soil & Groundwater Remediation

If soil testing reveals the presence of contamination, then soil and groundwater remediation may be necessary to resolve the issue. Various methods are available for cleaning up contaminated groundwater including thermal remediation, encapsulation, air sparging, and bioremediation. Which method is used depends on the type of contamination.

Schedule Soil Testing and Sampling 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. Contact Alpha Environmental for a soil sample and test 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