Residential Tank Sweep in Portland, OR

If you own a home built between 1900 and 1985, there may be an underground storage tank (UST) or an old heating oil tank buried in your yard. If so, you may be cited with multiple environmental violations. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in oil cleanup and tank removal costs. The best way to avoid these violations and penalties is to schedule a residential tank scan in Portland, OR.

Alpha Environmental offers a comprehensive tank sweep service to locate and identify any oil tanks in your yard. We use advanced technology and methods to find a variety of tanks, such as heating oil tanks and underground storage tanks. Contact Alpha Environmental today to schedule a residential tank scan. Let us help you create a safer environment in your yard.

Why Is a Tank Scan Important?

Chances are, you were unaware that an oil tank existed in your yard when you purchased your house. Tanks often go unnoticed or unreported in an appraisal and inspection. They can remain underground for several decades. As a result, they become a liability to the homeowner and other residents in the immediate neighborhood. There can be tanks in multiple homes in the same area.

Underground oil tanks and storage tanks typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years. Over time, the moisture in the ground causes the tank material to break down causing a leak of a hazardous substance.

There are two main reasons why you should schedule a professional tank scan:

1. Mortgage Requirements

Mortgage lenders will not approve loan requests on properties that contain abandoned or untested oil tanks. Whether you are trying to buy or sell a house, the loan application may be denied if an inspector discovers a buried oil tank.

2. Environmental Damage

A gradual leak that occurs over several years can seep into groundwater, which carries it to surface water. Groundwater may become unusable for consumption or irrigation. A single tank can have a far-reaching impact on the environment – not just your yard. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has requirements for testing and clean-up of underground storage tanks and heating oil tanks. Alpha Environmental is certified, licensed, insured and bonded to assist you through the entire process.

Do I Need an Oil Tank Sweep?

It is nearly impossible to determine if you need a residential oil tank scan, as most tanks are buried deep into the ground and out of sight. However, there are some signs that an oil tank scan is necessary. 

For instance, any house built between 1900 and 1985 is automatically a candidate for an oil tank sweep, as tank installation was standard practice during that period. If a vent pipe, fill pipe, or above-ground tank is present in the yard, there is a good chance that a UST is just below. 

You may also notice symptoms of a leaking oil tank, such as:

  • Increased heating costs
  • Oil sheen in groundwater
  • Oil stain spots
  • A strong, constant smell of oil
  • Dead vegetation above or near the tank

Types of Storage Tanks We Scan

Alpha Environmental certified technicians are licensed and have extensive experience sweeping residential and commercial storage tanks. Two types of tanks that we scan include:

Heating Oil Tanks

Heating oil tanks come in all shapes and sizes and carry toxic fuels such as kerosene, range oil, and even jet fuel. The tank is made of galvanized steel, which can rust over time, allowing oil to leak in the yard.

Underground Storage Tanks

For a container to be an underground storage tank, it must contain at least 10 percent of the combined volume underground. According to the EPA, less than 4,000 of these tanks meet state or federal safety standards.

Fuel & Gas Tanks

Gas and fuel tanks may be stored at your home or property for an emergency generator, lawnmower, or any other purpose.

Our Tank Scanning Process

If there are no evident signs of an oil tank in your yard, the surface equipment or piping may have been removed, leaving only the submerged tank. This tank can be difficult to find. This is why you need a professional oil tank scan. Alpha Environmental uses sophisticated equipment and extensive research to locate the tank in your yard. 

If the tank exists in your yard, we will do our best to determine its location and make recommendations on safely following the DEQ’s guidelines for the property.

Schedule a Tank Scan Today

If you need a tank scan 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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Contact Us

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