Tank Closure Tanks no longer in use can cause problems for owners and operators many years later. They will continue to corrode and, if they still contain gas or oil, will likely contaminate ground water. Try to determine the location of any unused tanks on your property. Also, try to find out whether the tanks still hold product or have holes. These tanks must be pulled from the ground and disposed of in a landfill or at a scrap dealer.
State law requires that only certified individuals can legally pull a tank.
Always notify your local fire department at least 1 month before you have the tank pulled so that they can take precautions to prevent an explosion or other problem. Deaths have occurred because of improper closure. The following table can be used to help agricultural producers and rural homeowners determine the risk that drinking water on a given property will be contaminated because of the management practices being used. For each category on the left that is appropriate, read across to the right and circle the statement that best describes conditions on your land. Allows 15 to 30 minutes to complete the table, and skip any categories that do not apply.