After the liquids are pumped out of the tank we put dry ice in to reduce the odds of an explosion from fumes left in the tank. While I am removing the soil with the backhoe, I have to be careful of the house's foundation and any other structures like trees that could be damaged by the heavy machinery. Residential heating oil tanks take 280 to 560 gallons. The largest has about a 3.5 foot diameter by 7 foot length. These can be very heavy and can pose dangers during removal.
Many precautions have to be taken during the physical removal of the tank.
I make an effort to leave a site the way it was before we started the excavation. Also, once the tank is removed and the soil is cleared, I have to take more samples inside the hole. If the samples come back contaminated then I have to find the boundaries of the contamination. It's great to do something for the environment. It is rewarding to know you are cleaning up neighborhoods as well as the environment.