Back To Top 4. Tank closure Tanks no longer in use can cause problems for owners and operators many years later. They may continue to corrode and, if they still contain gas or oil, they can be a safety hazard and a threat to groundwater. Try to determine the location of any unused underground tanks on your property and whether they still hold product or have holes. These tanks should be pulled from the ground and disposed of in a landfill or at a scrap dealer.
State law requires that only certified installers can legally pull a tank.
Always notify your local fire department at least one month before you have a tank pulled, to ensure that precautions are taken to prevent an explosion or other problem. Deaths have occurred due to improper closure. If there is groundwater pollution in your area, your neighbors may suspect the tank as its cause. You should document steps you take to legally close your tank so that you are protected from legal action in the event of groundwater problems. Unused aboveground tanks that leak should be emptied, marked as not to be used, and protected from being refilled by covering fill ports.