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When it comes to homeownership in the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley, you’re not just responsible for what lies above ground but also what’s buried beneath. Many older homes in these regions come with a hidden secret – buried oil tanks. These tanks were once essential for heating homes, but as times have changed, they’ve become potential liabilities. Every homeowner should inform themselves of the benefits of locating buried oil tanks and how they can protect and enhance the current and future value of their home. Here’s some information to get you started!
Buried oil tanks, remnants of a bygone era, are often found in homes built between 1910 and 1970. These underground storage tanks once held oil for heating, but now, they pose serious risks to the value of your property. Over time, these tanks can corrode, leading to leaks, ruptures, and contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater. This contamination can harm local ecosystems, and agriculture, and even jeopardize your landscaping, not to mention the potential hazards it poses to air and water quality. The presence of such a tank can deter potential buyers and significantly reduce your home’s resale value. In the ever-rising property market of the Lower Mainland, very few would be willing to take the risk of purchasing a property with such an environmental and financial liability hidden beneath the surface. Some potential buyers may even request proof your property is tank-free.
Locating buried oil tanks is a task best left to professionals who have the knowledge and equipment required for safe and effective detection. Skilled contractors use the latest ground-penetrating radar technology. GPR involves sending pulses of electromagnetic energy into the ground and interpreting the return times of these waves. This process provides a visual representation of what lies beneath, accurately marking out the boundaries of the oil tank without the need for extensive excavation. GPR not only ensures the precise detection of the tank’s location but also minimizes disruption to your property, unlike other methods like blind excavation. This advanced technology, combined with the experience of professionals, allows for a more cost-effective, efficient, and less invasive approach to locating buried oil tanks.
Once the tank is successfully located, the next step is safe removal. A trusted contractor will have the expertise and equipment needed to handle this task efficiently and securely. Corroded tanks, even if emptied, can leave a residue that continues to contaminate the soil and groundwater. Removing such tanks is essential for the safety of your property, the local environment, and the future value of your home. Proper removal not only protects your property but also ensures that you are a responsible steward of the local environment. If you need professional help locating buried oil tanks, reach out to a trusted expert with knowledge of the local environment, bylaws, and any remediation requirements like West Coast Tank Recovery, today.