Soil Contamination From Oil Tanks in New Jersey: Causes, Testing & Cleanup
Oil tanks can provide reliable heating for homes and commercial properties, but older or damaged tanks may create a serious environmental concern: soil contamination. In New Jersey, underground oil tanks can develop leaks that allow petroleum products to seep into surrounding soil, potentially affecting groundwater, property value, and future construction plans. Understanding the causes of soil contamination from oil tanks, how contaminated soil is tested, and what cleanup involves can help New Jersey property owners address problems before they become more complicated and expensive. What Causes Soil Contamination From Oil Tanks? The most common cause of contamination is an underground oil tank leak . Over time, metal tanks can corrode, crack, or develop weak areas because of age and exposure to moisture in the surrounding soil. Other common causes include: -Corrosion and deterioration of older tanks -Damaged or leaking fuel lines -Improperly abandoned underground oil tanks -Spil...