Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) Cleanup

Leaking petroleum storage tanks can create environmental hazards and

pose significant liabilities to the owners of such tanks. Under current Texas law,

the costs associated with the investigation and follow-up remediation of such

tank sites can be offset through state funding, but the window for such fund

availability is limited.

Possible regulatory action on the part of state or federal governments that could

result in significant fines or other action.
The site may become encumbered with restrictions that might hamper sale or other disposal.
Legal actions could be brought by individuals or groups who may be impacted by the contaminated site.

Care must be taken in removing the leaking tanks to insure that no further contamination of the environment occurs. If a tank was not leaking before removal, it is imperative that the removal be done to prevent damage that could result in an erroneous assumption of site contamination.

Whether there is knowledge of a leak or not, tanks must be removed by a licensed corrective action specialist and project manager. In Texas, the TCEQ regulates these activities under the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP).

Design of replacement system.
If the removed system is to be replaced, it is important that the design of the replacement system include provisions to prevent the reoccurrence of such contamination.
Site assessment.
The site must be reviewed to determine the extent of the contamination. It is critical that this assessment be conducted properly since the amount of additional cleanup and potential for litigation is highly dependent on this review.
Emplacement of drilled wells to assess potential contamination.
Depending on several factors, the site may have to be examined using drilled water wells. The depth, number and location are dependent on the site.
Disposal of contaminated waste.
Removal of waste from the site, both from removal of existing systems and from site assessment, must be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
Sample analysis.
Samples taken at the site must be analyzed for contamination. The results of such analysis form the basis for determining what must be done to clean up the site.
Develop corrective action proposals.
Once the site has been determined to be contaminated, the next step involves developing a method for cleaning up the site, which may involve removal of contaminated material through more sophisticated methods
Site cleanup.
The final step in resoling a LPST site is implementation of the corrective action proposals which should result in return of the site to its uncontaminated state and closure of the state's listing of the property as an environmentally contaminated site.

Grimes & Associates has a strong background in resolving LPST sites. Our staff includes a registered professional engineer, an environmental scientist, and professionals with a broad range of experience in dealing with such contaminated site problems. We can handle a LPST site from initial tank removal through final remediation and closure, and without you having to invest your time. We have been involved in each of the steps involved in remediating a LPST site. Why not give us a call.

For a list of our LPST clients click here

About Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

EPA Regulations on Underground Storage Tanks

TCEQ Regulations on Underground & Aboveground Storage Tanks

TCEQ Texas Risk Reduction Program
LPST Lab Facility