Underground storage tanks (UST) have historically contributed to a substantial number of contaminated sites. It has been estimated that one-quarter to one-third of all UST systems have leaked. During the 1990s, federal and state regulations dictated the upgrade, replacement or removal of many UST systems and these system modifications will continue as long as USTs are utilized for the storage of chemicals and petroleum products.

System replacement may involve new USTs or an aboveground storage tank (AST) installation. Remaining UST systems periodically require modification and testing to evaluate their integrity and, as systems age, tank removal is eventually required. Tank removal involves excavating the tank and evaluating potential leakage. This evaluation may be purely visual or may involve the use of handheld instruments and field test kits. Regulated UST removals are performed in accordance with strict state-specific standards that usually require the collection and analysis of samples and the preparation of a UST Closure Report.

Where environmental contamination is identified, a remedial evaluation is performed to determine whether immediate cleanup is possible or if a more extensive assessment, design and remediation project is required. Whenever contaminant levels are identified that exceed state-specific action levels, reporting to applicable regulatory agencies is mandated. GuideWire continually works with the client to insure that all appropriate notifications are made, both prior to any UST removal or modification project and subsequent to the identification of reportable contamination.

GuideWire’s staff has removed, upgraded and replaced USTs in more than 20 states. We have worked extensively with state-funded cleanup programs to provide clients with reimbursement for UST work, whenever possible. Most importantly, we work with our clients to provide practical, cost effective solutions to UST and remedial concerns.