Soil Probe Testing Method: Our Environmental Professional tests the soil around the sides of the tank at different depths. These soil samples are then analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Results are available within 24 hours of the tank test. No waiting. No need to shut down the furnace. No need for the client to be at home. No need to fill the tank. No coordination problems.

Using an underground metal detector to locate the tank, we can analyze soil up to 10 feet in depth*. The GeoProbe can penetrate concrete or asphalt, and the instrument does not require a truck to drive across the lawn.

The TPH Analysis shows whether or not the soil is contaminated. This method satisfies CT DEP and local Fire Marshal requirements. 

*Dependent on soil conditions

FAQ:

Q - 1.) How do I tell if my underground tank is leaking?

A - We can test your tank by the soil sample method.  

Q - 2.) What do the results of the soil tests mean?

A - The results of your soil analyses show the concentration of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the soil samples collected from around your underground storage tank (UST). Hydrocarbons are the basic building blocks of fuel oil used to heat your home. Although Hydrocarbons do exist naturally in soil organic matter, the concentrations are usually at low levels. When higher levels of TPH are found, it may mean that the soil contamination is the result of a leaking UST. Results listed as ‘ND’ are non-detectable, and the level of TPH, if any, is so low that it cannot be detected.

• Results below 100-ppm usually are not indicative of a UST leak. Results in this range may be caused by naturally occurring Hydrocarbons in the soil.
  
• Results between 100 and 500-ppm are below the CT DEP Direct Exposure Criteria (DEC) for TPH in soils. However, results in this range may represent a contaminated soil condition, possibly the effects of a UST leak, and further investigation is appropriate.
• Results over 500- are indicative of a tank leak and call for remediation.

Q - 3.) What do I do now?

A - With results below the 100 ppm level, it is unlikely that the soil contamination is from a leaking UST. A fingerprint (GC/FID technique) of the sample may be run at your discretion to confirm that the results are not from fuel oil.

• Results over 100 ppm range may represent a leaking UST. It is recommended that the sample be confirmed by the GC/FID technique as containing fuel oil before proceeding with the expense of remedial action.

This method utilizes a gas chromatograph to match the sample in question with that of a known fuel oil standard. If the two chromatographs match, the sample is confirmed as contaminated with fuel oil. The CTDEP requires that soil with over 500 ppm TPH be remediated.

Q - 4.) How do I clean up a tank discovered to be leaking?

A- Results over 500-ppm (above the CT DEP DEC) require that the CTDEP, Chemical Spills Division, be notified.

Brooks Environmental Consulting, on request, will represent your interests from the beginning to the end of the remediation project. Our first service in your behalf will be to file the legally required spill notice with the CTDEP. At the same time, our soil scientist will describe to the agency a Remediation Plan which we will have designed and discussed with you beforehand for your approval.

Remediation Plans may involve excavation and incineration, bioremediation, filtration and air sparging, to name a few. The method we design for you will be the least costly and the least time-consuming that gives the enforcement agency, the CTDEP, assurance that the environment is being protected.

The costs of clean-up and remediation vary, depending on the extent of contamination and the method of remediation used. Brooks will assist you, also, in applying to any insurance companies who may be providing tank protection in policies you hold. Our staff of scientists and engineers, working with the CTDEP, will design a clean-up plan suited to your individual situation and budget.

An excavator to remove the tank will be needed, and Brooks will recommend several competent firms to you and from whom you may request bids according to our approved design specifications. Brooks will arrange also with the excavator contractor to replace your old tank with one of improved design. In some cases, your fuel oil supplier may install the new tank.

Q-5.) How much digging will be required?

A - If the contamination comes close to the house, under a driveway, porch, patio or under valuable plantings, our Remediation Plan will remediate with minimum excavation, and may involve bioremediation. These alternatives and their costs will be discussed fully with you, the client, before proceeding. If groundwater has been contaminated, it may be necessary in accordance with CTDEP requirements, to design a sparging system to introduce oxygen below ground level to speed the remediation process.

Q - 6) How much will it cost?

A - If you have UST insurance, your policy terms will limit the cost to you. Total cost will vary according to the extent of contamination. Each yard of contaminated soil may need to be removed, disposed of, and replaced with clean soil. Brooks’ service includes soil sampling with a GeoProbe to assure only the contaminated soil is removed, thus keeping costs to a minimum.

As your agent, Brooks will present you with alternatives and their costs, before proceeding with the work.

SUMMARY OF BROOKS UST SERVICES

• Tank Testing.
   
• Control homeowner's cost by defining the plume to establish limits of excavation.
   
• Design method of remediation for homeowner’s approval by a soil scientist.
   
• Submit design protocol and specifications to CTDEP for their approval.
   
• Brooks provides names of excavators, and homeowner makes separate contract for excavation portion.
   
• Brooks oversees entire project as homeowner’s representative to assure the excavator contractor selected by the homeowner follows the contract specifications, and does not remove any soil unless it is contaminated.
   
• Brooks will sample and analyze soil samples as work is in progress in its own laboratory according to CTDEP regulations.
   
• Brooks will perform final soil sampling and analysis by method 418.1, and prepare final report required for closure to be submitted to:
   
  • The Homeowner
  • The Local Fire Marshal

  • The CTDEP