Moving forward on a project without pulling a permit could land you in serious trouble. Depending on your city and county regulations and the project you’re working on, you risk fines of up to and possibly over $1,000.
Do you need a permit to remove an oil tank in NJ?
Whether you need to remove an above-ground or underground oil tank, please read this article before you begin the project. You’ll want to ensure you’re following rules and regulations specific to New Jersey.
What Organizations Regulate Oil Tank Removal?
New Jersey has two regulating bodies that manage issues regarding unregulated heating oil tanks for residential use.
The first group, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), steps in when there’s evidence of a leaking heating oil tank. This department manages the Unregulated Heating Oil Tank Program.
The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes and Standards regulates the removal and abandonment of heating oil tanks.
Why the Concern Over Removing Oil Tanks?
Whether buying or selling a home, knowing if you have a heating oil tank buried on the property is critical. Buying a property with an existing oil tank puts the buyer at risk if the tank were to leak.
A ruptured tank could cause contamination in the surrounding soil. The repair could cost over $100,000, and many homeowner’s insurance providers will not cover the cost.
As a seller, if you know of an underground oil tank on your property, you must disclose that information to prospective buyers. You should retain any paperwork regarding the oil tank, including proof of removal. It could save the sale of your home.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove an Oil Tank in NJ?
The key to successful oil tank removal is understanding your town’s requirements before scheduling your project.
Most towns require a permit to remove above-ground and underground heating oil tanks in New Jersey. If your town requires a permit, the cost to pull the permit is usually under $100, but some towns charge up to $200.
The permit isn’t only designed to satisfy the requirements of a government office. Your permit is evidence that you’re working with a licensed and insured contractor to have the tank removed.
The contractor your hire takes care of the oil tank removal permit in NJ. If your local utility company requires notification of the removal, your contractor will also handle that.
Other Considerations Regarding Oil Tank Removal
Can you remove an oil tank from your property by yourself? It’s a common question asked by homeowners.
The answer is “no.”
In the state of New Jersey, a professional tank removal company must manage the removal of any heating oil tank. Removal of above- or underground tanks is not a DIY project.
Reach Out to Stewart Environmental for Oil Tank Removal
We answered the question, do you need a permit to remove an oil tank in NJ, we’ve also shared the requirements of New Jersey to have a professional remove any heating oil tanks on your property.
Stewart Environmental has offered a range of environmental remediation services since the 1990s. We’re the leading environmental contractors here in New Jersey.
Reach out today for a quote. No project is too big or too small for our team.
