How do I know if I have a tank? What do I do If I have a tank? What if I removed or filled my tank but did not check for contamination? Most homes built before 1975 used an underground tank to store heating oil. These bare steel tanks have been slowly corroding underground many years beyond their 15 to 20 year life expectancy.
Services
This video gives you a quick overview about underground oil tanks, tank concerns, and liabilities. It also gives some background and professional qualifications for Kirk McDonald and Practical Environmental Solutions. Practical Environmental Solutions has removed hundreds of oil tanks since 2001, more than any other company in southeastern North Carolina.
We hope this web site has been helpful for your basic understanding of heating oil tanks and related contamination issues. Your next step is to have PES conduct a Tank Evaluation to determine if your tank has leaked or not. The information gathered will allow us to provide you with a 6-7 page Tank Evaluation report, a tank removal estimate/contract, and a contamination solutions menu (if applicable).
Reviews (9)
Barry Summers
Jun 14, 2022
Our house was built in 1996 and the owner at the time decided to install hydronic heating with an oil boiler (he was from NJ). Shortly after purchasing the house in 2008 we decided to install heat pumps and eliminate the oil boiler due to problems and the dirty heat. We had the oil in the inground tank pumped in 2009 but didn't have the tank removed due to expected cost (there was still a small amount of oil in bottom of tank). Having the mostly empty tank in the ground was always a lingering concern.
We decided to have a whole house generator installed and the ideal location would be over the old oil tank so it was time to "bite the bullet" and have the tank removed. After much research on the internet, I became increasingly concerned with the potential liability if the tank had leaked over the 26 years it had been in the ground (even though it was mostly empty over the last 13 years).
After first contacting another company, I found Practical Environmental Solutions (PES) via an internet search. The very positive reviews encouraged me to contact PES (Kirk McDonald). Kirk did an excellent job explaining the process and NC regulations and possible impact if there had been a leak. We had PES do an evaluation and took the final step and had them removed the tank on June 7, 2022. PES took care to avoid damage to our lawn.
After removal you could not tell they were there. We decided to go with the optional soil analysis and tank closure report so we would have complete documentation if we decide to sell house in future (and to also eliminate any future liability). If you have an old oil tank, I would highly recommend PES (Kirk). They are professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and did an excellent overall job! One thing I learned from this process, if you have an old oil tank, get it out of the ground ASAP to reduce future liability exposure.
We decided to have a whole house generator installed and the ideal location would be over the old oil tank so it was time to "bite the bullet" and have the tank removed. After much research on the internet, I became increasingly concerned with the potential liability if the tank had leaked over the 26 years it had been in the ground (even though it was mostly empty over the last 13 years).
After first contacting another company, I found Practical Environmental Solutions (PES) via an internet search. The very positive reviews encouraged me to contact PES (Kirk McDonald). Kirk did an excellent job explaining the process and NC regulations and possible impact if there had been a leak. We had PES do an evaluation and took the final step and had them removed the tank on June 7, 2022. PES took care to avoid damage to our lawn.
After removal you could not tell they were there. We decided to go with the optional soil analysis and tank closure report so we would have complete documentation if we decide to sell house in future (and to also eliminate any future liability). If you have an old oil tank, I would highly recommend PES (Kirk). They are professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and did an excellent overall job! One thing I learned from this process, if you have an old oil tank, get it out of the ground ASAP to reduce future liability exposure.
Kristina McLeod
Jan 15, 2022
Teena Roeder
Jan 06, 2022
Our experience with PE Solutions was wonderful. We are in the process of selling my mother's home since she had passed away. During the process, the underground fuel oil tanks had to be removed and remediated. Kirk was very professional, thorough and timely with the whole process. He keep us informed every step of the way and there were no surprises. I was highly recommend his crew for their cleanliness, professionalism and kindness.
Shai P.
Oct 19, 2021
Tim Denny
Aug 06, 2021
Bob Russell
May 17, 2021
Kirk and his associates are total professionals. Of course, nobody's happy to learn that they have a potentially leaky oil tank buried in their yard, but PES made the removal/disposal process as painless as possible with minimal impact to my property. Plus I felt fully informed at every step. Whenever there were options, Kirk presented them clearly.
He has a great talent for sharing his considerable knowledge of the field in ways a layman can understand. The end result for me was satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that the problem had been resolved in a safe and environmentally sound way. I'd call PES again in a heartbeat if I ever had this problem again.
He has a great talent for sharing his considerable knowledge of the field in ways a layman can understand. The end result for me was satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that the problem had been resolved in a safe and environmentally sound way. I'd call PES again in a heartbeat if I ever had this problem again.
Krystal Garcia
Dec 21, 2020
We recently purchased a home with an under ground oil tank and wanted the tank removed before the house closed. Kirk was recommended by our realtor. We decided to look on to Kirks website, and it is incredibly informative. It is very thorough and it answered all of our questions initially. Once we spoke to Kirk, he was very responsive, told us exactly what we could expect. Provided all kind of scenarios and what would be the best course of action with each.
Before purchase of the home we wanted a soil report. He provides a detailed soil report around the existing underground oil tank and we decided to proceed to remove it. We did a 21 day close on the home and wanted the tank removed before the close. Kirk was quick to get back to us once we decided to go ahead and remove the underground oil tank. He removed it and remedied the minimally contaminated soil underneath the tank.
We were provided with pictures of the job as we were not on sight when it was removed. He said he would file a letter with the state saying we remedied the contaminated soil and no further action was needed letter. Since then, he has filed and we are just waiting for the letter from the state. Kirk is your guy for the job if you want an oil tank removed or remedied! Thank you Kirk!
Before purchase of the home we wanted a soil report. He provides a detailed soil report around the existing underground oil tank and we decided to proceed to remove it. We did a 21 day close on the home and wanted the tank removed before the close. Kirk was quick to get back to us once we decided to go ahead and remove the underground oil tank. He removed it and remedied the minimally contaminated soil underneath the tank.
We were provided with pictures of the job as we were not on sight when it was removed. He said he would file a letter with the state saying we remedied the contaminated soil and no further action was needed letter. Since then, he has filed and we are just waiting for the letter from the state. Kirk is your guy for the job if you want an oil tank removed or remedied! Thank you Kirk!
John West
May 26, 2020
Great job! Highly recommend Practical Environmental Solutions. Kirk was great to deal with and very clear about what needed to be done and the best and most cost effective way to get it done. Kirk was always reachable. If he didn't answer, he'd call right back. He ended up doing two jobs for me and both times he showed up when he said he would and got the job done! 100% satisfied. Thanks Kirk!
Wendy Thompson
Nov 08, 2019
As a local realtor I come across oil tank issues at least a few times a year. Kirk is an amazing resource. Always willing to answer questions, provide a quote and do any necessary removal in a professional manner. My clients trust him to be honest and fair in his pricing. He is truly the Wilmington expert in the field. Highly recommend!
