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 Laboratories,
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
back
to top
