UST Removal & Limited Removal Action (LRA)

Historic Commercial Property

Northampton, MA

Excavation of oil-impacted soil into roll-off containers.

Under the Limited Removal Action (LRA) provision of the MCP, excavation and off-site disposal of up to 100 cubic yards of petroleum impacted soils are allowed for 120-day release conditions. Approximately 40 cubic yards of impacted soil were temporarily stored in roll-off containers until transportation and ultimate disposal at an asphalt batch facility were arranged.  NEE coordinated soil excavation activities, including  preparation of a Bill-of-Lading.

Confirmatory samples were collected at the base of the excavation near each end of the former tank, and on the sidewalls of the excavation. PID Field screening results indicated all of the confirmatory samples contained less than 10 ppm total volatiles.  Laboratory results confirm that the remediation was effective as  all analytes were at concentrations below the laboratory reporting limit; not detected.  NEE prepared a UST Closure Report documenting completed activities in compliance with State and local regulations.

NEE personnel observed the removal of the 1,000-gallon fuel oil UST and the excavation of impacted soil.  The riveted steel tank appeared to be good condition, with no visible holes, or locations of leakage along the seams.  There did appear to be “overfill” conditions around the fill and vent pipes.   PID field screening of the overfill-impacted soil indicated 230 parts per million (ppm) total volatiles in the headspace.  Since this sample was collected within 10 feet of a UST, and was over 100 ppm, it triggered a 120-day release notification requirement to the DEP.

A 54-inch by 8’-8” riveted steel #2 fuel oil underground storage tank being removed.

The UST grave after soil excavation and confirmatory sampling.

CASE STUDY

UST Removal