If you're a New Jersey homeowner or thinking about buying a home in the state, you may be wondering about soil sampling for fuel oil compounds.(TPHC) Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from oil-contaminated soil. In this blog post, we'll explain what soil sampling is and why it's important, as well as give some tips on how to go about getting your soil tested.
What is Soil Sampling?
Soil sampling is the process of taking a small sample of soil from a property and testing it for contaminants such as oil. This is usually done by drilling a small hole in the ground in a couple of strategic locations with a Geoprobe machine and collecting a sample of the soil from depths of 4ft-8ft. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why is Soil Sampling Important?
Soil sampling is important because it can help you determine if there are any contaminants in the soil on your property. If there are contaminants present, you can then take steps to mitigate the problem and protect your family from exposure. If you are purchasing a property with an oil tank or previous tank that has been removed, testing the soil is extremely important. Soil testing ensures that there is not a costly environmental issue under the surface. The cost for soil remediation starts anywhere from $5,000 for the most minor leaks and depending on the severity of the leak can run up into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Remediated tanks need to be tested too !
Contrary to popular belief, a tank that has been "properly" remediated and abandoned in place also runs a risk of having contaminated soil. Without removing the tank from the ground it is almost impossible to tell whether a tank has leaked or not. The holes can be very small and only visible when light passes through, obtaining a no further action(NFA) letter is imperative to ensure there is no contamination.
How to Get Your Soil Tested
If you're interested in having your soil tested, we recommend that you contact a licensed environmental consultant. You can find a list of licensed environmental consultants on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's website.
Conclusion:
Soil sampling is an important way to protect yourself and your family from oil contamination. If you're thinking about getting your soil tested, we recommend that you contact a licensed environmental consultant or testing laboratory. Once you've found a few potential providers, get quotes from each one to compare prices and services. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your family stays safe from oil contamination. Contact us today for more information and scheduling.