How an Exploratory Dig Can Save You Thousands in Environmental Remediation Costs
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. While the excitement of finding your dream home is thrilling, it’s essential to ensure that the property is free from hidden risk, particularly when it comes to underground oil tanks. In New Jersey, older homes often have underground oil tanks that were once used for heating. Over time, these tanks can corrode, leak, and cause significant environmental damage, leading to high cleanup costs.
Here’s where an exploratory dig can save you thousands of dollars in environmental remediation costs.
What is an Exploratory Dig?
An exploratory dig is a controlled, targeted excavation used to confirm the presence of an underground oil tank after a sweep detects an anomaly. When an oil tank sweep, using metal detectors or Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), picks up unusual signals, the next logical step is to perform an exploratory dig to verify whether or not there is a buried tank.
Why an Exploratory Dig is Crucial for Saving Money
1. Identifying Leaks Early Can Prevent Major Cleanup Costs
An exploratory dig helps pinpoint exactly where the oil tank is located. If an old tank is confirmed, it’s critical to determine if it’s leaking or has the potential to leak. Leaking oil tanks can contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater. Cleanup costs for oil spills and contamination can exceed $50,000, depending on the extent of the damage. By detecting the issue early, the potential for a massive environmental cleanup is drastically reduced.
2. Avoiding Full Excavation Costs
A full excavation of the property to remove a suspected tank can be costly and invasive. It often involves digging up large areas of the property, disrupting landscaping, and sometimes damaging other infrastructure. In contrast, an exploratory dig is a focused and targeted process that exposes only the area around the suspected tank. It’s far less expensive and intrusive, saving you money in both excavation costs and landscaping restoration.
3. Legal Liability and Property Value Protection
In New Jersey, property owners are legally responsible for cleaning up any contamination caused by a leaking oil tan even if the tank was buried long before they took ownership. If the tank is not removed and the leak is not addressed, the liability can be significant, both in legal fees and remediation costs. With an exploratory dig, you can identify the issue upfront and avoid future legal battles. Additionally, removing the tank early helps preserve or increase the value of your property, as buyers are more likely to purchase homes that are free from such risks.
4. Early Action Reduces Cleanup Scope
By performing an exploratory dig at the first sign of a potential issue, you ensure that the problem is addressed before it spreads. Early detection prevents a small leak from turning into a much larger contamination problem. The earlier you catch an oil tank leak, the less extensive the cleanup will be, which leads to significant cost savings.
5. Insurance Coverage and Avoiding Future Premium Hikes
Many insurance companies are hesitant to cover homes with undisclosed or abandoned underground oil tanks. If you fail to uncover a buried tank, your insurance company may refuse to cover contamination, or they may increase your premiums to cover potential environmental hazards. Addressing the issue with an exploratory dig provides clear documentation of your property’s condition, which can help you maintain affordable insurance rates.
The Bottom Line: Why You Shouldn’t Skip an Exploratory Dig
An exploratory dig is a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars in environmental cleanup, legal liabilities, and property value loss. Detecting an underground oil tank and confirming its condition with an exploratory dig allows homeowners to take action before the problem escalates, protecting their finances, their property, and the environment.
How to Get Started with an Exploratory Dig
If you’re considering purchasing a home in New Jersey or have concerns about a potential underground oil tank on your property, it’s time to schedule an oil tank sweep and exploratory dig. At Oil Tank Scan NJ LLC, our team of certified professionals uses the latest metal detection technology to provide accurate oil tank sweeps and targeted exploratory digs.
We offer:
- Statewide service across New Jersey
- Accurate metal detection to locate tanks
- Affordable and non-invasive solutions
Protect your property and investment by scheduling an exploratory dig with Oil Tank Scan NJ LLC today.
