Exploratory Dig vs. Tank Removal: What Is the Difference?

People often use “dig” and “excavation” as if they mean the same thing. In the oil tank world they are different jobs, with different goals, different rules and very different cost and disruption.

The goal of each

An exploratory dig answers one question: what is this signal? It opens a small area to identify an object.

A tank removal takes a tank out of the ground. It involves permits, a licensed process, inspection of the tank and soil, and, if a leak is found, a cleanup.

Who is allowed to do each

An exploratory dig only identifies an object, and it is not regulated as a tank closure.

Removing an underground heating oil tank is regulated. According to the NJDEP, it must be done by a closure-certified individual working for a closure-certified UST firm. A Licensed Site Remediation Professional cannot close a tank unless he or she also holds closure certification. The department also says that a closure contractor can perform remediation only if the firm is certified for subsurface evaluation too.

You can check a company’s certification in the state’s DataMiner reports, as the FAQ explains. See How to Check a Tank Contractor’s Certification in NJ.

Above ground tanks are different

For an above ground oil tank, the NJDEP says removal can be done by a licensed HVACR contractor, a licensed plumbing contractor, the homeowner or a licensed DEP contractor, and that a contractor holding only a home improvement registration cannot do it.

Which one do you need?

• Sweep clean, no signal: neither. You are done.
• A signal that needs identifying: an exploratory dig.
• A confirmed underground tank you want out: a removal by a certified firm. We can point you to professionals through our removal referrals.
• Signs of a leak: report it to the state hotline immediately, then bring in a certified subsurface evaluator or a Licensed Site Remediation Professional.

Why people mix them up

Because they both involve digging near a house, and because a dig can lead to a removal. But a dig is a decision tool. It tells you whether you have a tank problem at all, before you spend money on one.

Learn more about our exploratory dig service or call 732-673-1584.