Remove Buried Fuel Tanks Before They Leak

Russell Crane Service provides underground storage tank removal and closure services for homeowners and businesses in Yakima, Washington.

If you have an underground heating oil tank on your property in Yakima, it is likely decades old, and older tanks corrode over time. Once corrosion sets in, fuel seeps into surrounding soil and creates contamination that requires remediation before you can sell the property or convert to a different heating system. Removing the tank before it leaks avoids those complications and the cleanup costs that come with them.

Russell Crane Service handles underground storage tank removal for residential and commercial properties, offering full tank removal, closure in place, and coordination with local environmental companies for soil testing. Licensed to operate in Washington and Oregon, the team navigates local regulations and works with property owners to develop a clear remediation plan if contaminated soil is identified during testing.

If you are planning to remove an underground storage tank in Yakima, reach out to Russell Crane Service to schedule an evaluation and discuss your options.

How Tank Removal and Soil Testing Work Together

Tank removal begins with excavating the area around the buried tank in Yakima, pumping out any remaining fuel, and carefully lifting the tank from the ground using straps and rigging equipment. Soil samples are collected from the excavation site and sent to a lab for testing to determine if fuel contamination is present.

After the tank is removed and soil testing confirms no contamination, the excavation is backfilled and graded to match the surrounding landscape. You will see a cleared area with no visible tank, no lingering fuel odors, and no environmental issues preventing future construction or property transactions.

Russell Crane Service works with trusted environmental partners to coordinate soil testing and analysis, ensuring the process meets state and local requirements. If contamination is found, the team develops a remediation plan that addresses the issue while keeping the project moving forward. Closure in place is also an option for tanks that cannot be safely removed due to structural constraints or property layout.

Tank removal involves environmental and regulatory concerns

Homeowners and business owners in Yakima frequently ask these questions when they are trying to understand what tank removal requires and what happens if soil contamination is discovered.

What is the difference between tank removal and closure in place?
Full tank removal involves excavating and hauling away the entire tank, while closure in place means the tank is cleaned, filled with inert material like sand or foam, and left buried. Closure in place is often used when excavation would damage nearby structures or utilities.
How do you know if the tank has leaked?
Soil testing conducted during excavation reveals whether fuel has contaminated the surrounding soil. If contamination is detected, Russell Crane Service coordinates with environmental specialists in Yakima to develop a remediation plan.
When should I remove an underground storage tank?
You should remove the tank before converting to a different heating system, selling the property, or if the tank is over 30 years old and at higher risk of leaking. Early removal avoids environmental complications and permitting delays.
What happens if contaminated soil is found?
Contaminated soil is excavated and disposed of at a licensed facility, and clean fill is brought in to replace it. The remediation process is managed according to state environmental regulations, and documentation is provided for your records.
Why work with Russell Crane Service for tank removal?
Russell Crane Service is fully licensed for underground storage tank removal in Washington and Oregon, and works directly with environmental testing companies to manage the entire process. The team handles both residential and large-scale commercial tank removals.

Russell Crane Service supports property owners throughout Yakima and surrounding areas in central and eastern Washington with underground storage tank removal and environmental coordination. Contact the team to schedule an evaluation and discuss your timeline.