Orphan Underground Storage Tank Removal & Brownfield Cleanup
Toledo, Ohio | UST Closure | Petroleum Soil Excavation | BUSTR Compliance | Brownfield Redevelopment
Environmental Remediation Contractor (ERC) served as the prime contractor for the removal of three orphan underground storage tanks at a former industrial property in Toledo, Ohio.
The tanks were left over from past industrial use, and there were few historical records to show their size, contents, or condition. The work had to meet BUSTR closure protocols and the requirements of the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Grant Program.
ERC delivered a turnkey UST closure, removing all three tanks, managing petroleum liquids and impacted soil, and restoring the site to support future redevelopment.
Project at a Glance
- Location: Toledo, Ohio
- Client: County land reutilization corporation
- Environmental Consultant: Environmental consulting firm
- Prime Contractor: Environmental Remediation Contractor (ERC)
- Funding Program: Ohio Department of Development Brownfield Remediation Grant
- Contract Value: over $70,000
Key Project Results
- 3 underground storage tanks removed and closed under BUSTR
- Approximately 3,000 gallons of petroleum-impacted liquids managed and disposed
- Approximately 500 tons of petroleum-impacted soil excavated and disposed
- Approximately 700 tons of clean backfill imported and placed
- Site restored with topsoil, seed, and straw
- One former industrial brownfield advanced toward redevelopment
What Is an Orphan Underground Storage Tank?
An orphan UST is a tank with no clear owner or operating history, often left behind when a business closed or a property changed hands. Records may be incomplete or missing entirely.
At this property, three suspected orphan tanks were tied to historical industrial operations, with limited BUSTR records to go on.
Why Was This Site Hard to Plan For?
With little documentation, no one knew exactly how big the tanks were, what was inside them, or what the soil around them looked like.
ERC had to plan for a range of conditions, from tank liquids to petroleum-impacted soil, and be ready to adjust once the tanks were exposed.
How Did ERC Remove and Close the Tanks?
ERC started with utility locating, mobilization, and temporary fencing, then coordinated BUSTR permits and inspections.
All three tanks were removed, and about 3,000 gallons of petroleum-impacted liquids were managed with vac truck support and sent for proper disposal. ERC also supported closure sampling so each tank could be closed under BUSTR requirements.
How Was Petroleum-Impacted Soil Handled?
ERC excavated approximately 500 tons of petroleum-impacted soil and hauled it off site for disposal.
The excavation was then filled with approximately 700 tons of clean imported backfill to restore grades.
How Does the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Grant Program Fit In?
The Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Grant Program funds cleanup of contaminated properties so they can be put back to productive use.
This project was completed within the program’s requirements, helping move a former industrial site closer to redevelopment.
How Was the Site Restored?
Once the tanks and impacted soil were gone, ERC placed topsoil, seed, and straw to stabilize disturbed areas and prevent erosion.
The property was left clean, stable, and ready for its next use.
Why Was This Project Complex?
ERC had to manage several conditions at once:
- Three orphan tanks with limited historical records
- Unknown tank sizes, contents, and site conditions
- Petroleum-impacted liquids and soil
- BUSTR permitting, inspections, and closure sampling
- State brownfield grant program requirements
- Site restoration for future redevelopment
Who Removes Orphan Underground Storage Tanks in Ohio?
Orphan tank removals should be handled by environmental contractors who know BUSTR closure rules, can handle unknown conditions in the field, and understand brownfield grant requirements.
ERC performs UST closure and removal, petroleum soil remediation, and brownfield site restoration for land banks, municipalities, property owners, engineers, and environmental consultants across Ohio and the region.
What Services Did ERC Provide on This Project?
- Underground Storage Tank (UST) Closure and Removal
- Petroleum-Impacted Soil Excavation and Disposal
- Petroleum Liquid Management and Disposal
- BUSTR Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
- Vac Truck Services
- Excavation and Backfilling
- Site Restoration (Topsoil, Seed and Straw)
- Brownfield Redevelopment Support
Have Abandoned Tanks on a Property You Want to Redevelop?
Environmental Remediation Contractor provides turnkey UST closure, from permits and tank removal through soil disposal, closure sampling support, and site restoration.
ERC works with land banks, public agencies, property owners, and environmental consultants to clear tank liabilities and get brownfield sites ready for reuse.