Uncategorized | Waterline Environmental

June 13, 2023 by Waterline Environmental

6 Dangers An Underground Oil Tank Poses to Your Health and the Environment

Underground oil tanks were once common in many residential and commercial properties as a way of storing fuel for heating systems, generators, and other machinery. However, these tanks pose significant dangers to both human health and the environment, which is why recent regulations have called for their registration or removal when not in use. In this article, we will discuss the top six dangers an underground oil tank can pose and how to prevent them.

1. Soil Contamination

One of the most significant dangers of underground oil tanks is soil contamination. Leaks and spills from these tanks can cause oil to seep into the surrounding soil, contaminating the groundwater and harming plant and animal life. This contamination can be challenging to detect and costly to clean up, requiring professional soil remediation services like those provided by the team at Waterline Environmental. That’s why it’s critical to ensure your underground oil tank is properly maintained if in use and properly removed by trained professionals if it’s not.

2. Air Pollution

It’s not just the ground that’s at risk when an oil tank leaks. When underground oil tanks corrode or leak, the fumes can escape into the air and become a health hazard. As you can imagine, these fumes contain toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and even cancer with prolonged exposure. Regular maintenance and tank inspections for tanks still in use can help prevent leaks and reduce air pollution, while outright removal is required for unused tanks.

3. Health Risks

Exposure to oil and its fumes can cause a range of health problems, from minor irritations to severe illnesses. Skin contact with oil can cause dermatitis and other skin conditions while inhaling fumes can cause respiratory issues and headaches. Long-term exposure can even lead to cancer and other chronic diseases. That’s why proper tank maintenance or removal is essential: it ultimately helps to prevent exposure and its associated health risks.

4. Health Risks for Children

Unfortunately, children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with underground oil tanks. This is because they are more likely to play in the soil around the tank, increasing their risk of exposure to fuel oil and its fumes. Similar to adults, this exposure can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. So if you want to ensure the safety and health of your children, maintaining or removing your underground oil tank is a must.

5. Environmental Impact

Oil spills and leaks from underground tanks can have severe environmental impacts. When oil enters the soil, it can harm plant and animal life, leading to long-term ecological damage. It can also contaminate water sources, leading to a loss of biodiversity and affecting what was once clean drinking water for both humans and animals alike. Prevent environmental damage by ensuring your tank is well maintained, inspected regularly, or removed if required.

6. Structural Damage

Underground oil tanks that have sprung a leak can affect the soil around your property to the point where it becomes weak and unstable. This can cause the soil to shift, leading to cracks in the foundation and walls that compromise the safety of the building and the occupants inside. This will inevitably result in repair in the form of foundation underpinning, which aims to restore your structure’s foundation. Should your property require foundation underpinning, contact the team at Waterline Environmental to learn more about our foundation underpinning service.

Protect yourself and your family from the dangers of underground oil tanks by calling the team at Waterline Environmental.

To prevent the dangers associated with underground oil tanks, it’s essential to take proactive steps. Regular tank maintenance and inspections can detect leaks and damage early, preventing costly repairs and environmental damage. If a tank is no longer in use, it’s best to remove it to prevent the risks associated with long-term storage. Hiring a professional oil tank removal company like Waterline Environmental can ensure that the removal process is done safely and effectively by professionals.

At Waterline Environmental, we understand the importance of proper underground oil tank removal. We specialize in providing professional underground oil tank removal and soil remediation services to protect not just your health, but the health of the surrounding environment. By addressing the dangers of underground oil tanks, we can prevent ground and water contamination, reduce air pollution, and protect our health and the health of our loved ones.

Contact Waterline Environmental

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson

Email: waterline@idirect.com

Direct: 905-876-8298

Office: 855-333-6604

Fax: 519-856-2149

June 12, 2023 by Waterline Environmental

What Is Foundation & Basement Underpinning: A Comprehensive Guide

As a homeowner, you may have heard the term “foundation underpinning” before. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it important for your home’s foundation? In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about foundation and basement underpinning.

How Waterline Does Foundation Underpinning

What Is Foundation & Basement Underpinning?

Foundation and basement underpinning is the process of strengthening an existing foundation by extending it to a deeper level. This process is used to provide additional support and stability to buildings and homes that have experienced foundation damage. The process involves excavating soil around the existing foundation, which includes the basement walls, to make room for the placement of steel or concrete supports beneath the foundation.

When Is Basement & Foundation Underpinning Necessary?

Weather Damage

One of the most common reasons is foundation damage due to weather-related events such as heavy rainfall or floods. When the soil around a foundation becomes saturated with water, it can become unstable and cause the foundation to shift or settle, resulting in cracks or other forms of damage.

This can lead to cracks in your walls and floors, uneven floors, and even structural damage. In severe cases, the entire structure may become unstable, which can be dangerous for occupants. If you have experienced weather damage, underpinning can help to stabilize your foundation and prevent further damage.

Soil Excavation

Another common reason for foundation damage is soil excavation. When soil is excavated to install underground utilities, or repair sewer or water lines, it can cause the soil to become unstable, resulting in foundation settlement or movement.

Soil excavation due to fuel leaks (such as from underground oil tanks) can also lead to foundation problems. Fuel leaks can cause the soil to become weak and unstable, which can lead to settlement or shifting of your foundation. If you have had soil excavation due to fuel leaks and underground oil tank removal, underpinning can help to strengthen your foundation and prevent further damage.

Sinkholes

Sinkholes are another factor that can weaken the underlying soil and cause foundation damage, requiring underpinning. Sinkholes are formed when the ground beneath the foundation collapses due to natural or man-made causes such as mining, drilling, or construction. If your home is located in an area with a high risk of sinkholes, foundation and basement underpinning can help to stabilize your foundation and prevent damage.

If you suspect that your foundation may be compromised, it’s essential to contact a professional foundation repair company to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. With underpinning, you can ensure that your home is safe and structurally sound for years to come.

Methods of Foundation & Basement Underpinning

There are several types of foundation underpinning methods, and the choice of the method depends on the specific needs of your home or building. The most common types of foundation underpinning include:

Mass concrete underpinning: This process involves excavating the soil from beneath the foundation and pouring concrete footings directly beneath the existing foundation. This is a cost-effective and straightforward method of underpinning.

Beam and base underpinning: This involves creating a reinforced concrete beam below the foundation and then pouring new concrete bases to support the existing foundation. This method is suitable for buildings with heavy loads or uneven foundations.

Mini-piled underpinning: This method entails drilling small diameter piles into the ground beneath the foundation and then filling them with concrete. This is a suitable method for buildings with limited access or restricted working space.

Screw pile underpinning: This process includes drilling a steel screw pile into the ground beneath the foundation and then using it to support the existing foundation. This method is suitable for buildings with lightweight structures.

When you work with the team at Waterline Environmental, we’ll assess your structure and provide a recommendation on which underpinning method would work best.

The Process of Foundation & Basement Underpinning

The process of foundation underpinning is typically broken down into the following steps:

Step 1: Site inspection. A site inspection is conducted to assess the condition of the foundation and determine the best underpinning method.

Step 2: Excavation. Soil is excavated from beneath the foundation to create space for the new footings or piers.

Step 3: Installation of new footings or piers. New footings or piers are installed to support the existing foundation.

Step 4: Grouting. Grout is injected into the soil around the new footings or piers to provide additional support.

Step 5: Completion of work. Once the underpinning work is complete, the excavation site is filled, and the soil is compacted.

Waterline’s Foundation Underpinning Process

Benefits of Foundation & Basement Underpinning

Foundation and basement underpinning offers several benefits, including:

Increased structural stability: By providing additional support to the foundation, basement and foundation underpinning can increase the structural stability of buildings.

Cost-effective: In many cases, foundation and basement underpinning is a cost-effective alternative to foundation replacement.

Minimal disruption: Basement and foundation underpinning can be done with minimal disruption to the building and surrounding area.

Long-lasting: Basement and foundation underpinning can provide long-lasting stability to the foundation, reducing the likelihood of future foundation damage and additional remediation costs.

Preserves property value: Should you decide to sell your property with foundation issues, be prepared to lose between 10 to 20 percent of its value. Completing foundation and basement underpinning preserves your property’s value on the market and helps it get top dollar.

Restore the safety and stability of your structure with Waterline Environmental’s foundation underpinning service!

At Waterline Environmental, we specialize in providing foundation underpinning services for homes and buildings that have experienced foundation damage. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to assess the specific needs of your structure and develop a custom underpinning plan that will provide long-lasting stability to your foundation.

We understand that foundation damage can be a serious issue that can impact the safety and structural integrity of your building, which is why we will work closely with you throughout the underpinning process, from the initial assessment to the final inspection, to ensure that you are satisfied with the results. We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional customer service and quality workmanship.

If you are in need of foundation underpinning services, reach out to the expert team at Waterline Environmental today!

Contact Waterline Environmental

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson

Email: waterline@idirect.com

Direct: 905-876-8298

Office: 855-333-6604

Fax: 519-856-2149

March 23, 2023 by Treefrog Essentials

What Is An Underground Oil Tank and Where Did It Come From?

Many property owners are surprised to learn there may be an underground oil tank on their property. As experts in the removal of underground residential and commercial oil tanks, we at Waterline Environmental get a lot of questions about this type of tank and how it got there in the first place – questions we’re always happy to answer!

A person holding a shovel standing in a shallow hole dug around an underground oil tank filler pipe.

So, let’s take a closer look at what an underground oil tank is, where it came from and why it’s on your property.

Residential Tank Removal

What is an underground oil tank?

An underground oil tank is a large container that holds oil used for heating or fuel. For example, underground oil tanks can be used to provide fuel for the furnaces and boilers that heat residential and commercial properties.

These tanks are most commonly made of steel and are able to hold between 275 to 1,000 gallons of fuel, with 550 gallons being the more common size used for residential underground oil tanks.

The average lifespan of an underground storage tank is 20 years; though, factors such as the tank’s construction, the type of soil around the tank, any excess groundwater, a closely buried electrical line and the thickness of the tank’s steel will affect its lifespan.

Where did the underground oil tank come from, and why is it on my property?

An underground oil tank is seen as a nuisance nowadays, requiring careful removal and soil remediation when discovered on a property, but they were once an important part of residential infrastructure, supplying Ontario homes with fuel for heating for over 70 years.

Now, advances in heating technology and energy efficiency paired with more environmental awareness have prompted most homeowners to make the switch from oil fuel to natural gas.

Before local governments installed the natural gas lines that many of us use to heat our properties today, most homes from the 1930s to the 1980s used fuel oil, which was stored in tanks, but because the tanks were large and unsightly, they were often buried on the property. This also protected the tanks from vandalism or theft.

But over time and without proper maintenance, underground oil tanks pose significant health and environmental risks. Oil can leak out as they corrode and rust, contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater.

It’s for this reason that legislation was introduced to govern the storage and handling of fuel oil. For example, Ontario’s Fuel Oil Regulation stated that all existing steel underground oil tanks that were 25 years old and older as of October 1st, 2001, were required to be decommissioned and removed. The Regulations further require that fuel oil distributors only distribute their product to tanks registered with the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority).

If you are permitted to have an underground oil tank on your property in Ontario, you have a legal responsibility to maintain and service it to ensure it poses no environmental risk. You are required to have it maintained annually by trained professionals as well as complete a comprehensive inspection every 10 years.

Choose the licensed professionals at Waterline Environmental to handle all your underground oil tank removal needs!

When it comes to removal, remediation and more, look to the underground oil tank experts at Waterline Environmental to guide you through the removal process. Forget your stress and let us do the rest! Whether it’s for residential, commercial or industrial properties, our services are comprehensive, and our commitment to safety and the environment is unparalleled.

Contact Waterline Environmental

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson

Email: waterline@idirect.com

Direct: 905-876-8298

Office: 855-333-6604

Fax: 519-856-2149

March 19, 2023 by Treefrog Essentials

What Causes An Underground Oil Tank to Leak?

Finding out you have an underground oil tank on your property can quickly turn into a headache when you consider Ontario’s strict oil tank regulations. Ontario’s regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the public as well as the environment, as oil tanks are prone to leakage over time. But what causes an underground oil tank to leak in the first place?

As experienced underground oil tank removers and remediators, the professionals at Waterline Environmental get this question all the time, so let’s review some of the reasons that can cause an underground oil tank to spring a leak.

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Decay

We previously discussed what exactly oil tanks are and why some people will find them buried on their properties. The reason is that oil tanks were a common fuel source to heat homes throughout the mid to late 20th century. That means that any underground oil tank remaining on a property today has likely been there for quite some time, and as we know, time isn’t always our friend.

With an oil tank’s average life expectancy of roughly 20 years, the more time that passes beyond that, the more susceptible the tank is to decay and damage from elements inside and outside of the tank itself.

What causes corrosion and decay of the tank’s steel walls?

The surrounding soil

Certain types of soil have a higher salt content and acidity level than others, which causes the decay of the tank’s metal walls over time.

Water and sludge inside the tank

When there is space for air in an oil tank, humidity in the surrounding environment can cause condensation. The water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria while the oil feeds and houses microbes, forming a sludge that settles at the bottom of the oil tank. This sludge is both corrosive and acidic and eventually eats through the tank’s metal walls, causing a leak.

Overfill

As mentioned previously, there should not be too much space for air in an underground oil tank; otherwise, humidity and condensation will corrode the tank from the inside out.

On the flip side, a tank should also not be overfilled. The sweet spot is keeping the oil tank filled to around 80% capacity.

Overfilling an oil tank can cause fuel to back up through the fill pipe and spill out. You also want to ensure there is enough space in the tank to account for expansion when temperatures rise. This is because fuel expands when it is heated, and a warmer temperature, as we see in the summer months, will lead to some fuel expansion.

Lack of maintenance

It goes without saying that not maintaining an underground oil tank will lead to faster deterioration of the tank and, eventually, oil leaks.

Having an oil tank inspected by professionals yearly will help prevent and catch any ongoing decay and spillage, ensuring the tank is in good enough condition to keep its contents safely stored and out of the surrounding environment.

Without regular inspections, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether there is an oil leak since the tank is underground and out of sight, but it could be negligent to assume that an old underground oil tank unit would be free of any cracks, pinholes and leaks. That’s why it’s recommended that they are replaced if they are 15 years of age or older.

Of course, the simplest way to maintain an underground oil tank is just to have it removed entirely!

Freezing weather

With winter months and cold weather comes the dreaded freeze-and-thaw cycle. This cycle causes the soil around an underground oil tank to expand and contract. This ground movement can damage the older piping attached to an underground oil tank, resulting in oil leaks.

Below-zero temperatures can also cause cracks in the risers on the tank that will then allow water to seep in, and we already know the damage water can do when it gets into an underground oil tank.

Not sure if you have a leaking oil tank underground? Here are four ways to spot a leak.

Protect yourself and the environment from the dangers of underground oil tank leaks by contacting Waterline Environmental!

Industrial and residential underground oil tank removal and remediation is a tough and complicated job. Trust the certified and experienced experts at Waterline Environmental to get it done right!

Contact Waterline Environmental

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson

Email: waterline@idirect.com

Direct: 905-876-8298

Office: 855-333-6604

Fax: 519-856-2149

March 19, 2023 by Treefrog Essentials

How Do I Know If My Underground Oil Tank Is Leaking? 4 Ways to Spot a Leak

Having an underground oil tank on your property was once commonplace for residential homes, but now that they’ve been deemed inefficient, costly to upkeep, and dangerous to the environment, many homeowners have since called in experts like the team at Waterline Environmental for safe underground oil tank removal.

But what if you still have one on your property? How do you know if you’ve got an oil tank leak? Well, here are four ways to spot a leak.

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1. An increasing heating bill.

Knowing your underground oil tank has sprung a leak can be tough to tell at first. While many things can cause an oil tank to leak, it won’t be something dramatic that tips you off; instead, it will become evident over time. One of the first things you’ll start to notice is that your heating bill will increase.

If you use your underground oil tank as your heating fuel source, then you will have some idea of what your consumption (and the cost!) should look like throughout the year, but if your oil tank is leaking, the amount will be higher than usual. This is especially true in the summer months when you don’t typically require additional heating. Try comparing your heating bill over a few months to see if something is amiss that requires either repair or oil tank removal.

2. Dying vegetation.

When an underground oil tank leaks, toxic materials seep into the ground and soil around it, poisoning anything that would normally grow. If you are noticing dead vegetation in the area around the location of your underground oil tank, that’s sure sign your oil tank is leaking, and you need to act fast.

Leaking oil tanks pose a significant risk to your and your neighbour’s property, the local environment and the nearby water supply, too. So, don’t hesitate to call in an experienced team like the professionals at Waterline Environmental to carry out an oil tank removal.

3. Oily or bad-tasting water.

As you can tell, when an underground oil tank starts leaking, it affects almost everything in its immediate surroundings, including water. Whether it’s the groundwater on your property or the water from your tap, your water can signal that your oil tank is leaking.

Walk around your property and check the groundwater, if you notice there’s an oily sheen to it and a bad odour, then chances are you’ve got a leak that will make oil tank removal all the more necessary. When it comes to the water coming from your taps, if you’re on well water and the leak reaches it, you will see, taste and smell it coming through the taps.

4. Foul-smelling, dark-coloured patches on your property.

Another way to tell if there’s an underground oil tank leak is to walk around your property and check for dark stains or patches. These dark patches will often emit a foul odour and will be greasy as well, tipping you off there’s likely an oil tank leaking underground that will need to be removed.

It’s important to note that if your underground oil tank has substantially leaked into the surrounding environment, you will likely need soil remediation and possibly foundation underpinning completed after the oil tank’s removal.

Is your oil tank leaking? Call the experts at Waterline Environmental to schedule an evaluation and oil tank removal!

Knowing if there’s an oil tank leaking on your property is important if you want to protect your property value and the environment around your home. If there is a leak, you’ll need to promptly schedule an oil tank removal with a licensed and reputable company like Waterline Environmental.

Contact Waterline Environmental

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson

Email: waterline@idirect.com

Direct: 905-876-8298

Office: 855-333-6604