Whitehead E.S. assisted a private estate in southwest Dallas with the removal and successful regulatory closure through the TCEQ Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Division. The private estate, which was historically a dairy operation, was initially in the process of a property transfer when Whitehead E.S. was contracted to complete a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). During a preliminary inspection of the Site, Whitehead E.S. observed a vent pipe, fuel pump, and a sign reading “gasoline”; all evidence of an abandoned underground storage tank (UST). TCEQ identifies these abandoned USTs as “ghost tanks” which are subject to TCEQ PST Regulation. Specifically, the TCEQ requires the identification of the chemicals of concern (COCs) stored in the tanks through laboratory analysis, and investigation of potential spills/leaks from the tank.
Whitehead E.S. provided oversite for the removal of the ghost tank and associated sampling. Following excavation activities, soil samples were collected and analyzed for petroleum related compounds. Based on the analytical results, all PST-related compounds were below TCEQ Action Levels. Tank removal activities and results were submitted to TCEQ and the Site was subsequently issued a No Further Action Letter. As a result of our work, the owner completed the sale to the satisfaction of the worried buyer. When it comes to USTs, Whitehead E.S. is here to make sure they don’t come back to “haunt you”.
