Sterling Environmental provides expert site investigations for USTs as well as certified tank testing. Site investigations are performed utilizing detectors and Sterling's experience. A visual inspection for oil supply lines, vent pipes, and other evidence of an oil tank is the first step in a site investigation. If the location of the tank is unknown, a sender-receiver type of detector will be connected to any existing supply lines or vent pipes. An electronic signal is sent through the line and a detector that scans for the signal is used to trace out the line to the tank. Finally, our ferro-magnetic detector can be utilized to detect buried metal objects.

Once you have found a UST you may want to test it to find out if the tank is sound. In residential situations, Sterling recommends performing soil borings around the tank to check the condition of the soil. While Sterling is certified for other methods, soil boring are the only method listed by the NJDEP and they have proven to be the most accurate. For more information on different testing methods, refer to our October 1999 Newsletter. The soil boring process involves performing four soil borings around the tank. One boring is performed on each end and one on each side within two feet of the tank. Soil samples are then extracted within 6-12 inches of the bottom of the tank. Each of the soil samples is screened on site for evidence of petroleum contaminants. The samples are then composited and sent to an NJDEP licensed laboratory for analysis. Field results are available the day of the test and a written report is available within 3-4 days.

And remember, Sterling Environmental guarantees all of it's work so you don't have to worry.