Hot Environmental Topics

 Thousands of New Jersey homeowners had their underground oil tanks "filled in place" instead of removed — and many are now discovering that decision can derail a real estate sale, create environmental liability, and cost far more than a proper removal ever would have .

What Does "Filled in Place" Actually Mean?

When underground oil storage tanks (USTs) were decommissioned in New Jersey, homeowners had two choices: full removal or abandonment in place. "Filling in place" — also called abandonment in place — means the tank was cleaned, purged of vapors, and then filled with an inert material like sand, concrete slurry, or polyurethane foam, all while remaining buried in the ground. Actually - that is what was supposed to happen, not all tanks were cleaned. 

Critically, this practice is still legal today. New Jersey's construction code permits a buried oil tank to be filled in place rather than removed. However, legality doesn't mean it's a good idea — especially if you ever plan to sell your home.

Why Did So Many Homeowners Choose Fill-in-Place Over Removal?

There were three primary reasons homeowners opted for filling a tank in place rather than removing it entirely:

1. They thought it was cheaper. This is the biggest misconception. In most cases — especially when a tank is buried under a lawn or mulch bed — removal and fill-in-place cost roughly the same amount. Both require the same equipment, labor, excavation, and permitting. The cost difference is real only in specific situations, such as a tank beneath a concrete driveway or inside a garage, where excavation itself becomes expensive.
2. They thought it would be less disruptive. Partially true. If a tank is in a difficult-to-access location, abandonment can reduce the footprint of disruption. But again, for a typical backyard or side-yard tank, the physical disturbance involved is comparable either way.
3. They didn't want to find out if it leaked. This is arguably the most common — and most costly — reason. If you don't remove the tank and test the surrounding soil, you never have to know whether it contaminated the ground. At the time, it felt like a way to avoid a problem. In hindsight, it only delayed one.

How Do Underground Oil Tanks Leak?

Most residential oil storage tanks were made of bare steel — a material that begins corroding the moment it's buried in moist soil. Over time, electrolytic corrosion eats through the tank walls, creating pinholes and cracks. Heating oil (typically #2 fuel oil) then migrates out into the surrounding soil, potentially reaching groundwater.

Even a tank that was "only used for a few years" can leak. Tanks don't need to be old to corrode — acidic soil conditions, fluctuating moisture levels, and poor backfill material can all accelerate the process. A tank filled with residual oil sludge is particularly vulnerable, as the sludge itself can be corrosive.

What makes this especially troubling for fill-in-place tanks is that the filling process doesn't stop ongoing corrosion of the tank shell. 

The Real Estate Problem: Why Fill-in-Place Tanks Kill Deals

Here's where the deferred problem becomes an immediate financial crisis -  almost every fill-in-place tank we encounter is being addressed because of a looming real estate transaction.

Buyers' attorneys, home inspectors, and lenders are all increasingly sophisticated about environmental risk. A buried oil tank — filled or not — is a red flag. Title insurance companies may refuse to insure, lenders may decline to approve mortgages, and buyers will often walk away unless the seller can demonstrate the tank never leaked.

The only way to demonstrate that is through laboratory soil testing — and the only way to get meaningful soil samples is to remove the tank. Which is exactly why we remove previously filled-in-place tanks every single week.

The absence of documentation is not a neutral starting position. In a real estate transaction, it reads as "unknown liability" — and buyers and their attorneys price unknown liability aggressively. Sellers who filled their tank in place years ago to avoid a short-term cost often end up absorbing a much larger negotiating loss when they sell.

What Happens When a Filled-in-Place Tank Is Removed?

The process mirrors a standard tank removal - excavation, physical extraction of the tank, visual inspection of the pit, and soil sampling. Samples are submitted to a certified laboratory and tested. If the results come back clean, a report is issued confirming no impact — and the real estate transaction can proceed.

If contamination is detected, the next step planning begins. While this is never welcome news, it is far better to know than to transfer the liability unknowingly — or to have it surface after closing, when the legal and financial exposure becomes considerably more complex.

The Bottom Line: Fill-in-Place Created a False Sense of Closure

Filling a tank in place was often presented as the responsible, cost-effective solution. In reality, it simply moved the problem from "visible today" to "invisible until it matters most." Whether you're a homeowner planning to sell, a buyer conducting due diligence, or a real estate professional advising clients, a filled-in-place tank should be treated with the same caution as an unaddressed tank — until soil sampling proves otherwise.

With nearly 30 years of tank work in New Jersey, Curren Environmental has seen this scenario play out countless times. The earlier you address it, the more control you have over the outcome.

Environmental property inspections started with Superfund. The first standardized Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1993 as ASTM E1527-93. While informal environmental audits emerged in the 1980s following the 1980 CERCLA/Superfund legislation, the industry-standardized practice was formally developed to meet "all appropriate inquiries" requirements desired by lenders.

In theory, commercial properties bought and sold since the 1990’s would have had a Phase I or Phase II completed. Since Phase I has a shelf life of 180 days or 6 months, many properties would have had a few environmental inspections under their belt. Following this logic, as long as the operation of the property did not have an environmental impact to the property, subsequent inspections should not encounter issues.

Unfortunately, what I wrote is wishful thinking; environmental evaluations have gotten better over the years, and it is fairly common to find that older reports missed things. 1030 exchanges often circumvented environmental due diligence and old school purchases (read we did no environmental) side-stepped a Phase II ESA and therefore missed any Phase II testing. Curren Environmental is coming across an endless stream of properties that have never had environmental inspections performed, due to negligence. These sellers are taken back by buyers who want environmental inspection and associated testing. The rub is in today’s environment, lenders and buyers require environmental inspections, and anything that is found is the responsibility of the seller, even if historic contamination is found that was caused by a long-gone owner/operator of the site.

Environmental regulations are unfair and place environmental cleanup on the owner of the property, not the one who caused the contamination. Of the sites we come across with contamination, the owners who step up and address their obligation, however unfair, get their properties sold faster. The owners who bury their head in the sand, drag out transactions, and buyers walk away.

Bottom line, if the property you are selling doesn’t have a recent Phase I or has never had recommended Phase II testing, you would be best served to get ahead of things and complete an environmental evaluation. The huge advantage of this approach is that you will sell the property faster. You can also price the property sale, taking into account the money you spent on environmental evaluation and cleanup. You can’t do that after a property goes under contract.

If you have real estate-related environmental questions, Curren can provide answers and guidance.

Call the Due Diligence Experts

 There's no license required to call yourself a "mold specialist" in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Here's how to protect yourself — and your home.

Mold is one of the most misunderstood topics in home ownership. The media has spent years amplifying fears about "black mold" and "toxic mold," turning what is fundamentally a moisture-management problem into a source of widespread panic — and, unfortunately, a profitable opportunity for unqualified contractors.

The truth is straightforward - mold grows where moisture accumulates. Fix the moisture source, and you fix the mold. But what happens when the company you hire doesn't know — or doesn't care — about that simple principle?

What Mold Actually Is — And What It Isn't

Mold comes in hundreds of colors and varieties. It isn't a singular "toxic" substance lurking in your walls — it's a natural organism that thrives in damp environments. A family can live for years in a heavily mold-affected home without a single symptom, while a new occupant — especially someone elderly, young, or immunocompromised — may experience significant respiratory issues.

The practical takeaway is that the mold itself is a symptom. The moisture is the disease. Any remediation approach that ignores the underlying moisture source will fail. The mold will return. Every time.

The Licensing Reality in NJ & PA

Here is what most homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania do not know: there is no state licensing requirement for mold inspectors or mold remediation companies in either state.

Unlike lead-based paint, asbestos removal, or underground storage tank work — all of which carry strict state and some federal requirements — mold remediation and inspection operate in a regulatory vacuum. Anybody can start a mold business tomorrow. No examinations, no background checks, no minimum qualifications.

Which States Have Meaningful Mold Regulations?

Nationally, only around 15 states and Washington, D.C. have ever enacted any type of mold licensing or regulatory guidance. States with active, meaningful requirements include:

How to Choose a Reputable Mold Company in NJ or PA

Because there is no government gatekeeping, the burden falls entirely on you, the consumer. The following checklist reflects what genuinely qualified environmental companies look like — and what sets them apart from weekend warriors with a moisture meter and a van.

What to look for

• Multi-discipline environmental licensing. Reputable companies hold licenses across related regulated fields: lead inspection and abatement, asbestos, underground oil tank removal, indoor air quality, and hazardous materials. These are areas where state and federal agencies actually do require credentials.
• Longevity in business. Companies with decades of service have survived economic cycles, regulatory changes, and competitive markets on the strength of their reputation — not on flashy ads or cut-rate pricing. Look for firms with 20+ years of documented history.
• Accredited laboratory work. If the company collects samples, confirm they use an accredited third-party laboratory to analyze results.
• Focus on the moisture source, not just the mold. A professional will identify why the mold is growing and explain how to eliminate the cause. Remediation without moisture correction is a temporary fix that buys the contractor a return visit — not a solution.
• Detailed, scientific, readable reports. Reports should include methodology, findings, photographs, and clear recommendations — not vague language designed to upsell.

Red flags to walk away from immediately

• Operating out of a home address or using a P.O. Box
• Offering same-day inspection and remediation services
• Providing a price quote over the phone, sight unseen
• Vague or one-page reports with little supporting data
• Outsourcing labor

Frequently Asked Questions

Mold Exposure & Your Health: What Your Bloodwork May Be Telling You And Why a Professional Inspection Is the Critical First Step

If your doctor has ordered bloodwork that suggests mold exposure, you may be left wondering: where is this coming from? Understanding mold, its effects on the human body, and how to properly investigate your environment is essential to protecting your health and finding real answers.

Your Bloodwork Flagged Mold Exposure — Now What?

Bloodwork that indicates mold exposure is an important signal from your body that something in your environment may be harming you. However, bloodwork alone cannot tell you where the mold is coming from. Mold is pervasive in the natural world — it exists outdoors, in workplaces, in vehicles, in schools, and yes, potentially in your home.

The key to resolving mold-related health issues is identifying and eliminating the source. That process begins with a thorough, professional investigation.

The House Is the Starting Point — But Not Always the Source

While your home is often the most logical place to begin investigating mold exposure, it is important to recognize that you may be exposed to mold in many different environments throughout your daily routine. Possible sources of mold exposure include:

• Your home or apartment
• Your workplace or office building
• Schools or childcare facilities
• Vehicles (cars, trucks, RVs)
• Gyms or recreational facilities
• Outdoor environments with high mold spore counts

Because mold spores travel freely through the air and can settle on virtually any surface, pinpointing the exact source requires systematic investigation — starting with the place where you spend the most time: your home.

Why a Qualified Mold Inspection Matters

Not all mold inspections are created equal. A qualified mold inspector brings the training, equipment, and expertise necessary to detect mold problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. Mold commonly hides behind walls, under flooring, in HVAC systems, inside attics, and in crawl spaces.

A professional inspection typically involves two critical components:

• Air Sampling Air sampling captures and analyzes the types and concentrations of mold spores present in the indoor air. These samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Elevated spore counts — particularly of species known to produce allergens or mycotoxins — can indicate an active mold problem even when no visible growth is present. Air sampling also provides a comparison between indoor and outdoor spore counts, helping determine whether indoor levels are abnormally elevated.
• Surface Sampling Surface sampling involves collecting swab or tape samples from areas where mold growth is visible or suspected. These samples identify the specific mold species present, which is critical information for assessing health risk and determining the appropriate remediation approach. Certain mold species are associated with more serious health concerns and require specialized remediation protocols.

How Mold Affects the Human Body

Mold impacts health through three primary mechanisms: spore exposure, chemical emissions, and mycotoxin production. Understanding each of these is essential to understanding why mold exposure can cause such a wide range of symptoms.

Mold Spores and Allergens

Mold reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air as part of its normal life cycle. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and can be inhaled easily — often without any awareness that exposure is occurring. Many mold spores carry allergens that trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals.

According to the CDC and EPA, inhaling or touching mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, including hay fever-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash, and asthma attacks in those with asthma. Mold exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs—even in non-allergic individuals.

Common allergic reactions to mold spore exposure include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Skin rashes
• Asthma attacks and worsening of asthma symptoms
• Eye irritation, redness, and watering

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs)

In addition to physical spores, mold actively emits chemical byproducts called Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds, or MVOCs, as part of its metabolic processes. These chemicals are responsible for the characteristic musty smell that many people associate with mold — though it is important to note that the absence of odor does not mean mold is absent.

MVOCs become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to a range of health concerns that are often mistaken for other conditions. Common reactions to MVOC exposure include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Nausea
• Dizziness and difficulty concentrating
• Persistent fatigue and low energy

Mycotoxins: The Most Serious Threat

Certain mold species produce potent toxic substances called mycotoxins. Unlike spores, which must be inhaled to cause harm, mycotoxins can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin — making them particularly dangerous and difficult to avoid in a contaminated environment.

Mycotoxins are recognized as some of the most toxic naturally occurring substances on earth. They can cause significant, lasting health problems and have been linked to systemic illness. However, major health authorities like the CDC note that while mycotoxins pose risks primarily through ingestion (e.g., contaminated food), evidence for widespread health effects from typical indoor inhalation exposure is limited—though sensitive individuals, those with compromised immune systems, or in heavily contaminated environments remain at higher risk. The body systems most commonly affected by mycotoxin exposure include:

• Central Nervous System — cognitive difficulties, mood changes, neurological symptoms
• Immune System — increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmune reactions
• Respiratory System — chronic cough, shortness of breath, pulmonary inflammation
• Digestive System — nausea, abdominal pain, intestinal disturbances

Don't Overlook the Outdoors

Outdoor mold spore counts fluctuate significantly based on season, weather, and geographic location. In certain regions and during certain times of year, outdoor spore counts can be extremely high — high enough to trigger significant health reactions in sensitive individuals, even without any indoor mold problem.

There are times when the inspector will collect outdoor air samples as a baseline during the inspection process. This allows for a comparison between indoor and outdoor spore levels and helps determine whether the source of your exposure is primarily indoors or whether outdoor conditions are contributing to your symptoms.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If your bloodwork has indicated mold exposure, here is a recommended course of action:

• Contact a qualified mold inspector to assess your home, an inspector that has been in business for quite some time and doesn't work out of PO Box. Your house is the most common environment for prolonged exposure.
• Request both air sampling and possibly surface sampling as part of the inspection. Do not rely on visual inspection alone.
• Keep a symptom journal, noting when and where your symptoms are most pronounced — this information can help identify patterns and non-residential sources.
• Consider having other frequently visited environments (workplace, vehicle) assessed if home testing returns normal results.
• Follow up with your physician and share the inspection results. Laboratory data from a professional inspection can directly inform your medical treatment plan.
• If mold is identified, work with a qualified remediation contractor — not just a general contractor — to ensure it is properly removed and the source moisture problem is corrected.

For more prevention tips, check the EPA's free guide: "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home."

The Bottom Line

Mold-related illness is a serious and often underdiagnosed health concern. The symptoms can mimic many other conditions, and without identifying and eliminating the source, recovery is difficult. If your bloodwork is pointing to mold exposure, do not ignore it.

A professional mold inspection with proper air and surface sampling is the most important first step you can take. It transforms a vague concern into actionable data — giving you and your medical team the information needed to protect your health and restore your environment.

Your health depends on the environment around you. Start by understanding it. At Curren Environmental, we specialize in thorough inspections —contact us today to schedule your professional assessment.

Note: No federal health-based standards exist for mold spore levels, so results focus on relative indoor/outdoor comparisons and species identification. There is no mold licensing in PA, NJ and DE. The closest state is NY.

 A PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT FROM CURREN ENVIRONMENTAL

Artificial intelligence has real limitations when it comes to mold assessments. Here’s what every property owner and contractor needs to understand.

1. AI Can Not Physically Inspect a Property

Mold doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It grows where water goes — and water follows paths that only an experienced inspector can trace. Behind walls, beneath flooring, inside HVAC ductwork, above drop ceilings, and in crawlspaces where condensation silently accumulates over years. No AI tool can walk those spaces.

A qualified mold inspector uses a combination of moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, borescopes, and decades of pattern recognition to identify the source of moisture that is feeding mold growth. They observe building conditions in real time: the slope of a foundation, the path of a plumbing leak, the location of a failed vapor barrier, or the building envelope failure that only becomes apparent from inside a closet.

AI cannot smell musty odors. It cannot feel dampness in drywall. It cannot recognize the subtle staining on a joist that tells an experienced inspector exactly where a roof has been leaking for three years. Physical presence, sensory input, and professional judgment are irreplaceable in this work.

2. AI Can Not Identify Mold Spores From a Photo

Some AI tools claim to identify mold types from photographs submitted by users. This is not scientifically valid — and it can be dangerous.

Mold identification at the genus and species level requires microscopic analysis by a trained mycologist or laboratory analyst. Different mold species can appear visually identical to the naked eye or even in a high-resolution photograph — yet have dramatically different health implications and require different remediation approaches. Stachybotrys chartarum (commonly called “black mold”) and ordinary Cladosporium can look similar in a photo but represent very different situations for property occupants.

Professional environmental sampling — air samples, bulk samples, surface tape-lift samples, or swab samples — are collected using established protocols and analyzed by accredited laboratories under chain-of-custody procedures. The results are reviewed by credentialed professionals in context with conditions observed during the physical inspection. A photograph submitted to an AI chatbot carries none of this scientific rigor.

3. AI Can Not Interpret Lab Data Without Site Context

This may be the most misunderstood limitation of all. After samples are collected and analyzed, you receive laboratory data — spore counts, species identification, and comparative indoor vs. outdoor levels. That data means very little without the context that only a physical site visit can provide.

Here’s why: elevated mold spore counts inside a building could mean active mold growth, disturbed settled dust from a previous mold condition, a window left open during high outdoor spore conditions, or cross-contamination during sampling. Without knowing what the inspector observed on-site — where samples were collected, what building conditions were present, where moisture intrusion occurred — the lab report is just a table of numbers.

An experienced environmental professional interprets lab data alongside direct observations: the location and extent of visible growth, moisture readings, the history of water intrusion events, the construction type of the building, and the specific concerns of the occupants. AI tools that offer to “read your mold lab report” and generate remediation recommendations are doing so in a complete vacuum of this critical context.

Remediation scopes developed without site-specific context can result in a scope that is far too narrow — leaving active mold behind — or excessively broad, costing property owners thousands of dollars in unnecessary work. Either outcome is a failure.

What AI Can and Can Not Do

Where AI Can Help — And Where It Stops

We’re not anti-technology at Curren Environmental. AI tools can be genuinely useful for general education — helping property owners understand what mold is, what health effects are associated with different exposures, or what to expect during a professional inspection. If AI helps you arrive at a consultation better informed, that’s a good outcome.

But the line must be clearly drawn - AI tools should never be used as a substitute for a qualified professional inspection, laboratory analysis under chain-of-custody, or a site-specific remediation protocol. When that line is crossed — when someone relies on an AI-generated “mold report” instead of a qualified professional — health,  safety, and cost are genuinely at risk.

Solving the mold problem requires understanding water movement, building envelope performance, HVAC dynamics, occupant behavior, and construction materials — all evaluated in real time, in a real building, by a real professional.

The Bottom Line

If you have a mold concern in a residential or commercial property, the path forward is clear -  engage a qualified environmental professional to conduct a physical inspection, collect samples following established protocols, have those samples analyzed by an accredited laboratory, and work with your inspector to develop a remediation scope based on both the inspection findings and the laboratory data — together.

At Curren Environmental, our inspectors bring decades of experience to every assessment. We combine thorough physical inspections with laboratory analysis and clear, actionable reporting — giving property owners and remediation contractors the complete picture they need to make informed decisions.

Don’t let an AI tool give you false confidence in an incomplete assessment. When it comes to mold, what you can’t see — and what an algorithm can never perceive — is often the most important part of the story.

This article is provided for educational purposes. Mold inspections, sampling, and remediation should always be conducted by qualified professionals following applicable industry standards.

We get this request weekly. Someone wants to buy a house that has a buried oil tank. Sometimes the tank is being used, other times the tank is no longer in service. Let me cut to the chase, NO, you cannot accurately inspect the tank, it’s buried and is rusting, which no one can see, but you know it's true. Every buried tank will fail. When you fill up your vehicle at the gas station, those tanks have corrosion protection and very expensive monitoring and leak detection systems.

If you have a buried tank that is being used and it’s older than 20 years, remove and replace it. If you are buying the property, negotiate with the seller to remove and replace the tank and offer monies to perform this work, payable at settlement. While you may not want to open your wallet any further, you did ask about paying for an inspection of the tank, so use that money for removal and replacement.

If you have a buried tank that is not being used on a property you are buying, request that it be removed and soil sampling be completed during removal. The tank is a financial liability that someone ignored and wants to pass the problem to you.  For a matter of reference, a small tank leak can cost $10,000 to $15,0000. Removing an oil tank, maybe around $20,000.00

We just had someone call asking about inspecting an out-of-service buried tank on a property they want to buy. Turns out there is a new oil tank in the basement, which they installed to replace the perfectly functioning buried tank. Good money was wasted installing a new tank because the buried tank is fine. Excuse my sarcasm, the new tank 99% of the time was installed because the buried tank was having issues and the owner didn’t dig up the tank because they don’t want to find a problem. They would rather ignore the issue and pass it along to the next person.

Truth be told, we do test buried tanks, and we remove them in three states. But time and time again, testing is a waste of money, and the better financial approach is to remove and test the tank this 100% removing the liability of the tank in the future and is 100% accurate.

Tank Questions?

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888-303-1050

Phase I ESA Peer Reviews

What is a Phase I Peer review?

It is a professional review of the ESA report to confirm that they meet industry benchmarks for pre-acquisition due diligence.   In short, it is a peer review to see if the research that is crucial to the Phase I was properly interpreted and if there are necessary next steps to complete, aka a Phase II, which is testing. A peer review is typically done when a Phase I is brought to a transaction, and it is completed by a third party not associated with the buyer or lender.

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

AKA ESA, or Phase I ESA, is completed to research potential environmental liabilities regarding the current and historical uses of a property as part of a commercial real estate transaction.  The report is meant to assess if current or historical property uses may have impacted the soil or groundwater beneath the property, and whether the property has an environmental liability that the owner would be responsible for. The lender is subject to the potential liability if the mortgagee defaults.

It is safe to say most commercial properties should and do undergo a Phase I ESA prior to settlement. But some transactions fall apart, and new buyers swoop in and utilize the prior buyers' Phase I. This practice is fraught with issues.   Relying on a Phase I you do not own is subject to liability. Now you can obtain a reliance letter, so you have rights to the report, but how accurate is the report? That is when a Phase I Peer Review is performed.

A Peer Review will 100% of the time be completed at a desk, but some reports are so thin and loose on quality, a site walk is also necessary.  Case in point, the photo to the left. 

This photo shows a sale involved at a heavy equipment repair facility.  The Phase I report lacked clear detail on the work area where petroleum fluids would be encountered, and,  from experience, this was too big a data gap, so a site visit was also necessary. The photo was just one of many areas where staining was evident, the concrete floor was not intact (heavy equipment weighs a lot and concrete cracks), and yes, testing was required, and remediation was necessary. 

Curren completes thousands of Phase I peer reviews every year, and the quality varies widely. Inexperienced people miss issues that should be noted and investigated. Unfortunately, some of these reviews are completed years later, and anything that was missed is well past any recourse. Not as bad as it is when the Peer review is performed before settlement, and something was indeed missed that requires further evaluation, which means several weeks of delay in settlement.

Let me discuss two real-world scenarios.   A seller gave a buyer their Phase I, which they used to purchase a property through a 1030 exchange. Years later, the property is being sold, the prior Phase I is too old to use, and a new buyer completes a Phase I and Phase II, which leads to $64,000 of environmental cleanup that was associated with prior, not current, uses. In short, in Phase I, the buyer, now seller, relied upon missed issues.

Have due diligence questions?  

I can't think of a more boring title for an environmental blog, but crawlspace oil tank removal should rank in the top 10.  As boring as it is, old metal tanks that store petroleum compounds such as diesel or heating oil are ticking time bombs, as the low sulfur content of these fuels allows interior corrosion of the tank.  Exterior humidity/moisture causes the exterior of the tank to corrode, so you have two opposing forces generating rust, and when tank integrity breaches, oil will flow.  The average cleanup cost of an oil leak in a basement is $15,000. A crawlspace oil tank leak doubles that cost simply due to the limited access to a crawlspace.

I refer to abandoned tanks as deferred maintenance because it is a project that doesn't get addressed, and when the stored oil leaks, it is now an immediate problem, with a cost much higher than if the tank had been addressed before the leak occurred.  Curren has over 30 years of experience managing tank issues and crawlspace tanks while not a favorite, are part of our overall program.  Removing a crawlspace tank is less expensive than cleaning up a leak.

Let's walk through the process, a crawlspace no matter how nice yours is it is called a crawlspace because access is limited.  The access to the crawlspace to the left is through a small hatch in the floor.

Once you get into the crawlspace, you will see a tank on the other side of the area.   The tank was likely installed after the foundation was installed but before the floor was installed, meaning the tank is wedged into the area, a great reason why no one addressed this tank 10 years ago when they converted to natural gas.  Of course, Curren got called because an oil smell was permeating the home, because the tank finally started to leak.   Fortunately, the tank was on a rough finish concrete floor, but there were still physical issues in trying to remove the tank.   As you can see, we had to cut the HEAD or end of the tank off to access the tank for cleaning, and ultimately cut the tank into 8 pieces to remove it.

If you have an out-of-use metal oil tank, call Curren  

The metal is going to rust, oil is going to leak, you will then be forced to address the tank, which is going to cost more now because you have to clean up the oil from that empty tank.

Environmental regulations are simple and unfair.  Own a property with an environmental problem and you own the problem, even if you just bought the property and didn't know or cause the environmental problem.

That is why you do a tank sweep before you purchase a property, to look for undisclosed buried oil tanks.   Only one appropriate method should be used to perform a tank sweep, and that is Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR.  GPR is used on commercial properties, so you are using a commercial technology or approach to finding tanks, which translates to a moreeffective tank sweep.   GPR, in layperson's terms, sends radar signals into the ground which will reflect off of solid objects such as pipes, tanks, etc. You get a signal like in the photo, which represents an oil tank.

A tank sweep is due diligence, an evaluation to protect a buyer of a property.  Unfortunately, people do not know what they are getting, and a metal detector is commonly misused to perform a tank sweep, with inaccurate results.  Since metal detectors can only detect metal and provide no image, the data is open to misinterpretation.

The photo shows a small pile of metal pipes, which a tank sweep said was a tank.  Curren got permits to address the alleged tank and found old sewer pipes.  Thinking that perhaps the tank sweep mismarked the tank location, we performed further evaluation with the thought that there was indeed an oil tank.  

Further evaluation found a buried object with a FLAT top, which is not a signal for an oil tank, the area was excavated, and we found an old cesspool.   This rather large object apparently was missed by the metal detector, and we determined the presumed tank was actually the buried pipes.

GPR would have found the cesspool and determined the metallic signature was buried pipes, but since GPR was not used the owner had to spend time getting permitting and digging up his yard to not find an oil tank, but now they have an old cesspool to address as cesspools are a safety issue and are a disclosure when you list a home for sale.

If you want accurate tank sweep results, use GPR

If you need a professional to complete your tank sweep, call Curren

Adding lead to paint made the paint stronger, dry faster, and moisture resistant.

Approximately three-quarters of the nation's housing built before 1978 contains lead-based paint, stain, or varnish. When properly managed and maintained, lead-containing building materials pose minimal risk. Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978 due to health concerns, which means homes built after this date are unlikely to contain lead paint, stains, and varnishes on building materials.  But if you go antiquing and buy a vintage mantle, corner cabinet, and build it into your new home you may have brought lead into a post-1978 home.

Lead becomes a concern when paint, varnishes, and stains deteriorate through peeling, cracking, or chalking. As the paint, varnish, and stains break down, it create lead chips and dust. High-friction surfaces—such as windows, doors, floors, porches, stairways, and cabinets—are particularly prone to generating lead dust through normal wear and tear. While intact lead coating materials are not inherently dangerous, any activity that creates lead-contaminated dust or fumes, including sanding, scraping, or friction, can create exposure risks.

When Lead Testing is Necessary

Homes built before 1978 should be tested for lead-based paint, stains, and varnishes, particularly if you're planning any renovation, repair, or remodeling work. Testing identifies where lead is present so you can make informed decisions about how to manage it safely. If paint appears to be in good condition, knowing the location of lead-based paint helps you monitor those areas and prevents accidental disturbance during future projects.

Homes built in 1978 or later generally do not require lead testing, as lead-based paint was banned for residential use that year. However, if you have reason to believe older painted materials or components were incorporated into your newer home, testing may still be warranted.

Lead Exposure Pathways

Understanding how lead exposure occurs helps you prevent it. Lead-coated surfaces in good condition present minimal risk, but once lead-containing material separates from building surfaces through deterioration or disturbance, an exposure pathway is created. Children under six years old are most vulnerable to lead exposure because:

• They may chew on surfaces such as windowsills and door edges
• They can ingest flaking paint chips
• Their natural hand-to-mouth behaviors increase the likelihood of ingesting lead dust
• Lead can have a sweet taste, which may attract children

Lead Questions?

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Both children and adults are exposed to lead primarily through ingestion or inhalation of lead dust and fumes. Common sources include deteriorating lead paint, contaminated water and soil, certain toys and jewelry, and some imported candies or medicines. Adults face additional exposure risks through occupations and hobbies involving lead-based products, such as construction work, pottery, metalworking, or firearms handling.

Renovation and Remodeling Considerations

Renovation and demolition activities can release lead into a home's environment, which is why testing building materials in pre-1978 homes is essential before beginning any project. Federal law requires contractors performing renovation, repair, or painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 to be EPA-certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. If you're planning a DIY project in a pre-1978 home, consider hiring a professional to test first. This allows you to either hire a lead-safe certified contractor or take appropriate precautions if you proceed yourself.

Lead Exposure Prevention

Preventing lead exposure focuses on maintaining your home and establishing good household practices:

• Ensure children cannot access peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint
• Maintain all painted building materials in good condition to prevent deterioration
• Regularly wet-mop floors and horizontal surfaces, as household dust can contain lead particles
• Pay special attention to windowsills and window wells, which tend to accumulate more dust
• Keep all surfaces clean through consistent maintenance
• Wash children's hands frequently, especially before meals
• Wash toys and pacifiers regularly

Managing Lead Paint as a Homeowner

If testing reveals lead-based paint in your home, don't panic—lead paint that is intact and in good condition can be safely managed with proper maintenance and awareness.

When Lead Paint is Intact and in Good Condition:

• Regular inspection is your best tool. Check painted surfaces periodically for any signs of wear, chipping, or peeling, especially in high-traffic areas
• Maintain painted surfaces by addressing any minor damage promptly before it becomes a larger problem
• Clean regularly using wet-mopping and damp cloths to capture any dust. Avoid dry sweeping or dusting, which can spread particles into the air
• Control moisture by fixing leaks and addressing condensation, as moisture accelerates paint deterioration
• Monitor friction surfaces like windows and doors more closely, and consider applying fresh coats of non-lead paint over intact lead paint to provide an additional protective barrier (this is called "encapsulation")
• Educate your household about which surfaces contain lead paint so everyone can avoid creating dust through activities like furniture rubbing against walls

When Lead Paint Shows Signs of Deterioration:

• Address the issue promptly before it worsens. Small areas of chipping or peeling should be stabilized
• Hire a lead-safe certified contractor for any repairs or renovation work in areas with lead paint. These professionals are trained in containing dust and preventing exposure
• Never attempt to sand, scrape, or remove lead paint yourself without proper training, equipment, and containment measures
• Consider encapsulation or enclosure methods, which cover lead paint with new materials rather than removing it—often a safer and more cost-effective solution

LBP Survey

If you question if lead-containing building materials are in your home, a Lead-Based Paint Survey will assist you in knowing for sure.   Surveys are like LBP inspections in that an electronic lead paint analyzer is used on-site to test for the presence of lead. Curren utilizes a SciAps X-550 X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Lead Paint Analyzer to determine the lead content of the painted surfaces. The XRF will determine if lead exists on the component tested (within seconds); if the test is positive, the condition of the component is evaluated. Even if lead paint is detected via the XRF, the condition of that paint will determine if further action is warranted.