Hot Environmental Topics

The Problem with Metal Detectors for Underground Storage Tank Detection 

Have you ever used a metal detector at the beach? You probably found pennies, nickels, dimes, maybe some paper clips or a thumb tack. But did you ever find that diamond ring or emerald necklace that would be like winning the lottery? Probably not.

That's exactly what it's like using a metal detector to find Underground Storage Tanks (USTs).

Why Metal Detectors Fail for UST Detection

Here's the fundamental problem: metal detectors find ALL metal, not just underground storage tanks. Consider what surrounds every home:

• HVAC units and air conditioning systems
• Chain-link fencing
• Reinforced concrete with rebar
• Underground utilities and pipes
• Electrical conduits and wiring

When you hire someone with an $800 metal detector who charges $200 to essentially "find a penny," you're not getting the precision you need for underground storage tank detection.

The Hidden Costs of Inaccurate Tank Detection

Real Case Study: A homeowner purchased a property after having a metal detector scan performed. When they later tried to sell, a potential buyer hired Curren Environmental to perform a GPR scan. Result? We found a leaking underground storage tank that the metal detector had missed entirely. The remediation cost exceeded $45,000.

Don't let this happen to you.

Why Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is Superior for Tank Scanning 

What is Ground Penetrating Radar?

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method developed over the past thirty years specifically for shallow, high-resolution subsurface investigations. Unlike metal detectors, GPR uses high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic waves (10 MHz to 1,000 MHz) to create detailed underground maps.

Key Advantages of GPR for Underground Storage Tank Detection

1. Detects Non-Metallic Objects

• Finds plastic pipes and non-conductive materials
• Locates tanks regardless of material composition
• Identifies buried objects metal detectors completely miss

2. Real-Time Subsurface Imaging

• Provides immediate visual feedback
• Shows exact location and depth
• Offers adjustable digital color displays
• No waiting for data processing

3. Precision Over General Detection

• Specifically designed for underground tank scanning
• Distinguishes between tanks and other buried objects
• Reduces false positives dramatically

How GPR Technology Works

GPR operates by:

1. Propagating energy downward into the ground
2. Reflecting signals back from boundaries with electrical property contrasts
3. Creating detailed subsurface maps of solid buried objects
4. Providing real-time analysis for immediate decision-making

Professional GPR Equipment vs. Consumer Metal Detectors 

Investment in Professional Technology

Professional GPR units cost over $20,000 and require trained technicians to operate effectively. This isn't just equipment—it's an investment in:

• Accurate results the first time
• Avoiding costly mistakes like missed tanks
• Professional expertise in interpretation
• Comprehensive reporting and documentation

Optimal Scanning Conditions

GPR performs best in:

• Unpaved areas (grass, dirt, gravel)
• Non-landscaped spaces with minimal obstructions
• Areas without heavy concrete or asphalt coverage

Note: While signals may attenuate over solid ground cover like concrete or pavers, professional GPR can still detect underground storage tanks in these conditions.

Real-World Case Studies and Success Stories 

Case Study 1: The $20,000 Mistake

Situation: The Homeowner relied on a metal detector scan for the property purchase. Problem: Metal detector missed a leaking underground storage tank. Solution: GPR scan identified the tank location. Outcome: Tank removal and $20,000+ remediation required

Case Study 2: Inconclusive Metal Detective Results

Situation: Multiple properties with "inconclusive" metal detector scans. Problem: Recommendations to "dig it up" or get GPR scan. Solution: Curren Environmental GPR scanning Outcome: Definitive results without unnecessary excavation

Frequently Asked Questions About Underground Storage Tank Detection (GPR FAQ) 

Q: How much does professional GPR tank scanning cost compared to metal detection?

A: While GPR scanning has a higher upfront cost, it prevents expensive mistakes. Curren has seen up to $500,000 in soil remediation costs. 

Q: Can GPR detect tanks under concrete or pavement?

A: Yes, though signal quality may be reduced. Professional GPR equipment can penetrate various surface materials.

Q: How deep can GPR detect underground storage tanks?

A: GPR can typically detect tanks at depths of 10-15 feet, depending on soil conditions and tank size.

Q: Is GPR safe for my property?

A: Absolutely. GPR is non-invasive and doesn't damage landscaping, driveways, or structures.

The Bottom Line: GPR vs. Metal Detectors for Underground Tank Detection

Remember this key distinction:

• Metal detectors find anything metal in the ground
• Ground Penetrating Radar specifically scans for Underground Storage Tanks

When you're dealing with property purchases, environmental compliance, or potential contamination issues, you need precision, not guesswork.

Ready to Schedule Professional Underground Storage Tank Detection?

Don't risk the costly mistakes that come with inadequate tank detection methods. Contact Curren Environmental for professional GPR tank scanning services that deliver accurate, reliable results.

Professional GPR tank scanning protects your investment and ensures environmental compliance.

For more information about professional underground storage tank detection services, contact Curren Environmental. Our technicians use state-of-the-art GPR technology to provide accurate, reliable results for residential and commercial properties.

Buyer Beware when it Comes to Mold & Oil Tank

If you are buying a home, it may be your first or may be your third.  Either way the internet has no doubt made you a sharper consumer. You can assess the property online by evaluating photos, sometimes 3D tours of the home, school districts, past sale prices for the property and the neighborhood, property taxes, the list goes on.  No doubt you know how to google information. So you find the home, make an offer, it goes under contract and now your due diligence happens.  A home inspection, etc.  You are a savvy buyer so you look into other inspections you can do, Roof?, Mold? Oil Tank Sweep?  Yep, you do them all but guess what the seller has access to the internet as well, they may even be buying another home so they have concerns with inspections of their own.  But since they are selling they are also concerned with what you might find and the cost.

Be fair, if you had a buried tank at a home you were selling and you googled oil tank leak and the following photo popped up, how forthcoming would you be about the tank?  

True statements:

Sellers don't want to have to spend money to sell their homes.

Buyers, don't want to spend money on unexpected repairs, mold and oil tanks are top of the list. 

Both items are not covered by a home inspection, so while a home inspector may flag that the hot water heater needs to be replaced, they are not going to point out a $4,000.00 mold remediation.

The best advice we can provide is to be aware of what inspections are prudent during the home buying process.  

Regarding tank sweeps, they can be a lifesaver.  Tank Sweeps

Tank Nightmare aka property listed again with no mention of the oil tank

The contract of sale falls apart due to the oil tank.

The story goes that the owner selling their home finds that their old unused oil tank is not a selling feature so they decide not to mention it on the listing information.  Home goes under contract and out of guilt, sellers admit to an oil tank when asked.   Curren quotes the removal and the seller wants to know what happens if the tank leaks.    The seller decides not to remove the oil tank, this killed the deal.

Fast forward a few weeks, and the property is relisted, again with no discussion of an oil tank.    So now a seller is flat out forgetting a tank was known to exist (I don't say lie) and we get a call from a new buyer for the home and they want us to do a tank sweep.

Really, must we be the only straight-talking people?  Hey, this situation is easy to resolve, we remove the tank.

But how about the person who buys the house with a tank that was not disclosed (we found it for another buyer) and they get transferred with their job in a year and have to sell the home?

The anger, the lawsuits, heck the only happy people are the attorneys.   Happens again and again. Realtors if you are reading and if you know the listing has a tank and the buyers are not disclosing, you better disclose, I have a few realtors getting sued for this.  Email can be forever, people talk, buyers share bad news (ever hear of social media?), I am not going to say how each attorney researches facts,  to trace how someone knew something and didn’t disclose it or blankly fabricated an untruth, but it's much easier than you think.

Now to be fair we have been around for over 20 years, we touch thousands of sites a year and every so often we get a boomerang.  What is a boomerang?  A project we were involved with stopped dead in its tracks, Curren finds a tank, finds mold, finds contamination, the deal falls through, owner cancels the contract for tank removal/mold.  Ok it happens, we aren’t pushy, if the owner changes their mind they have our number.

Why talk about this, because buyer beware, I would rather consult for a buyer to interest BEFORE they buy a problem.

Why are we happy when we find a tank, find mold, or contamination for a buyer?   Because our client doesn't own the property yet, we did our job we found a problem and now this problem can be presented to the seller for correction.  Surely the seller doesn’t want to sell you an environmental problem costing thousands of dollars?    Sadly there is a % of people that will, many step up, but some sellers do not, hence you need for proper due diligence.  

When buying a home a home do your due diligence.

Tank sweeps?  Click here  Tank Sweeps

Mold Inspection Click here  Mold Inspections

Expert advice you can rely upon, that Curren Environmental.

Curren Environmental has been solving tank related issues for over 20 years.   Oil tanks were like cell phones, they were ubiquitous in homes in the Northeastern United States.  Oil was king as the graph shows:

Oil heat was more popular than natural gas up until 1980!

In 1950 43.9% of homes had oil heat

In 1960 62.9% of homes had oil heat

In 1970 52.6% of homes had oil heat

So in 2019, what are the odds the home your buying has or had an oil tank? Pretty high for sure.   

Tank Scans with GPR = Buyer Due Diligence

A tank scan found this tank.  You can see from the many holes in the tank, that the tank leaked.   Thankfully the home buyer had a tank sweep completed and found the tank.  The homeowner had to remove and remediate the oil tank.