Underground storage tanks (UST) can pose a risk when performing construction or digging. They can also be environmental hazards if not identified and addressed. Therefore, before breaking ground in an area, it is critical to investigate the site to ensure there aren’t any unknown underground storage tanks. If there are, those working on the site must take remedial measures.
Confirmation of the existence of an underground storage tank on a site is needed before the sale and purchase of a property with no documentation on the status of a UST. Fortunately, specialized tools can help people identify underground storage tanks in a non-invasive way. At Echo GPR, if you suspect there is an underground storage tank on land you own, or you want to check before digging, contact our team.
What is an Underground Storage Tank?
A UST is any underground piping or tank where at least 10% of its volume is underground. These tanks are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent leaking petroleum or other hazardous substances into the environment.
Why are USTs Dangerous?
Until the 1980s, these storage tanks were made of a type of steel that could corrode over time. This means the toxic materials inside of these tanks, such as gasoline and waste oil, could leak into the soil and eventually make their way into the groundwater systems.
Groundwater is one of the largest drinking water sources in the United States. When the groundwater system gets polluted, people could ingest these chemicals, which could cause cancer or impact a child’s development. On top of groundwater contamination, these tanks could explode because of the flammable materials inside.
Technology Echo GPR Uses to Locate Underground Storage Tanks
We can use our ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to detect underground storage tanks. GPR is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. Our GPR system transmits radio waves into the ground, and they reflect back to the surface. The team at Echo GPR understands how to interpret the data collected by our radar unit.
With the technology we use, we can quickly provide information about what lies below the subsurface.
Benefits of Using GPR Technology
There are many benefits to choosing GPR to locate USTs as opposed to utilizing other methods. They include:
- You can save money by preventing a costly excavation. Our team can tell you exactly where the underground storage tank is located, so you don’t have to guess.
- You can save time because our operators can tell you almost immediately if there is a storage tank on the property and where it is located.
- When digging begins, it can make the process go faster. The time it takes to look for an underground storage tank while digging can greatly increase the time it takes to locate it.
Echo GPR can provide affordable and fast technology to help you save money and time on your project.
For Underground Storage Locates, Contact Us Today
Our skilled technicians can tell you the exact location of the storage tank. Our technology can estimate tank pit boundaries, depth, and position . By having this information, you can remove a UST in the fastest and most cost-effective way possible. Even if there is no tank on site, GPR can typically detect the boundaries or edges of a previously excavated pit. This is helpful for more detailed environmental testing.
Contact us today by calling (913) 879-2200 or filling out our contact form. A member of our team will reach out to you soon to schedule a time to locate underground storage tanks. The team at Echo GPR can come to your site and provide an estimate to detect underground storage tanks on residential, commercial, or government-owned property.