Underground Storage Tank (UST) And Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Removal

Underground Storage Tank (UST) And Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Removal

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Gasoline service station decommissioning, including Underground Storage Tank (UST), hoist, and pipeline removals, San Jose, CA

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Major fuel company

BACKGROUND:

The Site formerly operated as a commercial gasoline fueling station and automotive repair shop

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Trinity was contracted to perform environmental oversight and sampling during Site decommissioning activities at a former gasoline fueling station and automotive shop. The objective was to ensure compliance with the regulatory agency (Santa Clara County Environmental Health Department [SCCEHD]), sampling and analysis requirements, and to manage the reporting of results to the SCCEHD.

PROJECT APPROACH:

• The construction contractor removed all Site infrastructure.

• Trinity sampled soil from the excavations according to the sampling and analysis plan (SAP) approved by the SCCEHD and performed all sample & data management tasks.

• Trinity field staff observed fresh gasoline odor during sampling in a former product piping trench section. Trinity screened the potentially-impacted area for VOCs with a photoionization detector. Trinity directed additional excavation and sampling to laterally- and vertically-delineate the extent of impacted soil.

• Trinity immediately communicated the plan for additional excavation with the SCCEHD and received approval to sample and analyze the excavation confirmation samples.

• The soil removed during the additional excavation was stockpiled separately and profiled. The soil was disposed of as non-hazardous waste at an appropriate disposal facility.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Fieldwork was completed.

• Trinity provided the SCCEHD with an email summary of the findings upon receiving analytical results from the laboratory.

• Trinity profiled investigation-derived wastes and arranged appropriate disposal.

• Trinity prepared a report documenting the facility closure activities. Trinity submitted the report to the SCCEHD and the client.

• The UST removal permit was closed, and a no further action letter was issued.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Redwood Underground Storage Tank Removal, San Jose, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Property Developer

BACKGROUND:

A bunker oil underground storage tank (UST) constructed of redwood was located on the site of a future residential property development in downtown San Jose, California. The approximately 3,000-gallon tank was discovered during onsite demolition. Trinity, a California certified hazardous substances removal contractor, was contracted to excavate and remove the UST.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Remove the redwood UST so that construction on the new development could proceed. 

PROJECT APPROACH:

• Trinity permitted the removal of the UST with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH) and the San Jose Fire Department (SJFD), and coordinated field inspections from both agencies.

• Trinity coordinated sampling and laboratory analysis of the UST material, and pre-profiled the UST material for disposal at an appropriate landfill.

• Trinity removed and disposed of a concrete collar overlying the UST.

• With SCCDEH and SJFD inspection, Trinity excavated and stockpiled soils from inside the UST using heavy equipment.

• After verifying that the atmosphere inside of the excavation was safe, Trinity removed the UST in pieces and stockpiled the UST wooden materials in a secure storage bin, pending offsite transport and disposal.

• Trinity observed visual and olfactory evidence of hydrocarbon impacts in the excavated soils.

• Trinity excavated impacted soils from beneath the UST using an excavator, and used the excavator bucket to provide soils for sample collection. Trinity then backfilled the excavation using clean, onsite soils.  

• Upon observation of impacted soil beneath the UST, the SCCDEH inspector required submittal of an Unauthorized Release Form (URF). Trinity prepared and submitted the URF on behalf of the client. 

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The redwood UST was classified as non-hazardous waste with regulatory approval and will be properly transported and disposed under non-hazardous manifest to nearby Newby Island Landfill.

• The excavated impacted soil was characterized as Non-Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Non-RCRA) California regulated hazardous waste and will be properly transported and disposed of under hazardous manifest to the Kettleman Hills Facility.  

• The final UST Closure Report and regulatory request for UST case closure is to be implemented by others.

Site is currently operating as a service station, and is undergoing site upgrades.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The property owner’s construction contractor is in the process of performing site upgrades, and requested services for handling of potentially hazardous materials.  Trinity was contracted by the property owner’s construction contractors to remove, profile, and dispose of two hoists, and one UST formerly used for waste oil storage.

PROJECT APPROACH:

• Trinity obtained all necessary permits through the City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (SDPS) and the Santa Clara County Environmental Health Department (SCCEHD) for the removal of the two hoist and the one UST.

• The hoists were removed by the construction contractor. Trinity field staff used heavy equipment to position and drain remaining hydraulic fluid from the hoists, and then loaded the hoists into a trailer for transport and disposal as non-hazardous waste at a local metal recycling facility.

• Trinity field staff collected soil samples from the hoist excavation pits using slide hammer equipment under the supervision of the SDPS inspector.

• Soil samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metals by a certified laboratory.

• The construction contractor backfilled the hoist excavation pits after Trinity received and evaluated soil analytical results from the laboratory.  

• Trinity field staff exposed, inerted, and removed an UST from the site using heavy equipment.

• Trinity performed the UST removal under the SCCEHD and SDPS inspectors’ oversight.

• The UST was transported by a hazardous materials licensed hauler to a disposal facility located in Richmond, California.

• Once the UST was removed, Trinity staff collected soil samples from underneath the former UST under the SCCEHD and SDPS inspectors’ oversight, and submitted the samples to a certified laboratory for analysis for petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, PCBs, and metals.

• The excavation was backfilled by the construction contractors.

• Trinity properly profiled excavated soils for offsite disposal.

• Trinity prepared a report documenting the hoist and UST removal.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Field work has been completed.

• Trinity profiled investigation derived wastes and arranged appropriate disposal.

• Trinity prepared a report documenting the hoist and UST removal; Trinity submitted the report to SCCEHD, SDPS and the client.  

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, San Jose, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Property Developer

BACKGROUND:

The site was a former Shell Gas Station lot being graded for construction of a commercial building. A buried, approximately 500-gallon UST containing waste oil was encountered at the site during grading. All work was stopped at the site pending removal of the UST. Trinity, a California-certified hazardous substances removal contractor, was contracted to remove and dispose of the UST.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Expedited removal of the UST in order resume work and with minimal impact to client’s construction schedule.

PROJECT APPROACH:

• Trinity permitted the removal of the UST and scheduled field inspections for the UST removal with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH) and San Jose Fire Department (SJFD).

• Trinity coordinated with SCCDEH and SJFD to obtain expedited permit approval.

• Trinity supervised pumping of the UST contents for offsite transport and disposal by a licensed hazardous waste transporter.

• Trinity excavated the UST using heavy equipment.

• Under SCCDEH and SJFD oversight, Trinity, inerted the UST and removed it from the excavation area for inspection. After inspecting the UST, Trinity loaded the UST for offsite transportation and disposal by a licensed hazardous waste transporter.

• After removing the UST, Trinity collected soil samples from native soil beneath the former UST location under SCCEH inspector oversight, and submitted the samples to a certified laboratory for analysis for petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and metals.

• Trinity profiled and direct-loaded excavated soils for transport and disposal at a landfill.

• Based on low concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons detected in soil samples, Trinity submitted an Unauthorized Release Report to SCCDEH.

• Trinity prepared a UST removal report documenting the UST removal and soil sampling results and submitted the report to SCCDEH and SJFD.

NEXT STEPS:

•  SCCDEH reviewed the UST removal report and issued a No Further Action Letter regarding the UST.

• Construction at the site proceeded as planned.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Concrete-Filled Underground Storage Tank Removal, Cupertino, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

The UST located on the client’s residential property was filled with a concrete sand-slurry mix circa 1987 but closure certification for the UST from the SCCFD (Santa Clara County Fire Department) was never issued.  The client was in the process of selling the property. In order to sell the property, they needed the UST case closed with the SCCFD. Because the attempted in-place closure was never approved by the SCCFD or completed, the SCCFD recommended removal of the UST. As a result, the client contracted Trinity to remove the UST.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The property owner sought to remove the concrete-filled UST from their backyard, obtain closure certification from the SCCFD and sell their residential property.

PROJECT APPROACH:

• Trinity obtained a UST removal permit from the SCCFD and scheduled an inspection with an SCCFD inspector.

• On June 1, 2016, Trinity, a California certified hazardous substances removal contractor, removed the concrete filled UST using a large excavator under SCCFD inspection.

• The UST was loaded onto a ten-wheel dump truck by Trinity and transported by a licensed waste hauler under a non-hazardous waste manifest. The UST was disposed of at Ox Mountain Landfill, Half Moon Bay, California.

• Trinity collected two soil samples from beneath the UST under SCCFD supervision and submitted the samples to a state-certified laboratory for analysis of TPHg, BTEX, EDB, EDC fuel oxygenates, naphthalene, ethanol and organic lead.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Trinity did not observe evidence of a release or hydrocarbon impacts to the excavated soils upon the excavation and removal of the UST. All concentrations reported by the laboratory were below laboratory minimum detection limits.

• Based on the laboratory results, the excavated soils were deemed suitable for backfill. The UST excavation pit was backfilled by Trinity.

• In the UST Removal Report, Trinity recommended no further action with regards to the concrete-filled 550-gallon UST removed from the site. The SCCFD concurred, and the removal certification letter was issued.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Gasoline or Diesel Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal

San Carlos, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Private Property Owner/Developer

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a developer working for a private property owner who encountered a UST while excavating the footing for a new residence.  Neither the developer or the property owner new that the UST was located on the property and the property owner had no knowledge that a UST existed at the site when they purchased the property to build their new home.  It was assumed that the UST was heating oil tank or a tank used to store vehicle fuel for the previous property owner.  Trinity was contracted to provide RUSH UST removal services in accordance with local, State and Federal guidelines so the construction project could remain on schedule.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Properly permit and safely remove the UST so that the residential construction project could continue and remain on schedule.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the San Mateo County Environmental Health (SMCEH) for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.  Dispose of the removed UST at the ECI, Inc. facility located in Richmond, California under hazardous waste manifest.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The UST was checked for liquids by Trinity field crew and the site was marked with white paint followed by calling USA Alert as required by law before excavation work began.

• The 500-gallon fuel UST was excavated, removed, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff via the addition of dry ice into the tank, loaded onto an ECI, Inc. truck and transported to their Richmond, California facility for property disposal.

• Approximately 18 cubic yards of excavated soil was profiled and disposed off-site as non-hazardous waste as directed by SMCEH.

• Trinity prepared a UST removal report and submittal the report to SMCEH for review and approval.  The SMCEH did not require an further work at the site.

• The residential development continued as planned per schedule.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) Removal, Los Gatos, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Mountain Retreat Company

BACKGROUND:

The site is the location of a mountain retreat center and conference center for non-profit organizations and others.  To service on-site vehicles for the 180-acre property, two 500-gallon above ground fuel storage tanks were present at the site.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Property permit and remove the two ASTs in a timely manner.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Work with the property owner to have them pump the gasoline and diesel fuel out of the ASTs before removing the tanks from the site.  Obtain permits and pay fees with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (County) and schedule the inspection for the AST removal.  Transport and dispose of the ASTs with ECI, Inc. (ECI) in Richmond, California as hazardous waste.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The two ASTs were pumped empty by the site owner.

• Trinity filled both tanks with dry ice to make the tanks safe for transport and disposal by ECI.

• The County inspector oversaw the AST removal work and did not require any environmental sampling beneath or around the ASTs.

• Trinity prepared a letter report documenting the AST removal work and recommended no further action to the County with respect to the ASTs.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, Oakland, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Property Management and Development Company

BACKGROUND:

The site was a former Firestone Tire Company service center.  During a tenant improvement project for CVS Pharmacy, a 1,000-gallon underground storage tank (UST) was discovered in front of the building in the sidewalk by on-site contractors.  The UST needed to be removed as soon as possible so site development could continue and the client’s tenant could move into the new location on schedule.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Property permit and remove the UST on a rush turn around basis so the CVS Pharmacy tenant improvement project could remain on schedule.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Work with the site contractor improving the site for CVS Pharmacy and permit the UST for removal with Alameda County Environmental Health and City of Oakland agencies.  Hand auger soil borings around the UST before removal to determine if the UST impacted soil or if soils were free of petroleum hydrocarbons.  Provide sheet-pile shoring along the side of the UST excavation nearest the building to protect the building foundation during UST excavation and removal work. Provide compaction testing and compaction test results to show the UST excavation was backfilled and compacted to specification.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Drilled three hand-auger soil borings were advanced to approximately 6 to 8 feet and selected soil samples submitted for rush laboratory analyses.  Soil sample results indicated the UST leaked and petroleum hydrocarbon affected soil was present around the UST.

• Sheet pile shoring was placed between the UST excavation and the building and the UST was exposed so that sand slurry inside the UST could be removed and stockpiled on-site for disposal at an appropriate landfill facility.

• The UST was removed, triple rinsed and disposed off-site at a recycling facility with County approval.

• Confirmation soil samples were collected after visibly impacted soil was removed from the UST excavation bottom and results indicated that petroleum hydrocarbon affected soil was removed to levels acceptable for site closure.

• The UST excavation was backfilled with imported structural fill, compacted, tested and graded so the on-site contractor could finish concrete sidewalk work for the CVS tenant improvement project.

• Site Closure from the County is pending.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, Hollister, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Small Business

BACKGROUND:

The site is an equipment yard for a water-well drilling company.  Two 6,000‑gallon underground fuel tanks, one for diesel and one for gasoline, had been in use historically.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Comply with County requirements for tank removal, as cost-effectively as possible.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Trinity conducted the tank removal, over‑excavation, and confirmation sampling with oversight by the San Benito County Public Health Department

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Confirmation sampling indicated soil impacts; soil and groundwater investigation is pending.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, La Selva Beach, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Trust

BACKGROUND:

During a residential property transaction inspection, a fueling dispenser was identified adjacent to the driveway leading to the home.  Upon inspection by Trinity, it was determined that an UST was installed at the property to provide gasoline fuel to the

former residents.  The tank was estimated to be approximately 600 gallons.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The Trust desired to have the UST and associated fuel system removed from the property in a timely manner to ready the beach front property for sale.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Provide a schedule and work scope outline to the Trustee, Trust lawyer, realtors, and adjacent property owner and tenant; communicate project schedule, work tasks and goals to all interested parties during all phases of project; properly permit the removal of the UST with the County.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Trinity permitted the UST for removal with the County of Santa Cruz.  Upon removing the fuel dispenser and vent piping and exposing the UST, two 2,000 gallon USTs were found.  Trinity immediately notified the Trustee and County and proceded with UST removal activities.  Both USTs were removed, confirmation soil samples collected, the excavation was backfilled and compacted, compaction testing was conducted and finish grading performed.  No further action was required because no evidence for tank leaks was observed, and confirmation soil samples showed no petroleum hydrocarbon impacts to soil.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, Boulder Creek, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Transaction

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a call from a property owner who was in escrow for the sale of his home in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  As part of the conditions of sale, the home owner agreed to properly permit and remove a 550-gallon heating oil tank from the front of the property.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Permit and property remove and dispose of the home heating oil UST before close of escrow.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Expedite the UST removal permit process.  Schedule work for rapid turnaround of lab data and obtain fast-track County response to UST removal and lab results to obtain no further action and tank closure.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• UST was successfully removed with County oversight; no further action required. Escrow closed and property transaction completed within client desired time frame.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
Los Gatos, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Transaction

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a property owner who was intending to sale their home in Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California.  To prepare the home for sale, a 300-gallon gasoline underground storage tank (UST) needed to be located, excavated and removed from the parking area located behind the home.  The UST was installed in the 1950’s and was not in use since as far back as the 1970’s.  The property owner knew the general location of the UST but was not able to indicate the exact location of the old tank.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Trinity was to locate the UST using underground locating equipment and then permit and property remove and dispose of the gasoline UST before the property was placed for sale.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Expedite the UST locating and removal permit process and obtain no further action and tank closure.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Gasoline UST was successfully removed with County oversight; no further action required. The property quickly went into escrow within client desired time frame.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
Carmel Valley, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Transaction

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a property owner who was in escrow and needed an expedited permitting and removal of a 250-gallon gasoline underground storage tank from their home located in Carmel Valley, Monterey County, California.  The property owner had been working with another firm who was not responsive to their needs and was not returning phone calls.  The UST was installed in the 1970’s and was not used for several decades.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Trinity was to locate permit and property remove and dispose of the gasoline UST on an expedited schedule so the property would close escrow.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Expedite the UST locating and removal permit process and obtain no further action and tank closure.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Gasoline UST was successfully removed with County oversight; no further action required.  Property escrow closed on time and within the allocated budget with all parties (seller, buyer, and realtors) satisfied.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, Hayward, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Trucking Terminal

BACKGROUND:

The Site is an active trucking terminal and the property owner needed to remove two USTs from the site when their tenant’s long term lease expired.  The Site had two 10,000-gallon double walled fiberglass USTs located in a common excavation.  One product pump and associated piping was used to dispense fuel from the USTs.  A previous UST removal was conducted in the same tank location which resulted in a release of petroleum hydrocarbons to the subsurface followed by monitoring well installation and sampling.  The soil and groundwater case was subsequently closed with no further action required.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

• Permit the USTs for removal with the City of Hayward and Alameda County

• Perform additional concrete and asphalt removal and replacement around the USTs and other areas of the trucking terminal

• Perform work on a fixed fee basis while not exceeding the allocated budget

• Remove contaminated soil and/or groundwater during UST removal activities if discovered

• Manage field activities if contamination is discovered for UST Fund Application submittal

PROJECT APPROACH:

Trinity conducted the UST removal, soil over‑excavation, excavation dewatering, confirmation sampling, and backfill and compaction with oversight by the Hayward Fire Department.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• USTs were removed from the site and properly disposed offsite

• Contaminated soil was over excavated and removed from the UST excavation along with over 11,000 gallons of diesel impacted groundwater

• Limited soil over excavation was conducted in the product island area

• Confirmation sampling in the bottom of the excavation indicated soil impacts were removed vertically to acceptable levels

• Asphalt resurfacing was conducted to clients satisfaction and the original tank removal estimate budget was met

• Phase II soil and groundwater investigation is ongoing

• UST Fund application has been submitted

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank Removal (UST),
San Leandro, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Automotive Dealership

BACKGROUND:

The Site is an active auto dealership and automobile repair and maintenance facility located in San Leandro, Alameda County, California.  Trinity was contracted to remove one 2,000-gallon gasoline UST and one 1,000-gallon waste oil UST located in separate excavations behind the automotive maintenance and repair facility.  In addition, Trinity removed additional concrete and asphalt around the gasoline UST to ready the area for the construction of a car wash.  Trinity was selected as the successful bidder out of three companies and was chosen not because of being the lowest price but rather providing the most complete and thorough proposal and providing excellent customer service.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

• Permit the USTs for removal with the City of San Leandro

• Perform additional concrete and asphalt removal and replacement around the gasoline UST and ready the area for the construction of a car wash

• Perform work on a fixed fee basis while not exceeding the allocated budget

• Re-surface UST excavation areas with asphalt

• Obtain a no further action letter from the City of San Leandro and close out the UST removal permit and grading permit as soon practicable following completion of field work

PROJECT APPROACH:

Trinity obtained a the UST removal and grading permits, exposed and removed the gasoline and waste oil USTs, removed one product dispenser and associated product piping, removed additional concrete and asphalt surfaces for the car wash, performed confirmation soil sampling, and backfilled and compacted the excavations with oversight by the City of San Leandro Engineering Department.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Both USTs and the product dispenser were removed from the site and properly disposed offsite

• Confirmation soil samples were collected beneath the USTs and product dispenser

• Asphalt resurfacing was conducted to clients satisfaction and the original tank removal estimate budget was met

• No futher action was required by the permitting agency, permits were closed out and the client’s expectations were met or exceeded

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
San Juan Bautista, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a property owner in San Juan Bautista who found a petroleum (gasoline or fuel oil) UST on their property while digging a trench for a new electric line going to their storage/work shed.  The property owner had just moved into the Farm House on 15 acres of apple orchards and they had no idea the UST was there because they purchased the property via a bank foreclosure.   Needless to say they were shocked when the UST was discovered by accident.  They found Trinity via searching the web and were impressed that Trinity not only worked for larger commercial and industrial clients but small residential clients as well.  Trinity visited the site and exposed the top of the UST using had tools and determined it was approximately 500 gallons in size and contained a little over 100 gallons of water.  The property owner was impressed with Trinity’s professional, responsive and courteous staff and upon review of a detailed cost estimate hired Trinity to properly excavate and remove the UST.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Trinity was to locate permit and property remove and dispose of the gasoline UST taking care not to damage a new storage shed located adjacent the UST and recently planted flowers located near the UST.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the San Benito County Environmental Health Department for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.

Trinity obtained permission from the County inspector to triple rinse the UST using a steam cleaner to render it non-hazardous and acceptable for metal recycling.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The 500-gallon UST was excavated, removed, steam cleaned, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff, loaded onto a Trinity truck and transported to RJR Recycling in Hollister, California for metal recycling (disposal).  Trinity prepared a UST removal report for submittal to the County.  No further action was warranted and recommended based on the soil sample results from beneath the removed UST.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
Monterey, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Commercial Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

Trinity was retained by a Monterey based law firm to review the Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I and II ESA) Reports prepared by another environmental consulting firm and to perform a site reconnaissance with the property owners real estate manager.  The purpose of the report review and site visit was to determine if additional work scope was necessary to ready the property for sale.  Although the previous consultant performed Phase II site assessment activities which included soil and groundwater analysis via the drilling of direct push soil borings and ground penetrating radar and magnetic surveys to look for historic USTs, the law firm and their client were not sure that additional Phase II assessment work was not warranted prior to the sale of the property.  It was imperative to the property owner that environmental liability was not transferred to the new property owner whereby a third party legal claim could arise in the future.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The primary goal for our client was to ready their property for sale and to manage and mitigate any and all potential future environmental liability associated with the operation of a former gasoline service station on the property in the 1950s.

PROJECT APPROACH:

To manage and mitigate the future environmental liability, Trinity developed a detailed additional Phase II assessment work scope to further define site soil conditions and to explore the site for burred unknown USTs.  Exploratory trenches were dug across the site in known product island areas and areas suspected to potentially have buried USTs.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• A total of three unknown USTs were identified at the site which were missed by the previous environmental Phase I and II ESA activities.

• Two 5,000-gallon gasoline single-walled steel USTs were removed from the site and properly disposed off-site.

• One 250-gallon waste oil UST was removed from the site and property disposed off-site.

• Five product islands and hundreds of feet of steel product piping were excavated and removed from the site.

• Soil over-excavation was performed on the corner of the gasoline UST excavation pit and contaminated soil was disposed off-site at a local landfill.

• Soils were additional characterized through the collected of more than 20 soil samples for laboratory analyses.

• The site received ano further action letter from the Monterey County Environmental Health Services Department within 30 days of Trinity’s report of findings submittal date.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
Carmel Valley, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Residential Property Transaction

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a property owner in Carmel Valley who identified a gasoline UST located in the parking lot area of their property between the house and the garage.  Apparently the UST was installed in the 1970s by the owners parents and now that the property was being sold it needed to be properly removed and disposed.   The property owner wanted this work done as part of a real estate property transaction for the estate.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Trinity was contracted by the new owner of the property after escrow had closed.  The new owner of the property was provided with Trinity’s cost estimate to remove the UST and upon close of escrow we were hired to complete the project.  The new owners of the property lived in England.  Trinity worked closely with the new owners local realtor to coordinate and schedule work. The goals of the client were for Trinity to complete the UST removal work before they moved from England to their new California coast home.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the Monterey County Environmental Health Department for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The 500-gallon gasoline UST was excavated, removed, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff via the addition of dry ice into the tank, loaded onto an ECI, Inc. truck and transported to their Richmond, California facility for property disposal. Trinity prepared a UST removal report for submittal to the County.  No further action was warranted and recommended based on the soil sample results from beneath the removed UST.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal,
Soledad, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

City Government

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from the City of Soledad Public Works Director regarding a gasoline UST that was found by the City’s grading contactor who was performing upgrades to the City of Soledad’s Fire Department facility.  The UST was filled with water and contained a sheen of petroleum hydrocarbons.  The discovery of the UST was slowing down the City’s project and it was a possible fire and explosion risk until ti was properly removed.  The City Manager wanted the work to be conducted as soon as possible so the Fire Department upgrade work could proceed as planned.  The City Board of Supervisors approved an emergency contract with Trinity so that the UST could be removed promptly and possible fire and/or explosion risks associated with the exposed UST could be mitigated.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The City requested Trinity to proceed with permitting the UST for removal on an expedited basis.  To save money the City requested Trinity to sample the water in the UST to determine if the City’s sanitary sewer treatment facility could take the water rather than sending it off-site to an approved disposal/recycling facility.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the Monterey County Environmental Health Department for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.  Sample water in the UST for petroleum hydrocarbons and provide to the City’s waste water treatment plant manager.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The water in the UST was removed using a air diaphragm pump and placed in a City provided 275-gallon tote for later safe transport to the City’s sanitary sewer treatment plant.

• The 500-gallon gasoline UST was excavated, removed, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff via the addition of dry ice into the tank, loaded onto an ECI, Inc. truck and transported to their Richmond, California facility for property disposal.

• Trinity prepared a UST removal report which was sent to Monterey County for review and approval.

• No further work was requested by Monterey County.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal, San Jose, CA

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Private Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a private property owner who had identified an underground storage tank (UST) on their property during due diligence work associated with getting the property ready for sale.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Property permit and safely remove the UST so that the property can be placed on the market for sale.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health  (SCCDEH) for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.  Dispose of the removed UST at the ECI, Inc. facility located in Richmond, California under hazardous waste manifest.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The UST was checked for liquids by Trinity field crew and the site was marked with white paint followed by calling USA Alert as required by law before excavation work began.

• The 1,000-gallon gasoline UST was excavated, removed, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff via the addition of dry ice into the tank, loaded onto an ECI, Inc. truck and transported to their Richmond, California facility for property disposal.

• Trinity prepared a UST removal report and submittal the report to SCCDEH for review and approval.  The SCCDEH did not require an further work at the site.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) Removal, Scotts Valley, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Private Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a private property owner who had an aboveground storage tank (AST) located in their garage that was no longer needed.  The AST provided diesel fuel to an on-site heating unit which had been removed from operation.  A non-hazardous waste licensed individual was retained to remove the AST from the garage.  When diesel fuel was found inside the AST after the tank had been partially cut open using an electric saw, the property owner called Trinity to take over the project for safety reasons.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

The property owner retained Trinity to safely remove and dispose of the diesel fuel AST and to provide any mitigation measures inside the garage associated with diesel fumes from the cut open AST.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department(SCCEHD) for removing and properly disposing of the AST per County AST removal guidelines and policies.  Dispose of the removed AST at a metal recycling facility as scrap metal.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Trinity work with the SCCEHD on the project and SCCEHD staff indicated that an AST removal permit was not required.

• The AST was pumped empty and the diesel fuel was safely stored in DOT approved 55-gallon drums pending transportation by Bayside Oil II, Inc to Seaport Refining and Environmental for recycling.

• The 1,200-gallon diesel AST was cut up using hand held power tools, safely removed from the garage and loaded onto a trailer for transport toA&S Metals, a metal recycling facility.

• Trinity prepared an AST removal report to document AST removal activities.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Hydraulic Hoist Removal

TYPE OF CLIENT:

General Contractor

BACKGROUND:

The site is an active fuel service station undergoing renovations. A 500-gallon waste oil UST and two hydraulic hoists were to be removed as part of the renovations. Trinity was contracted by the general contractor performing the renovations to remove and dispose of the UST and hydraulic hoists.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Removal of UST and hydraulic hoists in order to proceed with site renovations.

PROJECT APPROACH:

• Trinity permitted the removal of the UST and scheduled field inspections for the UST removal with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH) and San Jose Fire Department (SJFD). No permits were required for removal of the hydraulic hoists.

• The hoists were removed by the general contractor. Trinity used heavy equipment to drain hydraulic fluid from the hoists into 55-gallon drums, and then loaded the hoists into a trailer for transport and recycling at a local metal recycling facility. Hydraulic oil was removed from the site and recycled by an oil recycler.

• Trinity collected soil samples from native soil beneath each former hoist location using slide hammer equipment, and submitted the samples to a certified laboratory for analysis for petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metals.

• Trinity excavated the UST using heavy equipment.

• Under SCCDEH and SJFD oversight, Trinity, inerted the UST and removed it from the excavation area for inspection. After inspecting the UST, Trinity loaded the UST for offsite transportation and disposal by a licensed hazardous waste transporter.

• After removing the UST, Trinity collected soil samples from native soil beneath the former UST location under SCCEH inspector oversight, and submitted the samples to a certified laboratory for analysis for petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, PCBs, and metals.

• Trinity profiled and direct-loaded excavated soils for transport and disposal at a landfill.

• Based on low concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons detected in soil samples, Trinity submitted an Unauthorized Release Report to SCCDEH.

• Trinity prepared a UST and hydraulic hoist removal report documenting the UST and hoist removal and soil sampling results and submitted the report to SCCDEH and SJFD.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• Renovations at the site continued as planned.

• SCCDEH is currently reviewing the UST and hydraulic hoist removal report.

CATEGORY OF SERVICE, LOCATION:

San Jose, California

TYPE OF CLIENT:

Private Property Owner

BACKGROUND:

Trinity received a phone call from a private property owner who had identified a heating oil underground storage tank (UST) on their property.  Apparently, the residential development for the project was a former orchard that had a farm house and barn used to store and service farm equipment.  It is assumed the heating oil tank was associated with the old farm house or barn.  The heating oil UST was uncovered while digging the foundation footings for the garage.  The property owner started to pump residual diesel fuel from the UST and place it in 5-gallon buckets.  After researching what the requirements were for properly handling the UST, Trinity was called to provide a UST removal services in accordance with local, State and Federal guidelines.

CLIENT GOALS FOR PROJECT:

Properly permit and safely remove the UST so that the garage construction could proceed as planned.

PROJECT APPROACH:

Obtain necessary permits from the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health  (SCCDEH) for removing and properly disposing of the UST per County UST removal guidelines and policies.  Dispose of the removed UST at the ECI, Inc. facility located in Richmond, California under hazardous waste manifest.

RESULTS, RESOLUTION, NEXT STEPS:

• The UST was checked for liquids by Trinity field crew and the site was marked with white paint followed by calling USA Alert as required by law before excavation work began.

• The 200-gallon heating oil UST was excavated, removed, deemed non-hazardous by Trinity staff via the addition of dry ice into the tank, loaded onto an ECI, Inc. truck and transported to their Richmond, California facility for property disposal.

• Trinity prepared a UST removal report and submittal the report to SCCDEH for review and approval.  The SCCDEH did not require an further work at the site.

• The garage was constructed as planned.