Q&A by Topic
Remediation
What is remediation?
A: By definition, Remediation is the “act or process of correcting a fault or deficiency”. Therefore, in terms of an incident involving the contamination of soil or ground water, Remediation would be the “clean up” and in most cases the removal of said contamination with the focus on restoration to pre-contamination condition.
Soil / Groundwater Remediation?
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When there is a discharge or leak of heating oil either from an above ground or underground storage tank, the oil impacts the soil immediately surrounding the tank. If that impacted soil is found to be non-compliant with NJDEP Soil Clean-Up Criteria then Soil Remediation will have to be performed. Typically, the area affected will be excavated and the contaminated soil removed and recycled off site. If and when there is the case that excavation of the affected area is not feasible, an alternative method of treating the soil in place may be used to bring the soil back in compliance with NJDEP Guidelines. (See INSITU)
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When there is a discharge of heating oil that impacts the groundwater table to a degree that it falls in violation with NJDEP Groundwater Quality Criteria, Groundwater Remediation will have to be performed. The contaminated groundwater can be collected and removed by pumping it from the ground and disposing of it off site, treating it onsite, or it can be treated in place via several “INSITU” methods.
For more detailed descriptions of the “INSITU” Methods please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/bscit/BioremediationGroundwater.pdf for more information on this topic.
Tank Inspection / Investigation
Site Investigation?
A: This is the initial stage whereby a field technician will visit the site and diagram the necessary information in regards to the suspect Underground Storage Tank (UST).
Tank Investigation?
A: This is the process whereby a field technician will visit the site and take bore samples to see if there is any oil in the soil surrounding the tank. Those samples are then sent out for testing and the results provide us with the ability to determine if any further action needs to be taken.
Pressure Testing a good idea?
A: We at Meridian do not recommend performing a pressure or vacuum test on your tank. We would rather perform a soil investigation to determine the quality of soil around the tank. A soil investigation will not cause any damage to the tank itself, as a pressure test may.
Tank Removal / Tank Abandonment
Which is the better option, Tank Removal or Tank Abandonment?
A: Under most circumstances, we at Meridian would recommend the removal of a tank from the ground as opposed to abandoning it. We will only recommend abandoning a tank if it is located under part of your home / building and removal is not feasible. A removal will be less expensive and allow total closure with the state and your township.
What is the approximate timeline for a Tank Removal?
A: From your first initial phone call with us until the day the tank is removed from the ground is approximately 2 weeks to 1 month. The longest delay is due to the time that it will take your townships’ permits to be issued. The day that we are scheduled to do the actual removal, we will only need to be on your property for 3 – 4 hours, for most removals.
Insurance
Are You Covered?
A. This is truly dependent upon each individual’s Homeowners Insurance Policy. In the event that a release of oil has occurred it would typically be covered under the
Third Party Liability Coverage in the Homeowners Policy. (Primary Residence)
What if I’m Not?
A…In the case involving a lack of insurance coverage, the client has the option to either pay out of pocket or apply for a grant. More information on these types of grants can be located at http://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/
What is “Tank Protection Service”?
A…Offered by your oil carrier, it is imperative that this type of coverage be acquired. For a few dollars a month you can obtain coverage up to $100,000 and assure yourself the necessary protection in case a leak in your tank does occur. Please contact your oil carrier for more information.
The Meridian Way
What can the client expect when the remediation work is complete?
A: We here at Meridian are focused on the needs of our Clients. It is our intention to make the process as simple as possible. Once the remediation process is complete, the site is restored to its original state. In most cases your property will look better than its original state. Customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal and the driving force behind Meridian Environmental Services.
Meridians Outreach?
A: Meridian covers the counties of Central and Southern New Jersey.
Those counties include:
-Atlantic -Burlington
-Camden -Cape May
-Mercer -Monmouth
-Ocean
