Oil Tank Abandonment Policy

• All residential fuel oil tanks 2,000 gallons or less require a UCC permit for closure/abandonment
• Any Non- Residential UST over 2,000 gallons or aggregate non residential UST total over 2,000 gallons on property may require a NJDEP permit for closure, in addition to the UCC permit
• Contractor must be certified by NJDEP or DCA for level of tank & site work being performed
• All permit applications must include a property survey indicating location of tank
• Tanks can be filled with inert material after cleaning by contractor and inspection by Township Inspector for residential situations only.  Removal of tanks after cleaning should be encouraged whenever possible.  Homeowners are not permitted to work on USTs only ASTs.
• Tanks located under Township sidewalks, roads, right of ways, etc. must be removed, not filled.*
• Commercial & Industrial properties must have tanks removed.
• Tanks straddling property lines must be removed.
• Underground utiltiy mark-outs must be obtained prior to excavation.
• Removed USTs must be inspected prior to leaving work site by township inspector
• Initial excavation must be inspected by township prior to backfilling.  Footing/foundation impact must be evaluated by the Building Sub Code Official.
• Foam fill applications must include soil sampling with negative results for contamination or a favorable tank integrity test less than 30 days old in order to be approved. Inspection must include witnessed power washing and filling tank with foam. Foam filling not allowed in flood zones.

In all cases:

1. Old vent pipes must be removed
2. Oil lines in basement must be capped/removed
3. Bill of lading for waste product and scrap metal must be supplied to Code Enforcement
4. Back fill material must be clean and is subject to field approval
5. Leaking tanks and/or contaminated soil job sites shall remain as open permits until either soil tests are negative or cleanup plan with DEP case # and final report are supplied to Code Enforcement. UHOT certified contractors are granted special working rules by NJDEP.
6. Contractors must work professionally and clean up any spilled product.
7. Homeowners should document all work and keep records for their files.
8. No stockpiling of contaminated soil or tanks on property.
9. Underground tank removal locations shall be marked with geotextile fabric

* May require County, Police, DPW and other agency approvals.

Questions

• Nutley Code Enforcement - (973) 284-4957
• NJDEP Northern Field Operations Duty Officer - (973) 631-6401