Faq’s
Frequently asked questions
Straight Answers. No Guesswork.
At A1 Oil Tank Removal, we believe in transparency.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about tank removal, soil testing, remediation, and environmental services.
🏠 Residential Tank Removal FAQs
Do I need to remove my underground oil tank?
If your property has an unused or aging underground oil tank, removal is highly recommended. Tanks can deteriorate over time and may leak, leading to costly soil contamination. Many insurance companies and mortgage lenders now require removal prior to property sale or refinancing.
How long does the tank removal process take?
Most tank removals take one day once permits are approved. The total project timeline averages 2–4 weeks, depending on township permit turnaround.
What happens if my tank fails inspection?
If results are below NJDEP clean up standards, no remediation is required but we must still prove compliance to the state – they require proof of 5 clean samples and a report written by the SSe
Will my yard be restored after removal?
Yes. Once your tank is removed and inspected, the excavation area is backfilled with certified clean fill and leveled to grade.
If you plan to reseed or repave the area, we’ll leave it ready for restoration.
Will I receive documentation after my tank is removed?
Absolutely – You will receive a Clean Closure Packet, which is also submitted to your township to close your permit. If remediation is required you will receive your NFA
🧪 Soil Testing & Remediation FAQs
Do I need soil testing if my tank isn’t leaking?
Yes — soil testing is the only reliable way to confirm that your tank hasn’t leaked.
We use Geoprobe drilling equipment to collect deep, accurate samples around your tank and have them analyzed by a state-certified lab.
Why is soil testing better than tank testing?
Tank testing only measures internal pressure and can’t detect leaks that have already occurred.
Soil testing provides definitive proof by analyzing the soil directly — and it’s the only method backed by our 100% guarantee.
When is soil remediation required?
Remediation is only required if laboratory data shows contamination levels above NJDEP cleanup standards.
We never recommend remediation without certified results — and every project is reviewed by a Licensed Subsurface Evaluator (SSE) and submitted to NJDEP for approval.
How long does remediation take?
Most remediation projects are completed in one workday (about 8 hours), with SSE reporting and NJDEP submission shortly after.
You’ll receive your No Further Action Letter once NJDEP confirms your site meets cleanup standards.
🌎 Environmental Site Assessment FAQs
What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)?
A Phase I ESA is a research-based property evaluation that identifies potential environmental risks before purchase, sale, or redevelopment.
It includes historical reviews, record searches, and on-site inspections — but no sampling or drilling.
When do I need a Phase II ESA?
If a Phase I ESA identifies potential contamination concerns (called Recognized Environmental Conditions), a Phase II ESA is needed.
That’s when we collect soil or groundwater samples to verify whether contamination is present and how extensive it is.
Do you handle commercial projects?
A1 Oil Tank Removal provides commercial and municipal tank removal, soil testing, remediation, and full environmental closure documentation across New Jersey, with transparent proposals, rapid scheduling, and complete NJDEP compliance.
Are your services licensed and insured?
A1 Oil Tank Removal is fully licensed, insured, and NJDEP-compliant. All work is performed by qualified professionals under Licensed Subsurface Evaluator (SSE) oversight, with commercial projects overseen by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP).
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve all of New Jersey, including:
Bergen • Essex • Hudson • Morris • Union • Middlesex • Somerset • Hunterdon • Monmouth • Ocean • Burlington • Camden • Gloucester • and surrounding counties.
Does a decommissioned tank need to be removed?
Yes. Decommissioned tanks are generally required to be removed for home sales, refinancing, and insurance.A decommissioned tank can still have leaked, and paperwork stating “no holes” doesn’t guarantee anything — inspections were often done in dark, confined spaces, and small perforations can easily be missed.Removing the tank is the only way to be sure there’s no contamination and to satisfy current real estate and insurance standards.
🎯 The A1 Promise
We never guess — we verify.
Every decision we make is based on certified data, NJDEP standards, and full transparency with our clients.
➡️ Have a question we didn’t answer?
Contact Us or call 973 922 9002 — our team is happy to help.