The decommissioning and disposal of chemical and oil tanks will have to adhere to strict procedures to ensure the safety of people, the environment and the property on which the tank stands. With the right planning and equipment, professional decommissioning can run smoothly, and in some cases at very little cost to the owner. Some residual contents have a commercial value, which can offset the cost of decommissioning.
For that reason, it is best to get tanks decommissioned and moved as soon as possible after the end of their use, ensuring that any valuable contents do not develop impurities. With that in mind, what can you expect from a typical decommissioning? Here are the key steps which comply with industry legislation and practice.
Site Visit, Planning and Sampling
Tank decommissioning requires meticulous and skilled planning. A site visit will first be conducted to assess the condition and contents of the tank. Restrictions at the site are taken into account and a thorough risk assessment carried out. The contents of the tank will be sampled and tested off-site in laboratory conditions to determine the potential commercial value.
Decontamination and Cleaning
After all the residual contents have been pumped or drained away, the inside of the tank will be cleaned with either a vacuum or mechanical cleaner. Disposal of the contents of the tank will have to comply with legislation to prevent the risk of contamination of the surrounding environment. The tank will be cleaned thoroughly so that the metal itself can be recycled, again offsetting the cost of the decommission. Any flammable gases will be removed safely or reduced to inert substances.
Dismantling, Removing, Disposing
When it is safe, the tank will be pulled apart and removed from the site. The site where the tank was situated will be tested for contamination and all infrastructure removed. For more information, search online for companies like http://www.ashremediation.co.uk/tank-decommissioning, who are experts in decommissioning tanks for various industries. Companies like these can ensure that your tank is removed safely and without risk to you and the environment.
To get your tank decommissioned safely and securely, always seek professional help, and remember that the sooner you arrange this the more you can offset the cost with the recycling of both the contents and the metal tank itself.
