The History of Underground Oil Tanks in Virginia

Prior to World War II, homes across Virginia relied heavily on coal for heating.  Thus thousands of underground oil tanks were installed in Virginia.  This method, while providing warmth, presented significant drawbacks. Coal produced substantial amounts of dust, leading to messy conditions and demanding frequent maintenance, such as the regular removal of ash from furnaces. Moreover, the emissions generated by burning coal, which included carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and particulate matter, posed a considerable threat to air quality and public health.

Following World War II, heating oil emerged as a more economical and cleaner alternative. The decision to transition to heating oil became straightforward for many homeowners. Newly constructed houses, prevalent in the post-war boom, were often equipped with oil furnaces and underground oil tanks. Simultaneously, some homeowners opted for above-ground tank installations in basements, crawl spaces, or outside their properties. Consequently, the period between the 1940s and 1970s witnessed the widespread installation of hundreds of thousands of residential underground oil tanks throughout Virginia.

While the adoption of heating oil significantly improved air quality compared to burning coal, it introduced its own set of environmental challenges. A primary concern revolves around the safe and secure storage of heating oil to prevent leaks into the surrounding environment.

Underground oil tanks that have been in place for more than 30 years are highly susceptible to the development of holes due to natural corrosion of the metal. Over time, this corrosion can lead to substantial leaks, potentially impacting nearby drinking water wells and basements. Furthermore, the contamination of groundwater, which eventually feeds into surface water bodies like creeks and ponds, is a major environmental concern, even if the effects are not immediately apparent. Unlike leaks from above-ground tanks, which are usually visible, leaks from underground tanks will go undetected without a thorough leakage inspection.

Fortunately, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) offers financial assistance to address leaking underground oil tanks. Pollard Environmental has been a leader in this program since 1998, successfully assisting over 7,000 Virginians. This financial support makes the program accessible, and Pollard Environmental’s expertise ensures a simple and effective process.

If you own an underground oil tank that is older than 30 years, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about this valuable program. Participating in this initiative protects your family’s health and property and contributes to preserving Virginia’s groundwater resources. We are available to answer any questions you may have.