Cleanup support for above-ground tank releases and impacts.
Above-ground tank releases are easy to underestimate. What starts as a visible spill at the surface can extend well into the soil and reach nearby drainage or surface water before the full picture becomes clear. At The Phoenix Group, our approach to aboveground storage tank remediation in Oklahoma starts with a thorough assessment of what actually happened and how far the impact has traveled.
Aboveground storage tank remediation involves more than removing impacted soil. It requires documenting the release, identifying affected media, meeting reporting obligations, and following through with sampling that supports a defensible closure report. We handle all of it, keeping you informed at each stage so nothing gets missed and the project stays on track.
Once the extent of the release is clear, we remove impacted material, collect the required confirmation samples, and prepare documentation that follows Oklahoma requirements. We also handle communication with the OCC or DEQ as needed, so the regulatory side of the project doesn't fall behind while the field work is underway. Our goal is a clean, well-documented closure.
Not every above-ground tank release looks the same. The product type, the age of the facility, the proximity to drainage features, and the underlying soil conditions all shape how the AST remediation needs to proceed. We've worked with petroleum products, agricultural chemicals, and industrial fluids, and we adjust the approach based on what's actually present at the site. Property owners sometimes underestimate the documentation side of an AST cleanup, but regulators pay close attention to how the work was recorded, not just whether it was done. We build that documentation into the project from the start so the closure report reflects the full scope of what was completed.
Any release from an aboveground storage tank that reaches soil, surface water, or stormwater systems may trigger remediation requirements under OCC or DEQ oversight. Common scenarios include tank overfills, product line failures, corrosion-related leaks, and releases at loading or transfer areas. The applicable regulatory program depends on the product stored and the facility type.
Yes. Reportable releases generally must be reported to the appropriate agency within a specified timeframe, often 24 hours for significant spills. The OCC oversees petroleum storage tank programs, while the DEQ handles other types of releases. Timely reporting is critical because it determines eligibility for state indemnity funds and sets the clock on required response actions. If you have received a notice or are unsure whether a release is reportable, contact us immediately.
We start with a visual assessment of the release area, then advance soil borings to characterize contamination depth and lateral extent. Surface drainage patterns are evaluated to determine whether the release reached any conveyances or water bodies. Soil samples are collected and analyzed, and the results are used to define the cleanup boundary and support a removal action plan.
The contaminants depend on what the tank stored. Petroleum-related releases typically contain TPH, BTEX compounds, and in some cases, MTBE. Agricultural chemical or industrial product releases involve different analytes. We collect samples targeted to the product involved and analyze them at accredited laboratories to accurately characterize what is present and at what concentrations.
AST releases typically occur at or near the surface, so the initial impact area is more visible and easier to define. UST releases, by contrast, may go undetected for years and often involve more extensive soil and groundwater contamination by the time they are discovered. AST work frequently involves surface excavation and confirmation sampling, while UST projects are more likely to require long-term groundwater monitoring and active remediation systems.
Excavated soil is characterized by waste classification testing and transported to a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Depending on the contamination level and material type, soil may be sent to a landfill, a thermal treatment facility, or a soil recycling operation. We manage all waste profiling, transport documentation, and disposal records as part of the project file.
Straightforward AST cleanups involving a limited soil impact and no groundwater involvement can sometimes reach closure within a few months. More complex situations with deeper impacts, surface water involvement, or regulatory review requirements can take longer. Timeline is largely driven by lab turnaround, agency review, and whether any unexpected conditions are discovered during the work.
