Oil Tank Removal in Maine: Complete Guide
Find licensed oil tank removal contractors across Maine. With 58 contractors in 19 cities, we connect you with qualified specialists for tank sweeps, underground removal, soil testing, and environmental remediation.
📋 Maine Oil Tank Regulations at a Glance
Regulatory Agency
State Environmental Agency
Permit Requirements
Local permits typically required. Contact your local fire department or code enforcement office for specific requirements.
Soil Testing
Required after tank removal to check for contamination
Documentation
Closure report must be filed within 30 days of tank removal
💰 Maine Oil Tank Removal Costs at a Glance
* Costs vary based on tank size, accessibility, and local labor rates. Get quotes from multiple contractors.
🏠 Maine Oil Tank Facts
Common Tank Types
- • 550-gallon steel
- • 1,000-gallon steel
- • 275-gallon basement tanks
Regional Considerations
- • Costs vary by region and accessibility
- • Older homes are more likely to have buried tanks
- • Local regulations may add specific requirements
- • Environmental conditions affect contamination risk
🔍 Find Local Contractors: Select your city below. Numbers show contractors based in that city. Each page shows all contractors serving that area (within 75 miles).
Maine Cities with Oil Tank Removal Services
Frequently Asked Questions: Oil Tank Removal in Maine
How much does oil tank removal typically cost?
Underground oil tank removal typically costs $1,500-$3,500 depending on tank size, accessibility, and local labor rates. Above-ground tank removal is less expensive at $400-$1,200. If soil contamination is found, remediation can add $5,000-$50,000 or more.
Do I need a permit for oil tank removal?
Most states and municipalities require permits for oil tank removal. Contact your local fire department or code enforcement office for specific requirements. A licensed contractor will typically handle permit applications as part of their service.
How long does oil tank removal take?
Most oil tank removals are completed in 1-2 days. The excavation and removal itself takes 4-8 hours. Soil sampling adds time for lab results (typically 3-5 days). If contamination is found, remediation can extend the project significantly.
What happens if contamination is found?
If soil contamination is discovered, the affected soil must be excavated and disposed of at an approved facility. Your state environmental agency may need to be notified. Remediation costs depend on how far the contamination has spread.
Should I get a tank sweep before buying a home?
Yes, a tank sweep is highly recommended for any home built before 1985. The cost of $250-$450 is minimal compared to the potential liability of inheriting an unknown buried tank. Many lenders and buyers now require them.
Tank Sweeps & Detection
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans to locate buried tanks before you buy or sell a Maine property. Typical cost: $250 - $450.
Learn more →Underground Tank Removal
Complete excavation, removal, and proper disposal of buried heating oil tanks with all required Maine permits and documentation.
Learn more →Soil Testing & Remediation
Environmental sampling and cleanup of contaminated soil per State Environmental Agency requirements.
Learn more →Understanding Oil Tank Removal in Maine
If you own a home in Maine built between 1940s-1980s, there's a good chance it was originally heated with oil. Many of these homes still have underground storage tanks (USTs) buried in their yards—tanks that may now be corroding, leaking, or simply unknown to current owners.
Why Oil Tank Removal Matters
A leaking underground oil tank can contaminate soil and groundwater, leading to expensive environmental remediation that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In Maine, theState Environmental Agency requires proper tank closure and cleanup of any contamination. Beyond environmental concerns, undiscovered tanks create significant liability in real estate transactions—many Maine home sales now require tank sweeps as standard practice.
The Tank Removal Process in Maine
Oil tank removal in Maine typically follows these steps:
- Permits: Local permits typically required. Contact your local fire department or code enforcement office for specific requirements.
- Tank Location: If the tank location is unknown, a GPR scan identifies its position
- Excavation: The contractor excavates around the tank, typically requiring a backhoe
- Removal: The tank is pumped, cleaned, cut, and removed for proper disposal
- Soil Sampling: Required by Maine regulations to check for contamination
- Backfill: Clean fill is brought in and the excavation is restored
- Documentation: A closure report is filed within 30 days
Choosing a Contractor in Maine
When selecting an oil tank removal contractor in Maine, verify they are properly licensed and insured. Ask for references, get multiple quotes, and ensure they handle all permit applications and regulatory filings. Our directory includes 58pre-screened contractors across 19 Maine cities to help you find qualified professionals quickly.
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