What is an Underground Storage Tank?

Locating underground storage tanks or UST is a common use for ground penetrating radar. Finding UST’s or buried drums can be accomplished with a low frequency antenna. Whether the tank was installed decades ago or is buried under concrete, driveways, roads or asphalt parking lots, our professional GPR team can detect it!

Many underground storage tanks were designed for fuel storage, back when oil was used to heat Texas homes and commercial buildings. Old gas stations can have multiple, large underground storage tanks that are critical to discover before any construction begins.

UST’s can also hold septic waste, propane and fast food grease. Most UST’s are built with metal (steel, cast iron and even copper), although fast food traps can be constructed with plastics and concrete.

Recent UST Projects Completed by Wood

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Discovery of UST Without GPR

Many general contractors and inspectors may hesitate to deploy GPR technology and opt for metal detection or line/pipe/vent tracing. Storage tanks that are active are easy to locate without GPR and are often in close proximity to a building.

While a high-end metal detector can locate subsurface obstructions such as UST’s, it cannot determine approximate tank size or depth. Underground storage tanks buried below concrete/asphalt are not a problem for GPR, which can even reveal thickness and whether there are rebar reinforcements.

Another benefit of GPR is in locating abandoned storage tanks or tanks that have been excavated and removed. Voids and air space underground can be scanned and mapped by a qualified team, preventing a sink hole.

Wood Inspection is sometimes hired after a professional metal detection survey has already been completed. There are many limitations to metal detection from depth to material and accuracy. Avoid paying twice for a subsurface inspection. Get a single inclusive report and hire a professional GPR contractor.

Before You Start Digging

Underground storage tanks when filled with fuel are a huge potential liability. Our team has been hired after excavation begins and construction equipment is damaged. Avoid destroying a tank, causing an explosion and injury to workers and delaying the project.

Often, underground storage tanks need to be discovered for real estate disclosures or before a new project can break ground.

GPR maps the entire exterior of tanks, and can reveal if a UST is punctured or if pipe and vent connections are severed. A soil test provides the best analysis of leaks for environmental cleanup, while GPR can reveal next steps for tank replacement or repair.

Underground Fuel Tank Inspection

Wood Inspection performs commercial subsurface scanning for building owners, general contractors, engineering firms, real estate appraisers, homeowners, investors and land owners, and even other commercial building inspectors.

Our mapping process and equipment are comprehensive and include metal detection, magnetometers, ground penetrating radar and Radio Frequency. Uncover specifics on your underground storage tank so you can plan on removal, excavation or getting a tank back to active use.

Get a free quote and timeline estimate from our team on your underground storage solution!