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underground tank decommissioning

Underground Fuel and Oil Tank Removal and Decommissioning

Do you have a defunct fuel tank that needs to be removed?

As specialists in commercial and residential fuel tank decommissioning and removal, our team can safely and efficiently remove or decommission your underground fuel tank with minimal disruption to your site.

Decommissioning an old oil tank is a demanding, involved process, making an experienced and capable team essential. Our OFTEC trained staff specialise in decommissioning both residential and commercial tanks, including tanks installed in busy commercial and industrial sites.

We offer a range of decommissioning services, from filling your defunct oil tank with concrete or RG22 foam to completely removing the tank from your site. If you’d like to decommission an old fuel tank to replace it with a newer one, we also offer a complete decommissioning service.

In addition to underground tanks, we can also decommission and/or remove fuel tanks installed above ground.

What Is Underground Fuel Tank Decommissioning?

Underground fuel tank decommissioning is the process of safely and permanently taking an underground fuel storage system out of service to prevent leaks, contamination, and health risks.

 

It begins with emptying the oil tank of any remaining fuel, and cleaning it to remove hazardous residues. The oil tank is then either removed completely or made safe by filling it with an inert material such as foam or concrete.

Why Choose Tank Decommissioning Instead of Removal?

You might choose underground oil tank decommissioning instead of full removal when it offers a safer, more practical, or more cost-effective solution. Decommissioning is often preferred when removing the oil tank could disturb contaminated soil or cause unnecessary environmental disruption.

 

The process involves cleaning the oil tank and filling it with an inert material, such as foam or concrete, to make it permanently safe and unusable. In contrast, tank removal usually requires extensive excavation, making it more expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to the site

Underground tank foam filling

To find out more about our services, please continue reading below or contact us on 0800 799 9739

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Underground Tank Decommissioning Step 1

After removing the contents of your underground oil tank, our OFTEC trained team will clean the tank in order to completely remove traces of oil, other fuels and hazardous materials. You’ll receive a gas free certificate as well as a consignment note for any liquids removed from the tank.

Depending on the type of oil tank and its installation location, we use a variety of methods for the removal process. In some cases, we can remove your tank in one piece. In others, it might be necessary to use safe, effective cold cutting and spark free tools to remove the fuel tank.

Underground Tank Decommissioning Step 2

We’ll also remove any other items required for your oil tank’s operation, such as plinths and any plumbing installed to support the tank.

Underground Tank Decommissioning Step 3

After removing your fuel tank, we’ll dispose of via our trusted recycling partners in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations. Many tanks, particularly plastic tanks, can be 100% recycled and turned into new products.

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domestic oil tank and engineer

LV Fuel Services – Your Commercial Experts

 

Beyond expert underground tank removal and decommissioning, LV Fuel Services offers a complete range of services to manage your domestic oil tanks.

This includes professional oil tank installation and replacement services. 
We also provide thorough tank cleaning to maintain the integrity and extend the lifespan of your existing tanks, as well as regular tank inspections and maintenance.

Alongside these services, we also offer 24/7 emergency call-out service, guaranteeing peace of mind and minimising potential disruptions.

If you also need water tank cleaning services, we can help.

Got questions?

Underground Tank Removal — FAQs

Removal means the tank is physically excavated and taken off site — this involves significant groundworks and is more disruptive and costly. Decommissioning means the tank is cleaned and filled with an inert material such as foam or concrete, making it permanently safe without excavation. Decommissioning is often the preferred option where soil contamination is present or where excavation would be impractical.
Common signs include unexplained fuel loss, a smell of oil or fuel on the site, discoloured or oily ground near the tank, or contamination identified during a soil or groundwater survey. If you suspect a leak, it's important to act quickly — contact us and we can carry out an assessment of the tank and surrounding ground.
In most cases, permitted development rights cover the removal of underground tanks on residential and commercial properties without the need for formal planning permission. However, if the site is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or is subject to specific planning conditions, you may need to check with your local authority first. We can advise based on your specific site.
Before any decommissioning or removal work begins, the tank is fully drained of any remaining product. Usable fuel can be transferred to a temporary container for reuse. Any fuel that's contaminated or not fit for purpose is disposed of correctly, with full waste transfer documentation provided on completion.
There can be, particularly with older tanks that have been in the ground for many years. During excavation, contaminated soil may be disturbed. We carry out all removal works with appropriate site controls in place and can arrange for soil sampling and contaminated waste disposal if required. Where contamination risk is high, decommissioning in situ may be the safer option.
A straightforward decommissioning — cleaning and foam or concrete filling — can typically be completed in a single visit. Full excavation and removal is more involved and will depend on tank size, depth, access, and ground conditions. We'll give you a realistic timeframe as part of your quotation.
Yes. We provide a completion certificate confirming the tank has been professionally decommissioned or removed. This is commonly required by solicitors during property transactions, insurers, environmental consultants, and local authorities as part of site sign-off or planning compliance.
Yes — if you're looking to replace a defunct underground tank with a new above-ground tank, we can manage both the decommissioning and the new installation as part of the same project, minimising disruption and keeping everything under one contractor.