How Oil Tank Removal Works in New Jersey
From your first call to your NJDEP closure letter — here is exactly what happens during an oil tank removal in NJ, and what documentation you'll receive at the end.
The NJ Oil Tank Removal Process — Step by Step
Most NJ oil tank removals are completed within 5–10 business days from your initial call. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
Initial Call & Free Quote (Day 1)
Call us at (833) 722-3359. We'll ask a few questions: approximate tank size (if known), whether it's underground or above-ground, your municipality, and whether you have an active real estate transaction. We'll provide a flat-rate quote — usually within the same business day. No site visit required for a standard quote.
Permit Application (Days 1–3)
We submit the municipal construction permit application to your local building department and contact NJ One Call (811) to schedule utility mark-out. You do not need to do anything — we handle all paperwork. Permit processing typically takes 3–7 business days depending on your municipality.
Utility Mark-Out (Days 3–5)
NJ One Call coordinates with all utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable) to mark the locations of underground utilities on your property. This is required by law before any excavation. The mark-out is typically completed within 3 business days of our request.
Removal Day (Day 5–8)
Our NJDEP-certified crew arrives at the scheduled time. We excavate the tank using a mini-excavator or backhoe, pump out any remaining fuel, cut the tank if necessary for extraction, and remove it from the property. The physical work typically takes 4–8 hours for a standard residential tank.
Soil Sampling (Same Day as Removal)
Immediately after tank extraction, we collect soil samples at all four corners of the tank pit (and the bottom if the tank is large) per NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:26E protocol. Samples are labeled, documented, and sent to a NJDEP-certified laboratory. Results typically return in 3–5 business days.
Backfill & Site Restoration (Same Day or Next Day)
Once soil sampling is complete, we backfill the excavation with clean, certified fill material and compact it properly. We restore the surface — whether grass, gravel, or pavement — to its approximate original condition. Your yard will be left clean and level.
Lab Results & NJDEP Reporting (Days 8–14)
When lab results return, we review them. If the soil is clean (no contamination detected), we file the NJDEP closure report and issue your Certificate of Removal. If contamination is detected, we contact you to discuss remediation options and next steps.
Documentation Package (Day 10–14)
You receive a complete documentation package including: NJDEP case number, Certificate of Removal, soil sampling lab reports, permit closure documentation, and tank disposal manifest. This is the complete set of documents required by your title company, mortgage lender, and real estate attorney.
What Documentation Will I Receive?
At the conclusion of a clean removal, you will receive the following documents — all required by NJ mortgage lenders, title companies, and real estate attorneys:
| Document | Purpose | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Removal | Confirms tank was removed by NJDEP-certified contractor | Title company, lender, buyer's attorney |
| NJDEP Case Number | Official NJDEP record of the removal | Title company, lender |
| Soil Sampling Lab Reports | Confirms no contamination detected | Title company, lender, buyer |
| Municipal Permit Closure | Confirms permit was properly closed | Municipality, title company |
| Tank Disposal Manifest | Confirms tank was disposed of at licensed facility | NJDEP, your records |
Ready to Get Started?
Call now for a free flat-rate quote. We'll handle everything from permits to NJDEP documentation.
(833) 722-3359Available Mon–Sat, 7am–6pm · Priority scheduling for real estate transactions
Get Your Free Quote