Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal
From planning to permitting to safe removal—CERT handles your UST project start to finish.
Our experienced team ensures your underground storage tank is removed safely, compliantly, and with minimal site disruption.
We manage:
- Regulatory compliance
- Site cleanup & testing
- Soil sampling
- Proper waste disposal
- Documentation for state/local requirements
Whether it’s a commercial property or an industrial facility, CERT delivers a smooth, stress-free process with environmental safety at the forefront.
Our Process
First steps include pulling permits, locating buried utility lines, mobilizing our own equipment, providing a CERT liquid truck and vacuuming any residual fuel from the tank.
Then using an excavator, CERT removes the soil on top and around the tank, pulls the tank from the ground and loads it for proper disposal. A geologist tests the soil to ensure that fuel has not leaked into the soil.
In the event that the soil has been impacted by petroleum, our team loads the contaminated soil into a CERT dump truck and safely delivers the impacted dirt to our sister company, Soil Solutions, and provides manifests and soil weight tickets to the client.
Finally, we supply clean fill material and restore the affected area with sod, returning the site to a safe and stable condition.
WHAT IS AN UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK — AND WHY DOES REMOVAL MATTER?
Underground storage tanks (USTs) are commonly used to store petroleum products, heating oil, chemicals, and other regulated substances beneath the surface of commercial, industrial, and residential properties. While USTs serve important functions, aging or abandoned tanks pose serious environmental and legal risks.
Steel tanks corrode over time. Seals fail. Fuel leaks into the surrounding soil and can migrate into groundwater — contaminating drinking water supplies and creating costly environmental liability. Whether you’ve discovered an old tank on a property you’re purchasing, you own a tank that’s reached the end of its service life, or you’re dealing with a confirmed leak, CERT provides the expertise and equipment to handle UST removal safely and in full compliance with state and local regulations.
Don’t ignore an aging or leaking tank
Leaking USTs are one of the most common sources of groundwater contamination in the U.S. Property owners can face significant regulatory fines, mandatory remediation costs, and civil liability if an unreported leak is discovered. Early removal is almost always less expensive than remediation after a spill.
OUR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REMOVAL PROCESS
CERT manages every phase of UST removal, from initial planning through final site restoration. Here's how it works:
Permitting & Pre-Planning
We pull all required local and state permits, coordinate utility locates to identify buried lines, and mobilize our equipment — including a CERT liquid truck for residual fuel removal.
Tank Decommissioning & Extraction
Any residual fuel is vacuumed from the tank prior to excavation. Using our excavator, we carefully remove the surrounding soil, extract the tank, and load it for certified disposal.
Soil Testing & Environmental Assessment
A licensed geologist collects soil samples and tests them on-site to determine whether petroleum has impacted the surrounding soil or groundwater. All findings are documented for regulatory reporting.
Contaminated Soil Removal (If Needed)
If petroleum impact is detected, CERT loads all contaminated soil into our dump truck and transports it to our sister company, Soil Solutions, for proper treatment. Manifests and weight tickets are provided to the client.
Site Restoration
We backfill the excavation with clean fill material, compact the soil, and restore the affected area with sod — returning your property to a safe, stable, and presentable condition.
Documentation & Regulatory Closeout
CERT prepares and submits all required documentation to state and local agencies, including sampling reports, waste manifests, and closure reports — giving you a complete paper trail.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN CERT'S UST REMOVAL SERVICE
- Permit acquisition and regulatory coordination with state/local authorities
- Utility locates before any digging begins
- Vacuum removal of residual fuel from the tank
- Mechanical excavation and full tank extraction
- On-site soil sampling by a certified geologist
- Laboratory analysis and environmental assessment reports
- Contaminated soil transport and certified disposal (via Soil Solutions)
- Waste manifests and chain-of-custody documentation
- Certified tank disposal
- Clean fill backfill and site grading
- Sod replacement and site restoration
- Full closure documentation for state and local regulators
WHY PROPERTY OWNERS AND BUSINESSES CHOOSE CERT
We Own Our Equipment
No subcontracted excavators. We mobilize our own machinery for faster scheduling and tighter cost control.
We Handle the Paperwork
Permitting, sampling reports, waste manifests, and regulatory submissions — all managed by our team.
Certified Geologist On-Site
Soil testing is performed by a licensed professional, not passed off to a third-party lab without oversight.
Full Site Restoration
We don’t leave a hole in the ground. Your property is graded, backfilled, and sodded before we leave.
In-House Soil Disposal
Contaminated soil goes straight to our sister company, Soil Solutions — a seamless, fully documented chain of custody.
24-Hour Availability
Emergencies don’t follow business hours. Our response team is reachable around the clock.
WHO NEEDS UST REMOVAL?
CERT serves a broad range of clients across the Carolinas who need underground storage tanks removed safely and in compliance with environmental regulations:
- Commercial property owners discovering tanks during due diligence or renovation
- Gas stations and fueling facilities retiring aging UST systems
- Industrial facilities decommissioning heating oil or chemical storage tanks
- Real estate developers clearing properties for new construction
- Environmental consultants needing a licensed contractor for client projects
- Municipalities and government agencies managing legacy infrastructure
- Property buyers and sellers resolving UST issues identified during Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
Underground Storage Tank Removal Throughout North Carolina & South Carolina
Underground Storage Tank Removal Throughout North Carolina & South Carolina
CERT USA provides professional underground storage tank removal services for commercial, industrial, municipal, and private property owners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Our team works with businesses, fuel facilities, property managers, developers, and government agencies to safely remove underground storage tanks while maintaining compliance with all applicable environmental regulations.
We regularly serve clients in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, Huntersville, Mooresville, Lake Norman, Shelby, Hickory, Statesville, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and surrounding communities. Whether you need a tank removed as part of a property sale, redevelopment project, environmental remediation effort, or regulatory compliance requirement, our experienced crews have the equipment and expertise to complete the job safely and efficiently.
From small heating oil tanks to large commercial petroleum storage systems, CERT USA provides complete underground storage tank removal services designed to minimize disruption while protecting the environment and helping clients meet local, state, and federal requirements.
Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Expertise
Underground storage tank removal involves more than excavation. Property owners must often comply with environmental regulations, reporting requirements, permitting procedures, and documentation standards established by federal and state agencies. CERT USA works closely with clients to help ensure each project is completed in accordance with applicable environmental guidelines and industry best practices.
Our team understands the challenges associated with aging fuel tanks, petroleum storage systems, and potentially contaminated sites. During the removal process, we evaluate site conditions, identify potential environmental concerns, and coordinate appropriate actions when contamination is discovered. This proactive approach helps reduce project delays and supports successful regulatory compliance.
Whether your project involves tank closure, replacement, site redevelopment, or environmental remediation, CERT USA provides the knowledge and field experience needed to navigate the process from initial assessment through final site restoration.
Experience With Commercial, Industrial & Municipal Tank Removal Projects
CERT USA has experience handling a wide variety of underground storage tank removal projects across multiple industries. Our crews work with fuel stations, transportation facilities, industrial properties, manufacturing operations, municipalities, schools, government facilities, and commercial developments requiring safe and compliant tank removal services.
Each project is carefully planned to address site access, utility locations, environmental considerations, tank size, contents, and disposal requirements. By combining specialized equipment with experienced personnel, we are able to complete projects efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility.
Whether you are removing an abandoned underground storage tank, replacing an existing fuel system, preparing a property for redevelopment, or responding to environmental concerns, CERT USA delivers dependable solutions backed by industry experience and a commitment to quality service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does underground storage tank removal take?
Most standard UST removals are completed in one to two days. However, if contaminated soil is discovered and requires extensive removal, or if additional regulatory steps are needed, the timeline may extend. CERT will provide a detailed project estimate before work begins.
Do I need a permit for UST removal in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Yes. Both states require permits for UST closure and removal. CERT handles all permit applications and regulatory filings on your behalf, so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
What happens if contamination is found?
If our on-site geologist determines that petroleum has impacted the soil, CERT will remove and transport all contaminated material to Soil Solutions for certified disposal. We provide complete documentation, including manifests and soil weight tickets. If groundwater is affected, additional remediation steps may be required in coordination with state regulators.
Can you remove a tank that was not previously registered?
Yes. Unregistered or abandoned tanks are commonly found on older properties. CERT can assist with the proper reporting to regulatory agencies and manage the removal process in accordance with applicable laws.
Do you provide documentation for property transactions?
Absolutely. We supply a complete closure package including soil sampling results, waste manifests, regulatory correspondence, and a closure report — all of which may be required by lenders, buyers, or state environmental agencies.
SERVICE AREAS
CERT provides underground storage tank removal services throughout the greater Charlotte metro and surrounding Carolinas region.
- Charlotte, NC
- Gastonia, NC
- Concord, NC
- Monroe, NC
- Statesville, NC
- Mooresville, NC
- Rock Hill, SC
- Rock Hill, SC
- Fort Mill, SC
- Spartanburg, SC
- Salisbury, NC
- Albemarle, NC
- Kannapolis, NC
READY TO REMOVE YOUR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK?
Contact CERT today for a free project quote. Our team responds quickly and handles everything from permits to site restoration.
