Underground storage tanks eventually reach the end of their useful life. Whether a tank is no longer needed, has failed a required test, or must be removed as part of redevelopment, Leaaf Environmental provides experienced support throughout the closure and removal process.
Our team coordinates underground storage tank removal from initial planning through excavation, environmental sampling, regulatory reporting, site restoration, and final closure. We work with property owners, municipalities, facility operators, developers, and contractors to complete removals safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations.
Complete UST Removal Services
Removing an underground storage tank involves more than excavating and hauling away the tank. The process may require regulatory notifications, utility coordination, removal of tank contents, cleaning and disposal, soil and groundwater evaluation, confirmation sampling, documentation, and coordination with regulatory agencies.
Leaaf manages these activities as one coordinated process. Our team works with qualified contractors and certified professionals to reduce delays, control costs, and help clients move their properties toward regulatory closure and future use.
Our UST closure and removal services include:
- UST location and system evaluation
- Regulatory notifications and closure coordination
- Tank contents sampling and characterization
- Product removal, tank cleaning, and inerting
- Excavation and underground storage tank removal
- Closure-in-place evaluation and coordination, when appropriate
- Soil and groundwater screening
- Confirmation sampling and laboratory coordination
- Management of impacted soil and liquids
- Tank pit backfilling and surface restoration
- UST closure reports and regulatory documentation
- No Further Action and Certificate of Completion support
When a Release Is Discovered
Petroleum releases may be identified during routine operations, tank testing, environmental assessments, construction, or the UST removal process. When contamination is encountered, Leaaf can immediately transition from tank closure activities into environmental investigation and corrective action.
Our engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists evaluate the extent of affected soil and groundwater, develop an appropriate response, and coordinate the work with the applicable regulatory agency. Depending on site conditions, services may include additional excavation, groundwater investigation, risk-based evaluation, corrective action planning, remediation, and long-term monitoring.
Learn more about our Environmental Remediation Services.
Louisiana Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund
Certain releases from eligible motor-fuel underground storage tank systems may qualify for reimbursement through the Louisiana Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Leaaf has extensive experience supporting Trust Fund projects and helping owners navigate the investigation, corrective action, documentation, and reimbursement process.
As a Louisiana Response Action Contractor, Leaaf can manage eligible work from the initial site check and Trust Fund application through investigation, remediation, regulatory reporting, and final closure. Eligibility and reimbursement depend on the facility, release, regulatory status, and applicable Trust Fund requirements.
Limited UST Compliance Support
For clients with active UST systems, Leaaf also provides targeted compliance assistance to help maintain required records, prepare for inspections, and address specific regulatory needs. Services may include:
- UST regulatory reviews
- Recordkeeping assistance
- Compliance inspections
- A/B Operator support
- Tank and line testing coordination
- Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan support
- Tank hold sampling and discharge permitting
Why Choose Leaaf for UST Removal?
Leaaf combines environmental consulting expertise with practical field experience. Our team understands both the physical removal process and the environmental conditions that may be uncovered once excavation begins. Clients benefit from one team that can coordinate:
- Tank closure and excavation
- Environmental assessment and sampling
- Contaminated-soil management
- Regulatory communication
- Trust Fund projects
- Corrective action and remediation
- Closure documentation
That continuity helps reduce handoffs, prevent unnecessary delays, and keep the project moving toward completion.
Meet the Team
Jim Blazek
Chief Operations Officer
Jesse Hoppes, PG
Senior Geologist and Co-Owner
Chase Cromwell, PG
UST & Remediation Division Manager
Jared Roché
Geologist
Other Services
Projects
Planning an Underground Storage Tank Removal?
Leaaf can help evaluate the tank system, coordinate closure requirements, manage removal, and address environmental conditions discovered during the work.
Contact Leaaf Environmental to discuss your UST closure or removal project.
