AETI EXAMPLE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

The following is a simple example of a petroleum tank leak/spill clean up project.

Projects can vary in scope and complexity, but the following example should give an idea of the steps involved in a typical leaking oil tank project which is reimbursed through the VPSTF fund. (for more information on the VPSTF fund, please see AETI's Funding / Financing page)

The project begins with a suspected or discovered oil leak. Upon confirming a petroleum release into the environment, the implementing agency (VDEQ) must be notified within 24 hours. Failure to report can result in ineligibility from the VPSTF. In addition, intentionally not reporting a known release can potentially result in civil or criminal liability for the responsible party (RP).

Once a release is reported to the VDEQ, a VDEQ case manager is assigned to the incident. The RP typically has 30 days from confirming the release to take immediate "initial abatement" actions in order to mitigate the effects of the release. Initial abatement activities include, but are not limited to, tank and contaminated soil removal.

After initial abatement, the RP is required to investigate the extent of the contamination. AETI will also perform this investigation, and using the results of the site investigation, the nature and extent of the contamination are presented to the RP. In addition, an overall environmental risk assessment is also presented. A summary report is then submitted to the regulatory agency and a decision is made either to close the case or proceed to "site remediation".

Site remediation can take various forms and many available technologies are now available for environmental cleanup. For example, "in-situ" (latin, for "on site") treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater exists that will minimize the need to excavate or use other intrusive methods of remediation.

In order for your property to retain its value and/or occupancy, the clean-up and the ending "No Further Action (NFA)" designation by the VDEQ (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality), must be handled with care by experienced professionals such as AETI.