How would you cut the top off a 500 gallon underground gas tank?
I buried a 500 gallon gas tank in the late '70's for farm use. I used
it for about 10 years and then pumped it dry.
Complete removal is impractical since a small shed is built on top of
it and I don't want to demolish the shed.
I'd really like to cut the top off and fill it with rock or dirt so
it's decommisioned once and for all.
I checked with the state DEQ office and they told me 500 gallon tanks
are unregulated. My only obligation is to report a spill but this
tank never leaked since I quit using it very early in it's life.
I'm not too fond of the idea of using a cutting torch. Even though
it's totally dry there could still be fumes and I don't want to get
dead. For the same reason, I really don't want to use an angle
grinder.
I'm thinking sawsall or pneumatic chisel.
Anyone know how underground tanks are decomisioned? I'd like to
remove a 5' X 2' portion of it's top.
Is there a safe way to make 100% sure the tank is vented such as
injecting an inert gas that's heavier then gasoline fumes to drive
them out?
Other suggestions?
|