Paramus High School Underground Storage Tank Closures

LAN was retained to provide engineering and Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) services related to the removal and safe abandonment, otherwise known as closure, of two underground storage tanks (USTs) at Paramus High School. The USTs consisted of a 30,000-gallon UST containing heating oil that was installed in 2006, as well as an older 15,000-gallon UST.

LAN prepared plans and specifications for the closure of the two USTs. The 30,000-gallon tank was removed. However, the 15,000-gallon tank was adjacent to a pad-mounted transformer and active electrical panels. There was concern that removal of the tank could compromise the structural integrity of the transformer and/or panels, so the 15,000-gallon tank was safely abandoned in place by filling it with flowable concrete fill. The disturbed areas were restored to their original condition via the replacement of concrete walkway areas and the placement of topsoil and seed for the grass areas.

The USTs were located near the bus drop-off and an entryway to the school, so the project was carefully phased to avoid disruption of school operations. The USTs were cleaned, and some interior piping was removed during the days when school was closed in the fall. The removal of the 30,000-gallon UST was then conducted over the holiday break in December. The abandonment of the 15,000-gallon UST occurred on a school holiday the following February.

During the UST closures, LAN provided LSRP oversight and collected soil samples. LAN also prepared a Site Investigation Report and Remedial Action Report documenting the UST closure activities for submission to the NJDEP. At the completion of the project, one of LAN’s on-staff LSRP’s issued a Response Action Outcome (RAO) letter for unrestricted use for the UST closure.