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Home My WebLink AboutWS-29790_48898_G_C_20230303CEDAR ROCK ENVIRONMENTAL, P.C. 107 Pioneer Trail Graham, NC 27253 (336) 684-2734 March 3, 2023 Ms. Sonia Pereztinoco 4303 Voss Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405 Reference: Inspection of an aboveground and underground storage tank (UST) located at 1812 Sharpe Road, Greensboro, North Carolina Cedar Rock Project # 360622590 Dear Ms. Pereztinoco: Cedar Rock Environmental, P. C. (Cedar Rock) performed a site inspection on March 2, 2023 at the above referenced location. The purpose of the inspection was to investigate environmental impacts resulting from a reported spillage of heating oil from an above ground storage tank (AST). It is our understanding the residence was built in 1966. An inactive 270-gallon AST was observed to be located behind the storage shed in the back yard (see Photo 1). This tank was reportedly formerly against the rear foundation wall of the house to the northeast of the rear porch. The tank was reportedly rolled to its current location. At this time a petroleum odor was reported in the yard, likely a result of fuel spilling from the tank as it was rolled. No petroleum odor was observed in the back yard at the time of inspection. The AST appeared to be in decent condition. No obvious signs of surface spillage were observed. During our inspection, an inactive UST was discovered using a metal detector and located as shown in the Site Sketch. Neither the fill nor vent pipes of the UST were observed. No petroleum odor associated with the UST was observed at the ground surface. The depth to the top of the UST is approximately 18 inches below land surface (bls). The UST has a length of about 69 inches with an estimated diameter of approximately 48 inches and an estimated capacity of about 550 gallons. The contents of the tank could not be determined as there was no access to the tank’s interior, however, based on sounding with a probing rod the tank appears to be full of fluid. White flagging was installed to mark the ends of the UST (see Photo 2). No other USTs were discovered on the property using a metal detector to survey the outside perimeter of the residence where USTs are usually located. The presence of the UST suggests the AST was installed to replace the leaking UST. No petroleum odor was observed in the crawlspace from the entry on the rear of the house. Once the orientation of the UST was determined, a soil boring was performed at the northeastern end of the UST using a 3.25-inch diameter stainless steel hand auger. The soil boring was advanced to a depth of approximately 4.0 feet bls, about 1.5 feet above the bottom of the UST. A strong petroleum odor and discoloration was observed in the soils at the base of the boring suggesting significant leakage from the UST has occurred. The soils at the base of the boring consist of a brownish gray micaceous sandy silt. Cedar Rock ENVIRONMENTAL Ms. Sonia Pereztinoco March 3, 2023 Page 2 The property utilizes a water supply well located in the front yard about 59 feet north of the petroleum release. Because this well is within 150 feet of the petroleum release, the property would currently be classified as “High Risk” by the State. Further, at least one additional well on the neighboring property to the west was observed within 150 feet of the release. Based on the results of this investigation, significant contamination of the soils surrounding the UST has been confirmed. Although the petroleum release does not appear to pose a health risk, current law (NCGS 143-215.85 (a) and (b)) requires that any significant release of petroleum be immediately reported to the Guilford County Department of Public Health (336-641-3771) or the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Waste Management, Winston-Salem Regional Office (336-776-9800). According to State law, upon reporting the release, the current property owner where a release is discovered is identified by the State as the “Responsible Party” for any State required action relating to the UST leakage. As you requested, Cedar Rock will submit a UST-61 form to satisfy the State’s notification requirement for the release. Currently, the property cannot be legally conveyed until a Notice of Residual Petroleum (NRP) is filed with the Guilford County Register of Deeds office pursuant to NCGS 143B- 279.11 (d). The NRP would contain applicable land use restrictions to minimize the risk of exposure to existing contamination. The land use restrictions prohibit any disturbance of site soils within a specified radius of the estimated extent of soil contamination and prohibit the future operation or installation of any water supply wells on the property, excluding the existing well. Further, the State will not issue a Notice of No Further Action (NFA) letter to officially close out the release incident for “High Risk” properties such as this wherein soil or groundwater contamination exceeding applicable standards remains onsite. Filing the NRP would not be required if all soil contamination exceeding applicable standards is removed. The State currently will require initial abatement or remedial action (removal of the UST and associated contaminated soils) regarding the release of heating oil from a UST on a “High Risk” property. Further, once the presence of the UST and confirmed contaminated soil is disclosed to other interested parties as required by State law, future buyers, homeowner’s insurance providers, or lenders may also require initial abatement and/or remedial actions relating to the UST prior to making any commitments towards the property. There also exists a potential for further environmental impact to the property from continued leakage from the UST. Cedar Rock can remove the UST including up to 15 tons of contaminated soil for a charge of $15,000.00 plus $1.50 per gallon of recovered fluids. Tonnage in excess of 15 tons will be an added charge at the rate of $150.00 per ton. This would include appropriate environmental assessment, reporting, and site restoration. All work performed would be in accordance with the recommended practices and procedures outlined in the Guidelines for Site Checks, Tank Closure, and Initial Response and Abatement, Change 11 (May 17, 2021), published by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management, UST Section. Please keep in mind that if all contamination cannot be removed (i.e. if it extends beyond the reach of excavating equipment or to beneath the foundation of the house) the State will require a second phase of work called a Limited Site Assessment (LSA) to check for groundwater contamination. If the groundwater is discovered to be impacted by the petroleum release, the State will require abandonment of any water supply wells within 150 feet of the release, filing an NRP and Ms. Sonia Pereztinoco March 3, 2023 Page 3 performing Public Notification before issuing an NFA letter, which may not be possible if municipal water is not available as an alternative water supply. The overlying HVAC unit would need to be temporarily disconnected and removed prior to excavation activities. Cedar Rock can remove the AST for an additional charge of $400.00. Attached is an invoice for the site inspection. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. If you have any questions regarding the content of this report, please call me at 336-684- 3836. Sincerely, Josiah D. Payne, N.C. Licensed Geologist #2825 Attachment Ms. Sonia Pereztinoco March 3, 2023 Page 4 Site Sketch. Sketch is to scale relative to itself. Photo 1. View of the AST. N House UST Carport 7 ft Location of soil boring 13 ft 7 ft 19 ft Supply well Back porch Ms. Sonia Pereztinoco March 3, 2023 Page 5 Photo 2. View of the UST location. Both ends of the UST are marked with white flags.