WS-29870_48964_CA_LTRRPT_20230329

CEDAR ROCK ENVIRONMENTAL, P.C.
107 Pioneer Trail
Graham, NC 27253
[phone]

March 29, 2023

Mr. Gary Robinson
P. O. Box 664
Norwood, NC 28128

Reference: Inspection of an underground storage tank (UST) located at 209 Perry Road,
Jamestown, North Carolina

Cedar Rock Project # 362622590

Dear Mr. Robinson:

Cedar Rock Environmental, P. C. (Cedar Rock) performed a site inspection on March 28, 2023 at the above
referenced location. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the UST previously used for storing
heating oil had leaked causing significant contamination of the underlying soils. It is our understanding the
residence was built in 1955 which is most likely when the UST was installed.

An inactive UST was observed to be located as shown in the Site Sketch. Both the fill and vent pipes of
the UST were observed to be intact. The topside of the UST was exposed at the surface. The UST has a
length of about 77 inches with a diameter of approximately 45 inches and a capacity of about 550 gallons.
The UST was observed to be dry containing no fluids. White flagging was installed to mark both ends of
the UST (see Photo). No other USTs on the property were discovered using a metal detector to survey the
outside perimeter of the residence where USTs are usually located. Two copper fuel delivery/return lines
were observed to be cut and open-ended next to the tank before entering the foundation wall. No petroleum
odor or staining was observed in the basement.

Once the orientation of the UST was determined, several soil borings were attempted all around the UST
using a ¾-inch diameter drill auger. Refusal was encountered in all of the attempted borings preventing
inspection of the soils beneath the tank. No petroleum odor or discoloration was observed in any of the
borings, however, the areas where soil contamination would most likely be observed could not be accessed
at this time. The soils beneath the tank need to be further investigated to confirm the tank has not leaked
and impacted the soils.

In the event soil contamination is later confirmed, current law (NCGS 143-215.85 (a) and (b)) would require
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. In such case,
Cedar Rock will submit a UST-61 form to satisfy the State’s notification requirement for the release upon
your request.

In the event soil contamination exists, 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 will 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
Cedar Rock
ENVIRONMENTAL
Mr. Gary Robinson
March 29, 2023
Page 2

radius of the estimated extent of soil contamination and prohibit the future operation or installation of any
water supply wells on the property. As no water supply wells were identified within 150 feet of the UST,
the property would be classified as “Low Risk” if soil contamination was later confirmed to exist. Once
classified as “Low Risk” and upon approval of the NRP, the DEQ would issue a “Conditional” Notice of
No Further Action (NFA) letter to formally close out the release incident. The “Conditional” provision in
the NFA letter would be removed upon receiving a certified copy of the filed NRP and the completion of
Public Notification requirements. Filing the NRP and performing Public Notification would not be required
if all soil contamination exceeding applicable standards has been removed.

The State currently will not require initial abatement or remedial action of the soils regarding the release of
heating oil from a UST on a “Low Risk” property, however, they will require removal of the tank contents
and properly cleaning the tank interior to abate the petroleum release pursuant to 15A NCAC
2L .0106(b). 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.

In summary, subsurface obstructions (rocks/debris) surrounding the UST prevented inspection of the soils
underlying the UST that would have confirmed UST leakage if present. In the event soil contamination is
later confirmed to exist, it does not appear that it would pose any known health risk. USTs of this nature
typically begin to leak after 20 to 30 years on average. The probable age of the UST is over 60 years. We
recommend the in-place abandonment of the UST. The tank abandonment would consist of exposing the
top portion of the UST by hand excavation, cutting off the topside of the UST to several inches bls,
removing all tank and fuel line contents, cleaning of the tank interior, and filling the tank with the nearby
cinderblock and site soils. The remainder of the UST would not be filled per your request due to pending
landscaping plans. Determining if the UST has leaked resulting in significant contamination of the
underlying soils would be made at this time by drilling through the bottom of the UST. A summary report
signed by a licensed geologist would be generated that would include photographs of each step of the
abandonment process, including a photograph of the interior of the UST to show the UST was properly
cleaned. Cedar Rock can provide this service for a charge of $3,200.00. If required, preparing and filing
the NRP and performing the Public Notification requirement would cost an additional $1,250.00.

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
Mr. Gary Robinson
March 29, 2023
Page 3

Site Sketch. Sketch is to scale relative to itself.

Photo. View of the UST location. Both ends of the UST are marked with white flags.
N
UST
House
Front
porch
1.5 ft
3.25 ft
Carport
Stoop