What is the primary purpose of soil sampling below a decommissioned tank?

The primary purpose of soil sampling below a decommissioned tank is to determine soil contamination levels. When a heating oil tank is decommissioned, there may be residual fuel or other chemicals that have leaked into the surrounding soil. Gathering samples from this area helps identify the extent of any contamination and informs necessary remediation efforts.

Understanding soil contamination is essential for public health and environmental protection, as contaminated soil can affect groundwater and surrounding ecosystems. Sampling allows for the evaluation of contaminant levels against regulatory thresholds, which is crucial for compliance and safety assessments following a tank's removal. Therefore, assessing contamination levels directly informs remediation strategies and ensures that any environmental impacts are addressed properly.