DEMOLITION FAQ:
Q. Can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost of demolishing my project?

A. Sure. But why not bypass the ballpark and get your free estimate to start with? The conditions of each project vary, affecting the cost dramatically at times. Your project might be one of those that can save money because of our techniques. Let us take a look.

Q. Do you use explosives?

A. Yes, but very rarely. When we do we sub-contract it out to a specialized team.

Q. What all is entailed in preparing for a structure demolition?

A. Depending on your location, you usually have to get a demolition permit first. If you have an older structure, you will need an asbestos abatement contractor to inspect it and either remove the hazards or certify that no hazardous materials were found in the structure.

Utility companies must be called for disconnects (electric, gas, water, TV, phone) a week or so before the demolition . If you are concerned about saving landscaping, that would be your responsibility. The sewer line capping or septic tank abandonment are usually part of a demolition bid.

Q. What do you do with the recyclable materials?

A. Steve Root is our in house recycling specialist. Steve specializes in developing and maintaining a large database of resources for all our recycling needs.

ENVIROMENTAL FAQ:

Q. Can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost of removing my heating oil tank?

A. Why not bypass the ballpark and get your free estimate to start with? Costs vary dramatically because of the circumstances, and we might have some specific questions about how you want things to look in the end, or maybe you want to do some of the work yourself, which could lower the costs.

Q. Can you just fill my heating oil tank with some inert material and not remove it?

A. Yes, if you're not within the urban growth boundary of the City of Eugene, Oregon. However, the preferred method of decommissioning any underground fuel storage tank is removal if at all possible, and usually you want soil samples to be taken for proof of the soil conditions.

Lending institutions and banks are increasingly cautious about the unknown liabilities associated with potential soil contamination in connection with heating oil tanks. If you have the time and inclination, tank removal (and any subsequent soil cleanup) resolves that issue and you never have to worry about it again.

Q. Why do I need soil samples?

A. A lab report showing results for the testing methods required by the DEQ are your proof of the soil conditions from your project.

Even if the soil does not smell oily or look stained from oil, soil test results are an independent third-party verification of soil conditions. This proof is what lending institutions like to see.

And if you have had a contaminated soil cleanup performed, soil samples should be from the right areas and in the right quantities, and test methods should be those specified by the DEQ, in order to meet the requirements that will allow the DEQ to write you an "NFA" or No Further Action letter. A competent service provider, such as ourselves, knows the minimum requirements and will work hard to meet these requirements and save you money by not over-sampling. The NFA is often the green light to closing the deal on the purchase of a house or piece of property.

Q. Does the DEQ have a deadline for heating oil tank removal?

A. The DEQ does not regulate heating oil, so the answer is no. You only get involved with the DEQ if your heating oil tank has leaked product into the environment. Then you are required by law to report any suspected product release within 24 hours after discovery. Usually nobody knows about a product release until the tank is removed and then the contractor reports the release for you, and begins the cleanup process that is required by law. Staton does all the testing and reporting that is required, so you don't have to worry if everything is being done or not.

Q. What else do I need to know?

A. You need to know that it is important to check references on the contractor you hire to remove your heating oil tank or perform any environmental services for you. Some, like us, have superior management methods and can save you a lot of money and headaches. Some others don't.

Don't just ask the contractor for references either. Call the DEQ in your area and ask a few non-subjective questions. Does "so and so" contractor provide good reports and manage jobs efficiently? Has "so and so" contractor had any client complaints to your knowledge? Has "so and so" contractor ever taken more soil or water samples than necessary for the project?

The agency won't tell you who to avoid or who to hire, but you can get an idea of who they trust by asking questions like this. This is important!