If there are underground lines connected to an unused oil tank, what must be done with them?

The requirement for underground lines connected to an unused oil tank is that they must be emptied, disconnected, and plugged or capped. This procedure is crucial to prevent potential environmental hazards, such as oil leaks or contamination of soil and groundwater. By disconnecting and capping the lines, it eliminates the risk of accidental fuel release and maintains compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Emptying the lines prevents any remaining oil from being a source of leakage, and plugging or capping them secures the system against any possible future intrusion of contaminants or the entry of moisture, which could lead to corrosion and deterioration of the remaining infrastructure. This practice not only safeguards the environment but also ensures safety in areas where these systems may be located.

Other approaches, such as leaving the lines in place or filling them with sand, do not effectively address the potential risks associated with unused oil tanks. Monitoring for leaks would also not eliminate the underlying issue of having unused lines potentially leading to contamination. Thus, the most proactive and secure measure is to properly manage the disconnection and sealing of these lines.