For contractors working throughout New Jersey, underground conditions can make or break a project. From excavation and site development to trenching, paving, and utility installation, unseen hazards below the surface present serious risks. One of the most critical—and often misunderstood—concerns is the presence of underground storage tanks (USTs). Knowing when and why to perform UST locates is essential for staying compliant, avoiding delays, and protecting people, property, and the environment.
Below explains what New Jersey contractors need to know about UST locates, how they differ from standard utility locating, and why working with experienced professionals like ACS Underground Solutions is a smart move for any project involving ground disturbance.
What Are Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)?
Underground storage tanks are large containers installed below ground level to store liquids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, or industrial chemicals. In New Jersey, many USTs date back decades and may be abandoned, undocumented, or partially removed.
Common locations where USTs are found include:
- Former gas stations and service centers
- Commercial and industrial properties
- Apartment complexes and multi-family housing
- Schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings
- Older residential properties with oil heat
Because many tanks were installed long before modern record-keeping requirements, contractors cannot rely solely on maps or owner recollection to identify their presence.
Why UST Locates Are Critical for NJ Contractors
UST locates involve specialized geophysical methods to identify the presence, location, and depth of underground storage tanks before excavation begins. Unlike standard utility marking, UST locates require advanced equipment and trained technicians.
Preventing Environmental Liability
Striking a UST during excavation can release petroleum products or hazardous substances into the soil and groundwater. In New Jersey, environmental contamination can trigger investigations by the NJDEP and result in significant cleanup costs. Contractors may be held financially responsible—even if the tank was unknown prior to digging.
Reducing Project Delays
Discovering a tank mid-project often leads to work stoppages, environmental assessments, permitting requirements, and remediation planning. These delays can disrupt timelines, strain client relationships, and increase labor and equipment costs.
Ensuring Worker Safety
Old or corroded tanks can collapse or rupture when disturbed, creating fire hazards, toxic vapor exposure, and structural instability. UST locates help contractors protect crews by identifying hazards before ground is broken.
Meeting Regulatory Expectations
New Jersey has strict environmental and construction regulations. While calling 811 is mandatory for utility locates, it does not cover underground storage tanks. Contractors are expected to conduct appropriate due diligence, especially on older or high-risk sites.
UST Locates vs. Standard Utility Locates
Many contractors assume that calling 811 satisfies all underground locating requirements. While this is an important first step, it does not address UST detection.
- Utility locates identify public and private utilities such as gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications.
- UST locates focus on buried tanks, often using different technologies not employed in standard utility marking.
USTs are typically unmarked, unrecorded, and located outside utility corridors, making them invisible to conventional locating services.
How UST Locate Services Work
Professional UST locate services use non-invasive technologies to scan the subsurface and identify anomalies consistent with underground tanks.
Common Methods Used
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): Sends electromagnetic waves into the ground to detect buried objects based on signal reflections.
- Electromagnetic Induction: Detects metal objects and disturbances in soil conductivity.
- Magnetometry: Identifies ferrous metals by measuring variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
Experienced technicians interpret the data to determine the size, depth, orientation, and likely composition of suspected tanks.
When NJ Contractors Should Schedule a UST Locate
UST locates should be considered whenever there is a reasonable possibility of buried tanks. Common scenarios include:
- Redevelopment of former commercial or industrial sites
- Excavation on properties built before the 1980s
- Demolition projects
- Oil-to-gas conversions
- Site work near former fueling or mechanical areas
Even residential projects can warrant UST locates, particularly when older oil heating systems were once in use.
Consequences of Skipping UST Locates
Failing to perform UST locates can expose contractors to serious risks:
- Costly environmental remediation
- Regulatory penalties and enforcement actions
- Legal disputes with property owners
- Insurance complications or claim denials
- Damage to professional reputation
In many cases, the cost of a UST locate is minimal compared to the financial and legal fallout of an unexpected discovery.
Why New Jersey Contractors Trust ACS Underground Solutions
ACS Underground Solutions is a trusted provider of UST locate services throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. With extensive experience in underground detection, ACS helps contractors move forward with confidence.
- Advanced locating technology
- Highly trained and experienced technicians
- Accurate reporting and clear site markings
- Fast turnaround times to keep projects on schedule
- Support for residential, commercial, and municipal projects
By partnering with ACS Underground Solutions, contractors gain a proactive advantage—reducing risk while demonstrating professionalism and compliance.
Best Practices for Contractors Regarding UST Locates
To protect your business and your clients, follow these best practices:
- Always assess site history before excavation
- Do not rely solely on 811 utility locates
- Schedule UST locates early in project planning
- Work with experienced, reputable locating professionals
- Document findings and share results with stakeholders
Proactive planning not only reduces risk but also builds trust with clients and regulatory agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About UST Locates
Question: Are UST locates required by law in New Jersey?
Answer: While UST locates are not always explicitly mandated, contractors are expected to perform due diligence. Failing to identify underground tanks can result in significant liability under NJ environmental regulations.
Question: Does calling 811 locate underground storage tanks?
Answer: No. 811 locates utilities such as gas, electric, and water lines. Underground storage tanks are not included and require specialized locating services.
Question: How long does a UST locate take?
Answer: Most UST locate services can be completed within a few hours, depending on site size and conditions. Results are typically available shortly after the scan.
Question: Can UST locates detect abandoned or empty tanks?
Answer: Yes. Professional locating methods can identify both active and abandoned tanks, even if they are empty or partially removed.
Question: Should residential contractors worry about UST locates?
Answer: Absolutely. Many older New Jersey homes once relied on underground oil tanks, which may still be buried on the property.
Protect Your Projects With Professional UST Locates
For New Jersey contractors, underground storage tanks represent a hidden but serious risk. Investing in professional UST locate services is a proactive step that protects your crew, your clients, and your business.
If you are planning excavation, demolition, or site development, contact ACS Underground Solutions to schedule expert UST locate services. Their experienced team helps ensure your project starts with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
