Method for Calculating Costs of Underground Storage Tank Closure at Fort Dix, NewJersey

摘要

In September 1988, Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations were finalized.Since these rules affect both new and existing USTs, they affect many Army installations, and impact their decisions to keep, close, or remove USTs. Fort Dix's current Realignment Project requires a reorganization and restructuring of the installation that will reduce in size or eliminate some facilities in the cantonment, which contain 23 USTs. This study investigated conditions and regulations affecting UST closure, and devised a method to estimate closure costs. The estimation calculation accounts for retaining or removing the tanks, and includes adjustments for different tank sizes and for tanks located either singly or in groups on an individual site. Individual, total, and average closure costs were estimated for 13 of the 23 USTs in the Fort Dix cantonment area. The cost calculation methods outlined here were found to be accurate and may be useful to estimate closure costs of USTs at other Army installations or in the private sector. Land topography, geologic formations (including soil characteristics), and ground water conditions of an area are important factors in selecting sites for UST installation or closure. A review of the land formations and drainage features at UST sites should precede any decision to install or close USTs.