Tank Dismantling

Situations That Require Work on Your Water Tank

A fuel oil tank must be addressed in several common scenarios. It has not been used for several years and poses a potential regulatory risk. It shows signs of leakage, posing a risk of soil contamination. It takes up space and hinders redevelopment or expansion projects. You’re switching to natural gas, a heat pump, or another energy source and want to get rid of it. You’re selling your property or returning an industrial site, and the notary requires a certificate of compliance.

In each of these cases, XLG assesses the situation and recommends the most appropriate technique.

Our Tank Decontamination Techniques

Cutting and Removal of Above-Ground Tanks

For above-ground tanks installed in a boiler room, basement, or utility room, XLG drains the residual fuel oil, then cuts up and removes the tank components. All residual material is processed at certified facilities, and a disposal certificate is issued upon completion of the work.

Inerting with sand or polyurethane foam

When the physical removal of an underground tank is not possible—due to the layout of the site, limited access, or a building constructed above it—inerting is the solution recognized by regulations. XLG is proficient in both techniques: filling with inert sand and injecting polyurethane foam. The tank is first drained and cleaned, then backfilled using the selected technique. A neutralization certificate is issued upon completion of the operation.

Removal of underground tanks

When site conditions permit, physically removing the underground tank remains the most comprehensive solution. XLG mobilizes the necessary equipment—cranes, earthmoving machinery—and manages the entire project, from excavation to site restoration. The waste is transported to approved treatment facilities.

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Regulatory Certificates: Your Documentary Guarantee

Belgian law requires that official documents be issued upon completion of any decommissioning operation. XLG systematically provides a decommissioning certificate for inerted underground tanks and a removal certificate for dismantled above-ground tanks.

These documents specify the volume of waste treated and the disposal methods used, and serve as the supporting documentation required by notaries, municipal authorities, and insurance companies:

• a certificate of neutralization for an underground tank ;
• an evacuation certificate for an aerial tank.

Practical advice

A word of advice: don't do it yourself.

This could be dangerous for several reasons:

• If you don't use the right tools, they break.
• If you're not wearing the right PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), accidents can happen.
• You make a hole in the tank, oil leaks out and your soil is polluted. A soil survey is required, and will cost you a lot more.
• If you sell your home, you won't be able to give the notary the certificate he asks for.
• Our teams are trained and specialized for this type of work. Our company is also VCA-certified. This enables us to ensure safety on site.