Underground tank cleaning And concrete filling
Removing residual oil and sludge before filling a long-disused underground tank in Oxfordshire.
Addressing a redundant tank below ground
A company contacted Britteco about an underground oil tank that had been out of use for a long period. The existing project record places the job in Oxfordshire and describes a tank that had been underground for approximately 30 years.
The client wanted the tank filled with concrete as part of making the area above it safe. The scope required the old contents to be removed before the filling stage.
Cleaning before the fill
The work began with assessment and preparation of the tank. Pumps, vacuum equipment and specialist tools were used to remove residual oil and sludge.
This cleaning and preparation stage was necessary before the concrete could be introduced. The project combined tank cleaning with in-situ tank decommissioning .
Filling the prepared vessel
Following decommissioning and preparation, concrete was introduced into the tank. The team used equipment to distribute the fill and address voids within the vessel.
Concrete was the selected solution for this particular project. Choosing a fill for another site requires assessment of the tank, surrounding ground and future plans for the area. This case study is not a structural specification for building over a redundant tank.
When a different fill is selected
For a project where the client selected foam after considering both options, read the two-tank foam-filling case study . The main foam filling service page covers the service in more detail.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an underground oil tank be filled with concrete?
Yes. After the tank has been emptied and cleaned, it can be filled with concrete so it stays in the ground permanently and safely. This Oxfordshire project was completed that way.
Why clean the tank before filling it?
Residual oil and sludge must be removed so no fuel is trapped in the ground. Cleaning also lets us confirm the tank is empty before the fill goes in.
Is filling a tank in place cheaper than digging it out?
Often, because there is no excavation, no reinstatement of the ground and no tank to transport. The cost depends on the tank size, access and the fill material.
Concrete or foam: which fill is better?
Both make a tank safe. Concrete gives a solid, load-bearing fill; foam is lighter and easier to pump over long distances. We recommend one based on the site and how the ground above will be used.
Will I get documentation for the decommissioned tank?
Yes. You receive records of the cleaning, waste removal and filling for your property or site files.
Planning similar work?
Tell Britteco about the tank, its contents and the available access. Photographs and site details help the team understand the scope before discussing the next steps.
Oxfordshire tank services → View all case studies →