Case study · Underground tank decommissioning
Underground tank
foam fillingMilton Keynes
Two long-disused steel tanks, each approximately 2,250 litres, cleaned and fully foam filled in place.
Project overview
Two old tanks.
One in-situ solution.
Two redundant underground fuel tanks in Milton Keynes needed to be taken out of service without excavating them.
The long-disused steel tanks had previously held red diesel and tractor vaporising oil. Each tank had an approximate capacity of 2,250 litres. The work covered removal of remaining fuel and sludge, cleaning, and complete foam filling.
Both tanks were left in their existing underground positions. This project shows our tank foam filling service on an older installation with access through ground-level chambers.
Access and preparation
Prepared chambers.
Equipment close by.
The customer had cleared debris from both manholes before our visit.
The pumps had already been removed, and the recovery vehicle could be positioned beside the tanks. That provided a short route for the hoses between the equipment and the access openings.
The remaining challenge was the old tank lids: the bolts were seized. Our short site video shows the pneumatic chisel used to gain access.
Work sequence
Open. Clean. Foam fill.
Open the access
With the chambers exposed, the team worked on the old tank lids. A pneumatic chisel was used where the seized bolts prevented the lid from being unbolted.
Remove and clean
Remaining fuel, sludge and contaminated residue were removed. Both tank interiors were cleaned before the filling stage.
Fill both tanks
Foam was introduced through the access openings. Both tanks were fully foam filled and remained underground.
On-site video
When the old bolts would not move.
A short clip from the access-opening stage. The pneumatic chisel helped the team work through the seized lid fixings.
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Project photographs
The work, stage by stage.
From the original chamber and recovery hose to foam at the opening and the replaced access cover.
Completed result
Two tanks cleaned.
Both fully foam filled.
Both underground tanks were cleaned and completely filled with foam.
The steel tanks remained in place, with the access cover replaced after the work. No tank excavation formed part of this project.
For other redundant installations, the choice between tank decommissioning, foam filling and removal depends on the tank condition, its contents, access and the intended future use of the site.
Project questions
Underground tank foam filling FAQ.
What work was completed on the Milton Keynes tanks?
Remaining fuel, sludge and contaminated residue were removed from two underground steel tanks. Both tanks were cleaned and fully foam filled in their existing positions.
How large were the two underground tanks?
Each tank had an approximate capacity of 2,250 litres. This is the tank capacity, not a measurement of the fuel recovered during the work.
Why was a pneumatic chisel used on the tank lid?
The old lid bolts were seized and could not be unscrewed. The site video shows the team using a pneumatic chisel to gain access as part of the decommissioning work.
Were the tanks dug out of the ground?
No. Both steel tanks stayed underground and were foam filled in place. Excavation and tank removal were not part of this project.
How was access prepared before the visit?
The customer had cleared debris from both manholes, and the pumps had already been removed. The recovery vehicle could park beside the tanks, keeping the hose route short.
Can another old underground tank be foam filled?
The appropriate method depends on the tank, remaining contents, access and future plans for the site. Send Britteco photographs of the chambers and access route, the site postcode and any known tank details so the scope can be assessed.
More tank work in Buckinghamshire
This project was in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The Buckinghamshire page covers the towns, typical sites and environmental rules there, and the South East England page shows the other counties we cover nearby.
Discuss your project
Old underground tanks
that are no longer needed?
Send the site postcode, known tank capacity and contents, plus photographs of the access chambers and vehicle route. We can discuss cleaning, foam filling and a suitable decommissioning scope.
