What Is Tank Removal & Decommissioning?

Tank removal and decommissioning is the controlled process of taking an industrial storage tank out of service, addressing remaining contents and preparing the tank for dismantling or removal. NADC performs tank removal for above-ground and underground tanks across industrial facilities, including tanks used for petroleum products, chemicals, water and process materials.

Each project is planned around the tank’s size, construction, location, previous contents and surrounding site conditions. Depending on the scope, work may include contents verification, cleaning or purging coordination, piping and utility separation, tank dismantling, excavation, material processing and preparation of the area for its next use.

Excavator with shear cutting open a large green steel storage tank at an industrial plant

A Planned Approach to Tank Removal & Decommissioning

Industrial tank removal requires more than simply dismantling the structure. NADC evaluates the tank, previous contents, surrounding infrastructure and final site requirements to develop a coordinated removal sequence that addresses environmental considerations, access and material handling from initial preparation through final disposal or recycling.

01

Tank & Site Evaluation

Tank type, dimensions, construction, access conditions, connected systems and surrounding infrastructure are reviewed to determine the appropriate removal approach.

02

Contents Verification & Preparation

Remaining liquids, residues and tank contents are identified so required pumping, cleaning, rinsing, testing or purging can be coordinated before structural removal begins.

03

Tank Dismantling & Removal

Above-ground tanks may be dismantled mechanically or in planned sections, while underground tanks are excavated and removed based on site conditions and access requirements.

04

Material Disposition & Site Restoration

Tank materials are prepared for recycling or approved disposal, while remaining foundations, piping or affected areas are addressed according to the project’s required final condition.

Tank Removal & Decommissioning Capabilities

NADC provides industrial tank removal and decommissioning services tailored to the tank, its contents, surrounding facility conditions and the owner’s final site requirements. Each scope is coordinated to support controlled removal, responsible material handling and efficient completion.

Prepare

Tank Identification & Site Evaluation

Evaluation of above-ground and underground tanks, associated piping, surrounding structures, access requirements and site conditions before removal activities begin.

Contents Removal & Cleaning Coordination

Coordination of pumping, rinsing, testing, cleaning or purging requirements based on previous tank contents and project-specific environmental needs.

Remove

Above-Ground Storage Tank Removal

Mechanical or sectional dismantling of industrial tanks and related components using equipment and removal methods suited to the tank and surrounding conditions.

Underground Storage Tank Removal

Excavation and removal of underground tanks along with associated piping, foundations and other components included within the project scope.

Complete

Foundation, Piping & Component Removal

Removal of tank bases, concrete foundations, connected piping and supporting infrastructure when required for the owner’s final site condition.

Material Processing & Disposal

Separation and processing of tank materials for recycling, with remaining contents, residues and regulated materials managed through appropriate disposal channels.

Tank Removal & Decommissioning Project Experience

Explore selected projects demonstrating NADC’s experience removing industrial tanks within active facilities, process environments and larger decommissioning projects.

Excavator with shear removing the steel Pine DO tank beside the operating bleach plant

Industrial Tank Removal

Glatfelter Pine DO Tank Removal

Spring Grove, Pennsylvania

NADC selectively removed an approximately 30-foot-wide by 90-foot-tall insulated steel bleaching tank located beside an operating bleach plant and the facility’s primary rail route. High-reach demolition, torch cutting and concrete removal were carefully sequenced while protecting surrounding infrastructure and the existing foundation designated for reuse.

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Excavators processing debris during demolition of the SABIC plastics manufacturing plant

Chemical Plant Demolition

SABIC Plant Decommissioning & Demolition

Washington, West Virginia

Tank removal was incorporated into the phased decommissioning and demolition of an approximately 100-acre plastics facility. The scope included removal of a lower tank farm containing four styrene tanks and two acrylic tanks, along with numerous additional tanks and related plant infrastructure throughout the site.

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Tank Removal & Decommissioning Across Complex Facilities

NADC performs industrial tank removal across a range of facilities where tank contents, surrounding operations, access and environmental requirements influence the removal approach.

Chemical & Process Plants

Removal of chemical, process and storage tanks within facilities requiring careful coordination around piping, equipment and surrounding operations.

Pulp & Paper Mills

Removal of bleaching, process, water and other industrial tanks located within active or decommissioned mill environments.

Power Generation Facilities

Removal of fuel, water, chemical and process-related tanks as part of plant demolition, conversion or decommissioning projects.

Manufacturing Facilities

Tank removal supporting facility renovations, production changes, equipment upgrades, closures and larger demolition programs.

Petroleum & Fuel Facilities

Decommissioning and removal of storage tanks that previously contained petroleum or fuel products, with required contents and environmental coordination incorporated into the removal plan.

Water & Wastewater Facilities

Removal of tanks, basins and associated components serving water treatment, wastewater and industrial process systems.

Decommissioned Industrial Sites

Removal of obsolete tanks, foundations, piping and related infrastructure as properties are cleared for redevelopment or future use.

Tank Removal & Decommissioning