Above ground oil tank removal TOH (Oyster Bay, Nassau: houses, inspector, move to)

[MattCon100]

I just bought a house located in TOH and I want to remove the oil tank I have in the basement. I looked at the past forums before and know that I will receive a certificate after the removal. But will an inspector come to check my basement to see that the removal is complete? I checked Nassau county’s website and it seemed to mention an inspector coming to check the removal but maybe thats for underground tanks? It is a finished basement and Im not sure if it was done with a permit. Also, I will not be replacing the tank and I havent made a decision on whether I will be using electric or gas for heat (already have gas for cooking), will I have to provide the town or county with how I will be heating the home after I remove the oil tank?

[RPC324]

Nassau County Department of Health handles tank removal and certification.

You will need some form of heating. If you convert to gas, you'll require a licensed plumber who will obtain a permit from the Town for the gas line and conduct a pressure test with them. If you use electric, hang on to the inspection certificate in case there are questions down the road.

[TVR1997]

You should go with gas as you already the line to your home plus electricity is extremely expensive here and we have cold winters...I know electric is popular in say, California/milder climates but very few homes in this area/northeast use electric for heating and I would think if you sell down the road having electric heat could adversely impact you.


As you have a basement tank, don't worry too much about the abandonment process (you will remove the tank).
Homes with underground tanks needs to be properly abandoned (oil is removed and the tank is filled with foam/sand and the tank remains underground). There is a danger of soil contamination with underground tanks and is quite costly if there is an issue and that abandonment certificate is field with the DOH.

It looks like the county charges for both removal and abandonment and officially requires paperwork even for basement tank removals.
https://apex5.nassaucountyny.gov/ords/f?p=340:97

Whoever you hire to convert will certainly be familiar with the process.

[TMing]

Go with gas for heat\hot water unless you plan to install solar panels.

I only have experience with inspections from the Town of Oyster Bay for a gas conversation. Your finished basement should be a non issue. The inspector that comes, will be a plumbing inspector and not the building inspector. He's only there to look at the plumbing that was done. If you have a basement bathroom, I would make sure that door is closed. I have gone through 3 gas conversions, 2 out of the 3 houses had finished basements and the inspector was in and out in less than 5 minutes. I do believe a second inspection is required to inspect the tank removal but I recall not being home at the time the inspector came by unannounced. He never bothered to come back or scheduled an inspection of the tank.

[MattCon100]

If I request info (blueprints/past permits) from the town, would it raise red flags?

[TMing]

Originally Posted by MattCon100

If I request info (blueprints/past permits) from the town, would it raise red flags?

No, it shouldn't. That's a smart move to confirm what work is permitted in your home.