Oil Spill in Garden

Nellymor

Have just had an oil spill from oil tank in my back garden, the oil has burnt the grass and is covering about a quarter of the garden surrounding the tank...would really appreciate some advice on what needs to be done..Thanks a lot

Mr Magnolia

Disaster.

I spilled some engine oil on a small patch of grass last month, no where near as much as you though. I dug it up and re-seeded it, good as new now. I wouldn't go digging that size of an area up, it will grow back in no time....

ednwireland

my neighbours lost a tankfull they claimed on their house insurance unfortunately theyve had a clean up crew there for six months spraying detergent.
you are supposed to get specialist disposal for the soil (officially that is)

Mr Magnolia

ednwireland wrote:

my neighbours lost a tankfull they claimed on their house insurance unfortunately theyve had a clean up crew there for six months spraying detergent.
you are supposed to get specialist disposal for the soil (officially that is)

Jaybus, sounds like a real pain in the hoop.

Nellymor

Thanks a million for the quick replies, the garden isnt that big its a standard estate size garden, I was being told I would have to completely remove all of the soil but I was hoping if I just dug it up a little and poured new topsoil on top and reseeded it would be ok?

Mr Magnolia

I'd say it would. It worked on a small scale for me anyway. YOu could try it out on a small area first, the grass is jumping out of the ground this weather so you should see quick enough if it's going to work.

eoinhealy

Depending on how deep the oil has soaked into the ground, you will need to take it all out. If you only take out a few inches and put in new soil it will only be good for a while, the oil thats still in the ground will be soaked up by the new soil and your problen will start all over again.

Eoin

bmaxi

The fuel oil will kill anything that roots into it. You should remove and dispose of any contaminated soil, replacing the top couple of inches with new topsoil would only be a short term measure.

murphaph

Maybe you can claim for the whole clean up and new soil on your insurance.

.243

unless it was half the tank it should be ok,leave it for a cpl of months ,9 times out of 10 the burnt grass regrows.

ButlinSalesman

I'd agree with digging out the ruined sods, but int he mean time through down a few bucket loads of sand or sawdust to soak up the oil

yeknowhaddamean

magicbastarder

as far as i know, you're not allowed dispose of the soil as standard waste, at least for a diesel spill. at least, i was told of someone who had a diesel spill from a generator tank, and the soil had to be shipped to holland to be cleaned.