Underground Petroleum Storage Systems
Why UPSS Must Be Assessed and Removed
UPSS (also known as underground fuel tanks) are commonly found at:
Former service stations or depots
Industrial or agricultural properties
Commercial buildings (e.g. with backup generators or waste oil tanks)
Council depots and government facilities
Even disused tanks can leak over time, leading to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in soil or groundwater. That’s why the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) Regulation 2019 requires proper decommissioning, assessment, and validation.
Our UPSS Services – End-to-End Environmental Support
We provide a complete service for managing UPSS sites, including:
1. UPSS Site Assessment
Desktop review of historical use and tank location
Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) or Detailed Site Investigation (DSI), as required
Soil and groundwater sampling to screen for TPH, BTEX, PAHs, and leaking tank indicators
Vapour risk screening (if relevant to nearby buildings)
We determine whether contamination is present and how to manage it in line with the NSW UPSS Regulation and NEPM (ASC) 2013.
2. Tank Removal Supervision
We provide environmental oversight during the removal or decommissioning of tanks, including:
Engagement of licensed contractors (if required)
On-site supervision of excavation, tank extraction, and waste management
Contingency planning for unexpected conditions
Immediate response to free product, odour, or visible contamination
Collection of field screening data and confirmatory samples
We ensure the removal process is safe, compliant, and well-documented.
3. Validation Sampling & Reporting
After tank removal, we complete validation to confirm the site meets regulatory requirements:
Soil and groundwater testing via NATA-accredited laboratories
Field documentation including tank removal photos, soil conditions, and waste tracking
Comparison of results to EPA and NEPM guidelines
Preparation of a Validation Report suitable for submission to council, the EPA, or a site auditor
We can also assist with follow-up remediation, if contamination is detected.
Who We Work With
We support:
Property developers preparing sites for construction or subdivision
Builders and civil contractors who uncover tanks during earthworks
Real estate professionals and asset owners managing divestment or redevelopment
Councils and public works managers
Environmental consultants seeking UPSS support on broader contamination jobs
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
End-to-end UPSS support – from initial assessment through to sign-off
Experienced in fuel, hydrocarbon, and petroleum risk management
Reports suitable for DA, EPA, or audit clearance
Responsive service with fixed-fee quotes
Trusted by developers, councils, and infrastructure clients across NSW
We help you manage UPSS issues with confidence and without project delays.
Where We Work
We assess and manage UPSS sites throughout:
Greater Sydney
Central Coast
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Hunter Valley
South Coast, Mid-North Coast, and regional NSW
Ready to move your project forward with confidence?
At Confluence Environmental, we provide practical, science-led solutions across contaminated land, asbestos and hazardous materials, waste classification, acid sulfate soils, and occupational hygiene.
Complete the form below to request a tailored quote, book a consultation, or ask us a question about your project. We’ll respond within 24 hours with clear advice and next steps helping you stay compliant, reduce risk, and keep your development on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS)
Q: What is a UPSS?
A Underground Petroleum Storage System (UPSS) refers to any underground tank and associated pipework used to store petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, oil, or waste fuels. UPSS are common at service stations, depots, industrial sites, and government facilities.
Q: Why do disused UPSS need to be removed or assessed?
Over time, old or abandoned tanks can leak petroleum hydrocarbons into soil and groundwater, creating serious environmental risks. NSW law requires UPSS to be:
Properly decommissioned
Assessed for soil and groundwater contamination
Validated to ensure the site is safe for future use
This is mandated under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) Regulation 2019.
Q: When is a UPSS investigation or removal required?
You may need a UPSS assessment or removal when:
A tank is no longer in use or has been abandoned
A property is being redeveloped (e.g. for residential or commercial use)
A DA or council requirement triggers the need for validation
Tanks are discovered during demolition or earthworks
You’re preparing for remediation or environmental clearance
Q: What’s involved in removing a UPSS?
The typical removal process includes:
Site inspection and historical review
Engagement of a licensed tank removal contractor
On-site supervision by an environmental consultant
Safe excavation, tank cleaning, and disposal
Collection of soil and groundwater samples for validation
Preparation of a regulator-ready validation report
Q: How is contamination tested after a tank is removed?
Validation involves:
Soil and groundwater sampling at and around the tank location
Laboratory testing for contaminants such as Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), BTEX, PAHs, and metals
Comparing results to NSW EPA and NEPM (ASC 2013) guidelines
Identifying whether further remediation is needed or the site is suitable for use
All testing is conducted through NATA-accredited laboratories.
Q: Who needs to review or approve the UPSS validation report?
The validation report is typically submitted to:
Local council, as part of the Development Application (DA) process
The NSW EPA, in the case of known contamination or regulated sites
An accredited Site Auditor, for independent sign-off (if required)
We tailor each report to meet the requirements of the relevant authority.