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Underground Heating Oil Tank Removal Grants

Posted at 1:11 PM, Jun. 4, 2008

Underground Heating Oil Tank Removal Grants
 
On August 6, 2006 the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) implemented a program that will reimburse homeowners who remove their non leaking underground heating oil tanks. A homeowner can receive up to $1,200.00 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and up to $3,000.00 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and the installation of a new aboveground oil tank. The forms that are required can be downloaded at njeda.com or oiltanksnj.com. Once the tank has been removed and it is confirmed that it has not leaked the application package can be submitted along with the required $250.00 application fee to the NJEDA. The applicant should receive their checks in 4-6 weeks.
 
In the event that the oil tank has leaked the same fund at the NJEDA can pay for the clean up costs that are not covered by a tank protection plan and homeowners insurance policy. The NJEDA Fund can even cover any insurance deductible that the homeowner may have to pay. Once the tank is removed and it is found to be leaking we investigate the soil beneath the tank and assess if the groundwater has been impacted by the heating oil. We assist the homeowner in placing a claim with their insurance carrier and facilitate the grant application process when applicable.
 
In order to qualify for a grant the applicant has to have a annual taxable income of less than $250,000 and a net worth of less than $500,000 not including the value of the applicant’s primary residence and retirement savings ( 401K/IRA/Pension). The applicant can be the owner or in certain cases the occupant of the residence.
 
These grants are also available to non-profit organizations with less than 100 employees and estates, depending on the equity in the estate. These grants can also be available to remove a tank or remediate a discharge at a second home, a rental property and even a commercial property, but certain restriction do apply.
 

Meridian Environmental Services, Inc. is a full service environmental consulting and contracting organization specializing in the removal of underground storage tanks and the remediation of soil and groundwater contamination. We are NJDEP Certified, fully insured and have over 30 years of experience. We have offices in Toms River and Medford, NJ and serve all of New Jersey. We can be reached at 732-281-1900 and 609-654-0660 to discuss any of your environmental concerns. Please visit our website at www.meridianenvironmental.com.

This information has been provided by our guest writer Anthony Salvemini of Meridian Environmental Services, Inc. if you have a tank problem, give them a call.  -  The HouseJeanie Team


Wood-Destroying Insects

Posted at 11:44 AM, Feb. 2, 2006

Every year, termites or other wood destroying organisms infest thousands of homes.

 

Mortgage lenders require the home purchaser to have the home inspected by a reputable exterminating company, to determine if there is any damage caused or infestation by termites or other wood destroying insects. Usually, the Buyer will pay for this inspection. The contract for sale will state that the report will be furnished to the Seller a specified number of days (usually ten days) prior to settlement.

 

If infestation is found, the seller, at the Sellers expenses, shall have the infestation treated and have repaired or replaced any wood, which is deemed unserviceable. Treatment and/or repairs of the damage must be completed before settlement.

 

Usually, in the contract, there is a limit (around $1,500) for the cost of treatment and repairs. If the cost is above the stated amount, the Seller has the option to cancel the contract. However, the bugs belong to the seller, and under disclosure laws, the seller is required to disclose any infestation or damage to any future Buyer.

 

As REALTORS®, we have seen many homes that have had termite damage; one or two homes we have seen had damage up into the second floor. Costs of repair can be up to fifty or sixty thousand dollars. Your home is the largest single investment you will make. Make sure you protect this investment by having periodic inspections by a reputable exterminating company.

 

If you need help in finding a Termite Specialist, contact us by email or give us a call.

 

Bart Erickson

The HouseJeanie Team