Womack Brothers Completes Critical Creosote Tank Cleanup, Ensuring Environmental Safety

At Womack Brothers, we are dedicated to providing turnkey solutions for some of the most challenging environmental hazards. One of our recent projects involved the cleanup and containment of old tanks containing creosote, a toxic chemical commonly used as a wood preservative. This project showcases our ability to handle complex contamination scenarios while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

 What is Creosote and Why Is It a Concern?

Creosote has been used for decades to treat wood, particularly for railroad ties, utility poles, and marine pilings. However, it is now recognized as a serious environmental and health hazard, classified as a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure can lead to severe health risks for both humans and wildlife. Over time, improperly managed or deteriorating storage tanks can leak, posing significant environmental threats by contaminating surrounding areas and water sources. Proper handling, cleanup, and disposal of creosote tanks are crucial to ensure the safety of communities and ecosystems.

 The Challenge

Our team was tasked with removing and disposing of several old, deteriorating tanks that had stored creosote for years. These aging tanks posed an immediate risk of leakage, which could have led to severe soil and groundwater contamination. The challenge was to safely remove the creosote and dismantle the tanks without releasing any of the toxic material into the surrounding environment.

 How We Approached the Cleanup

The Womack Brothers team, trained and certified in hazardous material handling, including OSHA HAZWOPER certification, developed a meticulous plan to safely and efficiently manage the cleanup. The project involved:

1. Site Assessment and Containment: We began by conducting a thorough assessment of the site to determine the condition of the tanks and the surrounding area. Containment measures were immediately put in place to prevent any leaks during the cleanup process.

2. Tank Drainage and Decontamination: Our team carefully drained the remaining creosote from the tanks using specialized, secure equipment designed to handle hazardous materials. This step ensured that no creosote would spill during the dismantling process.

3. Tank Removal: Once the tanks were safely drained, we dismantled and removed them from the site. The decontaminated tanks were transported to a certified disposal facility in compliance with all federal, state, and environmental regulations.

4. Proper Disposal of Creosote: The creosote removed from the tanks was securely transported to a specialized facility for hazardous chemical disposal. Our team ensured that all disposal processes adhered to the highest environmental standards.

5. Site Restoration: After the tanks were removed and the creosote properly disposed of, we conducted a thorough inspection of the site to ensure no residual contamination remained. We restored the area to a safe, usable condition.

The Outcome

Thanks to the precision and expertise of our team, the old tanks were safely removed, and the site was restored, eliminating the environmental threat posed by creosote. The surrounding community can now enjoy peace of mind, knowing that the risk of chemical contamination has been thoroughly addressed. The project was completed efficiently, with minimal disruption to the local area, all while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Why Choose Womack Brothers?

At Womack Brothers, we understand that environmental cleanups like this one require specialized skills, industry knowledge, and a commitment to safety. Our team is trained in handling hazardous materials, and we take pride in delivering results that protect both people and the planet. Whether it’s creosote tank cleanup or abandoned oil well issues, Womack Brothers is the turnkey contractor you can trust to get the job done right.

We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished on this creosote tank cleanup, and we look forward to continuing to provide the same level of service and professionalism to future projects across the United States.