Conclusion of the Oil Tank Saga

By Sr. Jolene

Earlier this year (in May 2018) the nuns were faced with the challenge of decommissioning two aged oil tanks.  As described in the original article, “The Saga of the Oil Tanks,” the newer of the two tanks, in the front of the monastery was able to be emptied, cleaned, and filled with pea stone.  The older tank under the brick patio off the sisters’ kitchen presented a much more complicated situation.  The tank was removed and found to have several holes, and oil had leaked and contaminated the soil under and around the tank.   At the point when the previous article was concluded the community was awaiting analysis of the level and extent of soil contamination.

            The report from the DEC confirmed a level of soil contamination in excess of the allowed 10 ppm (our on-site test yielded 164 ppm, so we were not surprised by the DEC findings).  We were extremely grateful, however, to learn that the contamination was limited to the soil immediately around the oil tank and had not spread to the ground water.  Environmentally and financially this was a great blessing!

            After the results were received from the DEC the community proceeded as previously planned, removing the contaminated soil and refilling the hole with clean soil.  Three dump truck loads of contaminated soil were removed; this soil was trucked to a “burn plant” in Fort Edward, where it was repeatedly burned until all the oil had been burned off.  The soil that remained was clean of any contaminants.

            With the tank and soil gone, the nuns began the process of restoring the patio and yard area.  Before the removal of the oil tank, the drainage of the patio and yard area had become an issue.  Rain and snow melt accumulated in pockets, creating icy puddles on the patio and mini skating rinks on the lawn.  Frost heaves completed the hazardous situation.  It was decided to create a planned slope to funnel water away from the house, and to install several new drainage pipes and grates. After the new system was installed, we had two weeks of inclement weather. Work had to stop, but the bad weather provided a test for the new drainage system, which it passed with flying colors.

            Once the drainage issue had been addressed, the work moved on to restoration of the patio and lawn.  The old bricks from the previous patio were cleaned and found to be usable for rebuilding.  It was a painstakingly slow and careful process—one brick at a time placed and leveled and secured by Dave Nolan. Thanks to very changeable weather, Mr. Nolan was forced to a leisurely pace, but he persisted cheerfully, unfazed by rain and cold.  The resulting patio is beautiful, and in the spring the old bricks will be sealed to protect them from wear and the elements. 

            The lawn had been essentially destroyed by heavy machinery, digging, and days of rain.  Old bushes had also been removed before the work began to allow access to the tank.  The yard was a pitted, tracked sea of mud!  Fortunately, the old maple tree shading the house survived intact, and it presented us with a beautiful display of fall foliage as usual. 

            The community decided to plant several rhododendrons and azaleas in the area previously occupied by ancient overgrown cedars, and Sr. Cecelia added lilies rescued from the ravages of the deer.  This yard area is fenced (for the dogs) and will prevent munching by the deer this winter.  Hunter Kappel, a visitor eager to work outside, transplanted three other small rhododendrons inside the fence, and 100 tulip bulbs were planted in between the lilies.  How to restore the lawn itself was discussed several times. By now late October had arrived, and it was so late in the season that grass seed would surely not have time to sprout and anchor before winter. Ultimately, we decided to lay turf rather than plant grass seed. Like a miracle, in two days Aaron Peters had rolled out turf for an instant lawn!

So now we have a restored patio and lawn, no contamination, and a clear conscience.  We can also look forward to a spring full of beautiful blooms and green grass, and know that we have left the Earth a little better than we found it.