Buying a house for my reef tank

Find a local Environmental Testing Lab. One I use here in Arizona is Legend Technical Services but there are labs all over. If you look here:
http://www.legend-group.com/services/homeowners/privatewells

You will find some examples of different domestic well analysis packages along with a list of other contaminants that can be added. I would explain to the lab your concerns about the previous owners practices and have them suggest a package to suit your needs.

Your concern is very real. Back whn I managed a Municipal water utility, we discovered an illegal auto scrap operation in a remote riverbed which flowed in to our jurisdiction. They were stripping cars then had a huge grinding or recycling machine that chewed cars up into what they call "fluff" or shards or scrap and abandoning it on site then moving on. The problem was they were not removing things like batteries, brake lines, fuel tanks and such and that was all leaching into the water table. It became a Superfund clean up site very quickly and we were able to contain it fortunately but it was a major undertaking.

 

That was my fear, that I might be trying to buy a super fund site lol. I went to my county water testing lab and explained my dilemma today. They were suprised and told me they never had someone come in and ask for such specific tests. In fact they did not know how to test for VOCs or hydro carbons so they had to call their mother lab. For around 150 bucks I will have peace of mind for the next 30 years or so. Thanks for the help AZ

 

I don't know if banks commonly perform Phase I ESA's on residential properties, but if they do, I would request one at the cost of the seller. You may be responsible for environmental remediation pursuant to state lay overseen by the the FDEP. Often times, environmental professionals will recommend a Phase II if there is sufficient and reasonable belief that the property is contaminated. This involves testing of soil and potentially groundwater too identify if state standards for various constituents have been violated; Cleanup then follows.

In some cases, contamination can be considered de minimis.

Just a thought from a friendly env. consultant.

 

I will look into that for sure. My gut is the water and land is ok. There are several fruit trees growing and look healthy, several oak trees and lots of green grass with no dead spots anywhere on the property. I ran the water and it smell and looks fine and tastes alright also. My wife thinks i'm being paranoid but I just want to make sure.

 

Stressed vegetation would be your first sign, at least as it pertains to hydrocarbons.

 

Usually the testing for a loan is pretty basic. The Legend link shows what most test for and you need to go a little further. $150 is very reasonable if you are getting everything you think you need.