Location with 3 USTs on Premise for Potential Food Establishment
Hello, wanted to gauge someones thoughts on a property I'm looking at to open a food location.

The property is a garage type which i believe used to reside a gas station. The location is perfect however i ran a search to see if there were any underground tanks and I see 3 closed USTs on premise. What would I be looking at to get this location potentially ready and any cost associated? Does closed mean simply tapped shut and not removed? Should I just forget about the location? I have never dealt with something like this and don't know if i am biting off more than i can chew. Not sure if removal could pose additional problems.
[{"id": "gjqhh0y", "text": "What state are you in? Here in NY you cannot abandon UST's at former gas stations, they need to be removed following DEC regulations.\n\nFirst id look into your states environmental agencies regulations to see if gas stations can abandon UST's or not.\n\nYou can also contact your states environmental agencies local office or call a local environmental company. They're usually very helpful.", "replies": [{"id": "gjqhyh6", "text": "I live in Mass. This is good feedback. Thank you for taking the time to respond.", "replies": [{"id": "gjqibw3", "text": "Anytime. I believe in Mass its the DEP.", "replies": [{"id": "gjqj43l", "text": "Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gjqiktd", "text": "If they do allow UST's to be abandoned find out how it was abandoned. Make sure it was done properly. Last thing you want is to put up a building and then find out you need to pull out the tanks.\n\nIt would have to be pumped, and then filled up with foam or sand then sealed.", "replies": [{"id": "gjqj0yq", "text": "Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "gjqrzat", "text": "Rare to have in-ground abandonment allowed today, IME.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gjqn2y3", "text": "An environmental assessment is in order. You need a Phase 1 and almost certainly a 2. There are no tanks that don\u2019t leak. Extent and expense of efforts required will be in part determined by the above. If it\u2019s on the market, ask if any assessments have been done and for a copy of the report(s).", "replies": [{"id": "gjqrx4i", "text": "&gt;  There are no tanks that don\u2019t leak. \n\nTruth!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gjqqmj8", "text": "&gt; Not sure if removal could pose additional problems. \n\nYes it can, 100%.\n\n&gt; What would I be looking at to get this location potentially ready and any cost associated? \n\nPhase II plus tank removal. Easily 50k+. \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\n&gt; Should I just forget about the location? \n\nHow much cheaper is it compared to other locations?", "replies": [{"id": "gjqr4l8", "text": "Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gjrbhmc", "text": "Besides the environmental costs, another issue you need to clarify is zoning with your local jurisdiction. If the property is not zoned for food establishments, you\u2019ll need to get the zoning changed. That ordeal is typically a gigantic headache at best that takes years and $$$$ to sort out.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gjt17ct", "text": "Most lenders will require this to be addressed if it shows up on a Phase I.  They\u2019ll absolutely require a Phase II and any associated remediation will need to be completed prior to closing. This is something seller should take responsibility for.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gknwj57", "text": "Strange that you actually checked this out. I am in CA where environmental regulations and restrictions are vey strict. I would not touch a property where tanks are still in the ground. Even if the owner takes full responsibility for any removal, remediation, indemnification, just having to be involved in any sort of this process is scary. What if the tanks leaked and you and your employees spend the next 10 years of your life working at this site only to find out that the leak has created fumes that come right up into the building and some of your employees get cancer. Besides the liability, would you want this on your conscience.  FYI, the cost to remove and remediate tanks in our market could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and could take years.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]