Underground Abandoned Tank Found During Town Hall Work

A minor renovation discovered something big — an abandoned fuel tank — buried at town hall.

On Tuesday, excavation crews removed the old tank from the property of Toms River Town Hall on Washington Street. The tank was underground near the northeast corner of more historic portion of the building, facing Washington Street.

Town Hall, which recently began repairs to its HVAC and roof, saw construction crews with excavating equipment dig out the old, unused tank.

Craig Ambrosio, Toms River's Director of Parks Buildings & Grounds, said the tank was specifically a fuel tank that was no longer in use, and abandoned.

"This was a old abandon fuel oil tank that was discovered during a minor renovation," he said. "The preliminary findings show no signs of damage or contamination to the tank or to the surrounding areas."

The excavation of the old tank caused no disruption to any utilities at town hall.

"No Township utilities were down or disturbed, prior, during or after the removal of the tank," he said.

After digging the large tank out, it was discarded and the landscaping in the spot was scheduled for repair.