Soil Testing on Long Island: What Homeowners, Buyers & Developers Need to Know

Soil testing is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — environmental services on Long Island. Whether you’re buying a home, selling property, building, or dealing with an old oil tank, soil testing can protect you from hidden contamination and costly surprises.

Because Long Island relies heavily on groundwater and has a long history of oil tanks, septic systems, and industrial activity, soil contamination is a real concern — and testing is often required before real estate transactions or construction can move forward.

Here’s everything you need to know about soil testing on Long Island and how to do it the right way.

Why Soil Testing Is Important on Long Island

Long Island’s sandy soil and shallow groundwater make it especially vulnerable to contamination. Common sources include:

• Leaking underground oil tanks

• Past tank removals or abandonments

• Septic system failures

• Fuel spills

• Historic agricultural and industrial use

Without proper testing, contamination can remain hidden for years — until a home sale, refinance, or construction project forces the issue.

Soil testing helps:

• Identify environmental risks early

• Protect property value

• Satisfy buyer, lender, and municipal requirements

• Avoid liability for cleanup costs

When Is Soil Testing Required?

Soil testing on Long Island is most commonly required during:

✔ Home Purchases (Buyer-Driven)

Soil tests are more commonly requested by purchasers than sellers, especially when:

• A property has (or once had) an underground oil tank

• There is limited documentation from prior tank removal

• The buyer’s lender or attorney requires environmental clearance

✔ Oil Tank Removal or Abandonment

After tank removal, confirmatory soil sampling may be required to verify no contamination remains.

✔ Property Sales With Environmental History

Homes with prior spills, tank leaks, or remediation history often require updated testing before closing.

✔ New Construction or Additions

Municipalities may require soil testing before issuing permits, especially for disturbed or redeveloped land.

✔ Commercial & Industrial Properties

Environmental due diligence is standard for commercial transactions and redevelopment projects.

What Does a Soil Test Include?

A professional soil test typically includes:

• Site evaluation to identify sampling locations

• Soil borings or hand auger sampling

• Optional Laboratory Analysis for:

  • Petroleum hydrocarbons

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

  • Heavy metals (if applicable)

• Certified lab results

• Written report suitable for attorneys, buyers, lenders, and regulators

• Tank scanning for buried UST (underground storage tanks)

Eastern Environmental coordinates testing with NY-certified laboratories to ensure defensible, compliant results.

Common Contaminants Found in Long Island Soil

Soil testing commonly detects:

• Heating oil and petroleum byproducts

• Gasoline or diesel residue

• VOCs from historic spills

• Heavy metals near older structures

• Residual contamination from prior remediation

Even small findings can impact a real estate transaction if not addressed properly.

How Much Does Soil Testing Cost on Long Island?

Costs vary based on property size, access, and lab analysis required, but typical residential soil testing ranges from:

• $900 – $2,500 for standard testing

• Higher costs for multiple samples or complex sites

While this may seem significant, it’s minimal compared to cleanup costs, which can exceed $20,000–$100,000+ if contamination is discovered late.

What Happens If Contamination Is Found?

If contamination is detected, Eastern Environmental can:

• Develop a remediation plan

• Coordinate soil removal or treatment

• Manage DEC compliance and documentation

• Provide closure reports needed for real estate transactions

Addressing contamination early almost always results in lower costs and fewer delays.

Why Choose Eastern Environmental for Soil Testing?

With over 20 years of experience on Long Island, Eastern Environmental understands local soil conditions, regulations, and real estate requirements.

✔ Licensed & insured environmental professionals 

✔ Fast turnaround times 

✔ Real estate-ready documentation 

✔ Coordination with attorneys, buyers, and municipalities 

✔ Serving Suffolk County, Nassau County, and NYC

We don’t just collect samples — we help you move forward with confidence.

FAQs

Is soil testing required to sell a home on Long Island? Not always, but buyers and lenders frequently require it when oil tanks or environmental risks are present.

How long does soil testing take? Sampling typically takes one day. Lab results are usually available within 3–5 business days.

Who usually pays for soil testing? In most cases, soil testing is paid for by the buyer, though it can be negotiated during a sale.

Can a property still be sold if contamination is found? Yes — but remediation and documentation are often required before closing.

Does Eastern Environmental handle remediation too? Yes. We provide both testing and cleanup services when needed.

Schedule Soil Testing on Long Island

If you’re buying, selling, or developing property, don’t leave soil conditions to chance.

👉 Contact Eastern Environmental today to schedule professional soil testing and get clear, reliable answers about your property.