Closer to close

The scientists, geologists, clean up crew and back hoe operator dug up the backyard, conducted multiple tests, removed twenty some tons of soil from the yard and got rid of all the nasty stuff. I think they said two full dump trucks? I can say with scientific certainty that it was nasty stuff because I watched some of the removal during my lunch break. The soil was tinted green and the smell was so heavy, I tasted it all afternoon. The nice*  people at the state of  North Carolina very timely* reviewed the handy work, a series of soil samples, final test results, a certified report and finally everyone agreed...alas, the lust had been subdued.

A little over a month after we first learned the tank had been leaking oil, and a few days prior to close, we received a letter from the State proclaiming that no further action was required to clean up the contamination. (Note to self: consider framing letter as very expensive piece of artwork, next to other very expensive pieces of artwork...i.e., college degrees).

Honestly, we were lucky. We had the soil test before it was our responsibility, had it timely remedied, and the removal was paid for by the sellers. We also learned that clean-ups regularly cost more than double what ours did. OK, we were very lucky.

Unforeseen side effect: our soon to be next-door neighbor got curious watching us digging around in the backyard.

She had her own soil tested. Surprise, her tank had also been leaking. She now has a back yard full of new soil and grass seed and a very large bill for the clean-up. Lesson: do not have your soil tested for leaking chemicals.



Figuring out the renovation loan, working with the general contractor, figuring out the work needed, the money involved, the inspections, and other surprises took a bit longer than anticipated. The original closing was scheduled for July 31st; we all agreed that in order to actually get to close, we would need to push it back a month to August 31st. That month took forever...



* please note sarcasm.