UST's in Front Yard (not disclosed) HELP

[tascott]

I bought a house in Indiana in 1995. I paid for inspections, title search, and everything needed before closing. On the inspection report it stated that there were no UST's on or close to my property. It also said that the furnace was in perfect condition and there were no leaks in the roof. The lady that sold me the house was a retired attorney that was left as the personal representative of the estate after the original owner passed away. 2 months after closing, the personal representive that sold me the house passed away. 5 months after buying the house, the funace went out and the roof leaked. I replaced both. Next thing I know, the state was paving a new road close to the house and found a huge amount of IMPACT (Contamination)and ordered an old gas station (which is now just a garage) to remove their tanks... As they were pulling the tank on their property, they notice another 25 foot tank behind it that runs all the way across my yard and is between my house and a huge tree with less than 2 ft on each side. I do NOT have the money to pull this tank. The owner of the garage was just as shocked as I was to find this 2nd tank... Who is responsible for this tank? Why wasn't it on my deed? It was disclosed on the other peoples deed back in the late 70's. How can they get away with not telling me about this and leaving me with the expense? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[HomeGuru]

Contact a real estate attorney as environmental hazard issues such as underground storage tanks tend to be complex.

[tascott]

We hired Hydrotech a long time ago.. I have talked with alot of people from IDEM and NOBODY has been able to give me the same answer there.. If I heard 2 people that agreed on this situation, I'd probably beleive it. Like I said, I have talked to numerous people from IDEM which ordered the tanks removed, but not ONE person can give an answer (or even close answer) on this situation. I feel like I'm running Hydrotech ragged. I have contacted many attorneys in IN, but nobody has ever heard of the sitution when they see what has happened. Does anyone really know who would be responsible? Why the land was seperated with underground tanks against a house? I can't even sell the house now unless I sell it on contract... IS THIS CONSIDERED MY TANK OR THE OWNER OF THE OLD GAS STATION THAT SEPERATED THEE PROPERTIES AND LEFT THE TANK IN MY FRONT YARD???