Underground storage tank drop tube removal device and method of removing an underground storage tank drop tube

A method of removing a drop tube from an underground liquid storage tank, comprising:

• providing a device comprising a plate configured to fit within a spill restrictor fitted to the underground liquid storage tank, the plate comprising a first main surface having a truncated circular shape, a second main surface having the truncated circular shape and that is separated from the first main surface by a thickness of the plate, the second main surface being configured to rest on a bottom surface of the spill restrictor, a first truncated portion being configured to clear any structure projecting from the bottom surface of the spill restrictor when the device rests on the bottom surface, a second truncated portion disposed opposite the first truncated portion and separated from the first truncated portion by the centrally-disposed opening such that outside edges of each of the first and second truncated portions are parallel to each other and such that remaining opposing outside edges of the plate are curved;
• and at least one peripherally-disposed through hole traversing the thickness of the plate, and a centrally-disposed opening configured to conform to and fit over a collar to which the drop tube and a riser pipe coupled to the underground liquid storage tank are screwed,
• inserting a distal end of an elongate bar through the at least one peripherally-disposed through hole and making contact with the bottom of the spill restrictor therethrough;
• using the elongate bar inserted through the at least one peripherally-disposed through hole, imparting, onto the device, a first force directed in a first direction;
• unscrewing the drop tube from the collar by imparting thereon a second force that is directed in an opposite direction from the first force, while the first force maintains the collar substantially immobile.