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In 2014 the Canadian Standards Association published CAN/CSA-B837-14 – Collapsible Fabric Storage Tanks (bladders). When CCME’s Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products was published in 2003 there was no recognized standard for the design and construction of collapsible fabric storage tanks.
Readers are advised to consult with the federal, provincial or territorial authority having jurisdiction to see whether CAN/CSA-B837-14 applies to their area of interest.
This code references Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards which are periodically updated. With this note CCME attempts to provide information on ULC updates, replacements and withdrawals since publication of the Code. Confirm all standards with ULC.
Abstract
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment’s (CCME) ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEMS CONTAINING PETROLEUM AND ALLIED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS has been prepared for owners of storage tank systems, the petroleum marketing and distribution industry, and federal, provincial, and territorial departments which have the authority to regulate storage tanks containing petroleum or allied petroleum products.
The Code is a model set of technical requirements and only comes into effect if adopted, in whole or in part, by an authority having jurisdiction. It provides technical requirements for registration and approval of storage tank systems, design and installation of new storage tanks and piping, monitoring and leak detection, upgrading of existing systems, operation and maintenance, and the withdrawal from service of storage tank systems.
This publication updates, combines, and replaces CCME’s 1993 “Environmental Code of Practice for Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products” and the 1994 “Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products.” It reflects the advances in technology and the experience gained by industry and government regulators in proactively managing storage tanks systems in the intervening years.
October 2015 – ULC Update
ULC Standards has published the Second Edition of CAN/ULC-S655-15, Standard for Aboveground Protected Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA)
Suite 980, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3N6
(780) 425-8265 or 1-866-222-8265
Web: https://www.alberta.ca/fuel-tank-storage.aspx [2023/03/21]
Phone: 780-644-1010 (within Canada and the United States)
Toll free: 1-866-421-6929 (within Canada)
Email: safety.services@gov.ab.ca
In Alberta, underground and aboveground tanks must be registered with the Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA).
Aboveground storage tanks of capacity smaller than 2,500 litres do not have to be registered. Each compartment of multi-compartment tanks is considered an individual storage tank. Registration fees are $50.00 per tank per year
Current STANDATAs for storage tanks in Alberta, Canada:
19-FCB-007, Permitting and Inspections of Storage Tank Systems within the Province of Alberta
19-FCI-018, Certification of Contractors for Storage Tank Systems19-FCI-015, National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) Storage Tank System Inspections and Inventory Control
Website Excerpt: Fuel tank management
Municipalities accredited in Part 4 of the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition will continue administering related permitting and inspections as per their Quality Management Plan.
Effective June 8, 2020, administration of storage fuel tanks program in unaccredited areas of Alberta was transferred to the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA) and includes the following:
Permitting in areas unaccredited in Part 4 of the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition.
Inspections of newly permitted flammable and combustible liquid storage tank system installations or alterations in unaccredited areas of the province.
Routine and follow-up inspections of existing flammable and combustible liquid storage tank systems in unaccredited areas.
Overseeing spill and incident reporting requirements for tank operators.
More information is available on the Safety Codes Council website.
The B.C Fire Code now requires the removal of any underground oil tanks that have been out of service for more than two years. Licensees who are involved with the sale of a property that contains, or is thought to contain, a buried oil tank should be aware that this is a concern and should also be aware of their duties with respect to disclosure.
Note: Oil spills in BC must be reported
24-Hour B.C. Spill Line: 1-800-663-3456
BC Oil Tank Documents
A FIELD GUIDE TO FUEL HANDLING, TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE [PDF] (2002) BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/industrial-waste/industrial-waste/oilandgas/fuel_handle_guide.pdf
FIRE SAFETY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA [PDF] CCME Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 123 Main, Suite 360
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A3
Ph: (204) 948-2090
Fax: (204) 948-2125 - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/industrial-waste/industrial-waste/fire_safety_in_british_columbia.pdf
Excerpts:
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is the major intergovernmental forum in Canada for discussion and joint action on environmental issues of national, international and global concern. The 14 member governments work as partners in developing nationally consistent environmental standards, practices, and legislation.
Aussi disponible en français La présente publication est également offerte en francais sous le titre Code de recommandations techniques pour la protection de l’environnement applicable aux systèmes de stockage hors sol et souterrains de produits pétroliers et de produits apparentés. PN 1327
Note to Reader - Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products (PN 1326)
B.C. FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS AND BULLETINS - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/fire-safety
Petroleum products continue to pose a risk of contamination to groundwater and soil. Contamination can occur from large spills or from small leaks and spills over a long period. The effects can be experienced through drinking water contamination, other public health issues, public safety concerns, and reduced real estate values.
To increase protection of the environment, the Manitoba government replaced the former legislation regulating the storage and handling of petroleum and associated products on December 17, 2001. The Regulation is entitled the Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products Regulation (MR188/2001) .
Petroleum and allied product storage facilitiesare issued operating permits in accordance with the Regulation
Règlement sur le stockage et la manutention des produits du pétrole et des produits apparentés
New Brunswick Oil Tank Regulations
New Brunswick Department of the Environment
565 Priestman St.
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
(506) 444-5149
To report an oil tank leak or spill: 1-800-565-1633
Additional information and assistance can be obtained by contacting DELG Authorizations Branch, or
a Department of Environment and Local Government Regional Office in your area.
arious types and volumes of petroleum products are stored in storage tanks above and below ground. These tanks vary in size and shape, and can be constructed single or double walled from materials such as steel, concrete or fiberglass.
A public notice was issued in October of 1986 identifying petroleum storage sites having a total storage capacity of 2000 litres or greater, and marinas having a system with a total capacity of 200 litres, as being a "danger of pollution" under the "Clean Environment Act", and therefore requiring registration.
An approval must be obtained from the Minister of the Environment and Local Government prior to the installation of a petroleum storage system, that, by itself, or when its volume is added to the volume of tanks currently on site, will have a capacity of 2000 litres or more.
Planning Storage Tank Installation
When planning the installation of a petroleum storage tank system, an application for site approval must be made to DELG Head Office by submitting a completed Schedule "A" Part I form, provide by the Department.
The site approval when granted, will notify the applicant of the requirements of installation based on the sensitivity of the area. The proponent may then complete a Schedule "A" Part II, to apply for an Environmental Approval for the design / construction phase of the project.
These approvals are a requirement of the New Brunswick "Petroleum Product Handling and Storage Regulation", and do not relieve the proponent of any provisions under the National Fire Code.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador report that approximately 66,000 households use oil as their main source of heat.
During the 2000/2001 heating season, there were approximately 600 residential oil spills reported.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that between 1996 and 1998, the total dollars paid out in claims from domestic oil tank leaks and spills in Atlantic Canada exceeded $11.9 million.
Oil Tank Resources for Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland / Labrador HEATING OIL
STORAGE TANK SYSTEM REGULATIONS, 2003 UNREGISTERED HEATING OIL TANK
OWNER INFORMATION BROCHURE [PDF] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation - etrieved 2023/03/21 original source: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/publications-env-protection-host-regs-brochure-20160909.pdf
Excerpt: On April 1, 2002, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador put into effect regulations for heating oil tanks. The main purpose of these regulations is to prevent heating oil leaks and spills. This will be accomplished through an oil tank inspection and registration procedure.
Newfoundland / Labrador STORAGE AND HANDLING OF GASOLINE AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS REGULATIONS, 2003 - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/Regulations/rc030058.htm
Excerpt: 3. Aboveground and underground storage tank systems of capacity of 2500 litres or less that are connected to a heating appliance are exempt from the provisions of this regulation.
Petroleum Storage Management, Newfoundland / Labrador DOE - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-protection/petroleum-storage-and-management/
Excerpt: The Petroleum Storage and Management Section administers regulations pertaining to the storage and management of petroleum in the province. The systems regulated include residential and commercial heating oil storage tank systems as well as the 80 million litre storage tank systems at the Transshipment Facility at Whiffen Head, and all systems in between.
Personnel are also involved in the development of regulations, policies and informational literature, the delivery of informational sessions, participation in industry associations, the licencing of heating oil storage tank system inspectors, the development and maintenance of a storage tank system database which will include information on tens of thousands of storage tank systems and the development of national standards through work with organizations including the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada organization and the Canadian Standards Association.
Personnel provide technical input on the implementation and interpretation of applicable regulations and numerous codes and standards.
Northwest Territories HOMEOWNERS GUIDE to OIL TANKS [PDF] (2010) Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: https://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/sites/enr/files/brochures/homeowners_guide_oil_tanks.pdf
DESIGN RATIONALE FOR NORTHERN FUEL STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES [PDF] Public Works and Services Government of the Northwest Territories - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: https://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/sites/inf/files/design_rationale_for_fuel_storage_and_distribution_facilities.pdf
Nova Scotia Oil Tank Regulations
Nova Scotia Department of the Environment
PO Box 2107
5151 Terminal Road, 5th Floor
Halifax, NS B3J 3B7
(902) 424-5300
Ontario Oil Tank Regulations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
4th Floor, West Tower
3300 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2X4
(416) 325-2000
Toll-Free (outside Toronto) 1-877-682-8772 (TSSA)
Oil Tank Resources for Nova Scotia Building Owners
DOMESTIC OIL STORAGE TANKS in Nova Scotia [PDF] (2021) Nova Scotia Government & Fuel Safety section of Labour & Advanced Education - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: https://novascotia.ca/lae/fuelsafety/petroleum-domestic/#:~:text=Top-,Tank%20installations,are%20installed%20by%20trained%20installers.
Ontario Oil Tank Regulations
Requirement for double-wall oil tank or secondary containment in Ontario
As of January 1, 2013 in Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will require that all new tanks, both indoors and outdoors, be installed with a double bottom, double wall or secondary containment. Contractors and installers are required to ensure that TSSA approved double bottom tanks are installed.
Requirement for Fuel Oil Storage Tank Inspections in Ontario
TSSA regulations require that all above-ground or buried oil tanks must be inspected (by the heating or fuel oil distributor) initially and at least once every ten years. The distributor may not deliver fuel to a fuel oil system or equipment that poses an immediate hazard. Such systems will be red-tagged.
This oil tank inspection may be provided to homeonwers by their heating oil delivery company as often as annually, and often at no charge.
If a defect is found the oil company may refuse to deliver oil or, depending on the urgency of the repair, may give the homeowner up to 90 days to correct the problem.
Requirement to Replace Oil Tanks Based on Age
No such regulation is specified in Ontario for above-ground oil tanks.
An existing aboveground fuel oil tank is considered approved, provided the tank was installed in accordance with the code at the time of installation. As long as the tank is not leaking, there is no age in which the tank must be replaced. - TSSA cited below
For below ground or buried oil tanks, see
CAN/CSA-B139-00 Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment. - available at https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/csa/ for abourt $250. !
Requirement to Remove Un-Used / Abandoned Oil Tanks in Ontario
According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority of Ontario (TSSA), if the underground fuel tank was installed:
25 or more years ago - the tank must be removed or upgraded by October 1, 2006
20 to 24 years ago - the tank must be removed or upgraded by October 1, 2007
10 to 19 years ago - the tank must be removed or upgraded by October 1, 2008
Less than a year to 9 years ago - the tank must be upgraded or removed by October 1, 2009.
Underground tanks with a storage capacity greater than 5,000 litres will need to be tested for leaks annually. Unused underground tanks are required to be removed and any contamination cleaned.
TSSA investigation statistics show that old, rusting underground tanks and poorly maintained and defective heating systems are the leading sources of oil leaks and spills. These leaks and spills can result in serious environmental damage and costly clean-up repairs for homeowners.
A leaking oil tank in the basement can become a serious fire and environmental hazard. Inside or outside the house, it can contaminate groundwater, affecting wells or other drinking water supplies near by.
The first step for owners is to register their tank, free of charge, with the TSSA. New regulations require all underground tanks to be registered with the TSSA by May 1, 2002 or oil will not be delivered to the tank. Oil tanks can be registered by completing the Underground Fuel Oil Application Form and returning it to TSSA. A registration number will be assigned to each tank that must then be given to a fuel distributor to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
It is important for underground oil tank owners to take safety into consideration. Old, underground tanks are very likely to leak, and oil leaks will contaminate soil and groundwater and result in expensive environmental clean-up costs.
Requirement to Use Outdoor-Rated Oil Tank for Tanks Outdoors
Oil storage tanks labeled as "Certified for indoor use" can not be used outdoors; the approval of the installation of such tanks will be considered void. - TSSA cited below
Oil Storage Tank Resources for Ontario Building Owners
ONTARIO REGULATION 213/01 213/01: FUEL OIL [PDF] (under Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 16) - interpretation of Oil Tank Regulation in Ontario - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/010213#BK17
In accordance with fuels industry standards in Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) registers qualified fuel contractors and inspectors. The information below explains regulations for specific types of storage tanks.
Ontario regulatory bodies prefer the use of aboveground fuel oil storage tanks as they are easier to inspect, reducing the risk of spills and increasing the likelihood of leak detection.
Currently, owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and removing their underground tank and for cleaning up contamination. Some fuel suppliers may have special financing programs to help you to replace an underground tank with an aboveground tank.
In early 2002, Prince Edward Island implemented regulations regarding domestic oil tank installations. When fully implemented, the PEI regulations will ensure that a licensed installer installs oil tanks and a licensed installer, or inspector, inspects existing systems. All tanks will be replaced every 15 - 25 years depending on the tank design and thickness.
PEI Prince Edward Island ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT PETROLEUM STORAGE TANKS REGULATIONS [PDF] (2015) Government of Prince Edward Island, Legislative Counsel Office
Tel: (902) 368-4292
Email: legislation@gov.pe.ca re - trieved 2023/03/21, original source: www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/legislation/E%2609-13-Environmental%20Protection%20Act%20Petroleum%20Storage%20Tanks%20Regulations.pdf
Quebec Oil Tank Regulations
Ministry of the Environment
Edifice Marie-Guyart, 6th floor
675 Rene-Levesque Soul. East
Quebec (Quebec) G1 R 5V7
(418) 521-3830 or 1-800-561-1616
Watch out: As of 1/1/2023, new or replacement heating systems powered by fossil fuels are or may be banned in Quebec
No tank may be used under pressure to feed fuel-fired heating appliances.
(1) Heating oil tanks are permitted:
( a ) inside buildings:
i. without enclosure, when:
(A) no more than 230 litres are stored above the basement or above the lowest floor;
(B) the tank is located in the basement and the capacity of such tank is 2,300 litres or less. In such a case, the total capacity permitted shall be 4,500 litres;
ii. with enclosure, when the capacity of the tank is greater than 2,300 litres. In such a case, the total capacity permitted shall be 55,000 litres;
iii. with enclosure and located in a room which is vertically and horizontally separated from the rest of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hours, when the capacity of the tank does not exceed 90,000 litres. In such a case, the total capacity permitted is 180,000 litres;
Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment
3211 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4S 5W6
(306) 787-2700
Tel: Environmental Resource Network inquiry line:
1-800-567-4224 (in province only). Ask for the Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Municipal Relations at 306-787-2680
Email muninfo@gov.sk.ca
Web: www.se.gov.sk.ca/
For questions or concerns regarding the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids within a community, please contact:
SPSA toll-free by calling 1-800-667-9660 or emailing SPSA@gov.sk.ca
Ministry of Environment toll-free by calling 1-800-567-4224 or emailing centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca
In Saskatchewan, oil tanks are regulated by the Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Regulations. Underground oil tanks in sites of moderate environmental sensitivity (considered "Class B") must meet the standards outlined in the Requirements for Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Systems at "Class B" Locations. This document is available on the Saskatechwan Environment website
Saskatchewan Fuel Tank Regulations PDF] - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/municipal-administration/tools-guides-and-resources/fuel-tanks
Excerpts:
A municipality may also adopt a bylaw prohibiting, regulating or controlling the storage locations of flammable/combustible liquids in or about buildings, or classes of buildings or improvements per clause 8(1)(b) of The Municipalities Act or clause 100.1(3)(a) of The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010.
The Ministry of Environment has regulations governing how fuel tanks must be installed and how fuel must be stored or dispensed. Saskatchewan Environment has information about its requirements on its website under Petroleum Product Waste.
The Fire Safety Act and regulations adopt the National Fire Code for regulating the storage, handling and dispensing of flammable/combustible materials in Saskatchewan. Municipalities shall administer and enforce this Act within their jurisdiction, as stated in clause 15(1).
Persons wanting to install fuel facilities should first contact the municipality before engaging the services of a professional or licensed installer to design the site and to prepare plans. The plans should detail all works and show how the installation and operation of fuel dispensing will comply with fire, environmental and other safety regulations.
The plans should be submitted for review to the municipality to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and regulations. If the municipality requires assistance in conducting a plan review and site inspection, they can obtain the services of a professional consultant or contact Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) for assistance.
NOTE: The National Fire Code states that "farm" type tanks with gravity dispensing are permitted only on a farm property.
Oil Storage Tank Resources for Yukon Building Owners
Yukon OIL TANKS GENERAL RULES [PDF] - retrieved 2023/03.21, original source: https://yukon.ca/en/storage-tank-permit
Excerpts:
Permits are required for Yukon storage tanks of all sizes, regardless of where they are situated.
Underground storage tanks
Underground storage tanks are those with 10% or more of their volume covered by materials such as concrete or earth.
Storage of hazardous substances other than petroleum products is not permitted in these tanks.
A permit is required for any underground storage tank system being used to store petroleum products.
You need a permit for any size of underground tank or tanks system for petroleum products.
Aboveground storage tanks
Aboveground storage tanks have 90% or more of their volume above the ground surface. It also must operate close to atmospheric pressure.
A permit is required for an aboveground storage tank system of connected tanks that:
holds petroleum products; or
holds other hazardous substances.
Out-of-use storage tanks
A permit is required to:
remove an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank systems that have been taken out of service.
abandon an underground storage tank in place.
Visit REMOVE an UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK (listed below) or more information.
Excerpt: Fuel handling and storage in mining applications have to be conducted properly to prevent environmental damage and protect public and worker safety.
This requires an understanding of the basic standards. Although the rules that govern fuel storage and handling in the Yukon are numerous and complex, the intent and safeguards created by the laws are similar for mining as for any other activity off claims.
This guidebook is a reference guide only and not a legal document. It is designed to assist mining operators in their required compliance with the rules and regulations relating to fuel storage and handling.
Yukon GUIDE to HOME HEATING OIL TANKS [PDF] (2014) Yukon Government, Additional printed copies are available at Yukon Housing Corp.
410 Jarvis St. Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2H5 - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: emrlibrary.gov.yk.ca/yhc/guide-to-home-heating-oil-tanks-2014.pdf
For questions about removing or decommissioning a fuel tank
email buildingsafety@yukon.ca or phone: 867-667-5741 or toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5741.
Yukon STORAGE TANK REGULATIONS (Environment Act) [PDF] (1997) - retrieved 2023/03/21, original source: laws.yukon.ca/cms/images/LEGISLATION/regs/oic1996_194.pdf
Yukon storage tank regulations set requirements for storing hazardous substances including petroleum products, and for keeping records of certain products.
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Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
For more information on oil storage tanks in Canada
Visit the REBGV homepage on realtorlink.ca under government relations - issues - underground storage tanks or call:
John Poole, Lieutenant
Fire & Rescue Service, City of Vancouver
Phone: 604-873-7872
Doug Robert, Manager
Environmental Protection Branch, City of Vancouver
Phone: 604-873-7567
Underground oil tanks storage tanks - A clarification regarding oil tank abandonment in place
My October 3, 2003 column focused on what realtors need to know about underground storage tanks. In it I posed the following situation to the City of Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services.
A property contains an underground storage tank, decommissioned 10 years ago in compliance with the law at that time, which required homeowners to remove contents and fill with sand. What is the position now on this tank?
We were told that the tank must meet current bylaw requirements, which means it must be removed.
Since then we've received a clarification. The City of Vancouver, Fire by-law no. 8191 (sec. 4.10.3) and the Sewer and Watercourse by-law no. 8093 (sec. 5.3) both require that tanks out of service for two years or not being reused, must be removed. But there are exceptions.
Doug Roberts, Manager, Environmental Protection Branch, Fire & Rescue Services, explains Fire By-Law section 4.10.3.2 Abandonment in Place:
1. Where the Fire Chief determines that it is impractical to remove an underground storage tank, such tank shall be filled with an inert material.
2. Where the Fire Chief determines that it is impractical to remove underground piping, such piping shall have the ends permanently sealed by capping or plugging. The procedure on issuing abandonment in place permits is:
Where it is deemed impractical by the Fire Chief to remove an underground storage tank, the owner may apply to the Fire Chief for permission to abandon the tank in place. These include situations where the storage tank is:
· located in whole or in part beneath a permanent building or other facility and that excavation of the storage tank is not practical;
· so large or of a type of construction that the excavation of the tank is not practical;
· inaccessible to the heavy equipment necessary for removal of the storage tank, or
· situated so that the removal of the storage tank would endanger the structural integrity of nearby buildings or other facilities.
The following steps must be taken to decommission a storage tank:
1. All remaining oil must be pumped out from the storage tank and connected pipes.
2. Sufficient holes are cut along the top of the storage tank to inspect the tank.
3. Any residual oil or sludge along the top of the storage tank must be removed.
4. The tank must be filled with an inert material such as low density concrete slurry mix, or sand/gravel. The access must be large enough to ensure the tank has been fully filled.
5. Associated piping shall be removed from the ground or purged of vapors and the ends permanently sealed by capping or plugging.
6. Written verification from a licensed contractor is required to the District Fire Inspector for work complete.
7. For your own protection, soil around the old tank site should be tested for contamination if contamination is found, you must contact the Environmental Protection Branch for instructions on how to replace soil with clean fill.
Question:
Do you have to remove the oil tank in basement if getting a new gas furnace
(Aug 1, 2014) Jan said:
Do you have to remove the oil tank in basement if getting a new gas furnace or can it stay in the basement?
Reply:
Jan, the answer to your question may be governed by local regulations. Often an old, not-leaking tank can remain as long as fire clearance distances are respected. Have the tank emptied and remove the fill and ven pipes outside to avoid an erroneous oil
Delivery.
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In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
Thanks to Dennis R. Turriff for discussing Canadian oil tank reporting, replacement, and leak regulations 01/21/2010
Canadian oil tank regulations sources include the individual provincial government websites and the Canadian Technical Standards and Safety Authority, 14th Floor, Centre Tower, 3300 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M8X 2X4 - http://www.tssa.org/ Contact the Canadian TSSA toll free at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) or 416-734-3300 for the Toronto area. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the delivery of a range of safety services. This includes the administration of Ontario’s Technical Standards & Safety Act, 2000 within various industry sectors and the delivery of safety programs to the public.
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.