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Photograph of - is this heating oil running across the basement floor? Notice the abandoned oil line at the furnace?Canadian Oil Tank Regulations by Province
Oil tank installation, removal, leak reporting

Canadian regulations for home heating oil storage tanks.

Here we provide a more readable copy of Canadian oil tank regulations for each province.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Canadian Oil tank articles, usage & care, regulations

Canadian Oil Storage Tank Information Resources by Province

For information on oil tank safety, contact the following Canadian organizations listed by province.

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Canadian Oil Tank Regulations & Authorities
ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA
MANITOBA NEW BRUNSWICK
NOVA SCOTIA NEWFOUNDLAND
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES ONTARIO
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND QUEBEC
SASKATCHEWAN YUKON

 

Environment Canada Petroleum & Allied Petroleum Products Storage Tanks Regulations

Above ground oil storage tank (C) Daniel FriedmanThese country-wide guidelines are useful for people in every Canadian province.

Alberta Oil Tank Regulations

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:

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:

British Columbia Oil Tank Regulations

Web: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/industrial-waste/fue

Website exerpt:

There are currently no specific provincial regulations to govern petroleum storage tanks.

We recommend tank owners follow the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) codes of practice for such tanks.

These codes may be obtained through the CCME office: Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. - 2023/03/21

Office of the Fire Commissioner
Ministry of Community Aboriginal and Women's Services
P.O. Box 9491 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9N7
(250) 356-9000

Email: OFC@gems8.gov.bc.ca

Web: http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/firecom

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

BC Oil Tank Documents

Manitoba Oil Tank Regulations

Mechanical and Engineering Branch
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
500 - 401 York Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C OP8
(204) 945-1359

Web: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/environment_and_biodiversity/petroleum_storage/index.html

Website excerpt:

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

 

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.

Web: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/elg/environment/content/land_waste/content/reference_manual/petroleum_storagetanks.html

Resources for Manitoba Oil Tank Owners

 

Newfoundland & Labrador Oil Tank Regulations

Canadian Oil Heat Association
Newfoundland Chapter

Email: Newfoundland@coha.ca

Web: http://www.coha.ca

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

 

Northwest Territories Oil Tank Regulations

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)

Email: E-mail: contactus@tssa.org

Web: http://www.tssa.org

Oil Tank Resources for Nova Scotia Building Owners

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

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:

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

P. E. I. Prince Edward Island Oil Tank Regulations

Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment
Jones Building
11 Kent Street P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE CIA 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5000

Web: www.gov.pe.ca

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.

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

 

Saskatchewan Oil Tank Regulations

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.

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

Yukon Oil Tank Regulations

Yukon Housing Corporation
410H Jarvis Street
Whitehorse, Yukon
(867) 667-5759
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0408

Oil spills in the Yukon must be reported

Oil Storage Tank Resources for Yukon Building Owners

 


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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

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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