INFORMATION FOR TANK OWNERS

UNDERGROUND TANK REMOVAL REGULATIONS

• Underground storage tanks must be removed by a Licensed Petroleum Contractor holding a PM2 license.
  
• Individuals holding a PM2 license are trained and certified to remove underground tanks and comply with all safety regulations.
• An environmental assessment must be performed once the tank is removed or if a tank owner is applying for a variance to leave the tank in place.
  

• New regulations require all underground tanks to be registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by May 1, 2002 or fuel oil will not be delivered to the tank (contact the TSSA for a registration form)


• Old, underground tanks are very likely to leak.


• Oil leaking from underground tanks will contaminate soil and groundwater and result in expensive environmental clean-up costs!


• Underground tanks are required to be upgraded with specific leak and spill prevention equipment or removed.


• Upgrading requirements for underground tanks depend on the age of the tank (see table below).


• Underground tanks that are 25 years and older, or of an unknown age, and not specially protected from corrosion are required to be removed by October 1, 2006.


• Underground tanks with a storage capacity greater than 5 000 litres will need to be leak tested annually.


• Unused underground tanks are required to be removed and any contamination cleaned.