Underground Oil Storage Tanks

Does it need to be removed?

Under VFBL, Section 4.10.3., all underground oil tanks which have no further use or have been out of service for two years must be removed. Owners are required to take remedial action to retrofit the tanks by either removal or neutralizing the tanks for contamination if removal is not feasible.

Who is responsible for tank removal?

The Owner(s) of the building is responsible for removing the tank.

How to find out if there is a tank buried on a particular property

The City does not have these records. Hire a contractor with the specialized equipment to detect an underground storage tank can be hired. If a tank is detected, it is the responsibility of the owner to have the tank removed in a timely manner. If no tank is detected, the contractor shall submit a letter to the FPO stating as much.

The City of Vancouver does not recommend and particular contractor, but they can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Tanks - Installation/Cleaning/Removal."

Cost of the permit?

The cost of of the permit to remove an underground oil, storage tank is $300.00 for commercial and residential.

Can an application be obtained online?

Yes. An application is available online to print out (vancouver.ca/fire/services/permits.htm). The completed application must be brought in to the Fire Prevention Office at #201 - 456 West Broadway, for authorization by a Fire Inspector. The applicant will then take the completed application to East Wing City Hall Permits desk (2nd floor) for payment and the issuing of a permit.

Can it be abandoned in place?

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. They include situations where the storage tank is:

a) located in whole or in part beneath a permanent building or other facility and that excavation of the storage tank is not practical;

b) so large or of a type of construction that the excavation of the tank is not practical;

c) inaccessible to the heavy equipment necessary for removal of the storage tank, or

d) situated so that removal of the storage tank would endanger the structural integrity of nearby buildings or other facilities.

How to find out if an underground oil storage tank has been removed?

The customer can contact the Fire Prevention Office at 604-873-7593, and ask the Fire Inspector to check the City records, to see if a tank removal permit was taken out. A further check can be made to see if a letter from a contractor was submitted to the City, indicating that no tank was found on site.

What is the process if the tank has caused contamination of the surrounding soil?

If an oil tank site is contaminated, the office of the Environmental Protection Branch 604-871-6540 becomes involved. They will ensure that the tank and contaminated soil has been removed and disposed of in a proper manner.

What paperwork does the City of Vancouver require from the applicant?

A letter of Verification must be provided to the City by the applicant stating that all soil has been removed in a safe manner and that the site has been left in clean condition. In the case of a contaminated site, an environmental report shall also be submitted.

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