FAQs: Storage Tanks

Aboveground storage tanks

• At what age do aboveground fuel oil tanks have to be replaced?

  There is no age at which an approved aboveground tank must be replaced, as long as the tank is not leaking.  

  An existing aboveground fuel oil tank is considered approved if the tank was installed following the code at the time of installation.

• Can an aboveground tanks labelled “Inside Tank” be installed outdoors?

  No, an “Inside Tank” has been certified for indoor use. Installing one outdoors would void its approval. 

Underground storage tanks

• How can I tell if an underground tank is leaking?

  It is difficult to tell if an underground tank is leaking. If your oil consumption suddenly goes up, your tank may have sprung a large leak. But because the tank is buried, a small leak could go undetected for years. If you notice an abnormal increase in your oil consumption, or you suspect any kind of leak in your tank, contact your fuel supplier for help with finding underground tank testing companies. 

• What do I do if my underground tank is leaking?

  Call a TSSA-registered contractor to find and stop underground tank leaks.

  This contractor may also be able to help you with the required clean-up if any fuel oil has been spilled. 

  In the event of a spill incident, you must also notify the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Energy by calling 1-866-663-8477.

• How do I register an underground tank?

  To register your underground tank, you must submit the Underground Fuel Oil Application Form (pdf). After your application has been approved, TSSA will issue a registration number for your tank that you can give to your fuel distributor to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply. 

• How do I remove an underground tank?

  Only a TSSA-registered petroleum contractor is qualified to perform the removal of your underground or buried fuel oil tank. Before you hire a contractor, ask for the TSSA contractor's registration number, as all contractors must be registered.

  In the event of the removal of a tank or site closure, the owner or operator of a fuel storage facility must submit an Environmental Assessment Report, as required by TSSA’s Environmental Management Protocol (pdf).

  In case of a fuel oil spill during the removal, you must also notify the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Energy by calling 1-800-268-6060.

• I no longer use my underground storage tank. Do I have to remove it?

  Yes. Ontario regulations require you to remove an unused underground storage tank. The owner or operator of a fuel storage facility must submit an Environmental Assessment Report, as required by TSSA’s Environmental Management Protocol (pdf), in the event of the removal of a tank or site closure.

  However, TSSA may issue a variance that allows an underground tank to be abandoned in the ground. You must apply for a variance and submit an Environmental Assessment Report per Advisory FS-175-10 R1 (pdf) to get approval to abandon your fuel oil underground storage tank. The processing time for a variance application is reliant upon the completeness and quality of the submission. To request, expedited engineering services, please indicate on your application form and select 'Expedited' when submitting via the Portal. 

• Are there any government funds for homeowners upgrading or removing their underground tanks?

  Owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and removing their underground tanks 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.