 |
|
| |
Underground Fuel Oil Storage Tanks
Here's a list of common questions homeowners have regarding underground storage tanks:
 |
Q :Why do I have to register my underground tank?
A : Under Ontario Regulation 213/01 (The Fuel Oil Regulation), it is mandatory that all underground (buried) fuel oil tanks be registered with TSSA.
Reference: Ontario Regulation 213/01 "Fuel Oil", Section 7. (4)
Additional Information:
- "No person shall supply fuel oil to an underground tank unless the underground tank is registered." Ontario Regulation 213/01 "Fuel Oil", Section 7. (4).
- These regulations help to protect Ontario's environment from possible fuel oil leaks. Creating a registry of the location and age of each underground tank in the province ensures that fuel oil tanks that are in danger of leaking do not continue to receive fuel oil.
- By registering the tank, TSSA will be able to keep track of the location and condition of underground fuel oil tanks in Ontario.
Q :How do I register my underground storage tank?
A : You need to complete and submit an Application for an Ontario Registration to Operate / Install an Underground Fuel Oil Tank (I.D. FS 09143) ( ) to TSSA. Following the processing of your application for registration of your underground (buried) fuel oil tank you will receive written notification that your tank is registered with TSSA, with its own unique registration number.
When you receive this registration number, you are required to quote it to your fuel oil distributor. This will prevent potential disruptions with your fuel oil service delivery.
Additional Information:
- TSSA has advised fuel oil distributors that unregistered tanks are to be considered non-immediate hazards and fuel should be provided to clients and notice given to them to obtain a registration number within a timeframe not exceeding 90 days.
Reference: Ontario Regulation, 213/01 "Fuel Oil", Section 24.
Q :Is there a cost associated with registering my underground storage tank?
A : No there is not. This service is free of charge.
TSSA will provide the Application form (Application for an Ontario Registration to Operate / Install an Underground Fuel Oil Tank (I.D. FS 09143) () as well as a return envelope.
Additional Information:
Please return the form back to TSSA by one of the following methods:
Mail
TSSA Fuels Safety
14th Floor, Centre Tower
3300 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M8X 2X4 | Fax
toll-free: 1-888-417-1371 |
Q :I no longer use my underground storage tank. can I leave it in place and not remove it?
A : If you are thinking of abandoning your fuel oil underground storage tank, you are required to submit an application for a Variance to TSSA. Upon receipt of your Variance Application, it will be reviewed and soon after (approximately 21 business days) you will receive written notification informing you of the outcome of your variance application.
Additional Information:
- The Variance Process will determine whether:
1. The tank must be removed.
2. It can remain in place, with conditions.
- Variance Application Forms and Abandonment Information Sheets are available on our website.
- For information relating to the variance application process, please contact:
Stephen Hoyle
Coordinator, Environmental Services
Tel: (416) 734-3444 Email: shoyle@tssa.org
|
Q :How can I tell if my underground tank is leaking?
A : If your oil consumption suddenly goes up, your tank may have sprung a large leak. If this is the case, contact the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Energy at 1-800-268-6060.
Additional Information:
- Because underground fuel oil storage tanks are buried, it is difficult to tell whether the tank is leaking or not. Some underground tanks may leak for years without the tank's owner realizing it.
- Tanks over 5000 liters need to be leak tested annually.
Reference: CAN/CSA-B139-00 "Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment".
|
Q :What do I do if my underground tank is leaking?
A : You must call a TSSA registered petroleum mechanic 2 (PM 2) who will find and stop the leak on your behalf. The hired contractor may also assist you with the clean up that is required if any fuel oil has been spilled.
You are also required to call the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Energy at 1-800-268-6060 to notify them of the spill incident.
Additional Information:
- Your insurance company may also be able to assist you in dealing with the spill incident.
- To find a Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 (PM 2), contact TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) for the names of contractors in your area.
Q :How do I find a petroleum equipment mechanic 2?
A : To find a Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 (PM 2), contact TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) for the names of contractors in your area.
Additional Information: Petroleum equipment mechanics are designated as follows:
| PetroleumEquipment MechanicsCertificate Designation | Scope of Certificate |
| PM 1 | Service and maintenance petroleum equipment. (Liquid fuels, not including fuel oil) |
| PM 2 | Underground tank installation, unlimited capacity. (Liquid fuels and fuel oil) |
| PM 3 | Aboveground tank installation, unlimited capacity. (Liquid fuels and fuel oil) |
| PM 4 | Installation of aboveground small tank, less than 500 gallons. (Liquid fuels and fuel oil) |
| PM H | Petroleum equipment mechanics helper. (Liquid fuels, not including fuel oil) | |
Reference: Ontario Regulation 216/01 "Certification of Petroleum Equipment Mechanics".
|
Q :How do I remove my underground tank?
A : You must contact a TSSA registered Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 to perform the task. Only a TSSA registered Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 (also known as a PM 2) is qualified to perform the removal task of your underground (buried) fuel oil tank. Ensure you ask for the TSSA contractor registration number prior to contracting with them. (All contractors must be registered)
To find a Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 (PM 2), contact TSSA at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) for the names of contractors in your area.
You are reminded that in case of any fuel oil spill you are also required to notify the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Energy at 1-800-268-6060.
Additional Information:
- Your insurance company may also be able to assist you in dealing with the spill incident.
- When an underground tank is removed, the soil around the tank must be assessed for possible contamination. If a spill of fuel oil is confirmed then the hired contractor will also assist you with the clean up that is required by law.
|
Q :I have an underground tank that I am no longer using, what should I do?
A : Once the use of an underground (buried) fuel oil tank has been permanently discontinued, the tank must be removed by a qualified TSSA registered Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2 (also known as a PM 2).
Additional Information:
- See Removal of underground storage tanks
Q :What is the time frame / deadline for removing or upgrading my underground fuel oil tank?
A : It is based on the age of the fuel oil underground (buried) storage tank system, as per following schedule:
Age of Underground Tank System
(Years from date of original installation) | Deadline for Removal or Upgrade |
| 25 or more (or if unknown) | October 1, 2006 |
| 20-24 | October 1, 2007 |
| 10-19 | October 1, 2008 |
| 0-9 | October 1, 2009 | |
Additional Information: To order a copy of this Code please contact Canadian Standards Association directly at:
CSA
Tel: (416) 747-4000
Tollfree: 1-800-463-6727
Website: www.csa-international.org
See Removal of underground storage tanks
Reference: Appendix "A" of the CAN/CSA-B139-00 (Canadian Standards Association) Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment.
Q :Financing considerations for the removal / upgrade of UST - who pays for this?
A : Owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and/or removing their underground (buried) fuel oil storage tanks.
The cost associated with cleaning up contamination is the responsibility of the owner.
Additional Information:
- You may want to contact your insurance company for additional information.
Q :Is there any government subsidy or special financing for expenses incurred for the removal / upgrade of fuel oil underground (buried) storage tanks?
A : No, there isn't any at this time. Owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and/or removing their underground (buried) fuel oil storage tanks.
The cost associated with cleaning up contamination is the responsibility of the owner.
Additional Information:
- You may want to contact your insurance company for additional information.
Q :I want to remove or install my own underground fuel oil tank, can I?
A : Yes, but only through a variance technical review process by TSSA.
Additional Information: Please contact TSSA at (416) 734-3300.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 | TSSA Media Release: Top 5 Safety Tips for First-Time Skiers and Snowboarders
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Safety Education Research Graduate Scholarships
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Uni-Tech Elvator Pleads Guilty to Safety Violation
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Move with the Grooves on Escalators
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - What You Should Know
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Be WinterWise on Ski Lifts this March Break
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Peterborough Amusement Device Owner Guilty of Safety Violation
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA's Action Plan for Propane Safety Review Recommendations
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Expert Panel Reviewing Propane Safety in Ontario Recommendation Implementation Plan
| |
|
| | |
|
| TSSA Media Release: Escalator Safety is Up to You Too
| |
|
| | |
| |
|
| View Archives |
|
