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Frequently Asked Questions

Underground Oil Tanks



Q : What is an underground oil tank?
A : An underground oil tank is a container that is buried and contains fuel oil to be used in appliances, such as furnaces and boilers. Tanks that are in basements are not considered underground tanks.


Q : How can I tell if my underground tank is leaking?
A : Because they are buried, it is difficult to tell if the tank is leaking. Some underground tanks may leak for years with very without owners realizing it. If your oil consumption suddenly goes up your tank may have sprung a large leak! There are companies that test underground tanks for leaks. Call your fuel supplier to help you find underground tank testing companies.


Q : What do I do if my underground tank is leaking?
A : Call a TSSA registered fuel oil contractor to help you find and stop the leak and clean up any leaked fuel oil. You are also required to call the Spills Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment at 1-800-268-6060. Your insurance company may also be able to assist you.


Q : Who are TSSA Registered Contractors?
A : By law, all contractors working on fuel oil equipment such as underground tanks are required to be registered with TSSA. Persons repairing, installing, removing and servicing fuel oil underground tanks are also required to be trained and certified as a Petroleum Equipment Mechanic 2. Your fuel supplier may be able to refer you to some good TSSA registered fuel oil contractors.


Q : How do I register my underground tank?
A : By completing the Underground Fuel Oil Application Form and returning it to TSSA, your tank will become registered. A registration number will be assigned to your tank that you can give to your fuel distributor to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.


Q : How do I remove my underground tank?
A : Underground tanks are required to be removed by TSSA registered fuel oil contractors. When you call a contractor, ask for the TSSA registration number. When an underground tank is removed, the soil around the tank must be assessed for contamination and all contamination cleaned.


Q : I have an underground tank that I am no longer using, what should I do?
A : Once an underground tank stops being used, or where it hasn t been used in two years the underground tank is required to be removed and all contaminated soil cleaned.


Q : Is there any government funds for homeowners upgrading or removing their underground tanks?
A : Currently, owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and removing their underground tank and for cleaning up contamination. Some fuel suppliers may have special financing programs to help you in replacing the underground tank with an aboveground tank.
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