How do you know if you have an underground storage tank? Review these tips to help find out.
The Fire Department cannot confirm if an underground storage tank is on a property. We can only confirm if the property has ever applied for a storage tank removal permit. Environmental testing must be done by an independent contractor to confirm if a tank is on a property.
Before arranging the removal of an underground storage tank, the following guidelines must be followed:
- For removals of commercial use tanks, a complete set of engineered drawings must be submitted to the Fire Prevention division of the Fire Department.
- For removal of residential use tanks, a site drawing and tank location must be submitted to the Fire Prevention division of the Fire Department.
- All removals and installations must comply with BC Fire Code (Sections 4.3.8.6., 4.10. - 4.10.3.1.) and the Fire Prevention Bylaw (Section XIV 86.) regulations.
- Notification of three working days prior to tank removal is required in order to arrange on-site inspection by Fire Department personnel.
- All underground storage tanks that will not be reused, or have been out of service for three years, must be removed.
- The tank is not to be removed or back-filled prior to Fire Department inspections.
- The permit fee is $20.00 per tank and can be obtained from Fire Hall No.1 during regular business hours.