Underground Storage Tank Removal

What is an Underground Storage Oil Tank (UST)?

An underground storage oil tank is a large container that is used to store oil below the ground. These tanks are typically made of metal and are used to store a variety of oils, including heating oil, diesel fuel, and other types of oil. They are commonly used by businesses and industries to store large amounts of oil and are often found at gas stations, industrial facilities, and other locations where oil is used. Underground storage oil tanks are more difficult to access and maintain than above-ground tanks, and they can also be more difficult to remove when they are no longer needed. However, they have the advantage of being out of sight and can be a more aesthetically pleasing option in some cases. This is where West Coast Tank Removal can help!

How is an underground storage oil tank removed?

The process for removing an underground storage oil tank is similar to the process for removing an above-ground tank. However, at West Coast Tank Removal, we follow all the correct steps to ensure the storage oil tank is removed safely and in compliance with the city by-laws. At all steps of the process, we ensure we follow all safety and compliance codes.

1. LOCATE THE UNDERGROUND OIL TANK : This involves using specialized equipment to locate the tank, such as ground-penetrating radar.
2. PREPARE THE AREA: Our crews will place plywood, clear access and utilize machinery with rubber tracks in an attempt to minimize damage whilst accessing the area to remove the Oil Tank
3. OBTAIN A BC ONE CALL/LOCATE UTILITIES : We will perform a BC One Call (Call Before You Dig), and locate surrounding utilities
4. CAREFULLY EXCAVATE : We will excavate the area around the tank in order to access it. This will typically involve digging down to the top of the tank and then carefully removing any soil or debris that is covering the tank.
5. DISPOSE OF CONTENTS & WASH : Next, we utilize (in-house) specialized vacuum trucks to pump out the contents and wash the inside of the Oil Tank
6. REMOVAL & ECO-RECYCLE : After the tank has been emptied, we physically remove it from the ground. This typically involves cutting the tank into smaller pieces using a saw or other cutting tool, and then carefully lifting the pieces out of the ground.

Why choose West Coast Tank Recovery? 

• We have thousands of hours of residential experience with hundreds of completed projects
• Fully licensed and insured with $5 million in coverage
• Over 20 years of staff experience
• WorkSafe BC, A+ BBB Rating