Fully Licensed and Insured
Request an Oil Tank Scan
Request a Free Estimate
Fully Licensed and InsuredRequest an Oil Tank ScanRequest a Free Estimate 
It’s the news no homeowner wants to hear, there is an underground oil tank located on your property. Once you have confirmation of the existence of an oil tank, the clock starts ticking on having it removed. This process typically starts with gathering quotes from qualified professionals and having the soil around the tank tested for potential contamination. And then the work begins.
By this point, you might find yourself wondering if you can save some money and remove the tank yourself. The quick answer is no; all decommissioning and oil tank removal in BC, including New Westminster, must be carried out by a qualified professional and by a slew of provincial and municipal bylaws. There’s also the issue of safety and environmental responsibility. Read on to find out why all underground oil tanks need to be removed by certified experts.
Because of the potentially serious environmental and safety concerns surrounding oil tank removal, only qualified professionals are authorized to handle the decommissioning and removal process in New Westminster. That doesn’t mean your contractor friend with a backhoe; it means a licensed professional who will be able to remove the tank while respecting provisions outlined in both the BC Fire Code as well as local bylaws. In New Westminster, for example, a permit must be obtained from the New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services before an oil tank can be removed.
This might seem like a lot of red tape simply to remove an oil tank from your property, but there are reasons for the strict regulations. Abandoned oil tanks pose a health risk to people, animals, and nearby soil and waterways. Fumes from oil left in the tanks often contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled. There is also the risk of leaks, which can lead to costly environmental contamination and cleanup requirements.
Proper oil tank removal is significantly more complex than simply digging and filling in a large hole. Oil tank removal requires specialized tools for oil extraction, leak detection, and soil testing, knowledge of environmental safety protocols, and an understanding of how to safely dispose of the tank and any contaminated soil in accordance with legal requirements.
While oil tank removal is often a straightforward process, there is the potential for unforeseen challenges that could significantly complicate the job. For example, a leaking tank requires extensive soil remediation, which may involve excavation, chemical treatment, or even replacement of large sections of affected land.
Homeowners are legally required to have oil tanks removed by experienced professionals to ensure the tank and any contaminated soil are properly removed and remediated by provincial and municipal bylaws. This not only ensures that the tank and any remaining content are disposed of correctly and safely but also that the surrounding soil is free from harmful pollutants that could impact the environment as well as your property value.
However, if the potential health and safety consequences are not enough, there could also be extensive financial ramifications from attempting to remove your oil tank. Failing to follow regulations can lead to hefty fines, liability for environmental damage, and costly remediation efforts that far exceed the price of professional removal. Additionally, if contamination is discovered later, you can face legal action, the inability to renew a mortgage or home insurance, or even difficulty selling your property.
Some jobs are truly best left to those who have the skills, experience and equipment to get it done right, and oil tank removal in New Westminster definitely falls into that category.