Blog

August 23, 2023

Oil Tanks and Soil Contamination

Outdated oil tanks have been causing issues for property owners in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for decades. This isn’t because of problems with household heating. The majority of homes in the region don’t even use oil furnaces for heating anymore. It’s the disused oil storage tanks that are causing complications.

When natural gas became the Province of British Colombia’s main source of heating starting in the 1960s, the tanks that had been previously used to store oil became obsolete. These large tanks were unsightly and unnecessary but there wasn’t anywhere to put them. Therefore, many remained on properties with some being buried underground to stay out of sight and out of mind.

Since then, we’ve learnt that oil can have disastrous effects on our environment. We’ve all seen news footage of oil spills at sea and the damage they can do to our oceans. But did you know that oil can also harm the soil that it leaks into? While most oil tanks were emptied before being buried or abandoned, they still contain some residual oil on the sides and bottom that is at risk of leaking out due to the tanks no longer being cared for. Oil tanks can erode over the years from being exposed to weather or become compromised from the pressure when they are buried.

Usually, the first point of contact for this oil is the soil that surrounds the tank. As you are probably aware, soil provides a habitat for many plants and animals and when it is contaminated the health of these ecosystems is threatened. Not only is the health of plant life and animal ecosystems threatened by soil contamination from oil tanks, but so is our health. When oil gets into the soil, water can easily carry the contaminated chemicals through the soil and into local bodies of water. We may also be at risk if we consume anything that was grown in this contaminated soil.

It can be a stressful time for property owners when they learn that there is an oil tank on their property in Vancouver. Not only is the owner legally obligated by the city to remove the oil tank, but the owner also must deal with concerns over contaminated soil. If you are in this situation, the first thing you need to do is get the soil tested. An environmental specialist can take five samples, as required by City by-laws, and have them analyzed to see if there are dangerous chemicals in the soil where the oil tank is or has been excavated from.

Should these soil samples come back positive for contamination, there is no need to panic. This is something that can be rectified with a Contaminated Soil Remediation Company.

A contaminated soil remediation company can safely remove contaminated soil in a manner that is up to code with the city of Vancouver and refill the area with healthy soil. Not only are you fulfilling legal requirements by availing of this service, but you are also providing the local plant and wildlife with a much healthier habitat.

Along with oil tank excavation, West Coast Tank Removal also acts as a contaminated soil remediation company. We can assist you in detecting a tank on your property, removing the said tank and replenishing any contaminated soil caused by the oil storage tank. By assigning the entire project to one company, you can rest assured that the process will be smooth and efficient. We are also available to step in at any stage. So, if you have already discovered an oil tank or had it removed but you are concerned about the surrounding soil, let us be your contaminated soil remediation company.

Give West Coast Tank Recovery a call today for all your tank removal and contaminated soil remediation needs!