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There are several reasons why you might need to have your property scanned for the presence of an oil tank. However, if your home was built before 1970, it’s a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Whether you need to sell your home or renew a mortgage, an oil tank scan certificate is your key to peace of mind — and the best method for obtaining this certificate is with a GPR scan.
An oil tank scan certificate sometimes called a no oil tank scan certificate, is simply a document that confirms a property has been professionally inspected, using an approved method such as a GPR scan, for the existence of a hidden underground oil tank. The report will either state that there was no oil tank underground oil tank located on the property, or confirm that there is a tank, and provide its location.
Performing a GPR scan and obtaining an oil tank certificate is often requested during real estate transactions, however, if you are renewing a mortgage or insurance policy and have not previously provided an oil tank scan report, you may also be asked to provide one. For most stakeholders, establishing that the property is free from underground oil tanks is a prerequisite to completing a sale, or obtaining a mortgage or insurance.
There are also health, environmental, and financial considerations. Underground oil tanks pose a significant safety risk to property occupants and neighbouring properties, and a contamination risk to soil and groundwater if an underground oil tank leaks.
If a hidden oil tank is found, the property owner must take the required action to remove the oil as well as any remediation work deemed necessary, after which an oil tank certificate may be obtained.
A property owner found to not have disclosed or otherwise concealed the presence of an underground oil tank can face substantial financial liability under several BC bylaws.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology offers a completely non-invasive way to scan a property for the presence of an underground oil tank. Using radar pulses, GPR allows technicians to see beneath the surface, enabling them to find subsurface objects like hidden oil tanks without digging.
When it comes to detecting underground oil tanks, GPR offers some distinct advantages over other means of detection. When combined with a skilled technician, GPR is the most accurate way to establish the presence of an underground oil tank. This reduces the risk of potentially missing an underground tank or delivering a false positive resulting in unnecessary excavation costs.
To get your oil tank scan certificate the first step is to contact a qualified professional to book a GPR scanning. Most companies understand there is often urgency in obtaining an oil tank certificate and will endeavour where possible to book appointments quickly. Typically, the GPR scan can be arranged within 1-2 days, and results are usually available shortly after the completion.
When you receive your report, it should contain several key components. Expect a description of the scanned area, images captured during the scan, and a professional assessment of any findings. If a hidden oil tank is detected, follow-up actions will be outlined in the report, otherwise, the report will certify that no oil tank was located on your property and you are done.
If your GPR scan reveals the presence of an underground oil tank, the next step is to arrange for oil tank removal and soil remediation (if necessary). Your GPR scanning contractor will be able to walk you through the process and help you obtain an oil tank certificate after the works have been completed.