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February 15, 2022 by Waterline Environmental

5 Reasons Why You Need A Commercial Oil Tank Removal

Commercial oil tanks once provided a method for heat and transferring energy into buildings. With the emergence of more effective and efficient methods to achieve this, commercial oil tanks began to lose their purpose.

Rather, it has become critical and highly recommended to remove your commercial oil tank. Waterline Environmental has compiled a list of 5 reasons why you need a commercial oil tank removal.

1. Save on costs by removing your commercial oil tank

As mentioned above, newer and more energy-efficient systems are now available, removing the need for commercial oil tanks. By choosing to carry on using an oil tank, you face high maintenance costs in addition to the expensive fuel required to operate the oil tank.

Moreover, once an oil tank has been detected on your commercial property, removing it immediately and prior to any further damages can help save costs. Removing an oil tank may feel expensive upfront, but a leaked or damaged tank will be a lot more costly in the long run due to remediation and complications.

2. Complying with city bylaws

In addition to underground oil tanks being costly, it is also against your provincial and city regulations to keep an unused one.

Ontario regulations require you remove unused underground storage tanks as outlined by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority Act (TSSA).

3. Health and safety

Keeping an underground oil tank on your property can potentially impact the environment, which, in turn, can affect the individuals on the property and the surrounding area.

If the oil tank begins to erode or leak, this will harm the environment around the tank. The oil can quickly begin to contaminate the soil, water, and air as a result. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the contamination will substantially increase the cost of removal as it will require soil remediation.

4. Property value increases

When it comes time to say goodbye to your property and put it up for sale, the underground oil tank may make that process more difficult. While you might have managed to keep the underground oil tank, more and more potential buyers refuse to purchase properties with them.

It becomes a financial burden for future buyers and may bring down your property value by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Moreover, if there was a neglected leakage, as the seller you may get in trouble for negligence.

5. Preparing for renovation

Lastly, an underground oil tank may interrupt your plans for renovating your property. One issue is that the underground oil tank could hinder the construction work. Another, even larger, issue is that an underground oil tank can leak as far as to your building, effecting the price of the current work or ruining any renovation you may conduct.

Whether an issue arises before, during or after, an underground oil tank can cause some serious harm. It is important to remain proactive with your oil tank whether you want to keep it, inspect and maintain it regularly, or have it removed.

Why choose Waterline Environmental?

Waterline Environmental is Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), PM2, and PM3 licensed. We provide quality and reliable commercial oil tank removal to ensure your satisfaction and safety.

February 15, 2022 by Waterline Environmental

What Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Underground Oil Tanks

As a real estate agent, if you are looking to sell a property that has an underground storage tank or underground oil tank, it must be removed by a licensed company. Ignoring a home with an old underground oil tank can negatively impact your sale or your buyer’s satisfaction. It is important to be proactive and determine whether or not an underground storage tank exists and being transparent with the seller and buyers on the situation. Failure to do so can result in many issues including ultimately losing the sale. Waterline Environmental has compiled a list of factors that impact a real estate agent regarding underground oil tanks.

Excavator removing an underground oil tank

Complying with the Technical Standard and Safety Authority (TSSA) Act

As a real estate agent, it may not be critical to know the entire Technical Standard and Safety Authority Act but it is important to trust and consult with experts who do. The main takeaway from the TSSA is the outline of the appropriate procedures that are required to be taken by homeowners regarding their underground oil tank. As a real estate agent, your buyer requires full disclosure on the existence of an underground oil tank.

Underground oil tanks can affect the value of your home sale

It is recommended that underground storage tanks are removed prior to listing the house and certainly before going closing the sale. If the buyer asks to have an underground storage tank removed before closing, the length of this process can be longer than desired due to potential spillage/contamination. As a result, the seller may have to spend months and a large amount of money to cover the costs and the buyer may be forced to move in and carry on dealing with the oil tank removal process. This may ultimately impact the value of your home sale as these cost complications can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not to mention, it is likely that the buyer may bow out of the purchase or be dissatisfied due to the financial cleanup.

Negative visual for potential homebuyers

Trying to sell a home with an underground storage tank has become increasingly challenging as home buyers are aware of the financial and mental exertion that comes with removing one. It is recommended to take care of the oil tank removal prior to seeking potential buyers as this can become a negative visual. To increase your chances of selling (and at an attractive price), it is beneficial to have the oil tank removed immediately and the documentation to prove it.

Possible spills can result in remediation costs

It is a lot more costly to remove an underground storage tank after it has leaked or been abandoned than it is immediately upon uncovering. Leakage will likely result in soil contamination, increasing the level of damage done and remediation required. It is important to get the underground oil tank inspected and removed immediately. An expert would be able to determine if soil remediation is required. Without removing soil contamination, this can negatively affect the environment and public health all while increasing the cost of cleanup.

Having a partnership with an oil tank removal company you can trust

As a real estate agent, there is a relatively high likelihood of you coming across underground storage tanks that require removing. Similarly to earning the trust of your potential buyers, you should be able to trust your oil tank removal partner. You want to work with the same oil tank removal company each time to ensure quality and reliable work is conducted every time. This will protect your sale and your customer’s satisfaction, as well as reduce the pressure and stress you may have. Learn more about why you need an underground oil tank removal partner you can trust.

Contact Waterline Environmental Inc. for all your oil tank removal needs!

In addition to having a reputation of delivering comprehensive, stress-free services, Waterline Environmental is Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), PM2, and PM3 licensed. We are also environmentally insured and a member of the Ontario Petroleum Contractors Association (OPCA). Contact us today to learn more about why Waterline Environmental is your best choice for a residential oil tank removal partner. President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson Email: waterline@idirect.com Direct: 905-876-8298 Office: 855-333-6604 Fax: 519-856-2149

August 9, 2021 by Waterline Environmental

What You Need to Know About Oil Tank Regulations and Codes in Ontario

So, you just discovered there is an oil tank buried in your backyard. Now you may be wondering, what does this mean? Whether you just purchased your home or have lived in it for many years, the reality is that this newly discovered oil tank is your responsibility. The thing about oil tanks is that they come with a carefully constructed list of regulations and codes governed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, often referred to as the TSSA. If not properly maintained and taken care of, oil tanks can cause serious environmental damage. If you have never had to manage an oil tank in the past, this may all seem foreign to you. Before making any further decisions, ensure you are educated on fuel oil regulations and codes. Once you know this, you will be able to start the process of updating your oil tank to meet the current expectations.

Your Oil Tank Must Be Registered with the TSSA

Before you are able to have your filled, inspected, maintained or removed, you must first confirm that it is registered. Each unit has a unique registration number, and if you are unsure whether your unit is registered or not, the TSSA will be able to confirm this information for you. If it has been confirmed that your unit is not yet registered, you must contact the TSSA to register it. The process is quick and easy, and doesn’t cost anything. You can simply fill out the application form online. Once your form is processed, you will receive a registration number from the TSSA. This number can then be provided to the fuel oil distributor to avoid uninterrupted fuel oil supply.

Aboveground VS Underground

Depending on your tank and location, there may be different regulations for your system. Firstly to avoid confusion, the TSSA has outlined the definition of both aboveground and underground tanks. Aboveground Tank– “means a tank that is installed at or above grade level within a building or within a secondary containment, but does not include a tank that is in direct contact with backfill material”. Free standing fuel oil tanks in basements that are not in direct contact with backfill material are considered, by the TSSA, as above ground tanks. Underground Tank– “means a buried tank or partially buried tank that is in direct contact with earth or backfill”. The TSSA does not consider fuel oil tanks that are in basements to be underground tanks unless they are in direct contact with backfill material. Now that you have identified which tank you own, be sure you keep in the loop with all the appropriate regulations for that unit. Underground systems have more strict guidelines within the TSSA, and it is important that you follow them.

Your Underground Oil Tank is not Being Used Anymore

If your oil tank has not been used in two years or more, is located underground, and you have no intention of ever using it again, it must be removed as soon as you are able. This is not just a recommendation but rather, a regulation enforced by the TSSA. This was put into place to ensure that the amount of environmental damage from fuel oil leaks can be kept to a minimum. Oftentimes, homeowners have no idea they have a tank hidden away underneath their home. If a leaking tank was left neglected for a number of years, the damage would be tremendous and difficult to repair. This is why the TSSA has expectations put in place to avoid as much damage as possible, and ensure that homeowners are being diligent with maintaining their tank.

Underground Tank Removal Requirements

In addition to removal due to lack of use, you are also required to remove your tank if it is 25 years old or more as of October 2001. If you are unable to tell the age of your oil tank for any reason, you are expected to assume it has exceeded the removal age, and have it withdrawn from service and removed or replaced. When it is time to arrange your oil tank removal, it must be removed by a TSSA registered fuel oil contractor with a Petroleum Equipment Mechanic license. Once the tank has been removed, the TSSA must be notified, and the property owner must have an Environmental Assessment Report completed by a professional. If a leak of fuel oil is confirmed during this process, then the Spill Action Center of the Ministry of Environment must be notified. Waterline Environmental is TSSA, PM2 and PM3 licensed as well as environmentally insured as a member of the Ontario Petroleum Contractors’ Association. As experts in our field, we are equipped to assist our clients from the beginning to the end of the process from quoting, to removal, as well as soil remediation afterwards. Our goal is always to ensure that our clients are in compliance with all TSSA regulations from our first discussion to our last visit.

Oil Tank Maintenance

In effort to ensure that you meet all the requirements set out by the TSSA, you are also expected to have your oil tank professionally maintained annually. This maintenance should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to guarantee your specific unit is properly cared for. This yearly inspection focuses on the function of the oil tank, and the assurance that it is performing correctly. In addition to annual maintenance, you must also complete a more comprehensive inspection every ten years. This inspection focuses more on ensuring that the oil tank meets all the TSSA code and regulations.

Contact the Waterline Environmental Team

While assuming responsibility over a fuel oil tank may seem like an overwhelming process, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Ensuring your tank is registered, annually maintained, and removed if required based on TSSA guidelines. Should you require a removal or soil remediation, contact our team at Waterline Environmental. We are Canadian owned and operated, and take great pride on our workmanship, believing in a hands-on approach. Our team is thorough, concise and efficient in our process. Ensuring your tank is removed properly, and with care is our number one priority.

December 9, 2020 by Waterline Environmental

Oil Tanks vs. Natural Gas: Which Home Energy Option is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

How your home is heated may not be high on your list of considerations, but it is certainly something worth thinking about, especially if you are looking to purchase a home or do some upgrades to your current property.

While oil tanks may be considered an out-dated technology, it is still a home-heating option, particularly in older model homes in downtown Toronto and other historic neighbourhoods in and around the GTA.

oil-vs-natural-gas

So, should you be looking for a home with an oil tank or requesting natural gas? Well, there are a few factors to consider:

Which heating system has a smaller carbon footprint?

The short answer is natural gas. However, as fossil fuel must be extracted from the earth, CO2 emissions from combustions from homes and tailpipes don’t tell the whole story.

The drilling, extraction, and transportation of natural gas results in the loss of some leaked gas, known as “fugitive” methane emissions. These emissions range from one to nine percent of total life cycle emissions. Thus, for natural gas to have less of an impact on the environment than oil, fugitive methane emissions must be low, typically less than three per cent.

With new technologies developed every day, fugitive methane emissions are much lower than those from coal and oil and continue to drop.

Which one is more expensive

There is no doubt that natural gas costs significantly less than oil for heating a home. Additionally, natural gas is still a locally sourced fossil fuel (within North America), which means prices are not forecasted to fluctuate greatly any time in the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, oil has seen an almost 80% increase in pricing over the past two years, thanks mainly to continued tensions in the Middle East and demand.

Does one or the other affect renovation costs?

Maintenance for a natural gas furnace, such as replacing a filter, is a relatively low cost. However, when it comes time to replace your furnace, you will be looking at paying anywhere from $2,150 to over $5,000, which is not a minor expense.

In contrast, oil tanks must be inspected every year, which on average costs about $300. If underground oil tank removal is required, it can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000. So, in the sense of maintenance and replacements, oil tanks and furnaces are reasonably close in costs.

The unexpected cost to keep in mind is if an underground oil tank leaks. If your oil tank is leaking into the surrounding earth, you will be facing soil remediation costs as well as possibly paying some hefty fines for contamination. In this regard, natural gas is a much cheaper option for home heating.

Do You Have a Buried Oil Tank on Your Property?

If you have questions about oil tank removal, or if you are wondering if there is a buried oil tank on your property, call the experts at Waterline Environmental today for an inspection!

To learn more about our oil tank removal service, contact us today or visit our FAQ page.

December 9, 2020 by Waterline Environmental

Old Neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area that may have Underground Oil Tanks

Old homes can have a lot of appeals; they are charming, located in mature neighbourhoods and full of history. In the City of Toronto and its surrounding areas, there are a number of these neighbourhoods, all with their distinct culture and heritage.

Did you know that if your house was built before 1982 then chances are you probably have an old and leaky oil tank on your property? This means your oil tank is most likely not up to code.

Let’s take a look at some old residential neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area that may have underground oil tanks:

1. Brampton

Brampton has a rich history. Some communities have been around since 1815; that’s 200 years ago!

Nelson Street West

Nelson Street West was established in the mid-19th century, and now you’ll find detached houses, a few semi-detached houses, and most likely, some underground oil tanks as well.

Four Corners

The Four Corners is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Brampton and was founded in 1830! In 1867, civic buildings and homes were built, and underground oil tanks were most likely installed and later forgotten.

Unfortunately, if you believe that your property does have an underground water tank, you cannot remove it yourself. This is where Waterline Environmental comes into play! To learn more about an oil tank removal situation, please reach out to us at 905-876-8298.

2. Mississauga

Mississauga was founded in 1974, and it has grown to become Canada’s 6th largest city, with some ‘villages’ still existing today!

Streetsville

One of these villages is the lovely town of Streetsville. Most of Streetsville was built in the 1950s to 1970s, and as you can imagine from those time frames, you can expect that oil tanks were the most common method used for heating your home.

Also, in the 1970s and 1980s, there was vast development around the North and Southside of the credit river. These homes are beautiful and have great views of the river, but if you want to sell your home, you may be surprised to find out you have the responsibility of removing your underground oil tank before selling.

If you currently live in Streetsville and want to know if you have an underground oil tank, you can contact us to receive a free inspection!

3. Toronto, Ontario

As one might expect from a multicultural city like Toronto, the city is a mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its charm, style, and you bet it: age. If you live in one of the older communities, built before the 1980s, then you may have an oil tank and not know it!

Forest Hill

Forest Hill is home to Matt’s Sundin, Ted Rogers and Drake, just to name a few. It’s also one of Toronto’s older neighbourhoods. Around 2017, approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the Forest Hill homes were torn down and remodelled. What about the rest of the homes built between the 1920s and 1940s? Our question is, have they removed their underground oil tanks?

The Annex

Featuring large Victorian and Edwardian homes, The Annex is mainly residential, with homes built between 1880 and the early 1900s. With its 19th-century style, the homes in this community have a distinctly Toronto flair, with many notable families, including the Eatons, having lived here over the years.

While these homes are beautiful, many of them are very old. Our oil tank removal specialists have removed many buried oil tanks in The Annex over the years. If you live in an old home here and see signs of a buried oil tank, don’t delay and get it removed sooner rather than later.

Fun Fact: The John Cox Cottage, at 469 Broadview Avenue, was built in 1807 and is the oldest known house in the city. Believe it or not, it is still used as his residence! Should someone call him about his underground oil tank removal, or should we?

4. Hamilton, Ontario

Next up on the docket is Hamilton. It is home to approximately 740,000 residents and growing rapidly.

Sulphur Springs

Sulphur Springs would be one of the older hamilton areas, with houses dating back to over 100 years. Vintage is great and all until you stumble upon an old, unused and leaking oil tank.

Parkview Heights

Parkview Heights is another beautiful neighbourhood with homes built primarily in the 1980s and a perfect example of a community where residents may get blindsided with severe delays in selling their homes because of an underground oil tank.

To learn more about what may be involved in your oil tank removal situation, reach out to us at 905-876-8298. We provide free consultations!

5. Kitchener, Ontario

Last but not least, we have the lovely City of Kitchener, Ontario. There are many beautiful neighbourhoods in Kitchener, but are residents aware that they may be living above an oil tank that could be leaking and contaminating the soil and groundwater on their property?

Alpine

For example, the town of Alpine is a small and affordable neighbourhood in Kitchener, but most of the houses were built between 1960 and 1990.

Heritage Park

Another neighbourhood that comes to mind is Heritage Park. Construction in the area dates from the 1960s to 1970s.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is another old Kitchener community, one more mature when compared to the other two. Newer homes in this area were built between the mid-1950s and 1970s, and for many, costly cleanup and potential fines may be right around the corner.

Contact the Residential Oil Tank Experts at Waterline Environmental

If you live in any of these areas or are curious about whether or not you require residential oil tank removal services, then contact the certified professionals at Waterline Environmental today!

We will provide you with a firm quote and keep you informed during the entire oil tank removal process.

President: S.A. (Stu) Ferguson
Email: waterline@idirect.com
Direct: 905-876-8298
Office: 855-333-6604