Better yet, what is the difference between an underground oil tank and an above one?
Aboveground Storage Tanks
An above ground oil tank is, well, above ground. These aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are more often used for industrial oil storage, although some can be used for residential purposes, and are easier to maintain and test for leakage.
Removing An Aboveground Oil Tank
Aboveground tank removal is a much more straightforward process than dealing with an underground tank, however it still requires specialized tools and equipment which are only available to professionals that are TSSA certified, so this is no DIY job!
What Are The Steps For Removal?
- First, we prepare the tank for pumping and flushing.
- Next, we pump, flush the tank, and take purge and crimp out and remove the feeder lines.
- We cut, if necessary, and remove the tank and piping from the property.
- Concrete patch exterior wall where the fill and vent penetrated.
- Provide letter stating tank was removed by licensed contractor.
Underground Storage (Oil) Tanks
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) is a container that is buried and contains fuel oil to be used in appliances, such as furnaces and boilers. These tanks tend to be a much higher risk to have on your property, because of the difficulty in detecting a leak, which you would be liable for.
Removing an Underground Oil Tank
Removing an underground oil tank is far more complicated due to the (a) fact that it’s underground, and (b) it is much more likely to have leaks than an aboveground tank.
Steps to Remove an Underground Oil Tank
- Hand-dig to confirm locations of any services that run close to the tank (Hydro, gas, etc)
- Excavate over the tank and store soil on site for backfill
- Cut open the tank and remove all remaining liquid and sludge
- Remove the tank from the ground and inspect for corrosive failure
- A professional Geoscientist will be on site to observe the removal and secure soil samples for lab analysis
- Backfill the tank nest with excavate and clean soils
- Dispose of the tank and associated piping to a registered recycler
- Remove fill and vent from the building perimeter
- Remove supply and return piping from inside the house and patch with quick set concrete
- Provide a report all to the Ministry of Environment and Energy and TSSA code compliance
Contact Waterline Environmental Today!
Waterline Environmental is pleased to serve a wide geographic area within Ontario including Toronto (GTA), Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Mississauga, Brampton, Brantford, Barrie, and Collingwood.
Contact us today for all of your oil tank removal needs.
Email: waterline@idirect.com
Direct: 905-876-8298
