STORAGE TANK REMOVAL
Prior to natural gas becoming available in Vancouver in the early 1960's, most homes in Vancouver were heated by furnace oil. This furnace oil was primarily stored in Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), that can be found in residential backyards near to the furnace, because above ground tanks were not permitted. The issue with USTs is that if they are damaged they can contaminate the groundwater. We offer underground storage tank (UST) removals from residential and commercial properties. Our services include the removal of the tank contents, tank removal, soil remediation, back fill and compliance with all legislative requirements for provincial and federal governments.
The estimated life-expectancy of USTs is roughly 20 to 25 years as they are susceptible to damage from corrosion. If damaged, furnace oil can be released into the ground, causing contamination and potentially spreading via groundwater and vapours through preferred pathways of utility, corridors, and building perimeter drains.
In 2008, Environment Canada put in place new regulations governing storage tank systems within federal jurisdiction. Under the new regulations owners and operators must follow specified procedures. These procedures include having the permanent withdrawal from service and removal of systems being completed by an individual approved/qualified to do the work.
Owners or operators are also required to keep records pertaining to the withdrawal from service and removal of storage tank systems and their components.
Storage tank systems that are not properly withdrawn from service can pose a serious risk to both the environment and to the people who live or work around them.
The new storage tank regulations are designed to protect both Canadians and the environment by putting in place mandatory requirements for the proper withdrawal from service and removal of storage tank systems.
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Tanks that are not properly withdrawn from service contain liquids, sludge and vapours that, with a single spark on a hot day, can cause a catastrophic tank explosion
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Tanks that are abandoned - particularly underground tanks - can corrode and leak pollutants which may take years before the contamination is discovered and the source located
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Decommissioned storage tanks have been found recycled into items like water troughs or bus shelters, uses that put people at risk
OUR COMMITMENT IS TO YOU
Our hazardous materials removal methods and technologies are the most advanced and safest available. Our technology allows us to remove these materials with minimal impact on the daily activities of households and businesses. This results in the most cost-effective, least disruptive way of removing the hazardous material.
But more importantly, we do this while ensuring the safety of our clients and our workers. We strive to make contaminated buildings safe and comfortable for our clients to go back home to.