Underground Storage Tank Removal and Disposal Contractor
Danosh Construction is an experienced and professional underground oil/fuel tank removal contractor, working across all of Ontario, offering services for the decommissioning and removal of existing, in-use, decommissioned and/or abandoned underground oil tanks. We carry full liability insurance and are licensed with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. We possess all the required equipment to complete the removal of an underground tank of any size or shape, in any location, and partner with licensed Environmental Engineers to ensure work is handled properly.
If your home or business has a suspected buried underground oil/fuel tank that is no longer in use or past it's service life cycle, it MUST be removed. Abandoned oil tanks often times can leak, causing environmental impacts to it's surroundings. All underground tanks must be removed by a qualified and licensed professional. For more specific regulation information regarding underground tanks, read our Blog Post.
What is an Underground Storage Tank?
An underground storage tank (UST) is a tank buried underneath the ground, ranging in shapes and sizes, and used to hold a variety of substances like fuel or oil. They are commonly used to heat homes, run backup generators, service fuel stations, or as reserve tanks. Other commonly used names are Underground Oil Tank, Underground Fuel Storage Tank (UFST), Buried Oil Tank, Underground Fuel Tank, or Abandoned Underground Storage Tank.
Why should you get your Underground Storage Tank Removed?
There are numerous reasons why you may want to remove an underground tank. If you have a buried oil tank that has been lying dormant or is no longer in use, regulating bodies require its removal. Over time these underground tanks may pose a hazard to your health, cause bad smells, or leak and contaminate the surrounding environment. This can have enormous hazardous impacts as just small amounts of oil or gasoline leakage can affect the soil around your property, your drinking water, and can cause a buildup of explosive vapors underneath the ground. Underground storage tanks generally have a life expectancy of 20-25 years, therefore if your underground tank is older than that, it may be time to get it removed.
Common reasons to remove your Underground Storage Tank
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Insurance policy requirements
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Switching to a new heating provider
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Excavation for new construction
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Property sale or Transfer of ownership
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Renovations or upgrades
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Your UST has leaked and you have contaminated soil
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Your tank has been unused for a number of years
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You have found one by accident
See our UST Removal Photo Gallery
How to tell if you have a Buried or Underground Storage Tank
One of the first signs that an underground oil tank may be present is the presence of two pipes outside the home; typically a fill pipe and a vent pipe. These pipes commonly extend through the exterior wall of the home, although in some cases they may run directly into the ground.
You may also find two copper pipes entering the basement, which can be a strong indication that an underground oil tank is, or was previously, located on the property.
Another potential indicator is a depression or low area in the yard, which may suggest the location of a buried tank or previous excavation.
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If you suspect an underground oil tank may be present, there are two common methods used to investigate:
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1. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical method that uses radar pulses to create images of subsurface conditions. GPR can help identify underground structures, disturbances, and other anomalies that may indicate the presence of a buried oil tank without the need for excavation.
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2. Physical Investigation
A physical investigation is typically performed when fill and/or vent pipes are visible. This method involves carefully excavating along the suspected pipe location to determine what, if anything, remains underground. This can help confirm the presence, location, and condition of a buried tank.
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The diagram below illustrates a typical underground oil tank installation and the common components associated with it.
Steps Involved to Remove Underground Tanks
The removal of an underground fuel or storage tank is required to be completed by a licensed professional and should not be attempted by untrained personnel
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Call for underground locates to assess and flag buried services in tank location
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Excavate to locate the top of the buried oil tank
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Inspect the tank for any product remaining, pump out and dispose of product.
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Remove tank from excavation and inspect for rust, holes, or leaks
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Employ an Environmental Engineer to collect soil samples from tank bed area
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If soil samples are confirmed clean, back fill excavation with clean material to grade
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If soil contamination is found, a meeting with property owners will be held to discuss and determine the best possible steps for remediation. Danosh Construction can provide equipment and manpower rates for the removal of contaminated soil and other Remediation Activities
IMPORTANT!
REMOVAL OF UNDERGROUND TANKS MUST BE COMPLETED BY A LICENSED TECHNICIAN AND PROPER DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TSSA UPON COMPLETION. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THIS WORK PROPERLY COULD RESULT IN FINES FROM THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
Additional Links for Under and Above Ground Storage Tanks
Toronto Underground Tank Removal - ​Regulations
https://www.toronto.ca/311/knowledgebase/kb/docs/articles/provincial-agency/underground-oil-tanks-aboveground-oil-tanks-regulations.html
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TSSA Storage Tank Regulations - General Information
https://www.tssa.org/en/fuels/storage-tanks.aspx
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