Petroleum storage tanks

Petroleum products are stored in tanks above and below ground, constructed with materials like steel, concrete or fiberglass. Tanks may be single walled (with secondary storage) or double walled. Sites storing 2,000 liters or more (or marinas with 200 liters or more) must register under the Clean Environment Act due to pollution risks. Installation of tanks with a total capacity of 2,000 liters or more requires prior approval from the minister of Environment and Local Government as per the Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation 87-97.

This program protects the environment from petroleum contamination by ensuring new, modified, or systems to be removed receive the proper approvals. These approvals ensure that the proposed arrangement and design of the petroleum systems to be installed and/or modified conform with the latest edition of the Construction Standards for Petroleum Storage Systems prior to work being initiated. 

The site approval process must be completed before the environmental approval process. The proponent must provide a completed Schedule ‘A’ part I for a site approval as this process determines the suitability of a site, and a Schedule ‘A’ part II for the environmental approval as this process deals with system design and specifications.  Both forms must be submitted before construction/installation begins.

• systems with a total capacity of 2,000 liters or more
• marinas with systems of 200 liters or more

The site approval involves a review of application material to determine the sensitivity of the site (the sensitivity of a site determines the preventive measures that must be employed to protect the area from spills and contamination). 

The environmental approval process involves a review of the design and construction application material, which may include engineered design drawings, for systems larger than 5,000L. 

Both approval processes require the issuance of approval documents, as well as follow-up correspondence, and site inspection in some instances. All work related to the installation or removal must be supervised by a licensed petroleum tank installer. A list of contractors licensed for the installation and removal of petroleum storage systems can be obtained from any regional office.

When the construction is complete, the proponent must provide a completed Schedule "A" part III obtained for the registration of the tanks.  When the removal of a system is completed, the proponent must provide a completed Schedule “D”.

• Site Approval Application: $25.00
• Environmental Approval Amendment: $15.00

Under the Clean Environment Act, only licensed installers may work on petroleum storage systems of 2,000 liters or more. Licenses ensure compliance with regulations to prevent spills and contamination.

Any person wishing to install, modify or remove a petroleum storage tank with a total capacity of 2,000 liters or more, or a marina with a system with a total capacity of 200 liters or more must have a petroleum storage tank installer’s licence. All prospective installers must have:

• completion of an approved two-week installer’s course
• Submission of a completed Schedule “E”
• submission of a logbook (PDF 149 KB) documenting experience
• proof of $1M insurance coverage for products and operations
• payment of license fees

The installer licensing process involves reviewing applications and associated documentation, familiarizing the applicant to PPSH Regulation 87-97, the construction standards, and all forms associated with tank installation and removal.

Tank Installer License: $110.00

Under the Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation (87-97) - Clean Environment Act, petroleum storage tank owners must apply for and receive a site licence each year. The intent of the program is to protect the environment from petroleum contamination. This is accomplished by ensuring that systems are registered, properly maintained and insured.

The owner of every petroleum storage system, except a marina, with a total capacity of 2,000 liters or more, and every marina with a system with a total capacity of 200 liters or more must have a petroleum storage site licence.

The Petroleum Storage Site Licence is issued to the site owner when all application materials are in compliance, licence fee payment has been made and liability insurance has been verified. For some systems, inspections are conducted, and review and acceptance of tank test reports is required. The license holder must display the license in a conspicuous location in public view. A licence is required to ensure there is no interruption in fuel delivery.