Homeowners who have an old oil tank on their property may be facing a problem when they decide to have it removed. Not only can old oil tanks leach dangerous chemicals into the ground but homeowners may find that there are many government regulations surrounding old oil tank removal. Vancouver in particular, has very strict regulations around remediation, contaminated soil clean up, and removal of oil tanks, whether they are leaking into the ground or not. For oil tank removal in Vancouver and surrounding areas, we help homeowners navigate the difficulties regarding this process and comply with all regulations.
Now offering additional services in Vancouver and area:
Our oil tank removal services are available throughout Metro Vancouver, including:
People live in Vancouver for a variety of reasons, but all residents have one thing in common: they love the beauty and freedom of this great city. More than 600,000 people live in the greater Vancouver area, enjoying not only the balmy weather and winter sports but also the vibrant and eclectic arts and entertainment scene.
Vancouver is not just a great place to call home; it is also one of the greenest cities in the world. The City of Vancouver promotes strict enforcement of environmental regulations that make this city safe and clean for all its inhabitants. Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world, so very strict standards are in place regarding potential oil tank leaks that could threaten the environment.
Because Vancouver has such strict standards when it comes to oil tanks and how they must be removed, this is no job for an amateur. It is very important to have a professional help when removing an old oil tank, not only to be sure the job is done right, but to prevent contamination of groundwater and soil. CERC Oil Tank Removal has been a leading expert in underground heating oil tank removal and remediation for many years and can help homeowners who are facing this daunting task to be sure they are in compliance with all regulations and remove their old oil tanks correctly.
Fabio and his team at CERC Oil Tank Removal are amazing. Always efficient, quick and professional with every job they do. We’ve used them for years and highly recommend their services.-The Den Real Estate
I would recommend CERC’s services for tank removal in a heartbeat. The crew that came out to do the work was fantastic, courteous, professional and accommodating. They put me at ease and I felt that we had definitely made the right choice.-Judith Wong
The service is excellent and I would recommend them to anyone who requires an oil tank scan and/or removal.
-Jack Dempsey, Remax Real Estate Vancouver
While it is important to consider the environmental implications of an old oil tank, it is also important to comply with all government guidelines and regulations. Failure to do so while attempting an oil tank removal can result in terrible expense and delays.
All areas of Vancouver require certain permits and other paperwork to be completed, but there is little continuity between the various suburbs of Vancouver and the requirements. Bylaws for each area differ, so it is crucial to ensure that homeowners are following all the steps necessary to ensure a smooth and safe removal that complies with the government standards. Further, it helps to know some of the “secrets” surrounding tank removal by hiring a professional like CERC Oil Tank Removal with years of experience.
For example, West Vancouver requires a permit from City Hall that is notoriously expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. The Greater Vancouver area, however, issues the same permit at about half the cost. Most West Vancouver homeowners would have no way of knowing this, but a professional from CERC can help them understand the options and choose the right way to secure the permit.
If homeowners fail to meet all the bylaws and standards, they could find themselves in for some hefty fines and even a lawsuit. One homeowner in 2008 sued the former homeowner because the ground was contaminated with oil prior to his purchase of the house. The new owner demanded $160,000 in damages due to alleged corruption of the environment by the old oil tank and the necessity for expensive work to be done to remove the contamination.
It is critical that homeowners do not attempt to remediate or remove their oil tankin Vancouver without the right help and guidance. We are ready to help homeowners make sense of this oil tank removal, and site clean up and contaminated soil remediation requirements.
Even if you are keeping the property, it may be a good idea to remove the tank in order to prevent corrosion, leaks and other problems. Not only can this jeopardize a future sale of your property but it can also cause you to wind up with hefty fines and citations.
Clearly, removing an oil tank is not a simple job. However, we have been able to lower the cost of tank removal for many customers. In fact, CERC Oil Tank Removal has been able to save homeowners money over other methods simply because our company has the experience to get permits quickly, dispose of the tank properly and clean up the soil for far less cost than an individual can usually manage.
We offers free assessments when customers call 604-889-0251 and ask for a free quote. CERC Oil Tank Removal will determine the tank’s location and give an estimate that will help homeowners make an informed decision.
We’re certified to handle all and has been in business for more than 24 years.
Oil tanks underground contain large amounts of fuel that are used to fuel houses or homes. Although not all homes have oil tanks underground, most homes built in Vancouver before 1975 will have them. If you’re curious to find out if you have a residential underground storage tank in your backyard, look for a fill pipe sticking out of the ground, or follow copper piping from your basement that leads out and underground.
Unused oil tanks can be hazardous to the environment and your health if not in use. They can lead to a toxic spill or leak and leave homeowners liable for bio-hazardous material cleanup, which can be extremely costly.
Aside from health and biohazardous risks, an unused underground oil tank can lead to a bad smell that can permeate the walls of a home, decrease your property’s value, and take up space that could be used for something else.
If you’re interested in whether or not your property has a residential underground storage tank in the backyard, look for copper piping in your basement and follow it to see if it leads to somewhere underground in your backyard. That, or look for a fill pipe sticking out of the ground.
There are strict standards for removing an oil tank in Vancouver, however it is highly recommended by the city to remove an underground oil tank if you suspect you have one. Removing an oil tank will help preserve soil and groundwater for generations to come. However, before you begin your oil tank removal, be sure to check the city’s records to see if there is already an application underway for your oil tank.
CERC Oil Tank Removal has been serving Vancouver and Greater Vancouver residents for decades. With our commitment to environmental protection and years of experience, we’re the number one oil tank removal service in the Vancouver area.
An oil tank on site decreases property value due to the expensive biohazard risk it possesses. However, removing an oil tank can greatly increase the property value of your home. If you’re a buyer looking at purchasing a vintage home, be sure to ask the seller about oil tanks on site. You might be setting yourself up for a costly surprise!
An oil tank can be confirmed by checking records or by hiring a contractor to search the property. Once confirmed, one must apply for an oil tank removal permit and complete the process through a contractor within 90 days of receiving the permit, eventually filling the hole with clean fill.
The average removal of an oil tank in Vancouver is $1400-$2000. Factors that might influence this cost is location, size of oil tank, the type of fluid within the oil tank, as well as the specific municipal guidelines.
If you’re looking to apply for a permit, go here.
If you’re looking to search for an application, go here.
Here we have compiled links to B.C. city portal sites with information on B.C. regulations and specific city regulations for British Columbia, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, West Vancouver, and Surrey. Recommended reading. Stay informed and adhere to standards when planning for oil tank removal.
210 Carisbrooke Crescent, North Vancouver, BC V7N 2S1, Canada
337 6th Street, New Westminster, BC, Canada, V3L 3A9