Problems with Underground Oil Storage Tanks

 

 

Many homes in the Greater Vancouver area built before 1957 were originally heated with

furnace oil. When natural gas became available, the oil storage tanks, which were

normally located underground in backyards, were filled with sand or capped. However, as

these unused tanks start to corrode and rust, the remaining oil can leak out and flow onto

the rest of the owner’s property, the neighbour’s property, storm sumps and waterways,

resulting in contamination of soil and water. Apart from the negative financial impact on

the market value of the property, the owner can face substantial legal liability under

various statutes and bylaws for such contamination.

The BC Fire Code and by-laws of twelve municipalities (including the City of

Vancouver) all essentially require that out of service underground oil storage tanks

(“UST”) be removed and that all contaminated soil must be removed and replaced with

clean fill.

 

The responsibility for the removal of the UST and remediating any contamination falls on

the current property owner. The costs of such removal can be expensive depending on

how much remediation work is involved. However, if the UST is ignored and not dealt

with promptly and correctly, the costs can be exponentially more. 

 

 

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.

You should consult a lawyer for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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