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   Frequently asked Questions about Oil Tank Removal in BC

Do you carry insurance on your jobs? Yes we carry full Worksafe (WCB) coverage as well as 1 million general liability on all sites. This information is included on all our contracts for our customer to view and verify.

How does inground oil tanks affect selling or buying a home? You are required by most banks today to replace aging underground storage tanks (UST) prior to their approving the mortgage of your buyer. In addition, many insurance company's will not insure the property with a buried oil tank. They do not want to insure a property with a potential insurance liability.

How do I know if the tank is leaking? You don't know until the tank is removed. Although, there are some telltale signs that could be indications of potential problems brewing.

Can I deactivate my tank rather than removing my tank? Yes, but the cost difference is minimal and if the tank is accessible it is better to get the tank off your property. There are now some cities that do not allow you to deactivate the tank.

How much does it cost to remove an Oil Tank in BC? The average costs for a buried 350 gallon residential tank are usually from 1400-2000. Factors that effect the cost are location access tank size fluid in tank and type of fluid as well as specific municipal guidelines.

How long does it take to remove an Oil Tank? The project usually takes just 1-1 1/2 days if there are no unexpected circumstances to remove a buried oil tank.

How quickly can a project be scheduled? Once a customer decides to go forward with the project, mark outs (Dig safely) need to be completed, permits filed and inspections scheduled. Usually 2-4 days.

I converted to gas recently. Is it necessary to abandon or remove my existing oil tank? Absolutely. An old oil tank still has some oil and sludge in it, even if it has been pumped out. After a period of time, it is bound to decay. This will cause an oil spill, and it will also cause the ground to sink.

How long will my work take? An above-ground or basement installation should take about half a day. A buried installation typically takes a full day. Foam abandonments take up to an hour and a half, depending on the temperature. Sand and slurry abandonments will take no more than a day. Spill remediation can take months to years.

Do you work in the rain/snow? It depends on the severity of the weather. We rarely work in snow. We do work in drizzle, but not in generous rain because water will get inside the tank. We can tarp the area if needed to get the job done.

Do you require a down-payment? Down-payments are preferable, but not necessary.

Do I have to be home? No one needs to be present for an abandonment because no access to the house is required.

What do you do with the oil you removed from my tank? Oil taken from an abandoned or removed tank is transported to a licensed disposal facility.

What do you do with contaminated soil? Contaminated soil is first stockpiled on site until it is approved for disposal. It is then carted to a licensed facility, where its contaminant levels are checked.


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