Flammable & Combustible Storage Tank Removal

All underground storage tanks that will not be reused, or have been out of service for three years must be removed. For removals of residential use tanks, a site drawing and tank location must be submitted to the Fire Prevention Division. All removal and installations must comply with the British Columbia Fire Code and Municipal By-law regulations. Notification of three working days prior to tank removal is required in order to arrange on-site inspections. The tank is not to be removed or backfilled prior to Fire Department inspections. Permit fee is $20.00 per tank

Municipal Bylaw

Municipal By-Law No. 4111-1988

Section XIV: Underground Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks 

86. When underground storage tanks will not be reused, or have been out of service for three years, whichever comes first.

The authority having jurisdiction shall be notified in writing;

Flammable and combustible liquids shall be removed from the storage tanks, connected piping and dispensing equipment;

Storage tanks shall be removed from the ground and purged of vapors;

The piping shall be removed from the ground or shall be purged of flammable liquids and vapor, and the ends of the piping shall be permanently sealed by capping or plugging, and

If the soil around and under the storage tank is contaminated with liquid, it shall be replaced with clean fill to a degree acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

87. All used tanks removed from the ground shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner approved by an officer.

More information can be found on the City of Maple Ridge website