Oil Tank Removal Services

 Pacific Group oil tank removal is a locally owned and operated company servicing Victoria BC, Duncan BC and up to Nanaimo BC.   At Pacific Group oil tank removal our technicians specialize in residential and commercial oil tank recovery and replacement.  We practice environmentally aware procedures ensuring a safe and contained work area.  Pacific Group Developments oil tank removal also specializes in soil remediation to assist our clients in the most cost effective ways.   We are covered by Worksafe BC and are insured to give you peace of mind.

 Many homeowners are unaware they may have a buried oil tank.  Many homes on Vancouver Island were heated by furnace oil buried underground particularly prior to natural gas becoming available which started in 1957.  The oil tank, in many cases, was stored underground as a luxury to avoid large, unsightly above ground oil tanks.  Most buried oil tanks were located in the back or side yards of residences with the oil tanks ranging in size from 200 gallons to 1000 gallons.

 As conversions to natural gas took place these oil tanks were commonly left in the buried underground sometimes having been pumped out of any remaining oil but not always. 

 Eventually all oil tanks will corrode or rust out.  Once this happens, any remaining oil in the tank will leach into the ground.  Most leaks go undetected until the oil tank has been removed from the ground.  It is very common for oil to find its way into the perimeter drainage system of the house where by it will flow into the public storm drains.  When this happens a strong oil odor will permeate the inside of the house.  In worse situations, the oil will find its way into a neighbor’s drainage system, causing the same smelly problem.  Again, entering our storm systems by another service connection; polluting public property and will result in large clean up costs.

 The preliminary assessment can be accomplished by using sight and smell.  Obvious signs of oil tank failure or contamination would be oil pooling in the excavation or oil floating on water, which may have accumulated in the tank basin.  Soil from the bottom, sides and ends of the tank basin should be viewed and smelled to determine the presence of oil.  Soil and ground water that has been contaminated must be remediated.  In most cases oil has not contaminated soils or ground water however; as time passes we will see much more contamination.

 Underground oil tanks are like ticking time bombs according to the North American Petroleum Institute.  Underground oil tanks last between 10-20 years depending on conditions.  Because they are out of sight they can cause damage without your knowledge.  This damage could occur over the years.  Water can also leak into your oil tank, reducing your useable capacity and fouling your burners.

 Buried oil tanks can also become a problem when selling, mortgaging or insuring your home.  This is especially true for older homes that have been converted to natural gas.  Many times the old oil tank was probably left in the ground and now awaiting removal.

 Many times the buried oil tank does not become an issue until the home owner decides to sell their home and at that time the buyer has an inspection done on the home.  The inspections are usually a subject clause in the purchase contract and are done prior to removing a condition of sale.  Many mortgage lending institutions inquire about buried oil tanks and require verification, that they have been removed prior to registering a mortgage over the home.  Insurance companies have now become quite aware of the liability issues of buried oil tanks and are requiring the removal and documentation of removal. 

 Convert use from a Buried underground to Above Ground oil Tank

 After Pacific Group technicians locate an oil tank on the property we will walk you through the process required for removing the oil tank safely and in compliance with government regulations.  At this time we will offer an estimate for the oil tank removal and an above ground oil tank installment (if required).

 Process

• Prior to excavation we contact BC One Call (Dial Before You Dig) to learn the location of underground utilities such as telephone, hydro, and gas.
• File permits.
• Make sure any remaining oil has been removed.
• Excavate the site.
• Remove the oil tank and have the inspector attend the site to certify.
• Dispose the old oil tank at an approved facility.

 Verification

 After your oil tank has been removed we will provide you with documents verifying the oil tank removal was completed.  You will receive a copy of the permit and final inspection certificate by a government appointed inspector.  This paperwork is issued for your peace of mind as well as for your use when dealing with mortgage companies, banks, insurance companies and perspective purchasers.

  If the oil tank has leaked contaminants into the ground, a soil clean up and disposal to a special remediation site will be required.  Pacific Group will provide environmental remediation including:

• A soil test;
• Soil removal and disposal;
• Replacement of the contaminated soil with clean soil;
• And verification the work was completed.

 Pacific Group Developments oil tank removal doesn’t just remove buried oil tanks but also installs new above ground tanks if you are still using oil as a source of heat.

 We also remove furnaces and ducting.