The discovery of unknown or abandoned underground storage tanks (UST’s) is a common, if undesirable, occurrence. UST’s can be detected underlying all types of property, whether industrial, commercial or residential. Common signs which point to the possibility of an abandoned UST include disused fill and vent pipes, a flammable storage room (former or present), oil suction and return lines, former concrete fuel islands, and levelometers on interior walls of boiler and furnace rooms. The issue surrounding UST’s is the possible leakage of fuels, oils or other liquids such as solvents, which negatively impact the environmental compliance condition of the soil or groundwater at a site.
UST’s are regulated by various bodies within Canada and the USA, depending upon their use. Specifically, in Ontario, abandoned UST’s for fuels are regulated by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA). The TSSA website can be found at www.TSSA.org.
The completion of an inspection for visible signs of UST's is commonly part of a Phase I ESA process.
While not strictly a UST, other subsurface physical installations such as hydraulic hoist bases in automotive service garages are also a source of leaking oils which can negatively impact a property.
Shaver EGI can provide turnkey services, from detection through to removal and environmental reporting, for all UST’s.
For more information, please contact rod@shaverenvironmental.com |
