Old underground oil tanks can pose serious environmental and safety hazards if they start to corrode or leak. That’s why properly removing unused oil tanks is so important for homeowners in Vancouver. There are many companies to choose from that provide oil tank removal services in Vancouver, but in this post we will highlight the top 3 best companies for the job based on reputation, experience, and cost.
To determine the top oil tank removal providers in Vancouver, we considered several key criteria: years of experience performing removals in the Lower Mainland, training and certification of staff, customer reviews and satisfaction ratings, proven safety track records, flexibility in scheduling, and overall value for your money. We have relied on these companies ourselves for past oil tank removals and stand behind these picks for their quality workmanship, professionalism, and compliance with all regulations.
Properly removing your old oil tank prevents leaks that can contaminate soil and groundwater, averting potentially expensive cleanup and legal issues down the road. Choosing the right removal company is key to ensuring the job is done right. Read on for our picks for Vancouver’s top 3 oil tank removal specialists that get the job done safely and efficiently.
Oil tank removal costs in Vancouver
The cost of removing an underground oil tank in Vancouver can vary quite a bit depending on several key factors. Here is an overview of typical price ranges based on common residential tank sizes:
| Tank Size | Average Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| 250 gallons | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 500 gallons | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 1000 gallons | $5,000 – $8,000 |
The major factors that impact the overall price are:
- Tank size – Larger tanks require more labor, equipment, and materials for removal and disposal. 250-1000 gallons are the most common residential tank sizes, with costs increasing significantly for commercial-grade tanks.
- Location and accessibility – Tanks buried deep or in cramped spaces require more complex excavation. Accessibility issues can increase equipment rental fees.
- Soil remediation – If soil tests detect leaked oil, contaminated soil disposal fees can add $1,000 or more. Proper remediation is required by law.
- Permitting fees – Municipal permits are required and these fees typically range from $200 to $500+ depending on your city.
- Age and condition of tank – Older tanks or those with extensive corrosion may require special equipment and handling, driving up costs.
- Insurance and local disposal fees – Proper disposal at approved facilities also adds to the total bill.
The fastest way to get an accurate quote is to have companies assess your specific situation on-site. Most will provide free estimates as fees can vary greatly based on circumstances. Get multiple bids before choosing your oil tank removal provider.
Best Oil Tank Removal in Vancouver
CERC
| SERVICES | Oil Tank Removal Environmental health service Environmental consultant Environmental engineer Excavating contractor Sewage disposal service Soil testing service |
| WEBSITE | https://cerctankremoval.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 210 Carisbrooke Crescent, North Vancouver, BC V7N 2S1, Canada |
| PHONE | +1 604 8890251 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| RATE | Google Reviews: 4.9 score (39 reviews) Facebook: 5.0 score Home Stars: 9.2 score (10 reviews) Yelp: 4.5 score (6 reviews) |
CERC Oil Tank Removal is a professional and reliable oil tank removal company serving homeowners in Vancouver and surrounding areas. We specialize in the safe removal and disposal of old underground oil tanks, as well as soil remediation and clean up.
Our oil tank removal services are available throughout Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, New Westminster, and West Vancouver.
The average cost for our oil tank removal service is $1400-$2000, depending on factors like location, size of tank, type of fluid, and specific municipal guidelines. We provide free estimates to homeowners interested in getting a tank removed.
With over 15 years of experience, CERC Oil Tank Removal is committed to environmental protection and compliance with all regulations for oil tank removal in Vancouver. Our expertise allows us to streamline the permitting process and reduce costs for clients. We carry full WCB coverage and liability insurance for guaranteed satisfaction.
Customer Reviews About This Vancouver Oil Tank Removal
CERC did a great job from start to finish with our oil tank removal. Quick response to my initial inquiry, very professional and helpful, very pleasant to deal with–and they got the job done efficiently and well. We would definitely recommend them. Great service!
Jane Steele
CERC tank removal was amazing and I highly recommend them for any tank removal work. Fabio and team were very responsive, professional and fair. Super impressed with the crew that removed the tank as they were VERY skilled working in a fairly constrained space. The coordination with Method Environmental was also very well done. 5 stars!!
Stewart Bailey
I would recommend CERC’s services for tank removal in a heartbeat. The crew that came out to do the work was fantastic, courteous, professional and accommodating. They put me at ease and I felt that we had definitely made the right choice.
Judith Wong
Tri City Tank Tech Ltd
| SERVICES | Oil Tank Removal Environmental health service Environmental consultant Environmental engineer Excavating contractor Sewage disposal service Soil testing service |
| WEBSITE | https://oiltank.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4023 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2J1, Canada |
| PHONE | +1 604 7251515 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| RATE | Google Reviews: 4.9 score (23 reviews) Facebook: 5.0 score (2 reviews) |
Tri-City Tank Tech is your trusted partner for all your oil tank-related needs in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. We specialize in a comprehensive range of services, including residential and commercial oil tank detection, oil tank removal, and soil remediation. With a commitment to excellence, we have been serving the Greater Vancouver area since 2003.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team has a strong track record of success, having scanned thousands of properties and safely removed numerous oil tanks throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. At Tri-City Tank Tech, we take pride in our reputation for competitive pricing, a highly skilled staff, top-notch workmanship, and exceptional customer service.
One of our key missions at Tri-City Tank Tech is to empower our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and responding promptly to your needs.
Customer Reviews About This Vancouver Oil Tank Removal
The team at Tri City Tank Tech Ltd, were always responsive, attentive and engaged. No question that having an oil tank removed can be a gigantic pain in the…tank, but all members of this team work hard to minimize the frustration. My wife and I are grateful for the service and got great value for our money.
Grant Smith
From my initial conversation inquiring about the steps involved in locating the oil tank, and then the removal and remediation process if required, Tri City was top notch. Kat was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Phil visited the site very quickly and determined where the tank was. A quote was put together and Phil was never pushy. He told me things I should be aware of and questions to ask any other prospective company. So glad we went with him. He worked around my dates and got a team in there on the agreed upon date. The three guys on site had a messy, difficult job to do, and they did it with a smile. The tank was removed, soil tested, luckily no remediation required and they put the area back together. The process was way less stressful than I thought it would be. Phil dealt with all of my questions in a calm, timely and professional manner.
sandra mason
Highly recommend this company. Thanks Phil, Kat and crew!
An oil tank is an unpleasant thing to deal with . Thanks to Phil and his crew, Colby , Kaz , and Sam it was a fairly smooth experience . The price was reasonable and the guys are are super to deal with ! Byron
William Slokem
Action Oil Tanks LTD.
| SERVICES | Oil Tank Removal Environmental health service Environmental consultant Environmental engineer Excavating contractor Sewage disposal service Soil testing service |
| WEBSITE | https://actionoiltanks.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 910 Boyd St, New Westminster, BC V3M 5G7, Canada |
| PHONE | +1 604 3077275 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 7 AM – 5 PM Tuesday: 7 AM – 5 PM Wednesday: 7 AM – 5 PM Thursday: 7 AM – 5 PM Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM Saturday: 7 AM – 5 PM Sunday: Closed |
| RATE | Google Reviews: 4.7 score (13 reviews) |
Action Oil Tanks LTD, a trusted provider of Oil Tank Detection, Oil Tank Removal, and Soil Remediation services in Greater Vancouver. They are committed to delivering environmentally safe and legally compliant solutions for the removal of both in-ground and above-ground residential and commercial oil tanks. The expert team at Action Oil Tanks is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of properties and the protection of the environment.
Action Oil Tanks specializes in the comprehensive inspection and removal of oil tanks to safeguard properties and meet regulatory requirements. They offer the following services:
- Underground Oil Tank Detection: Action Oil Tanks provides in-depth oil tank scans conducted by qualified technicians using professional-grade magnetic scanners, ensuring the swift and efficient detection of underground oil tanks.
- Residential & Commercial Oil Tank Removal: They handle all aspects of oil tank removal, from arranging necessary permits and inspections to the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Their team takes care of tank removal, debris cleanup, and site restoration, ensuring properties return to a near-original state.
- Oil Storage Tank & Soil Remediation: Action Oil Tanks’ technicians are experts in hazardous materials, fully trained to address soil contamination issues. In cases of soil contamination, they safely remove and transport contaminated soils to appropriate remediation centers.
Action Oil Tanks offers competitive pricing for their services, ensuring that clients’ oil tank detection, removal, and soil remediation needs are met affordably.
Action Oil Tanks LTD serves Greater Vancouver and the entire Lower Mainland, covering areas from Whistler to Hope. They are the local experts, ready to assist with all oil tank detection, removal, and soil remediation needs.
Customer Reviews About This Oil Tank Removal in Vancouver
Dan and his amazing team expertly ripped open my front yard, removed an oil tank located under a gas line, removed contaminated soil, then put everything back together again as if the tank was never there. The project was highly coordinated, each step meshing with the next, and was completed in a timely way. Everyone was courteous, hard working and skilled in the jobs they were assigned to do. I’ve had many workers on my property over the years and can say from experience that I could not have wished for a better crew or a better contractor.
Great crew. Dan and the team are friendly and professional. Took time to explain the process and continued to problem solve until the soil was clean. They worked tirelessly and managed to save the trees and deck. These guys are awesome. Would recommend.
When I first discovered we had an oil tank I was really unsure about what was next and worried about runaway costs.
Dan was great, he explained the entire process and did the job as quoted. He booked and managed the permits, environmental people and with an arborist which ended up having to remove some problematic trees.
I don’t suspect I’ll ever have to deal with an oil tank again, but if I did I wouldn’t hesitate to call Dan again.
Common oil tank removal services in Vancouver, BC
- Tank locating – Using specialized equipment to locate and mark underground tanks on a property.
- Tank pumping – Removing any remaining oil/sludge from inside the tank prior to removal. Proper disposal of contents.
- Tank excavation – Safely digging around the tank and removing it from the ground. Usually done by hand or vacuum excavator.
- Tank cutting – Cutting holes in metal tanks for legal transportation when intact removal is not possible.
- Tank disposal – Transporting old tanks to an approved hazardous materials/recycling facility.
- Site remediation – Taking soil samples to test for contamination. Removal of contaminated soil for proper disposal if leak present.
- Backfilling – Refilling the tank excavation hole with clean fill like gravel once tank removed. Compacting layers properly.
- Permit acquisition – Obtaining necessary municipal permits and arranging for city inspectors as needed.
- Safety compliance – Following all environmental, fire and safety protocols throughout the removal process.
Licensed tank removal contractors have the technical expertise to provide these services in accordance with local regulations. This ensures the tank decommissioning is completed safely and with minimal environmental impact.
FAQ
What are the common types of oil tanks found in Vancouver?
The most common types of tanks found on residential properties in Vancouver are steel underground oil storage tanks. These are typically 250-1000 gallon tanks made out of bare steel or having fiberglass cladding for corrosion protection. Older tanks may be made of bare steel without protection. Above ground exterior tanks and interior basement tanks are less common.
What are the environmental risks associated with oil tank removal?
Underground tanks can corrode over time and leak oil into the surrounding soil if not properly maintained, removed and disposed of. Oil leaks can contaminate soil and groundwater, be costly to remediate, and lead to potential legal issues. That’s why proper removal by experienced contractors is so important to minimize these risks.
What are the legal requirements for oil tank removal in Vancouver?
Vancouver has permitting and safety requirements for decommissioning oil tanks. Removal contractors must obtain permits, have staff certified in hazardous materials handling, test for soil contamination, and follow environmental protocols when removing old tanks. All removed tanks must be properly cleaned, transported and disposed of at approved facilities.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank in Vancouver?
The average cost to remove a residential underground oil tank in Vancouver ranges from $2,000-$8,000. Prices depend on tank size, location, permitting fees and if any site remediation is needed. Get quotes from contractors to determine exact pricing.
Should I remove an unused oil tank on my property?
Yes, it is recommended to remove any unused underground oil tanks to eliminate the risk of leaks. Old tanks have a high corrosion risk. Removing unused tanks is required by law in Vancouver.
What permits are needed to remove a tank in Vancouver?
A fire permit and oil tank decommissioning permit must be obtained from the city before removal. The contractor usually handles this permitting process for you. Permits range from $200-$500+ depending on tank size.
How is an underground oil tank removed?
Tanks are removed by hand excavation or using a vacuum truck. The tank is pumped empty, excavated and lifted out. It is then cut into sections if needed and transported for proper disposal. Holes are backfilled.
How do I find and choose a qualified tank removal contractor?
Look for licensed companies with trained technicians, proper certification and insurance, and experience removing tanks in Vancouver. Get quotes from at least 3 companies. Check reviews.
