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Infosheet #5 - Storage of Petroleum Products

Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 01 November 1998
Last Reviewed: 10 February 2006

Table of Contents

 

Introduction

This infosheet provides background to Worksheet #5 of the Environmental Farm Plan Workbook. It outlines options that you could adopt to address problem areas in your operation. These options are only applicable to fuel storages 5000 litres or less.

In most cases you'll need more information before implementation: please refer to the resource materials listed in the infosheet, and consult OMAFRA Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Technical Advisors.

All options are classed as Actions or Compensating Factors. Actions address the areas of concern identified, and will change the EFP rating to (3) or Best (4). Compensating Factors are alternatives that will adequately address the concerns, but will not change the rating in the EFP worksheets.

At the request of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, consisting of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, AGCare, and the Ontario Farm Animal Council, the following people contributed to the development of Worksheet #5 and reviewed Infosheet #5:

Jim Myslik, OMAFRA (Chair)
Michael Toombs, OMAFRA
Raphael Sumabat, MCCR
Brenton Gill, MCCR
Tom Scott, MCCR
Bob Stone, OMAFRA
Peter Jeffery, OFA

Technical Editing Committee:
Brent Kennedy, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

The following people contributed to the revision (2004) of Infosheet #5:

Daniel Ward, OMAFRA (Co-Chair)
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA (CO-Chair)
Ann-Marie Barker, TSSA
Peter Jeffery, OFA
H. J. Smith, OMAFRA

Technical Editing Committee:
H. J. Smith, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
TSSA = Technical Standards and Safety Authority
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment

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Fuel Storage

Issue 5-1Dispenser (hose, nozzle, pump)

Proper equipment that has been designed and tested for dispensing fuel is required to meet legislation and to avoid accidental spills because of overfilling or siphoning. Small amounts of fuel in surface or ground water can cause serious harm to humans and animals, and often are not detectable by taste. Only approved dispensers (e.g., by ULC, CSA or cUL) are acceptable under the Liquid Fuels Handling Code.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Replace fuel dispenser (nozzle) with an approved dispenser (e.g., by ULC, CSA or cUL) with automatic shutoff or replace with an approved hand pump.

Note: When the ULC, CSA, or cUL identification cannot be found on dispensers or hand pumps and these were in use prior to September 1, 1993, they can be considered acceptable if the following three conditions are met:

  1. they are in good working order
  2. they do not allow siphoning to occur if dispenser is lower than the fuel level in the tank with pump shut off and dispenser in open position
  3. they were built for the purpose of dispensing fuel.

However, when any changes to existing equipment are to be made, they must be with approved equipment. The three-point inspection listed above and the commitment to replacement are an acceptable compensating factor for this question.

After September 1, 1993, the Gasoline Handling Code & the Liquid Fuels Handling Code requires approved equipment (e.g., ULC, CSA, or cUL clearly identified) to be used in all new installations or replacement of existing equipment.

For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-2 Distance from petroleum storage to nearest surface water

How much is surface water at risk if a spill or leak develops in a fuel storage, taking into account the soil characteristics and the distance to the surface water? Legal implications apply, primarily after there is a spill that reaches surface water and causes damage.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Move fuel storage an adequate distance away from surface water:

  • new storage location should change EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
  • the Liquid Fuels Handling Code specifies that the minimum separation distance be no less than 100 feet (30 m)
  • to determine how soon you should move the storage, consider who or what will be impacted and how quickly if there is a spill. Is there a village downstream? Are game fish present? Is the surface water continuous flowing (river) or intermittent flow (ditch dry most of the year)? Assess your situation when deciding how fast improvements need to be done.
Option #2 - Action

(This option is only available to fuel storage tanks installed prior to September 1, 1993.) Where conditions make it very difficult to meet the minimum distance requirements, move fuel storage as far as possible from surface water and install a dike to contain any spill that might occur. In cases where the minimum distance required by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code cannot be achieved a variance from TSSA must be obtained:

  • installing a dike does not allow the existing fuel storage to be moved closer to surface water than its current location. A ULC-approved dike gives a high degree of protection
  • for new installations (after September 1, 1993), the minimum separation distance must be met. Any relief from this distance for whatever reason may only be obtained through application to TSSA

The diked area must be constructed so that:

  • it is liquid tight
  • it is able to contain 110% of the capacity of the fuel storage tank
  • the dike bottom can be visually inspected for any leaks or spills
  • all liquids are removed through the top (i.e., siphon or hand pump, etc.) and
  • the sides are higher than the centre line of the fuel storage tank.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-3  Distance from petroleum storage to well

It is important to determine and/or get an indication of the level of natural protection that the well location and soil type provide. Full protection is never guaranteed by distance or good soil type such as clay. Separation distance and soil type are only indicators of whether extra attention should be given to maintenance, management or water testing. The greater the separation distance, the greater the opportunity for the soil to filter the water before it reaches a well. The finer the texture of the soil, the slower the water moves through the soil, allowing more opportunity for filtering.

There are legal implications. Minimum separation distances between fuel storage and the well are stated in the Liquid Fuels Handling Code and the Ontario Water Resources Act. Adherence to the legislation should have occurred at the time of well construction or fuel storage installation.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Move fuel storage an adequate distance away from water well:

  • new storage location should change EFP distance rating to a Good (3) or better
  • the Liquid Fuels Handling Code specifies the minimum distance between a fuel tank and a dug or bored well to be 100 ft (30 m) and a drilled well to be 50 ft (15 m)
  • weigh the risks to your family's health against the cost of moving the storage
  • moving the storage should be included in your future plans when improvements are to be made to the fuel storage.
Option #2 - Action

Eliminate fuel storage on the farm:

  • if alternate fuel supplies are available, e.g., at a nearby gas station, why have storage on the farm?
  • if fuel storage is only required seasonally, use approved portable containers to supply fuel for short periods.
Option #3 - Compensating Factor

(This option is only available to storage tanks installed prior to September 1, 1993.) Where conditions make it very difficult to meet the minimum distance requirements, move fuel storage as far as possible from the well and install a dike to contain any spill that might occur. In cases where the minimum distance required by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code cannot be achieved a variance from TSSA must be obtained:

  • installing a dike does not allow the existing fuel storage to be moved closer to the well than its current location. This improvement is an acceptable compensating factor for the lack of distance to a water well
  • for new installations (after September 1, 1993), the minimum separation distance must be met. Any relief from this distance for whatever reason may only be obtained through application to TSSA.

The diked area must be constructed so that:

  • it is liquid tight
  • it is able to contain 110% of the capacity of the fuel storage tank
  • the dike bottom can be visually inspected for any leaks or spills
  • all liquids are removed through the top (i.e., siphon or hand pump, etc.) and
  • the sides are higher than the centre line of the fuel storage tank.

Note: Fuel storage installed prior to September 1, 1993 may not have to be moved if the storage is in good condition and meets the remainder of the requirements of the Liquid Fuels Handling Code. However, the EFP rating does not change unless the fuel storage is moved. It is strongly recommended that the fuel storage tanks be moved an adequate distance away from the well. Any spill from a fuel storage tank that results in damage to ground water can have serious and costly legal repercussions. In order to meet the objectives of the Environmental Farm Plan, one of the three options must be selected.

For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-4Security

Fuel storage must be secured adequately in order to prevent accidental spills or use by unapproved users.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Secure fuel storage:

  • lock filler cap
  • lock dispenser to support position after each use
  • if electric-powered, shut power off to pump after each use.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-5Type of tank and external protection against corrosion - aboveground tanks

To avoid a spill or leak incident, it is extremely important to have an approved tank that will resist corrosion. The Liquid Fuels Handling Code requires the corrosion protection to be maintained. The Code states the type of tanks that are acceptable.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Evaluate condition of existing fuel storage tank and maintain the corrosion protection. This applies to all tanks regardless of when they were installed:

Note: Tanks in place prior to September 1, 1993 can be considered acceptable but must be in good condition, i.e., no corrosion and designed for the purpose of fuel storage. The ULC identification is not a must for these tanks. If a commitment is made to maintain the corrosion protection, it can be accepted as a compensating factor. Any tanks replaced after this date, however, must be an approved tank (e.g., by ULC, CSA, cUL or an equivalent rating accepted by the Fuels Safety Program) - no exceptions.

Option #2 - Action

Use an approved fuel storage tank with corrosion protection, i.e., painted with rust inhibitor paint approved for application on steel:

  • corrosion protection must be maintained
  • fuel storage of materials other than steel are being developed and they must be approved by ULC, CSA or cUL.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-6 Fuel dispensing - aboveground tanks

This is a very important issue. All fuel must be pumped in such a manner as to meet legislation requirements and to avoid unwanted dispensing of fuel. Elevated storages have collapsed upon filling, refuelling or accidental hitting and have resulted in serious human injuries and environmental spills.

The Liquid Fuels Handling Code states that all fuel from an aboveground tank must be pumped, and shall not be dispensed by gravity.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Decommission any gravity flow (elevated) storage and replace with approved ground-level storage:

  • fuel must be pumped from the top of the tank
  • any gravity flow fuel storage on the farm should be eliminated and replaced by an approved storage as soon as is reasonably possible.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-7Separation distances - aboveground tanks

All farmers should ensure that their fuel storage location does not create a fire safety hazard or a fume problem in any building. All fuel storage is to be located outside of buildings, meeting minimum separation distance requirements.

**Heating oil tanks are permitted inside buildings provided the separation distance to a fuel-fired appliance is met.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Move fuel storage to a site where all the separation distances (listed in Question 7 of Worksheet #5) are met or exceeded:

  • 10 ft (3 m) from any building for Class I fuel (Gasoline)
  • 10 ft (3 m) from any building for Class II fuel (diesel ) storage
  • 0-10 ft (0-3m) up to 2500 L storage, or 5-10 ft (1.5 - 3m) greater than 2500 L storage from any building for Class II fuel (heating oil)
  • 25 ft (7.5m) from any source of ignition and 20 ft (6m) from propane storage
  • 3 ft (1 m) from any adjacent fuel storage.
  • install protection from vehicles

Note: The Liquid Fuels Handling Code must be adhered to for any new storage installed after September 1, 1993. Also, all fuel storage modified after September 1, 1993 by changing the location of the fuel storage, must meet the separation distance requirements listed in Question 7 of Worksheet #5. Fuel storage installed prior to this date may not have to be moved to meet the separation distance requirements listed in the worksheet, provided that all of the following conditions apply:

  •   the storage is in good condition and meets the remainder of the Liquid Fuels Handling Code
  •   the storage is outside of any structure
  •   adjacent tanks are far enough apart for visual inspection and painting if required
  •   most of the separation distances above are met.

Remember that you take the responsibility should any damage result due to location of the storage tanks. Also, include in your future plans that when improvements are being made to the fuel storage, the distances will be met. This commitment is an acceptable compensating factor.

**Note: For indoor heating oil tanks, clause 6.4.7 of CSA Standard B139 states: "a tank shall be located so that… (b) the horizontal distance from the tank to any fuel-fired appliance, other than a combustible fuel-oil-driven internal combustion engine, shall not be less than 1.5m( 5ft), except when approved as part of an appliance…"

If two or more fuel tanks are placed within a dike, the separation distance between the tanks need only be separated enough to allow for visual inspection and maintenance.

For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-8Protection against spills/leaks - aboveground tanks

A spill or leak can occur in large quantities through tank rupture, or in small quantities due to pinhole leaks. If not contained there can be serious consequences to both surface and groundwater.

A dike can capture any spills or leaks from aboveground tanks.

Storage tanks less than or equal to 5,000 litres are not required to be diked provided that in the event of a loss or escape, the product does not:

  • create a hazard to public safety
  • contaminate any fresh water source or waterway
  • interfere with the rights of any person
  • allow entry of product into a sewer system, underground stream or drainage system.

A judgement by the fuel tank owner or fuel user must be made as to whether the above conditions are met. It is advisable to have diking for the protection of the environment, for human safety, to avoid costly cleanups and to offset the monitoring that is required if containment is not provided.

The Liquid Fuels Handling Code requires all aboveground storage tanks with a capacity of greater than 5,000 litres to be equipped with a dike.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Install a dike to contain spills or leaks where it is required:

  • a dike is required for new fuel storage tank installations where the tank is less than 5000 litres and does not meet the conditions listed in the left margin next page and in Worksheet 5, Question #9.

The diked area must be constructed so that:

  •   it is liquid tight;
  •   it is able to contain 110% of the capacity of the fuel storage tank;
  •   the dike bottom can be visually inspected for any leaks or spills;
  •   all liquids are removed through the top (i.e., siphon or hand pump etc.); and
  •   the sides are higher than the centre line of the fuel storage tank.

  • tanks constructed and approved as self-contained tanks, i.e., manufactured with dike or a double wall tank, do not require additional diking
  • dikes, if required, are to be installed as soon as possible
  • if diked areas are open to the environment, accumulated water or product must be removed. Where the water is contaminated by fuel, the contaminated water must be taken to an acceptable treatment/disposal facility. Spills of fuel can be collected by means of special absorbency materials that absorb petroleum products
  • roofs (weather shield) to keep rain out of the diked area are allowed. The entire structure must be built of non-combustible construction, e.g., steel. All sides must be left totally open for ventilation purposes.
  • see monitoring options in #5-9 of this Infosheet.
Option #2 - Action

If a dike is not required, for maximum protection install a dike to contain leaks and spills:

  • existing storage tanks (installed before September 1, 1993) with a capacity less than or equal to 5000 litres are not required to be diked by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code if they meet the 4 criteria on the left.

The diked area should be constructed so that:

  •   it is liquid tight;
  •   it is able to contain 110% of the capacity of the fuel storage tank;
  •   the dike bottom can be visually inspected for any leaks or spills;
  •   all liquids are removed through the top (i.e., siphon or hand pump etc.); and
  •   the sides are higher than the centre line of the fuel storage tank

  • see monitoring options in #5-9 of this infosheet.
Option #3 - Action

If a dike is not required, install a spill containment area under the fuel storage tank(s) for leak detection and containment of small spills:

  • existing storage tanks (installed before September 1, 1993) with a capacity less than or equal to 5000 litres are not required to be diked by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code
  • provides leak detection and some level of spill containment as determined by the height of the sidewall or lip. Even though a storage tank may be exempt from the diking requirement of the legislation because of the date of installation, you should still give serious consideration to installing spill containment equivalent to a dike. Each situation is unique.
  • a dike provides a much greater degree of spill protection
  • see monitoring options in #5-9 & #5-10 of this infosheet to understand the impact of dikes and spill containment on monitoring requirements.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-9Monitoring - dike conforming to code is in place (aboveground tanks)

The Liquid Fuels Handling Code requires all farmers to check their fuel storage on a regular basis to be able to prevent and identify any leaks. Some records of inspection should be kept for the life of the tank.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Do a visual inspection of the tank and dike for leaks and corrosion at least once per week. If a leak in the tank is detected, immediate action must be taken to prevent further loss of product. The fuel supplier should be contacted and the storage tank must be repaired or replaced. The farmer is also responsible to clear the dike of any water and deal with any contaminants as indicated in #5-8 of this infosheet. Keep some record that inspection was completed:

  • simply get in the habit of following the procedures. It is much easier to prevent a spill than to clean one up.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-10 Monitoring - no dikes conforming to the code in place (aboveground tanks)

All farmers must check their fuel storage on a regular basis to be able to prevent and identify any leaks. Some form of records listing results of inspection should be kept for the life of the tank. (i.e. Field Pocket Guide, OMAFRA Publication #820).

Note: Option #1 refers to a spill containment area. A minimum containment area is a concrete pad with a continuous two-inch (five-centimetre) lip around the perimeter. This containment area is not to be confused with a dike. The purpose of the containment area is for easier visual identification of a leak or spill and to provide a firm support for the tank. Tanks sitting directly on the ground often settle and touch the ground. Corrosion will likely occur and leaks may go undetected.

The two-inch lip provides a small amount of containment for minor spills or leaks and gives a chance to clean them up. Much greater protection is provided with a dike.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

For tanks having a "spill containment area" - do a visual inspection of the tank and containment area for leaks and corrosion at least once per week. If a leak is detected, immediate action must be taken to prevent further loss of product. The fuel supplier should be contacted and the storage tank must be repaired or replaced. You are responsible to clear the containment area of any water and deal with any contaminants as indicated in #5-8 of this infosheet. Keep some record that inspection was completed:

  • simply get in the habit of following the procedures. It is much easier to prevent a spill than to clean one up.
Option #2 - Action

If the fuel storage tank(s) are sitting on the ground or concrete pad without a two-inch (five-centimetre) containment lip, the monitoring by the farmer should be done as required in the Liquid Fuels Handling Code and indicated in Question 10B of Worksheet #5. Records must be kept by the farmer for the life of the tanks:

  • simply get in the habit of monitoring and recording the results
  • all fuel storage tanks should be sitting on a solid firm base. Fuel storage tanks sitting directly on the ground without any other additional support i.e. concrete slabs, patio stones, etc. often settle into the ground over time and are subject to corrosion.

Note: Pumps that are not of a quality that can be calibrated for accuracy on a regular basis should be considered to be "not metered" and fall into the twice-per-month monitoring requirement. Most farm fuel pumps are in this category. A metered pump is one that accurately measures volumes and is calibrated on a regular basis (e.g., pumps used at a service station).

For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-11Combustible materials - aboveground tanks

The area in the near vicinity of the fuel storage and dispensers must be kept clear of combustible materials as required by the Liquid Fuels Handling Code, e.g., long grass, weeds, crops, oily rags, empty oil containers, tarps, loose lumber. Hydro poles that are in use are not intended to be included.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Keep the area around the fuel storage free of any flammable products:

  • if the tank is placed on a concrete pad (for areas not requiring a dike), the weeds are kept under control. As an extra benefit, the tank is sitting on a good base and leaks and/or spills are more easily identified.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-12Method of refuelling vehicles and implements

Each farmer should assess their method of refuelling, location of refuelling, and the source of the fuel from a legislative and safety point of view. Refuelling from portable containers is an important issue. Only approved containers are allowed. Unapproved portable tanks must not be used. Injury and death have occurred as a result of the use of non-approved portable containers. Protect yourself!

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Always fuel vehicles and/or tractors at a service station or the farm tank source:

  • distance is the main obstacle to this option
  • if the field that you are working in is too far away from the farm tank source, you should investigate the location of the nearest service station. This may be a viable option.
Option #2 - Action

Use only approved containers, as required in the Liquid Fuels Handling Code, to transport fuel from the source tank to the field:

  • a list of approved portable containers can be found on page 52 of the EFP manual
  • jerry-type and plastic-type fuel containers can be checked for the easily identifiable codes that must be on the container
  • larger portable containers such as small tanks mounted on pickups, wagons, or trailers must be approved for the purpose of transporting fuel
  • these are special tanks with built-in baffles and high impact resistance. They are to be attached to the vehicle in a special manner.
  • Caution: When purchasing or checking on the suitability of a portable tank, be sure that:
  • it is certified (i.e., to the CGSB 43.146 or ULC C142.13 standard and
  • it is built for the purpose of transporting combustible and flammable products
  • ask the salespeople to show you the identification on the tank
  • mounting an approved skid tank (meant for sitting on the ground) onto a trailer, wagon, or truck is not acceptable for transporting fuel - approved containers should be used at all times
  • skid tanks can be transported empty from site to site, filled at the site, and used at the site, but must be emptied before moving to the next site and must be treated as a permanent site until it is decommissioned.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-13Type of tank and external protection against corrosion - underground tanks

Corrosion and leaks of underground tanks are not easily detected and special precautions are required. All underground fuel storages must be registered with the Fuels Safety Program, TSSA or be properly removed as required by the Fuels Safety Program, TSSA.

What can you do?
Option #1 - Action

Register the underground tank with the Fuels Safety Program:

  • if the tank is not registered with the Fuels Safety Program and you want to continue to use it, the tank will have to be upgraded to present-day requirements. Replacement may be necessary with a safer, more corrosion-resistant tank type. Contact the Fuels Safety Program for complete instructions (416) 734-3300
  • the fact that your supplier will fill your tank with fuel does not mean that the tank is registered - you as the user must have documentation to verify the registration and approval of the installation.
Option #2 - Action
  • Remove underground tanks and piping as described in #5-14 of this infosheet.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-14Unused tank - underground tanks

Unused underground tanks are probably more of a risk to the environment than active tanks because they are usually forgotten about. Unused underground tanks include any tank that has not been removed. Tanks that have been crushed or filled up should be assessed as well.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Properly decommission site (effective January 1, 1997):

  • contact Fuels Safety Program TSSA, (to determine the proper procedures that need to be taken
  • a report must be prepared by an engineer or hydrogeologist in accordance with the Liquid Fuels Handling Code, to identify the extent of all surface and subsurface contamination and to recommend what actions will be taken to make the site safe
  • underground fuel tanks previously filled with sand are not considered to be properly decommissioned
  • Underground tanks that were previously filled with concrete are considered to be properly decommissioned if they meet the following three conditions:
    1. the tank was properly emptied of fuel and washed
    2. if the tank did not leak and the surrounding soil was not contaminated and
    3. the tank was adequately filled with concrete.
  • However, abandoned tanks that were not properly decommissioned may be a safety hazard, resulting in a collapse of the surface above the tank. Filling with sand is no longer a recommended practice.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-15Monitoring (underground tanks)

All farmers should and must check their fuel storage on a regular basis to be able to prevent and identify any leaks. Underground storage tanks are more difficult to detect because they cannot be seen. Monitoring and keeping records are mandatory.

If a leak is left undetected, there could be severe damage to the ground water. Human health is an issue if water wells are affected.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Monitor fuel tank as indicated in Best Rating (4):

  • simply get in the habit of monitoring and recording the results
  • pumps that are not of a quality that can be calibrated for accuracy on a regular basis should be considered "not metered" and fall into the twice-per-month monitoring requirement. Most farm fuel pumps are in this category. A metered pump is one that accurately measures volumes and is calibrated on a regular basis (e.g., pumps used at a service station).
  • tanks must also be checked for water as water could be leaking into the tank indicating a breach of the structure.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Issue: 5-16 Heating Fuel Storage - Protection against corrosion

To avoid a spill or leak it is extremely important to have an approved tank that will resist corrosion. Home heating fuel leaks are very common in Ontario. If the leak has migrated under the house, it is extremely difficult to clean up the fuel.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Have existing fuel storage evaluated by registered contractor (maintenance contract):

  • conduct visual inspection of equipment for leaks and/or corrosion
  • repair or replace fuel storage as required.

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Issue: 5-17 Heating Fuel Storage - Age of tank

Typically the older the tank the more prone it is to corrosion.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Have existing fuel storage evaluated by registered contractor (maintenance contract):

  • conduct visual inspection of equipment for leaks and/or corrosion
  • repair or replace fuel storage as required.

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Issue: 5-18 Fuel Delivery System

Transfer equipment between fuel storage and appliance (furnace, water heater, etc). Represents another location with a high likelihood for leaks or spills due to equipment failure.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Have the delivery system evaluated by a registered heating professional:

  • conduct visual inspection of equipment for leaks
  • make any necessary repairs to equipment to eliminate leaks.

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Issue: 5-19Written emergency plan and cleanup equipment for spills

The Liquid Fuels Handling Code requires that an emergency plan is prepared and placed where it is readily available at the site. Readily available telephone numbers and instructions will greatly assist in dealing with a spill incident in an environmentally responsible manner.

What can you do?
Option - Action

Prepare an emergency plan and have it readily available at the site:

  • make an emergency plan tailored for your farm and have it available at or near the fuel storage site
  • package developed for the Environmental Farm Plan
  • anyone on the farm who may use the fuel storage (spouse, hired labour, children, etc.) should know where the plan is and understand what is to be done if there is a spill.
For More Information:
  • Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 43-44

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Who to talk to:

TSSA, Fuels Safety Program (416) 734-3300

Note: The information contained within this infosheet was developed reflecting the legislation as laid out in Regulation 217/01 Liquid Fuels Handling Code and that of Regulation 903 the Water Resources Act.

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For more information:
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E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca