What is underground storage tank (UST) removal?

Underground storage tank removal involves the complete decommissioning and extraction of buried fuel tanks, diesel tanks, heating oil tanks, or other petroleum storage vessels from a property. These tanks are typically 20-40 years old or more and are no longer in use. The process includes tank location verification, safe drainage and cleaning, excavation, and proper disposal of the tank itself.

In Ontario, UST removal is heavily regulated under provincial environmental protection legislation. A critical component of the work is Phase II environmental site assessment (ESA), which includes soil sampling and lab testing around the excavation area to detect hydrocarbon contamination or leakage. If the soil testing identifies contamination above Ontario Regulation 153/96 standards, further remediation becomes necessary before the site can be redeveloped or returned to use.

Common triggers for UST removal include property sales, commercial redevelopment, facility decommissioning, or when a tank reaches the end of its operational life. The work requires specialized equipment for safe extraction and proper handling of residual product. Contractors performing UST removal must be familiar with Ontario's environmental compliance framework and coordinate with environmental consultants who perform the required soil assessment.

Excavation and site-clearing contractors in Ontario often handle the physical extraction phase of UST removal projects.