Is a permit required for the installation, removal or alteration of a petroleum storage tank?

The Alberta Fire Code mandates that permits are required for petroleum storage tank installations, removals or alterations. This includes outside above ground storage tanks (AST), underground storage tanks (UST), inside building storage tanks, and waste oil storage tanks.

A permit is not required for removal of storage tank systems where all components are above ground.

Petroleum storage tank installations require a permit for:

• small tanks that have between 230-8,000 litre capacity, or an aggregate capacity of less than 20,000 litres
• large tanks that have less than 8,000 litre capacity, or an aggregate capacity of greater than 20,000 litres

Application/Permit Process

1. Complete the Application to Install/Remove/Alter Storage Tank Systems (pdf) . Also see pre-requirement check sheets below.
2. Submit a completed application including the required documentation and details as noted in the application to prevention@reddeer.ca.
3. We will review your documentation to verify that you are in full compliance with the Alberta Fire Code. If you are in compliance, a storage tank installation permit will be issued. 
4. The installation needs to be performed by an accredited installer who is registered in good standing with either the Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA) or the Canadian Petroleum Contractors Association (CPCA).
5. When the installation is complete, a site inspection is required prior to the storage tank being filled.
6. Once the final inspection of the installation has been completed, a permit service report (PSR) will be issued. 

Pre-requirement Check Sheets

The following check sheets outline the requirements as part of your petroleum tank permit application.

Above-ground Storage Tank - Check sheet (pdf)
Above-ground Tanks Used to Supply Appliances - Check sheet (pdf)
Above-ground Used Oil Storage Tank - Check sheet (pdf)
Underground Storage Tank - Check sheet (pdf)
Removal of Petroleum Storage Tank - Closure Report (pdf)

Are there consequences for not complying?

Failure to comply with the Alberta Fire Code can result in legal action as outlined in the Safety Codes Act. Offenses include:

• Failure to acquire the necessary permits prior to installing, removing or altering a storage tank.
• Filling and using a storage tank that contains flammable or combustible liquids, without having a final inspection completed or having prior approval to fill it.

If you are found guilty of non-compliance the consequences can be:

• For a first offense
  • Fines up to $100,000 and up to $1,000 for each day where the offense continues and/or
  • Imprisonment up to 6 months
• For second offense
  • Fines up to $500,000 and up to $2,000 for each day where the offense continues and/or
  • Imprisonment up to 12 months