Safe, certified oil tank removal across Metro Vancouver.
Underground heating oil tank removal, soil remediation and full permit handling — done right the first time. Over 24 years protecting Vancouver homeowners and properties.
Free Estimate
Need oil tank removal?
Do you need removal and want a free estimate?
Suspect a leak or hidden tank? Don't wait — leaks can cost $160K+ in remediation.
Who we are
Oil tank removal made simple, safe and fully compliant.
Old underground oil tanks can leach dangerous chemicals into the ground — and Vancouver enforces some of the strictest remediation regulations in Canada. CERC has been the city's leading expert in underground heating oil tank removal and soil clean-up for over two decades.
- Quality service backed by guaranteed satisfaction
- Over 24 years of underground tank experience
- Free, no-obligation property assessments
- Full WCB coverage and general liability insurance
Why Choose Us
The most trusted oil tank specialists in BC.
We make a difficult, regulation-heavy job feel effortless — from permits to final inspection.
24+ Years Experience
Trusted across Metro Vancouver since the late 1990s.
Fully Insured & WCB
Complete WCB coverage and general liability on every job.
Environmentally Certified
Compliant with all BC remediation & disposal regulations.
Fast Permit Turnaround
We know the bylaws — we get permits faster, for less.
What we offer
Full-service tank removal & site work.
From the first scan to the final back-fill, we handle every step — including the paperwork most homeowners dread.
Free Consultation
Get expert advice with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Call us at (604) 889-0251 or request a quote online — most homeowners hear back the same business day.
4,200+
Tanks Removed
24+
Years in Business
4.9★
Google Rating
100%
WCB Covered
Testimonial
Trusted by homeowners across Vancouver.
Service Areas
Proudly serving Metro Vancouver.
Same-week appointments available across the Lower Mainland. Don't see your area? Give us a call.
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Surrey
- New Westminster
- West Vancouver
CERC Oil Tank Removal Vancouver
Why is proper oil tank removal in Vancouver important?
People live in Vancouver for a variety of reasons, but all residents have one thing in common: they love the beauty and freedom of this great city. More than 600,000 people live in the greater Vancouver area, enjoying not only the balmy weather and winter sports but also the vibrant and eclectic arts and entertainment scene.
Vancouver is not just a great place to call home; it is also one of the greenest cities in the world. The City of Vancouver promotes strict enforcement of environmental regulations that make this city safe and clean for all its inhabitants. Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world, so very strict standards are in place regarding potential oil tank leaks that could threaten the environment.
Because Vancouver has such strict standards when it comes to oil tanks and how they must be removed, this is no job for an amateur. It is very important to have a professional help when removing an old oil tank, not only to be sure the job is done right, but to prevent contamination of groundwater and soil. CERC Oil Tank Removal has been a leading expert in underground heating oil tank removal and remediation for many years and can help homeowners who are facing this daunting task to be sure they are in compliance with all regulations and remove their old oil tanks correctly.
Are there liability issues relating to contaminated soil remediation and oil tank removal in Vancouver?
While it is important to consider the environmental implications of an old oil tank, it is also important to comply with all government guidelines and regulations. Failure to do so while attempting an oil tank removal can result in terrible expense and delays.
All areas of Vancouver require certain
Permits and Other Paperwork
to be completed, but there is little continuity between the various suburbs of Vancouver and the requirements. Bylaws for each area differ, so it is crucial to ensure that homeowners are following all the steps necessary to ensure a smooth and safe removal that complies with the government standards. Further, it helps to know some of the “secrets” surrounding tank removal by hiring a professional like CERC Oil Tank Removal with years of experience.
For example, West Vancouver requires a permit from City Hall that is notoriously expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. The Greater Vancouver area, however, issues the same permit at about half the cost. Most West Vancouver homeowners would have no way of knowing this, but a professional from CERC can help them understand the options and choose the right way to secure the permit.
If homeowners fail to meet all the bylaws and standards, they could find themselves in for some hefty fines and even a lawsuit. One homeowner in 2008 sued the former homeowner because the ground was contaminated with oil prior to his purchase of the house. The new owner demanded $160,000 in damages due to alleged corruption of the environment by the old oil tank and the necessity for expensive work to be done to remove the contamination.
It is critical that homeowners do not attempt to remediate or remove their oil tankin Vancouver without the right help and guidance. We are ready to help homeowners make sense of this oil tank removal, and site clean up and contaminated soil remediation requirements.
One Vancouver homeowner sued a former owner in 2008 for $160,000 in damages due to soil contamination from an undisclosed oil tank. Don't take the risk — get it removed professionally.
Do I have to remove an old oil tank if I’m keeping the Vancouver property?
Even if you are keeping the property, it may be a good idea to remove the tank in order to prevent corrosion, leaks and other problems. Not only can this
jeopardize a future sale of your property
but it can also cause you to wind up with hefty fines and citations.
How can I choose the best oil tank removal company in Vancouver and surrounding areas?
Clearly, removing an oil tank is not a simple job. However, we have been able to lower the cost of tank removal for many customers. In fact, CERC Oil Tank Removal has been able to save homeowners money over other methods simply because our company has the experience to get permits quickly, dispose of the tank properly and clean up the soil for far less cost than an individual can usually manage.
We offers free assessments when customers call 604-889-0251 and ask for a free quote. CERC Oil Tank Removal will determine the tank’s location and give an estimate that will help homeowners make an informed decision.
We’re certified to handle all and has been in business for more than 24 years.
Remove a residential underground storage tank in Vancouver
Oil tanks underground contain large amounts of fuel that are used to fuel houses or homes. Although not all homes have oil tanks underground, most homes built in Vancouver before 1975 will have them. If you’re curious to find out if you have a residential underground storage tank in your backyard, look for a fill pipe sticking out of the ground, or follow copper piping from your basement that leads out and underground.
Benefits of removing a tank from your Vancouver property
Unused oil tanks can be hazardous to the environment and your health if not in use. They can lead to a toxic spill or leak and leave homeowners liable for bio-hazardous material cleanup, which can be extremely costly.
Aside from health and biohazardous risks, an unused underground oil tank can lead to a bad smell that can permeate the walls of a home, decrease your property’s value, and take up space that could be used for something else.
Detect a tank on your property in Vancouver
If you’re interested in whether or not your property has a residential underground storage tank in the backyard, look for copper piping in your basement and follow it to see if it leads to somewhere underground in your backyard. That, or look for a fill pipe sticking out of the ground.
Check our records first
There are strict standards for removing an oil tank in Vancouver, however it is highly recommended by the city to remove an underground oil tank if you suspect you have one. Removing an oil tank will help preserve soil and groundwater for generations to come. However, before you begin your oil tank removal, be sure to check the city’s records to see if there is already an application underway for your oil tank.
Hire a tank removal contractor in Vancouver to confirm
CERC Oil Tank Removal has been serving Vancouver and Greater Vancouver residents for decades. With our commitment to environmental protection and years of experience, we’re the number one oil tank removal service in the Vancouver area.
Steps to remove or abandon a tank in Vancouver
Apply for a tank removal permit
Apply for tank removal. This can be done here .
Complete work within 90 days
Complete the work issued within 90 days of the permit being issued. This includes building fencing, guards, and shoring around the area around the residential underground oil tank. Store the tank onsite.
Backfill with clean fill
Backfill the excavation area using clean fill.
What does this mean for Vancouver homeowners and prospective home buyers?
An oil tank on site decreases property value due to the expensive biohazard risk it possesses. However, removing an oil tank can greatly increase the property value of your home. If you’re a buyer looking at purchasing a vintage home, be sure to ask the seller about oil tanks on site. You might be setting yourself up for a costly surprise!
Oil Tank Detection & Removal Process in Vancouver
An oil tank can be confirmed by checking records or by hiring a contractor to search the property. Once confirmed, one must apply for an oil tank removal permit and complete the process through a contractor within 90 days of receiving the permit, eventually filling the hole with clean fill.
Why CERC?
Quality service for guaranteed satisfaction
Over 24 years of experience
Free, no-obligation estimates
Full WCB coverage & general liability
Additional resources
Apply for permits or look up an existing application:
BC regulations
Here we have compiled links to B.C. city portal sites with information on B.C. regulations and specific city regulations for
Recommended reading. Stay informed and adhere to standards when planning for oil tank removal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The average oil tank removal in Vancouver costs $1,400 – $2,000. Factors that influence cost include location, size of the oil tank, the type of fluid in it, and specific municipal guidelines.
An oil tank on site decreases property value due to the biohazard risk. Removing one can greatly increase your property value. Buyers of vintage homes should always ask the seller about oil tanks on site.
An oil tank can be confirmed by checking city records or by hiring a contractor to scan the property. Once confirmed, you must apply for a removal permit and complete the work through a contractor within 90 days, then backfill with clean fill.