Risks related to fuel oil tanks
Throughout history, various heating systems have been used. In the last century, fuel oil (heating oil) was predominantly adopted. Being a liquid, it needed to be stored in a tank. Depending on the property layout, the tanks may have been:
• Above Ground: These could be installed either inside or outside the building.
The risks associated with an above-ground tank can be assessed based on the type of surface it is placed on, the condition of the installations,
any odors, and signs of spills or leaks observed.
• Underground: Typically installed along a building’s facade,
they can be identified by vent and fill pipes.
The risks of an underground tank are not visually detectable unless soil characterization, geophysical surveys, or excavation are performed; unlike above-ground tanks. Some elements of the underground tanks can be verified, such as the year of installation, materials, manufacturing methods, or unusual inventory. In the Mont-Royal area, the underground tanks found were mostly made of steel, often small in size with thin walls.
Leaks from underground equipment can affect the soil and groundwater quality of your property as well as adjacent properties. Since these leaks are difficult to detect, they can turn into major spills depending on the time elapsed between the onset and discovery of the leak. Typically, these incidents are discovered accidentally or during equipment replacement. Remediation of a property can involve thousands of dollars in decontamination, significant delays for completion, legal fees, loss of income, and generally, a decrease in quality of life.
Given that the city of Mont-Royal was established in the early 20th century, properties have evolved over time, and an underground tank might be present without its existence being known. However, it is possible to conduct thorough research (plans, permits, information requests, etc.) or request an Environmental Site Assessment – Phase I (ESA). This request should be made to a specialized environmental firm, which will carry out a comprehensive property history for all environmental risks.