Whereas home heating oil is very toxic, killing fish and other marine life in waterbodies; And whereas prevention is the most effective means to safeguard our environment and avoid the unnecessary provincial and municipal expenditure of both time and money for clean up: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial government to consult with local governments on the feasibility of legislation to: 1. Require home heating oil tanks be registered and tagged as being in good condition and prohibit companies from filling tanks without a proper tag; 2. Create a mandatory inspection system including authorized inspector access for this purpose; 3. Legislate absolute liability for home heating fuel companies for any spills from tanks they fill and require those companies to carry insurance for that liability; 4. Legislate a public insurance fund paid for by a surcharge on heating oil fuel sales to pay for spills from properties where the property owner has self-identified as having a heating oil tank; and 5. Require proper decommissioning of tanks that no longer meet certification or that are unused for a prescribed period of time.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy A number of local governments have taken initiatives regarding Residential Underground Storage Tanks UST. For example, Saanich and Oak Bay require permits to be obtained for the installation, decommission, or removal of tanks. West Vancouver has built an inventory of properties with USTs and has maintained their records by requiring permits for their removal. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy continues to work with local government and fuel suppliers to minimize the occurrences of leaks through awareness programs, bylaws and best practices. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring their home heating oil tanks and any associated pipes are in good condition. Under the Environmental Management Act, a current or previous owner may be held responsible for clean-up of a home heating oil spill. It is important that British Columbians be reminded to regularly check their home heating oil tank for leaks and are advised to replace it approximately every 15 years to minimize the chance of a leak.