In a rural and ecologically diverse community like Brooke-Alvinston, a dormant oil tank is more than just a nuisance. Proactive removal is essential for the following reasons:
- Protecting the Sydenham River Watershed: Brooke-Alvinston is situated within the Sydenham River Watershed, one of the most biologically diverse regions in Canada. Because the Sydenham is home to numerous "Species at Risk" and sensitive aquatic habitats, a single fuel leak can have devastating local consequences. By removing your unused tank, you prevent petroleum hydrocarbons from migrating through the soil and into the tributaries that feed our local waterways.
- Agricultural and Soil Integrity: For the many farms in the Brooke-Alvinston area, soil health is the foundation of the local economy. An underground or exterior tank that corrodes and leaks can contaminate large areas of productive farmland, leading to astronomical remediation costs. Professional removal ensures that your land remains clean and compliant with environmental standards.
- Insurance and Real Estate Compliance: The Insurance Bureau of Canada and major lenders have become increasingly strict. Most insurance companies will refuse to renew policies for homes with oil tanks older than 15–20 years. Furthermore, selling a property with an uncertified or abandoned tank is nearly impossible in today’s market, as buyers and lenders require a TSSA-certified removal to clear the title.
- TSSA Compliance & the "3-Year Rule": Under the newest TSSA Fuel Oil Code Adoption Document (CAD), any fuel tank that has been inactive for three years or longer is now officially classified as a high-risk non-compliance. These systems are legally required to be professionally removed to avoid provincial enforcement orders and potential environmental fines.