Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks

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Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in the City of Edmonton for the installation, removal or alteration of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks.

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Learn what classifies as a flammable or combustible liquid in the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition Division B Article 4.1.2.1 Classification.

View the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition

Storage Tank Permits

Permit Regulation within the Safety Codes Act mandates permits be obtained for the installation, alteration or removal of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is the authority in the City of Edmonton for the installation, removal or alteration of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks. You can learn what classifies as a flammable or combustible liquid in the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC-AE) Division B Article 4.1.2.1 Classification.

Storage Tank Permit Application Guidelines

After going to the Permit Application Program:

Create a business account allowing either 1 or multiple employees to have access. Businesses may create Administrator privileges that give individuals permission to add or delete staff, change business attributes or revise contact information at the discretion of the original applicant.
Complete the Permit Application to install, alter or remove storage tank system(s).
Upload all required documents including engineered drawings, site maps, spec sheets and so on. Ensure all requirements as per the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition are included in the application along with supporting documentation. Refer to the requirement check sheets.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services will review the documentation to verify full compliance with the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition. If compliance is verified, a storage tank installation permit will be issued. The installation, removal or alteration must be performed by a petroleum contractor approved by the Safety Codes Council.

When the installation is complete, a site inspection is required prior to the storage tank being filled. Once the final inspection of the installation is complete, a Permit Service Report (PSR) will be issued and will need to be provided on request.

All tank removals require the Underground Storage Tank Removal/Decommissioning Report to be completed and submitted prior to a PSR being issued. A permit is not considered complete until this document has been received and accepted.

Requirements and Checksheets

Underground Tanks Checksheet
Aboveground Storage Tanks Checksheet
Aboveground Used Oil Storage Tank Checksheet
Aboveground Storage Tank Systems Used to Supply Appliances Requirements

Apply For Storage Tank Permit

Storage Tank Registration

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has a Storage Tank Registration Process within the City of Edmonton. As per the requirements, owners or operators of storage tank systems within the City are required to register the tanks annually by completing the registration application and renewal process.

When are Storage Tank Registrations Required?

Above-ground storage tanks with a capacity greater than or equal to 2,500 Litres and all underground storage tanks must be registered.

When registering multiple sites, complete a separate registration form for each site
Where a storage tank is divided into 2 or more compartments, each compartment is considered a separate storage tank and must be registered separately

There is a registration fee of $75 per storage tank.

If the storage tank system is in compliance with all applicable requirements of the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services will register the storage tank and issue a registration certificate.

If the annual registration is not renewed, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services may cancel the registration of a storage tank and revoke the certificate.

The owner of the storage tank is required to display documentation on-site showing the tank has current registration. Please ensure the owner provides this documentation if it is not readily visible.

Registration Certificate

Expires on August 31 every year and must be renewed
Is valid only while the storage tank remains at the location described in the certificate
Is not transferable

Storage Tanks Registration Exemptions

The requirement for storage tank registration does not apply to:

An aboveground storage tank with a capacity of less than 2,500L
A storage tank in an industrial process plant, a refinery or a distillery
A flow-through storage tank used as part of the process of an industrial plant, refinery or distillery
Aboveground storage tanks used at a temporary location for less than 1 year
A pressure vessel that is used as a storage tank and is registered in accordance with the boiler and pressure vessel regulations made pursuant to the Safety Codes Act

Apply for Tank Registration Renew Tank Registration

Inspections

When to Book an Inspection

An inspection with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services must be booked when:

Tanks are removed or installed
Tanks and lines are pressure tested
Product first fill
Final occupancy and/or building permit closure in conjunction with the City’s permit process

How to Book an Inspection

When an inspection is required please email fueltankinquiries@edmonton.ca and provide the permit number or leave a message with the Fire Prevention Branch at 780-496-3628.

Extra or After-hours Inspections

A fee for an inspection related to the installation or removal of flammable or combustible fuel tank per member, per hour, plus expenses shall be assessed for an inspection that exceeds a reasonable time frame and for every additional re-inspection required as a result of any of the following:

Failed inspection
Inspection incorrectly called for
Installation not prepared for inspection
Previously identified deficiency not corrected after a request for inspection has been made
Failed testing procedures

An after hours fee for costs related to overtime will apply for inspections requested outside of regular office hours.

Fees and Penalties

Application fee for flammable and combustible fuel tank, which includes plans review and site inspections	$521 + $26.05 (GST) = $547.05
Inspection related to the installation or removal of flammable/combustible fuel tank	Each Hour $99 x 3 = $297 + 14.85 (GST)
Fire Rescue Standby Service _{Required as a condition of the issuance of the permit or where the Fire Marshal has determined there is sufficient risk to the safety of people or property that Fire Rescue Services need to be on scene}	Charges as per Schedule C
Plans examining and letter of compliance related to the installation or removal of flammable/combustible fuel tank _{These require a remittance fee to the Government of Alberta Safety Codes Council}	$224 + $11.20 (GST)
Storage Tank Registration _{Each compartment of a split tank is considered a separate tank}	$75 per storage tank

View Complete Fee Schedule

Fines or Penalties for Failing to Comply

Failure to comply with the National Fire Code (2023 Alberta Edition) can result in fines and even jail time as outlined in the Safety Codes Act. Failure to comply applies to:

Failing to get the necessary permits prior to installing, removing or altering a storage tank
Installing, altering, or removing a storage tank system with a non-certified petroleum contractor
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 offence:
- Fines up to $100,000, and up to $1,000 for each day where the offense continues, and/or
- Imprisonment for up to 6 months
For a second offence:
- Fines up to $500,000, and up to $2,000 for each day where the offence continues, and/or
- Imprisonment for up to 12 months

Contact Us

Fire Prevention Technical Services

Monday to Friday
8am-4:30pm (closed on all weekends and statutory holidays)

Telephone	780-496-3628 (voice mail only)

Email	cmsfpts@edmonton.ca