The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates private fuel outlets (PFOs). A private fuel outlet (PFO) is defined as any premises, other than a retail outlet, marina or bulk plant, where gasoline or an associated product is put into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or into portable containers.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about PFOs.
-
What is the difference between a marina and a PFO?
Private fuel outlets dispense fuel, without selling it, into land-based vehicles or containers. A fire station where trucks are filled and a courier company where fleet vehicles refuel are both private fuel outlets.
At a marina, fuel is dispensed into floating motorized watercraft on the water. Marinas are subject to special rules and regulations because the fuelling happens so close to water; accordingly, you must have a licence (from a non-TSSA industry organization) to operate a marina.
More information:
-
Am I responsible for inspection and compliance if I don’t own the tank?
The owner of a private fuel outlet (PFO) has the primary responsibility to comply with requirements relating to the equipment and will be billed for the inspection. The inspector will also issue a second order to the PFO operator to not use the equipment after the compliance date if the non-compliance has not been rectified. For example, if an aboveground tank does not have an anti-syphon valve and the fuel supplier owns the tank, the TSSA inspector will issue orders to the supplier and bill them for the inspection. The inspector will also issue an order to the PFO operator to stop using the tank after the compliance date if the contravention has not been corrected. If the equipment is owned by the PFO, the inspector will issue orders to the PFO and bill it for the inspection.
-
Our tanks and equipment are only temporary or on a construction site. Do I need to comply with the regulations?
Yes, every facility must comply with the applicable regulations, no matter whether the equipment is temporary or permanent.
-
How long can an underground single-wall tank be used?
Underground single-wall tanks are grandfathered. There is no requirement in the Liquid Fuels Handling Code to remove them if they are not leaking. If a facility has lost its grandfathered status (i.e., the license has lapsed for more than 12 months), single-wall underground tanks and piping must be replaced with double-wall equipment. Variances are no longer granted for single-wall tanks.
-
How can I tell if my underground tank is leaking?
It is difficult to tell if there is a leak if the tank is underground. Some underground tanks may leak for years without owners realizing it. You can have your tank tested for leaks by contacting one of the Recognized Precision Leak Testing Companies (PDF).
-
What should I do if my underground tank is leaking?
You must call a TSSA-registered contractor who will find and stop the leak on your behalf. The contractor may also assist you with the required clean up if fuel has been spilled. You must also call the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 to notify them of the spill incident.
-
How do I remove my underground tank?
You must contact a TSSA-registered petroleum contractor to perform the task. Only a TSSA-registered petroleum contractor is qualified to perform the removal of your underground or buried fuel tank. Ask for the TSSA contractor registration number before contracting services. In the event of a fuel spill, you are also required to notify the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
-
I no longer use my underground storage tank. Can I leave it in place and not remove it?
No, the code requires that it be removed. The TSSA may issue a variance to allow an underground tank to be abandoned in the ground. If you plan to abandon your underground storage tank, you need to submit a variance application to TSSA.
-
Are there any government funds for gas station owners to upgrade or remove their underground tanks?
Currently, owners of underground tanks are responsible for the costs of maintaining, upgrading, and removing their underground tank and for cleaning up contamination. Some fuel suppliers may have special financing programs to help you replace the underground tank with an aboveground tank.