The 2015 National Fire Code states that a storage tank:
- is a vessel used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids;
- has a capacity of more than 230 litres;
- is made to be in a fixed location; and
- can be underground or aboveground.
When storage tanks leak, their contents can harm the environment and pose a threat to public health.
Yukon storage tank regulations set requirements for storing hazardous substances including petroleum products, and for keeping records of certain products.
Are permits required for a storage tank?
Yes. Permits are required for storage tanks of all sizes, regardless of where they are situated.
Underground storage tanks
- Storage of hazardous substances other than petroleum products is not permitted in these tanks.
- A permit is required for any underground storage tank system being used to store petroleum products.
- You need a permit for any size of underground tank or tanks system for petroleum products.
Aboveground storage tanks
- holds petroleum products; or
- holds other hazardous substances.
Out-of-use storage tanks
A permit is required to:
- remove an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank systems that have been taken out of service.
- abandon an underground storage tank in place.
Visit Remove an underground fuel tank for more information.
When a storage tank permit is not required
- when tanks store non-hazardous substances, such as water; or
- when tanks are installed on federally regulated lands (for example: Airports; non-settled Indigenous lands; rail lines; pipe lines; telecommunication towers; Canada Post; RCMP; Banks; Parks Canada), they are federally regulated.
To report infractions noted on fuel tanks situated on federally regulated lands in Yukon, please contact locally based ECCC Enforcement Officers:
- Eric Chalmers: Email eric.chalmers@canada.ca or phone: 867-667-3470, or
- Travis Teel: Email travis.teel@canada.ca or phone: 867-393-6705.
Apply for a storage tank permit
Residential or domestic tanks containing less than 2,500 litres
- For properties situated in Yukon and anywhere outside of Whitehorse, contact Building Safety and Standards:
Email: buildingsafety@gov.yk.ca
Phone: 867-667-5741 or toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 extension 5741
In person: 2251B Second Avenue in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Building Safety & Standards
PO Box 2703 (C-8)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6
- For properties situated in the municipality of Whitehorse, contact Land & Building Services:
Email: adminbuilding@whitehorse.ca
Phone: 668-8346
In person: Municipal Services Building at 4210 4th Avenue
Mail:
Land & Building Services
2121 2nd Avenue
Whitehorse, Yukon
Commercial above ground tanks intended to be used for storage of petroleum products or hazardous substances require a permit.
For tanks under 2,500L, contact Building Safety and Standards at 867-667-5741.
For tanks equal to or larger than 2,500L contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 867-456-6517.
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Complete the storage tank system permit application.
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Submit your application:
Email: cs.fmo@gov.yk.ca
In person: 91790 Alaska Highway in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4 p.m.
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Fire Marshal's Office
Box 2703 (C-20)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6
Note to all applicants
- The inspecting agency may conduct a pre-permit inspection prior to the issuance of a permit.
- If storing more than 100,000 litres combined on site, the project will be required to undergo an assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.
- You may be asked for information in addition to that requested on the application.
- You may be required to pay a technical review fee prior to the issuance of a permit.
Visit Prevent fuel and chemical spills for more information on storage and record-keeping.
For any questions about storage tank permits, email cs.fmo@gov.yk.ca or phone: 867-456-6517 or toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, extension 6517.