Get a storage tank permit

A storage tank is a closed contained of greater than 230 litres that is made to be in a fixed location. Storage tanks can either 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.

Do I need a storage tank permit?

Underground storage tanks

Underground storage tanks have 10% or more of their volume covered with materials such as concrete or earth. You cannot store hazardous substances other than petroleum products underground.

You need a permit for any size of underground tank or tanks system for petroleum products.

Aboveground storage tanks

Aboveground storage tanks have 90% or more of their volume above the ground surface. It also must operate close to atmospheric pressure.

You need a permit for a tank or system of connected tanks that:

• holds >4,000 litres of petroleum products; or
• holds ≥2,000 litres or more of other hazardous substances.

Out-of-use storage tanks

You need a permit when:

• a tank is no longer used, or has been out of service for 1+ years; or
• a storage facility (such as a gas station) is being closed down.

You don't need a storage tank permit for:

• aboveground tanks or tank systems for petroleum products with a capacity equal to or less than 4,000 litres;
• above-ground storage tanks or tank systems for hazardous substances (other than petroleum products) with a capacity of less than 2,000 litres;
• tanks or tank systems or that are used to supply fuel to heat buildings;
• tanks that are used to store crude oil; or
• tanks used to store non-hazardous substances, such as water.

Storage tanks on federal land do not need a Yukon storage tank permit, but you will need to follow federal laws. See Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulations for storage tanks.

Apply for a storage tank permit

1. Complete the storage tank system permit application.
2. Submit your application:
   Email: cs.fmo@gov.yk.ca
   In person: The Fire Marshall's office at 91790 Alaska Highway in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4 p.m.
   By mail:
   Fire Marshal's Office
   Government of Yukon
   Box 2703 (C-20)
   Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
3. Next steps:

• We may conduct a pre-permit inspection prior to issuing the permit.
• You may need your activity assessed under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act.
• We may ask you for information in addition to the application.
• You may need to pay a technical review fee prior to getting any permit.

After getting the permit

Please visit our page on preventing fuel and chemical spills for more information on storage and record-keeping.