Removal of buried oil tank

The Government has decided to prohibit the use of fossil fuel oil for the heating of buildings by 2020. A buried oil tank can be harmful both to the environment and health. As a home owner, you stand responsible in the case of an oil leak.

Prohibition from 2020
The prohibition states that the use of mineral oils for the heating of buildings will become illegal from 2020, both for main heating (base load) and for additional heating (peak load). There are good renewable alternatives to mineral oil for heating. Those who currently use fossil oils for heating, must find another solution before 2020. There are several alternatives to fossil oils, among others heat pumps, electrical heating, remote heating, bio-oil, floor heating and pellet boilers.

The tank is the home owner’s responsibility
As home owner, you stand responsible for the oil tank and any eventual leakages. The life span of a buried oil tank is 30 years. With time, it will rust and might puncture. Even many years after ended use, oil residues may sip out and cause great damage to surroundings and buildings.

According to Pollution Regulations, the house owner most follow-up with measures that prevent pollution. Damages caused by a buried oil tank may curtail the insurance. We suggest that the tank be checked, cleaned or, alternatively, removed.

You can read more about the regulations here.

Emptying, cleaning, renovation and removal of oil tanks
When the tank has been located, you can choose whether you want to empty, clean, renovate or remove the oil tank completely. Where possible, we suggest removal of the oil tank. All belonging pipes in the wall must also be emptied and removed. The same goes for the gravity tank inside the house. If you have an internal oil tank in the basement, this must also be emptied, renovated, disassembled or removed.

The best thing is to apply to Enova for grants for cleaning and removal of oil tanks, as this is a rights-based scheme where you receive more support if you combine more measures. Read more about Enova Grants here.

Reporting to the municipality
When the oil tank has been dug up, the oil residue is sucked out and the oil tank is cleaned before it is delivered to the designated waste site. If the oil tank is hard to access, for example under or close to the foundations, it can be filled with gravel. This prevents any eventual damage of the tank collapsing.

If you have an oil tank in the garden you should read our blog regarding this subject.

You can also find more information on oljefri.no. You are welcome to contact us if you have any questions.