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A new online service for Storage Tank System clients serving unaccredited areas of the province.
Storage Tank System Operating Permit
Flammable & combustible liquid storage tank systems with individual tank(s)/compartment(s) 2,500 litres or greater in capacity require an annual Operating Permit. This permit is valid January 1st to December 31st each calendar year, or as specified on the certificate.
For new tank(s) or system installations, alterations and/or removals, a New Work Permit must first be obtained, work completed and permit process closed prior to being able to receive an Operating Permit.
If you are unsure of who your service provider is for your municipality, please use the Council’s Where to get a Permit tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Safety Codes Council taken over for the Petroleum Tank Management Association (PTMAA)?
As of June 8th 2020, the Government of Alberta transferred the delegated authority for storage tank systems in unaccredited areas of Alberta from the Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta (PTMAA) to the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA), a division of the Safety Codes Council. Municipalities that are accredited in Part 4 of the NFC(AE) will continue administering related permitting and inspections per their Quality Management Plan.
You can read the STANDATA issued by Municipal Affairs here.
Why is ASCA referring to Petroleum Tanks as a Storage Tank System?
Storage tank system means a system for the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids and combustible liquids and is not limited to storage tanks, associated piping, vents, pumps, and dispensing equipment.
The National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition refers to refined crude petroleum products as flammable and combustible liquids based on product flashpoints as stated in the classification system in Article 4.1.2.1. of the Fire Code. Most common products such as gasoline and diesel fuel fall within this classification system.
Why didn't I receive my petroleum storage tank registration form this year?
Effective August 31, 2020, the requirement for owners to register their storage tank(s) with PTMAA was replaced with an inventory control system in unaccredited areas. This inventory control system will be administered through the Storage Tank System Operating Permit.
Owners of tanks in accredited areas do not need to apply for the Operating Permit through ASCA. These owners should check with their municipalities to ensure they meet inventory control compliance measures.
I used to receive a notice from PTMAA and paid an invoice to receive my registration certificate. How do I renew my registration now?
In unaccredited areas of Alberta, the previous registration requirement has been replaced with an inventory control system utilizing annual operating permits. Please click on the following link to apply for your annual operating permit.
Storage Tank System Operating Permit
This permit will be in effect until December 31, 2021.
How do I know if my tank is in an unaccredited area?
Click here and select the location of your tank. If under “Storage Tank System – Fire Code” it lists the Alberta Safety Codes Authority, your tank is in an unaccredited area.
I received an email saying my registration certificate expires on August 31st, 2020, but I just got an installation permit a few number of months ago and paid $275. Do I have to reapply and pay again?
No. You are referring to an Installation Permit, which was separate from the registration process. The installation permit is still valid, and you will be expected to follow the existing process of submitting a Verification of Compliance (VoC) and an inspection by ASCA will be completed. No additional fees will be required for the installation of the storage tank system. Once the inspection is completed by ASCA, an operating permit will be required for tanks with capacities greater than 2500 L. Note that each compartment in a multi-compartment tank is considered a separate tank as per the Fire Code.
I have a small used oil tank and a small diesel tank. The used oil is 1135 Litres and the diesel is 2499 Litres. Do I need to get an operating permit every year for either of these tanks?
No. Tanks with a capacity of less than 2500 Litres are not required to obtain an annual operating permit.
Now that ASCA is responsible for storage tank systems in unaccredited areas of Alberta, do I have to reapply and include everything that was previously submitted a number of months or years ago?
No, the information previously provided to PTMAA was transferred to ASCA and your file remains the same as it was with PTMAA. With the introduction of the inventory control system, an annual operating permit and information updates for storage tank systems in unaccredited areas of Alberta will need to be sent to ASCA.