Update to Storage Tank Technical Standards

Summary#

This is a proposed change to the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations to update the technical standards they refer to. The notice was published on June 8, 2024 and includes a public comment period of 60 days (ending August 7, 2024).

What it does#

• Updates the regulatory references so storage tank equipment certified to the newest industry standards can be used under the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations.
• Replaces or revises references to 48 technical standards:
  • 38 of those are updates to standards referenced through the CCME Code of Practice.
  • 10 are updates to standards that the Regulations reference directly.
• Removes the year from standard citations so the rule points to the standard title only, and allows use of whichever version of a listed standard "is in effect" at the time a tank or component is manufactured.
• Adds a new Schedule (Schedule 4) that lists the updated standards and the specific parts of the CCME Code they apply to.
• Notes that 4 of the updated standards are harmonized U.S./Canadian standards (e.g., ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC formats).
• The proposal says the amendments would come into force on the day they are registered if adopted.

Who's affected#

• Owners and operators of petroleum and allied petroleum storage tank systems under federal jurisdiction. This includes:
  • Systems on Indigenous (Aboriginal) land, including those run by band councils or private businesses such as gas stations.
  • Systems on federal land or run by federal departments, boards, or agencies.
  • Storage systems that are part of federal works or undertakings (for example, railways, port authorities and airports).
• The Canada Gazette notice cites approximate ownership/operator shares as 50%, 15%, 5%, and 30% for different groups; the notice says those percentages describe types of owners and operators, not total numbers.

Why it matters#

• It fixes a compliance gap. Right now some newer tank equipment meets up‑to‑date industry standards but those updated standards are not all named in the Regulations. The change would let regulated parties buy and install equipment certified to the newer standards without extra paperwork or having to meet a different rule.
• The government expects no new costs for businesses and no changes to existing environmental protections. Harmonized standards may also make it easier to buy certified equipment across Canada and the U.S.
• This is a proposal and not yet law. If you want to comment, the public comment period runs until August 7, 2024.