Update to Storage Tank Technical Standards

Summary#

This is a proposed update to the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations that would modernize the technical standards the rules point to. The change would update references to 48 standards so owners and operators can buy equipment certified to the most recent industry versions; the proposal comes from Environment and Climate Change Canada and is open for comment for 60 days from the publication date (June 8, 2024).

What it does#

• Updates the standards named in the regulations (mainly in section 14) so the titles reflect current industry documents. In total 48 standards are updated.
• Of those, 38 are updates to standards referenced through the CCME Code and 10 are updates to standards directly listed in the Regulations.
• Removes the specific year from all referenced standard titles and says equipment may conform to whichever version of a listed standard is in effect when the item is manufactured.
• Adds a new Schedule 4 that maps specific parts of the CCME Code to the updated standards.
• Includes a few harmonized standards (about 4) that match U.S./North American versions to make certification and procurement easier across borders.
• The government says these changes do not change technical specifications, do not add new requirements, and are not expected to create extra costs for regulated parties.
• These are proposed amendments (not yet law) and would come into force when registered if approved.

Who's affected#

• Owners and operators of storage tank systems under federal jurisdiction, including tanks located on Aboriginal land, federal land, and those that are part of federal works or undertakings (for example, railways, ports and airports).
• The proposal notes that about 50% of these systems are managed by First Nations communities and small businesses on Aboriginal land, 15% are third‑party operations on federal land, 5% are run by federal entities, and 30% are part of federal works or undertakings.
• Tank and component manufacturers, certifiers, installers and suppliers who need equipment that bears certification marks to the listed standards.
• It does not directly change provincial or territorial storage‑tank rules; it applies only to tanks under federal jurisdiction.

Why it matters#

• It closes a practical compliance gap: equipment made to newer technical standards could be hard to show as conforming if the regulations still list older standard titles. Updating those references makes it easier to use modern, certified equipment.
• The government says there should be no extra cost for businesses or Indigenous communities because the changes do not add new technical requirements.
• Harmonizing some standards with U.S. versions may simplify buying and certifying equipment across borders.
• The changes aim to keep regulatory language up to date so environmental protections (for soil and groundwater) remain supported by current industry practice.
• This is a proposal, not final. Interested people and groups had 60 days from June 8, 2024 to comment on the proposal.