Oil tanks and their removal from the ground
Decommissioned underground oil or chemical tanks must be cleaned and removed from the ground. Environmental Supervision must notified of the removal well in advance, as the environmental inspector usually checks the condition of the soil during the removal.
In individual cases, Environmental Supervision may grant an exemption from the obligation to remove an underground tank, if the removal is technically very difficult or will result in damage to other property. Use this form to apply for an exemption from the obligation to remove an oil tank (in finnish)
The use of heating oil tanks involves a risk of soil contamination. All underground oil, fuel and chemical tanks, as well as above-ground oil and fuel tanks located near important groundwater resources, should thus be inspected regularly every 2–10 years. The condition of any return pipes is examined with pressure tests.
Environmental Supervision recommends replacing old oil tanks with new tanks or other heating systems. New underground heating oil tanks or pipelines may no longer be installed near major groundwater basins. New stationary tanks in groundwater areas must be placed above ground and be either double-walled or fitted with a protective basin, and have a single-pipe system from the tank to the burner.
Oil or chemical spills requiring immediate clean-up are reported by calling emergency number 112.