Who is the PTMAA?
The Petroleum Tank Management Association was incorporated as a not-for-profit society in 1994. The PTMAA’s general objective is to provide programs and initiatives to enhance the good management of petroleum storage tank systems in Alberta.
Background
In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in awareness and concern by Albertans about the environment. This awareness and concern translates into strong new demand that government and industry examine human activities which cause environmental damage. One of those human activities which caused extensive damage is the continued use of underground storage tank systems which are leaking. There are a number of reasons underground tanks leak, but the most common are:
- Improper Installations
- Corrosion of Steel Tanks or Lines
- Freeze and thaw stresses on underground piping
Historically, the National Fire Code (NFC) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements have been used in Canada for the installation and operation of underground storage tanks containing petroleum products. The first edition of the NFC was published in 1963 and the first edition of CSA Standard B139, Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment, was published in 1957. These codes were written from the viewpoint of fire prevention and primarily cover the elements of Fire Safety.
Petroleum leakage from underground storage tanks can also have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to vapors originating from leaked fuels can result in increased cancer or health risks.
Over the long term, prevention of product releases and early detection of releases when they do occur are less disruptive socially and economically then paying for alternative water supplies and costly cleanups.
In 1987, The Federal, Provincial, and Territorial ministers of Canada unanimously agreed to adopt the Environmental Code of Practice for Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products. This document presented minimum standards to protect the environment from existing, new or proposed underground storage tank systems that contain petroleum products. The document was periodically updated with the most current version published in 1993. In 1989 the Alberta provincial government began the Management of Underground Storage Tanks (M.U.S.T.) project. The M.U.S.T. project created a database of existing storage tanks in the province and worked with industry and regulators to formulate recommendations for changes to Alberta Fire Code tank regulations. After registering storage tanks and establishing an upgrading program for underground storage tanks, the M.U.S.T. project wound up operations and a Delegated Administrative Organization known as the PTMAA carried on with the objectives of M.U.S.T.