PTMAA Compliance Policy (Updated Winter 2001)
The PTMAA’s mandate is evolving and the Association wants all stakeholders aware of our role in protection of the environment and public health from leaking storage systems. The PTMAA has delegated province-wide authority for registering storage tanks and certifying tank contractors. We also have direct Fire Code enforcement authority in approximately 1/3rd of Alberta’s municipalities. The PTMAA has limitedenforcement authority within accredited municipalities. For a listing of municipalities which are non-accredited for storage tank regulations see the PTMAA website.
The PTMAA role to date has been largely administrative; registering tanks, providing advice to owners and operators and issuing upgrading directives. The association intends to expand its field work initiatives in educating tank operators, especially in the area of leak detection. We will also give serious attention to facility owners who act in contravention of the Fire Code. The Compliance Policy of the PTMAA includes the
following procedures:
- PTMAA inspections which show storage systems to not be in compliance with the Fire Code will be issued a Notice which identifies the contravention and offers a reasonable amount of time for the owner to take corrective action.
- Where full compliance has not been attained by the deadline provided, the PTMAA will issue a Compliance Order.
- Orders have the effect of voiding any Registration Certificate issued by the PTMAA
and mandates that the owner immediately cease operation of the storage system. - Suppliers of petroleum to tanks and/or removers of used oil from tanks may be notified of the existence of the Order and advised of the Fire Code service restriction to tanks that are not registered.
- Owners that comply with the Order within 30 days will be issued a Registration Certificate.
- Failing to comply with the Order will result in the PTMAA providing notice to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and a Court Order sought to get compliance or prosecution recommended.