When?
Inspections are not mandatory for above-ground tanks of less than 3000 litres. However, we advise you to follow the recommendations below issued by Brussels Environment.
The legislation in Brussels was modified recently.
It covers both underground tanks and overhead oil tanks.
What are the mandatory inspections in Brussels regarding oil tanks?
Above-ground tanks in Brussels:
Inspections are not mandatory for above-ground tanks of less than 3,000 litres. However, we advise you to follow the recommendations below issued by Brussels Environment.
For tanks that can contain more than 3000 litres, inspections are mandatory:
- By 27/08/2024 at the latest, above-ground tanks that have an overfill protection system and are contained in a vat or double-walled with leak detection must undergo an initial inspection
- Before 27/08/2020, above-ground tanks without overfill protection, and single-walled tanks that are not contained in a vat must undergo an initial inspection.
Buried or concealed oil tanks in Brussels:
Inspections are mandatory for buried oil tanks in Brussels
- Before 27 August 2022, if your buried tank contains less than 10,000 litres and possesses a leak detection system, as well as cathode protection or earth connection (mandatory). It will need to be inspected at the latest
- Before 27 August 2021, If your buried tank contains more than 10,000 litres and possesses a leak detection system, as well as cathode protection or earth connection (mandatory). It will need to be inspected at the latest
- Before 27 August 2020, if your buried tank is not equipped with a leak detection system or cathode protection.
Who can inspect your oil tank in Brussels?
During which timeframes should you plan an inspection visit for your oil tank?
For buried tanks:
- If the tank contains less than 10,000 litres is equipped with a leak detection system with cathode protection or earth connection = Every 3 years
- If the tank contains less than 10,000 litres is not equipped with a leak detection system with cathode protection or earth connection = Every year
- If the tank contains less than 10,000 litres is not equipped with a leak detection system without cathode protection/earth connection = Every year by 27/08/2023 at the latest*
- If the tank contains more than 10,000 litres is equipped with a leak detection system with cathode protection = Every 3 years
- If the tank contains more than 10,000 litres is not equipped with a leak detection system without cathode protection = Every year until 27/02/2021 at the latest
* ≤ 10,000 litre tanks that are not equipped with a double wall, or a reinforced wall with a permanent leak detection system after 27/08/2023, must undergo annual inspections.
An exemption from legal requirements can be granted by the presiding authorities. The exemption request will take the form of a request to amend the conditions for holding the environmental permit or declaration.
For above-ground tanks:
A periodic inspection must be conducted every 5 years, after the initial inspection
Existing above-ground tanks without an overfill protection system, and single-wall tanks that are not contained in a vat, must undergo an inspection every year after the initial inspection, until 27/08/2023 at the latest.
An exemption from legal requirements can be granted by the presiding authorities. The exemption request will take the form of a request to amend the conditions for obtaining the environmental permit or declaration.
At the end of the inspection? What will you receive?
At the end of our on-site inspection, our oil tank inspection expert will give you:
- A green inspection tag mentioning the address where the tank is installed, the name of the ‘storage installations’ expert, the date of the inspection and the next inspection date, and the maximum filling flow rate.
- A “Certinergie” inspection report by the ‘storage installations’ expert
Recommendations for an above-ground tank of less than 3,000 litres in Brussels
If your oil tank is above-ground (not concealed) and contains less than 3,000 litres, it is not subject to declaration or environmental permit.
Nevertheless, to avoid any soil contamination or subterranean water, for which you may be held responsible, it is important to maintain your tank with due diligence and follow the following recommendations:
- The tank must be accessible in order to enable emergency intervention in the event of an accident.
- When filling your tank, please ensure that the supplier always monitors the filling process, and also make sure that you are present, so that you can intervene if necessary.
- Ensure that you have an intervention kit made up of absorbent products, such as sawdust, that you can use in the event of a leak and then dispose of as hazardous waste.
- Monitor the level of your tank regularly: if you notice any abnormalities (abnormal consumption, presence of water in the oil), inform us directly.
- To prevent oil from overfilling during delivery, it is useful to install an overfill protection system. Please note, only the probe system is permitted in Brussels.
Who can perform the work for bringing it into compliance: Tank-Check
Certinergie has developed an independent structure, capable of providing you with services for restoring your oil tank: Tank-check.be
You want to:
Call TANK-CHECK’s specialist technicians
Any questions?
For more practical information: