Inuvik - Work has begun to dismantle two oil tanks that have been sitting empty for the past few years.

From left, Warren Tetz, Lucas Lipka and foreman Oakland Valleau stand in front of a fuel tank that is being dismantled. The tanks were used by the power corporation for fuel in their facility. Two of the three tanks are being taken down this month. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The three big blue oil tanks, used by the power corporation, will soon be reduced to one because two of them are not being used.

Following the demolition the two tanks will be cut into smaller pieces and then shipped south for recycling.

Mackenzie Valley Construction foreman Oakland Valleau said the tanks are being cut into pieces by his team of welders.

"We cut the piece out and bring it down, where we make it small enough to fit on a truck," said Valleau.

The crew started their work last week and have since cut into the middle tank and removed a slice of the siding.

"It came down ok and now it's being cut up," said Valleau

The tanks were used by the power corporation to house fuel for their diesel engines in the power plant.

Valleau explained that the tanks weren't used any more because of the plant's switch to natural gas a few years back.

"The two tanks are empty now, so we're going to take them out of here," said Valleau.

Before the tanks could be opened and taken down, they had to be cleaned.

Valleau explained that cleaning solutions were used to empty out the hollow tanks before the cutting began.

Valleau said that all the remaining fuel had to be pumped out before the real work could begin.

The whole crew had to wear special equipment to enter the tanks and still breathe comfortably.

"We were in there with all the gear on," he said.

"We were using breathing apparatuses that supplied us with air when we were in the tank."

The seven man crew all have their own specialty. The team needs welders to cut the pieces and heavy equipment operators to move the loaders.

Valleau said he hopes to get the job done within the next two weeks.

"We want to have all the pieces gone soon," he said.

Representatives from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation could not be reached for comment.