POLLUTION PREVENTION GUIDELINES (PPGI) STATES:
 
"BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND FOR PREVENTING POLLUTION OF AIR, LAND AND WATER...".

The polluter pays... don't let it happen to you

Many thousands of pollution incidents occur each year, originating from old, leaking, poorly maintained or badly installed fuel oil storage facilities. Each incident is an offence and owners may be liable to prosecution if a tank is identified as causing pollution.

Did you know...

  • Oil causes nearly a quarter of all water pollution incidents?

  • One car's engine oil is enough to pollute the entire drinking water of a city the size of Birmingham?

  • Oil related water pollution incidents in England accounted for 30% of all water pollution in 1998 mainly due to leaks from unbunded tanks?

  • A 1990s study showed 60-90% of oil related pollution incidents resulted from poor storage facilities eg unbunded tanks?

  • If you are a polluter, you could face fines of up to £20,000 and up to three months in prison from a magistrates court, or an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison from the crown court?

What are the standards

  • In general, all tanks must be strong enough to hold the oil without leaking

  • For single skin tanks, a bund or catchpit must be provided to contain any oil leaks from the tank or its pipework and equipment, and must be sufficient to contain 110% of the capacity of the tank.

  • For bunded tanks, the bund (outer tank) should be capable of storing 110% of the capacity of the inner tank or 25% of the total storage capacity. whichever is the greater.

  • A number of other detailed requirements are included in the regulations. such as the positioning of sight gauges, fill points. vent pipes and other ancillary items.

Do you need further advice

We can offer practical advice on fuel oil storage guidelines, alternative tanks and the suitability of the material in which the tanks are moulded for containing other liquids.

The Environment: Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) publishes Pollution Prevention Guidance notes PPG2 and PPG26 on oil storage which, if followed correctly, will ensure compliance with the regulations and safeguard and improve the environment for present and future generations.



Source: DETR, SEPA and EA.