August 12, 2005—The UK’s Environment Agency has launched a publicity campaign reminding businesses that store oil outdoors to make sure they are prepared for new regulations coming into effect September 1.
The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations mean those who store more than 200 liters of oil in tanks and containers, for reasons such as for oil-fired central heating, outside and above ground, will need to meet new strict requirements. The Environment Agency warns that failure to comply with the new rules is not only bad for the environment but can lead to a fine of up to 5000. If an oil pollution incident is caused, the polluter could be fined up to 20,000 at a magistrate’s court.
A recent report from the Environment Agency’s Oil Care Campaign found that three of the top four causes of oil and fuel pollution incidents were tank failure, pipe failure, and overfilling of tanks.
The Oil Care Campaign suggests some simple checks to make sure oil tanks are ready for September. These include:
- store oil in a suitable container kept out of harm’s way;
- use secondary containment big enough to hold 110% of the oil stored in tanks or 25% of oil in drums;
- make sure secondary containment is leak-proof;
- make sure all ancillary equipment is within the secondary containment when not in use;
- have locks on all taps and valves;
- protect all pipework from damage by impact and corrosion and get underground pipes tested for leaks;
- check valves in pump feed lines or manual pumps; and
- use an automatic overfill prevention devise when the delivery driver cannot see the tank vent pipe while filling.
Some oil tanks, drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), or mobile bowsers are exempt, such as those containing waste mineral oil. Domestic tanks are exempt if they are 3500 liters or less.
