Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001
Every year more than 5000 oil incidents are reported to the Environment Agency. In 2002 there were 5217 pollution incidents affecting the environment where oil was involved, that's 14 every day!.
Most incidents were caused by oil leaking from tanks either during storage or delivery. The Oil Storage Regulations will help us to stop these incidents by requiring tank owners to provide a secondary containment facility, such as a bund or drip tray to prevent oil escaping into the water environment.
Anyone storing oil in containers greater than 200 litres, above ground at an industrial, commercial or institutional site, or more than 3500 litres at a domestic site will be affected by these regulations. They cover factories, shops, offices, hotels, schools, public sector buildings and hospitals. The regulations apply only in England, but Wales and Scotland are likely to follow suit.
Which types of oil are covered?
All types of oil, with the exception of waste mineral oil, are covered by these regulations including petrol, diesel, vegetable, synthetic and mineral oil. Waste mineral oil is covered by the Waste Management Licensing Regulations. It is important to note that in the case of flammable liquids, such as petrol, additional health and safety requirements may also apply.
What are the standards?
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Tanks, drums or other containers must be strong enough to hold the oil without leaking or bursting.
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If possible, the oil container must be positioned away from any vehicle traffic to avoid damage from collision.
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A bund or drip tray must be provided to catch any oil leaking from the container or its ancillary pipework and equipment.
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The bund must be sufficient to contain 110% of the maximum contents of the oil container.
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Where more than one container is stored, the bund should be capable of storing 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total storage capacity, whichever is the greater.
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The bund base and walls must be impermeable to water and oil and checked regularly for leaks.
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Any valve, filter, sight gauge, vent pipe or other ancillary equipment must be kept within the bund when not in use.
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No drainage valve may be fitted to the bund for the purpose of draining out rainwater.
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Above-ground pipework should be properly supported.
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Underground pipework should be protected from physical damage and have adequate leakage detection. If mechanical joints must be used, they should be readily accessible for inspection.
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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 equipment.
When do the regulations come into effect?
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New oil stores should have to complied since 1st March 2002.
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Existing oil stores "at significant risk" will have to comply from 1st September 2003.
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All remaining existing oil stores must comply from 1st September 2005.
In general, an oil store will be considered to be at "significant risk" if it is located within 10 metres of a watercourse or 50 metres of a well or borehole.
Are drums and mobile containers covered?
Yes. The regulations apply to drums greater than 200 litres and to mobile bowsers. Many self -bunded bowsers are now available. Bowsers that are not bunded will need to be kept in a bunded area of 110% capacity when in use. For single drums, a drip tray with a capacity of 25% is acceptable.
How are the regulations enforced?
The Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing these regulations throughout England. Should your oil storage facilities be inadequate, the Agency will provide advice and guidance to assist you with compliance. However, if you fail to act, the Agency may serve a notice requiring that the facilities be brought up to standard. Failure to comply with a notice is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution.
The regulations do not apply :
At premises used wholly or mainly as a single private dwelling storing less than 3500 litres. (but Building Regulations do apply for new and replacement domestic tanks);
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At premises used for refining oil or its onward distribution;
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Any oil stored in a building or wholly underground;
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To agricultural use of oil on farms - the storage of agricultural fuel oil is subject to the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations, 1991;
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To waste mineral oil.
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