The document "Guidance for Pollution Prevention: Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks (GPP 2)" provides a detailed overview of how businesses and individuals should manage the storage of oil in above-ground tanks to prevent pollution and comply with environmental laws in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This guidance helps businesses understand the regulations, prevent spills, and protect watercourses from contamination. The key areas include tank installation, maintenance, legal requirements, spill response, and secondary containment. Following the guidelines minimises environmental risks and legal penalties while ensuring safety.
Importance of Pollution Prevention
Oil is one of the most significant pollutants in the UK. Improper storage of oil can result in major environmental damage, leading to contamination of watercourses, soil, and air. This can negatively impact human health, wildlife, and local ecosystems. The regulations surrounding oil storage aim to mitigate these risks by ensuring proper installation, handling, and maintenance of oil storage tanks.
The guidance emphasises that pollution prevention not only protects the environment but also reduces financial risks for businesses. Fines, penalties, and clean-up costs can be substantial if businesses are found to be in violation of pollution regulations. In addition, the reputational damage associated with pollution incidents can have long-lasting effects on a company's brand and operations.
Legal Compliance for Oil Storage
The guidance outlines the various legal frameworks for oil storage in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These regulations apply to both commercial and domestic oil storage facilities. In Northern Ireland, for example, the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2010 governs oil storage for premises not used as private dwellings, as well as private premises storing heating oil in tanks over 3,500 litres.
Scotland, under the Water Environment (Miscellaneous) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, has similar requirements but includes the storage of oil in all commercial and industrial sectors. In Wales, the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016 regulates oil storage for containers over 200 litres on most non-domestic premises.
Compliance with these regulations is essential for businesses. Failure to comply can lead to criminal offenses, resulting in fines, clean-up costs, and even imprisonment in severe cases. These regulations also provide a legal basis for businesses to ensure their oil storage systems are secure and safe for the environment.
Tank Location and Secondary Containment
One of the key elements of the guidance is ensuring that oil storage tanks are properly located and have adequate secondary containment. The document advises against placing tanks in high-risk areas, such as within 50 meters of a well or borehole or 10 meters from a watercourse. Storing oil in these areas increases the risk of contamination in the event of a spill or leak.
Secondary containment, such as bunds, is a crucial method for preventing oil from escaping into the environment. Bunds are structures that contain any spillage from the oil tank, preventing it from contaminating surrounding land or water. The bund must have a capacity of at least 110% of the tank's maximum storage volume, ensuring that any oil spills can be safely contained. Tanks with secondary containment should also be properly maintained, with regular inspections to ensure that the bund is intact and able to prevent oil from escaping.
The guidance highlights that, in some high-risk areas, additional environmental protection measures may be required. For example, overfill prevention devices or oil separators may need to be installed to reduce the risk of spillage into sensitive environments.
Safe Installation and Maintenance of Oil Tanks
Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential components of oil storage safety. The document recommends that all tanks be installed by registered, competent professionals who follow the appropriate standards for oil storage. Tanks should be installed on solid, impermeable bases to prevent oil from leaking into the ground.
After installation, regular inspections are necessary to ensure that tanks remain in good condition. Businesses should perform visual checks on all accessible parts of the tank, including pipework, valves, and secondary containment. Additionally, tanks should be inspected before every oil delivery to check for potential leaks or damage. Any repairs should be carried out by qualified professionals as soon as possible.
The guidance also provides recommendations on what to do with old or decommissioned tanks. Tanks that are no longer in use should be fully drained and removed from the site to prevent the risk of leaks from deteriorating structures. Leaving decommissioned tanks on-site can lead to pollution incidents, particularly if they are not properly emptied or removed.
Managing Oil Spills and Incident Response
Despite all preventative measures, spills can still occur, and businesses must be prepared to respond effectively. The document includes best practices for managing oil spills, including having an incident response plan in place. This plan should detail the actions to take in the event of a spill, including notifying the relevant environmental authorities, containing the spill, and preventing it from spreading to nearby drains or watercourses.
In addition, the document recommends that businesses keep spill kits on-site and train staff on how to use them properly. These kits can include absorbent materials such as sand or commercial sorbents that can soak up oil and prevent it from spreading.
A quick response is critical to reducing the environmental impact of an oil spill. Businesses should be aware of the legal requirements for reporting spills to environmental regulators and follow the correct procedures for dealing with spills.
Ensuring Long-Term Environmental Responsibility
The "Guidance for Pollution Prevention: Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks" serves as an essential resource for businesses and individuals storing oil in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. By following the guidelines, businesses can ensure compliance with legal requirements, protect the environment, and reduce their risk of financial and reputational damage.
For businesses that are serious about their environmental responsibilities, this document is a must-read. Proper storage, installation, and management of oil tanks not only safeguard the environment but also protect the long-term sustainability of the business itself.
Conclusion: Protecting Business and the Environment
Preventing pollution is more than just a legal requirement; it is a moral and financial imperative. Businesses that follow the guidance for oil storage outlined in this document will not only comply with the law but also position themselves as environmentally responsible organisations. From choosing the right tank to ensuring secondary containment, regular maintenance, and proper spill response, every step contributes to reducing the risk of environmental contamination.
In today’s world, where businesses are increasingly scrutinised for their environmental impact, investing in proper pollution prevention measures is not only a way to avoid penalties but also a key strategy for building a sustainable and reputable business.