Spill Control for Oil & Gas Depots: Preventing Fuel and Oil Leaks in Forecourts and Storage Yards

UK fuel depot forecourt

Context: The Importance of Spill Control

Effective spill control is critical in oil and gas depots and forecourts due to the significant volumes of hydrocarbons handled daily. The risk of watercourse pollution poses a serious threat to the environment, while regulatory scrutiny can lead to substantial penalties for non-compliance. Beyond regulatory concerns, spills can result in brand damage, operational downtime, and increased risk of fire and explosion hazards.

Regulatory Backdrop

According to the GOV.UK guidance for oil storage, any site storing more than 200 litres of oil must comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations. Additionally, the Guidance for Pollution Prevention document outlines the best practices for managing oil storage to prevent spills and protect the environment.

Hazard Mapping

Common fluids stored at oil and gas depots include:

  • Diesel
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid
  • Lubricants
  • Raw Crude/Residuals
  • Waste Oils

Spills and leaks can occur in various locations, including:

  • Drum storage areas
  • Tanker off-loading zones
  • Dispenser forecourt areas
  • Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
  • Fuel bowsers
  • Mobile plant equipment

Even small leaks can migrate to drains or bunds, leading to contaminated runoff that could reach rivers or groundwater, thus necessitating robust controls.

Controls

  • Utilise oil-only absorbents and anti-static, low-lint pads and rolls for effective containment of hydrocarbon spills.
  • Implement bunded containment equipment such as covered bunds and pallets for storing drums and IBCs.
  • Install heavy-duty drip trays at off-loading zones and robust drain covers around forecourts to prevent spills from entering drainage systems.
  • Follow secondary containment best practices as outlined by HSE.
  • Adhere to regular fuel dispenser maintenance routines, ensure proper earth-bonding for static control, and maintain hoses and fittings to prevent leaks.

Kit Strategy

Choosing the right spill kit is crucial. For hydrocarbons, select oil-only or universal kits; if dealing with mixed fluids, universal kits may be necessary. Explore our range of Oil & Fuel Spill Kits. Ensure kits are strategically placed at tank farms, dispenser islands, tanker bays, and maintenance yards. Regular inspection and restocking of kits are essential.

Procedures & Training

First-response actions in the event of a spill include:

  • Isolating the leak
  • Shutting off transfers
  • Deploying absorbents
  • Blocking drains
  • Recovering liquid
  • Conducting clean-up operations

A practical example is the response to a tanker off-load drip: quickly deploy oil-only pads and cover drains to prevent contamination.

Regular toolbox talks, maintaining near-miss logs, and ensuring vigilance during night shifts are critical for effective spill management.

Waste & Evidence

Proper handling of used absorbents is vital for compliance. Ensure you maintain duty-of-care documentation, photographic logs, bund integrity records, and conduct weekly audits to demonstrate adherence to regulations.

Practical Tools

Implement a Daily Forecourt Spill Inspection Checklist that includes:

  • Inspecting bunds for integrity
  • Checking dispenser hoses for wear and leaks
  • Verifying the presence of absorbent stations

Additionally, create a simple spill-response flow for hydrocarbon spills to streamline actions in emergencies.

Mini Case Vignette

One notable incident involved a diesel leak during a tanker delivery. The root cause was identified as a worn hose. The response included the deployment of oil-only pads, effective containment measures, and the placement of a drain cover. The results were positive: no environmental impact occurred, and the site remained audit-ready.

FAQs

  1. What absorbents should I use for hydrocarbon vs diesel/water mix? Use oil-only absorbents for hydrocarbons and universal absorbents for diesel/water mixes.
  2. Are general-purpose pads acceptable at a forecourt? General-purpose pads may not be effective for hydrocarbons; oil-only pads are recommended.
  3. How often should bund integrity be tested? Bund integrity should be tested regularly, ideally at least annually or after significant weather events.
  4. What steps do I take if spill reaches a drainage channel? Contain the spill immediately, notify relevant authorities, and implement emergency response protocols.
  5. Do I need anti-static absorbents for fuel spills? Yes, using anti-static absorbents is advisable to prevent ignition risks.

Conclusion

In summary, proactive spill prevention, appropriate absorbent use, and audit-ready documentation are essential for environmental protection in oil and gas depots. By following these guidelines, your site can significantly reduce spill risks and ensure compliance with regulations. Explore our full range of oil & gas spill control equipment at serpro.co.uk and ensure your site is protected.

References