PPG Works Near Water: Spill Control, Bunding and Compliance

Solution: Plan for prevention first, then make spill response fast and controlled. The guidance focuses on reducing pollution risk at the source through safe storage, bunding, refuelling controls, silt management, emergency preparedness, and clear responsibilities. On a practical level, that means:

• Identify pollution pathways (surface water drains, ditches, culverts, watercourses, soakaways and groundwater).
• Choose appropriate spill containment (bunding, drip trays, IBC bunds, drum bunds) and place it where leaks are most likely.
• Control high-risk tasks (refuelling, plant maintenance, concreting, cutting, jetting, dewatering).
• Keep the right spill kits and drain protection equipment at the point of use, not locked away.
• Train staff and rehearse response so a small spill does not become a reportable incident.

Source: UK Government pollution prevention guidance for works in or near water.

Solution: Bunding reduces the chance that a leak or spill reaches surface water or groundwater. If a hydraulic hose fails, a fuel nozzle is dropped, or an IBC valve weeps, bunding and spill containment buy you time to isolate the source and recover the liquid safely. This is especially important where drains discharge to a watercourse or where site run-off can carry contamination off-site.

Use bunding to:

• Store oils, fuels and chemicals securely in bunded areas or on bunded pallets.
• Provide secondary containment at refuelling and maintenance points (portable bunds, drip trays).
• Prevent contaminated run-off entering storm drains, gullies and interceptors.

For bunding fundamentals and selection, see: Spill Containment Bunding.

Solution: Treat refuelling and maintenance as controlled activities. Set up a designated area away from drains and water, protect the ground, and keep spill response equipment within immediate reach.

• Move the activity away from the watercourse wherever possible and keep clear of drainage routes.
• Use drip trays under engines, couplings and filters to capture routine drips and minor leaks.
• Keep a spill kit at the work face (not in the office). For fuel and oils, use an oil-only spill kit; for mixed liquids, use a chemical or general purpose kit.
• Inspect hoses, couplings and tanks before use and stop work if defects are found.
• Do not wash down to drains. Collect residues and dispose of them correctly.

This aligns with the prevention-first approach in the Government guidance: PPG: works and maintenance in or near water.

Solution: Protect the pathway immediately. When pollution reaches a gully, channel or outfall, impact escalates fast. Your first response should be to stop the source and block migration using drain protection and absorbents.

Good practice steps:

1. Stop the leak if it is safe (upright container, close valve, isolate pump).
2. Protect drains using drain covers, drain blockers or absorbent booms/socks around gullies.
3. Contain the spill using absorbent socks to form a boundary, then apply pads/granules as appropriate.
4. Recover and dispose of contaminated materials as controlled waste.
5. Report and record internally and externally where required by your site rules and permits.

For spill containment and bunding methods that support rapid control, see: Spill containment bunding guidance.

Solution: Pollution near water is not only about oil. Silt-laden run-off, cementitious wash water, and contaminated dewatering discharges can cause serious harm. Manage these materials as pollutants and control how water moves around your site.

• Silt control: keep exposed ground to a minimum, protect stockpiles, and use barriers to prevent sediment reaching ditches and drains.
• Concrete and grout: prevent washout entering drains or watercourses; use a designated washout area with containment.
• Dewatering: check discharge quality and route water appropriately; do not discharge contaminated water to surface water drains.

Source: UK Government pollution prevention guidance.

Solution: Build your spill control around the liquids present, the quantities, and the pathway risk. Near water, speed matters, so aim for equipment that can be deployed in minutes.

• Spill kits: oil-only spill kits for fuels and oils; chemical spill kits for aggressive liquids; general purpose spill kits for mixed site spills.
• Spill containment: bunded pallets for drums and IBCs, portable bunds for temporary storage, and drip trays for plant and maintenance tasks.
• Drain protection: drain covers and blockers sized to your gullies; absorbent booms for perimeter control and outfall protection.
• Leak prevention: funnels, tap adaptors, decanting aids, and clearly labelled storage to reduce handling errors.

To strengthen your containment plan, use the principles in: Spill Containment Bunding.

Solution: The guidance provides a benchmark for what competent spill prevention looks like during works in or near water. Auditors and clients often expect evidence that you have assessed risk, implemented controls, and prepared for incidents. Demonstrable controls include:

• Documented spill response procedures and site induction content.
• Correct bunding and spill containment selection for stored volumes and liquids.
• Drain protection available at high-risk locations (refuelling points, chemical storage, near gullies/outfalls).
• Inspection records for storage areas, bunds, drip trays and spill kits.
• Incident logs showing prompt action, clean-up and waste management.

Reference: Pollution prevention guidance (works in or near water).

Solution: Use simple, repeatable setups that reduce spill likelihood and stop pollution from leaving the work area.

• Bridge maintenance: keep hydraulic oil and fuel in bunded storage, use drip trays beneath couplings, and place drain covers ready for deployment if a hose fails.
• Canal towpath works: set a designated refuelling zone away from the edge, with a portable bund and oil-only spill kit at the refuelling point.
• Rural culvert repairs: protect ditches with booms during the work window, keep absorbents on the machine, and prevent silt run-off with temporary barriers.
• Industrial outfall area: treat nearby drains as direct pathways, prioritise drain protection, and ensure bunded pallets are used for drums/IBCs.