Legal Information
Legal Requirements for Tanks and Pipe-Work
Fuel Storage Tanks and Lines/Interceptors
Since 2001, new regulations have gradually been coming into force for above and below ground petrol diesel and oil storage tanks. To encourage people to comply with the regulations it is now a criminal offence for hydrocarbon based liquid to be allowed to enter the watercourse. This effectively means that if a tank or pipe leaks, and petrol or oil enters the watercourse, the Environment Agency ("EA") and/or DEFRA can criminally prosecute. They will take action against the individual responsible for the fuel storage as well as the offending company's managing director. If successful, such a prosecution could result in a prison sentence and/or unlimited fine!
Compliance with Regulations
Above Ground Tanks
Above Ground Tanks ("AST") are covered by the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001. These regulations became effective in 2001 but were introduced in three stages dependent on the distance of the fuel storage facility from a watercourse. In order to comply with the regulations the site must:
- 1. Have an annual inspection performed by an OFTEC qualified engineer.
- 2. Have all underground lines integrity tested.
Underground Tanks
Underground tanks are covered by the "Groundwater Protection Code: Petrol stations and other fuel dispensing facilities involving underground storage tanks". This code has been applicable to underground tanks since November 2002. In order to comply with the code the site must:
- 1. Have an annual integrity test performed on the tank and lines.
- 2. Have an environmental risk assessment taken of the fuel installation initially and then repeated whenever there is a change on site.
Tanks housed within a building
Tanks housed within buildings are covered by the "Building Regulations 2000, Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems". These regulations have been applicable to internal tanks since 2000. Whilst there are no specific requirements, the EA/DEFRA will prosecute if oil is not stored to the standards outlined in the Control of Pollution Regulations (see above).
Petrol and Oil Interceptors
Petrol and oil interceptors are covered by the Pollution Prevention Guideline 3 (version 6) ("PPG 3"). This guideline was updated in April 2006. The minimum work we would recommend is for an annual clean and jetting out of all waste material. This is not a specific regulatory requirement but a prosecution may result if such works are not undertaken.
FSS can offer all of the necessary inspections, assessments, integrity tests and works required in order for your organisation to ensure that it complies with the relevant regulations. We also offer tank and line installation, servicing, de-commissioning and removal.
Please contact us with your tank details so we can tailor a package to your needs.
