The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001

In 1999, oil accounted for 5,381 water pollution incidents in England. Incidents were mainly due to leaks from unbunded tanks caused by inadequate storage facilities and equipment, vandalism and poor management or human error. Regulations made in 2001 introduced new controls on water pollution from oil stores in England.

Which types of oil are covered?

All types of oil, with the exception of waste oil, are covered by these regulations, including petrol, diesel, vegetable, synthetic and mineral oil. Products of the refining industry such as Toluene and Benzene, not used for heating or power, are outside the scope of these regulations.

What premises do they apply to?

The regulations cover a wide variety of premises including:

• industrial
• commercial
• institutional sites

What oil storage containers are covered?

The regulations apply to:

• drums greater than 200 liters capacity
• intermediate bulk containers
• mobile bowsers

Bowsers that aren't bunded must be kept in a bunded area of 110 per cent capacity when in use. A drip tray with a capacity of 25 per cent is acceptable for single drums.

What are the main provisions of Regulations?

• Tanks, drums or other containers must be strong enough to hold the oil without leaking or bursting

• If possible, the oil container must be positioned away from any vehicle traffic to avoid damage from collision

• A secondary containment system (e.g. bund or drip tray) must be provided to catch any oil leaking from the container or its ancillary pipework and equipment,

• The secondary containment system must be sufficient to contain at least 110% of the maximum contents of the oil container. Where more than one container is stored, the bund should be capable of storing at least 110% of the largest tank or at least 25% of the total storage capacity, whichever is the greater (in the case of drums the tray/bund size should be at least 25 % of total storage capacity)

• No drainage valve may be fitted to the bund for the purpose of draining out rainwater

• The bund base and walls must be impermeable to water and oil and checked regularly for leaks

• Any valve, filter, sight gauge, vent pipe or other ancillary equipment must be kept within the bund when not in use

• Above ground pipework must be properly supported

• Below ground pipework must be protected from physical damage and have adequate leakage detection

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.

What exemptions apply?

• premises used wholly or mainly as a single private dwelling where less than 3500 litres are stored

• premises used for refining oil or its onward distribution;

• any oil stored in a building or wholly underground;

• farms - the storage of agricultural fuel oil on farms is subject to the Control of Pollution, Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil Regulations 1991
  

Visit the Environment Agency website to download the full regulations

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