Balmoral Tanks - Balmoral Group

Industry regulationsCurrent oil storage regulations apply to all new installationsin the UK (domestic, agricultural, commercial andindustrial).The regulations are comprehensive but they are notcomplicated.Oil is the most common form of pollutant in the UK, accountingfor almost one quarter of all incidents. The guidelines preparedby the UK and Ireland environment agencies are intended tohelp reduce pollution caused by inadequate storage of oil inabove ground fuel oil tank installations.Regulations are covered by the Control of Pollution (OilStorage) (England) Regulations 2001 or the Water Environment(Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Wales and NorthernIreland are exempt but other specific legislation may apply.Many drains lead directly to rivers, streams or lakes. If oil isallowed to enter these drains, it has the same effect as pouringit directly into the watercourse.Oil is poisonous to fish and other wildlife and it overwhelmsplant life. Just two litres of oil could pollute the volume offresh water needed to fill an olympic-size swimming pool andmake it completely undrinkable.An environmental regulator can serve an 'anti pollution worksnotice' if a site gives rise to, or is at risk of giving rise to,pollution of surface waters or groundwater. This notice willrequire the site owner to undertake remedial action.Site owners can be prosecuted and fined if oil from the siteenters the ground or watercourses. Site owners may also incursubstantial clean-up costs.Oil storage regulation relevance chartIs it any kind of oil?ie, petrol, diesel, kerosene?YesNoNo requirementIs it waste mineral oil?YesWaste management licensing regulations applyNoIs the oil storedinside a building?NoYesNo requirement under Oil Storage Regulations. Check fire safety section of BuildingRegulations. Guidance available in Pollution Prevention Guidance Note PPG2 and PPG26Is the oil stored whollyunderground?NoYesRefer to the Groundwater Protection Code for Underground Fuel StorageAre you storing less than200 litres of oil?YesNo legal requirement. Guidance is available in PPG2 and PPG26NoAre you storing lessthan 3500 litres solelyfor domestic use?NoYesNoIs it a new orreplacementinstallationYesBuilding regulations require the tank to be bunded if thenew/replacement storage exceeds 2500 litres.Other factors may still require you to bund the oil store, refer tosection J of the building regulations and OFTEC guidelinesIs the oil stored ata refinery?NoYesIPC legislation appliesIs the oil being stored foronward distribution?NoIs the installation foragricultural use?NoYesYesInstitute of Petroleum – Environmental Guidelines for Petroleum Distribution Installations.ISBN 085 293 41662Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil Regulations require secondary containment for>1500 litres where the oil is used for the production of heat or power, but does notinclude oil intended for use exclusively as a fuel for heating a farmhouse or otherresidential premises on a farm and stored separately from other oilIs the oil storage facilityin England or Scotland?YesNoGuidance is available in PPG2 and PPG26. Similar regulations are due to beintroduced in Northern Ireland and WalesThe Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 applyorThe Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 applySource: Environment Agency14