Environmental Briefing Note 003 - The control of pollution (oil storage)
(England) Regulations 2001

The Oil Storage regulations introduced in 2001 included a deadline of 1st September 2005 from which containers in use before 1st September 2001 had to comply. This date has now passed.

General Requirements

The regulations impose standard requirements on the storage and delivery features of oil containers outside of buildings, above ground and greater than 200 Litres. They include the following:

• Containers have to be of sufficient strength and structural integrity to prevent leakage.

• Containers have to be placed within secondary containment (bund) with a minimum capacity of 110% of the container (or a minimum of 25% of total capacity if more than one container in a system).

• The tank has to be positioned within this secondary containment in such a way as to minimise damage by impact. The base and walls of the secondary containment and protrusions through the structure have to be impervious to oil and water to prevent leakage.

• The position and discharge direction of ancillary equipment has to be such that it is within the secondary containment.
  
• Drip trays have to be provided for fill pipes not within the secondary containment
  
• Storage drums must have drip trays not less than 25 % of the drum capacity

Fixed tanks

• Sight gauges have to be supported and fitted with a valve which closes automatically when not in use.

• Ancillary connecting equipment has to be positioned in such a way as to minimise damage and supported if above ground. If below ground there are specific requirements for mechanical joints, access and inspection ports, protection from damage and facilities for leak detection.

• The use of correct couplings facilitating filling and overflow protection is required.

• Flexible filling pipes permanently connected to the tank have to be fitted with a tap or valve at the delivery end which closes when not in use. The pipe is to be stored in a securely locked cabinet and a drip tray provided, or have a lockable valve where it leaves the container and kept in the containment system when not in use.

• Pumps must be fitted with a non-return valve, be positioned to ensure no damage and protected from unauthorised use.

• Vents, taps and valves must be within the secondary confinement. They must discharge into the containment  and be locked shut when not in use.

Mobile bowsers

• Taps and valves fixed to the unit shall be fitted with a lock and locked shut when not in use.

• Where oil is delivered via a flexible pipe attached to the unit,  it must be fitted with a manually operated pump or a valve at the delivery end which closes automatically and can be locked when not in use. A lockable valve must also be situated at the end where the pipe leaves the container, which is also locked shut when not in use.

The Control of pollution(oil storage)(England)Regulations 2001 is available to download from:

 http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2001/ 20012954.htm

Jon Donohoe
Manager – Environmental Services
19 October 2005