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Oil Tank & Storage Regulations
Oil storage regulations are there to protect the environment and to protect your farm. Large fines and the cost of a clear-up following a spill can be severe - so it's time to look at your oil and fuel storage.
Q. What Regulations affect farms?
Control of Pollution (silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) Regulations 1991.
Q. What does the Control of Pollution (silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) Regulations 1991 mean for farmers?
From September 1991, all agricultural fuel oil tanks (over 1500 litres) were required to be bunded. (This, however, did not cover tanks intended for other purposes on farms, for example domestic heating). It is worth noting that any tank installed before 1991 did not have to comply, unless it was not fit for the purpose. However, the Environment Agency have the power to issue works notices enforcing change. All other applications for farm use are covered by the Control of Pollution (oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001.
Q. How can I ensure that a bund complies with the regulations?
Install an integrally bunded tank (OFST100). Alternatively, you could build a masonry of concrete bund that complies with the stringent requirements of pollution prevention guidance notes PPQ 2 (above ground oil storage tanks) and PPG 26 (oil drum storage) issued by the Environment Agency. Masonry and concrete bunds are covered by Ciria Report 163. The Titan Environmental bunded range of EcoSafe and Fuel Master oil tanks will meet all your regulatory needs in one easy step.
Q. Can I have ancillary equipment outside an ecosafe integrally bunded tank?
An isolating valve and filter on an integrally bunded tank is not classed as ancillary equipment to the tank and is permitted. Under these regulations, you cannot fit an external sight gauge to an integrally bunded tank.
N.B. A hose and nozzle cannot be fitted to an ecosafe tank - a fuelmaster must be used.
As mentioned above, the Control of Pollution (oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001 may affect some farm installations.
Q. To which sites do they apply?
To industrial, commercial and institutional sites, eg. factories, shops, offices, hotels, schools and public sector buildings in England, which store any type of oil (except waste oil) in a container of more than 200 litres capacity. Private dwellings storing over 3500 litres are also included, but it should be noted that Building Regulations reduce this to 2500 litres.
Q. What is the timescale?
The timescale for the Control of Pollution (oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001 was 1st September 2005, whereby all relevant installations affected must be bunded.
Q. If I install the wrong type of tank now, must it be changed?
Yes, it must be replaced with a bunded tank straight away.
Q. Where else should a bunded tank be installed?
When on completion of OFTEC form T1/133 (risk assessment) your tank is deemed to need bunding. Oil storage regulations are there to protect the environment and to protect your farm. Large fines and the cost of a clear-up following a spill can be severe - it's time to look at your oil and fuel storage.