Government proposes new controls on oil storage

The proposed new regulations, to include the setting of design standards for all above-ground oil storage containers and requirements that a bund or drip tray be fitted to prevent oil escaping, would aim to reduce the number of oil-related incidents in England by ensuring that oil cannot escape from oil stores. The regulations could save those storing oil up to £30,000 for every oil pollution incident avoided.

In the main, those affected would be storing oil above ground, with a 200 litre lower limit to storage capacity, on industrial, commercial and institutional premises. All new and existing facilities would have to comply within set time periods, with existing facilities at “significant risk” complying earlier.