Environmental FAQ

Oil Storage

Will a double-skinned tank fulfil the Oil Storage Regulations?

No, not entirely. A double skinned tank (a tank with a second ‘skin’ around it and a small gap between the two layers) may not contain any of the pipe work or ancillary equipment; the containment of which is central to the Oil Storage Regulations. A tank will not be compliant unless ‘secondary containment’ is provided for the tank and all its ancillary equipment.

How do I remove rainwater from the bund?

A collection sump should be included in the base of the bund; although rainwater will often naturally evaporate from an open bund, any that accumulates should be removed using a manually operated pump or by bailing from the sump. As this water may be contaminated it should be disposed of via a registered waste carrier and treated as hazardous waste. It may be more cost-effective in the long-term to provide cover for the bund. If there is no rainwater in the bund after a period of heavy rainfall this may indicate a leak, the tank should be inspected and repaired.