The next deadline for compliance with the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations SSI 2006/133 is fast approaching. From 1 April 2008, oil tanks installed in Scotland at agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional and larger domestic installations within 10 metres of surface water or within 50 metres of a borehole will have to comply with the Regulations. All remaining oil tanks will have to comply by 1 April 2010.
The Regulations are designed to minimise the impact of oil on the Scottish environment and set minimum design standards for the storage of oil at above ground facilities. They apply to all types of oil including, diesel, mineral oil, heating oil, lubricating oil, waste oil, vegetable and plant oil and biodiesel.
Key requirements for oil storage tanks above 200 litres include positioning the tank to avoid accidental damage; the provision of a secondary containment (a bund) to catch spills and drips; the provision of protection against possible pollution originating from valves, filters, sight gauges and ancillary equipment; and the provision of adequate protection of pipeworks above and below ground.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has produced a guidance note to assist the transition of the Regulations. This can be downloaded from their website at www.sepa.org.uk.
