Best Practice Oil and Fuel

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Best Practice

Oil and Fuel

Storage and Transport

Containers must be of sufficient strength to avoid bursting or leakage under normal operating conditions
Containers must be securely stored within a secondary containment system (SCS) or bund
Bunds must be able to hold 110% of the largest container or 25% of total volume, whichever is larger
Ensure all valves, filters, sight gauges and pipe work are contained within the bund when not in use
Ensure single drums have a drip tray capable of containing 25% of its capacity
Ensure mobile bowsers are self-bunded, stored in a bund or have a drip tray
Ensure bunds are impermeable to water and oil, and do not contain any drainage valves
Any above ground pipe work must be properly supported and maintained
Protect underground pipe work from damage with detection measures in case of leaks. Mechanical joints need to have accessible inspection points.
Position storage tanks away from any possible damage from traffic, and secure from vandals
Ensure fixed storage tanks cannot move from their base or float away in the event of unusually high tides or floods as this causes pipelines to break and oil to be spilled. Avoid placing tanks in areas at risk from flooding. Contact your local Environment Agency, SEPA, CCW or EANI office to check if your tank is located in a flood plain
Tanks and bunds should be maintained and checked regularly
Install fuel tanks and pipe work above ground whenever possible to enable regular maintenance checks to be carried out and leaks to be identified earlier
Install fuel tanks at least 10 metres away from the water if possible
Consult Defra or your local EA/SEPA/EAW/EANI office if you have to install storage tanks underground
When refuelling, whenever possible, do so within the bunded area
Oil and fuel should not be stored on pontoons as the risk of pollution is greatly increased. Where this is unavoidable, discuss the necessary pollution prevention measures with your local EA/SEPA/EAW/EANI office
Check other requirements in the ECoP

Disposal

Dispose of oil as hazardous waste in specialist containers so that it can be reconditioned
Provide oil recycling facilities for customers and tenants
Dispose of oily rags as hazardous waste

Dispensing

Maintain all delivery hoses, pipe work and trigger nozzles to a high standard and secure them to prevent unauthorised interference. Clearly display a notice providing advice on how to avoid spillages and what to do if they occur
Ensure flexible delivery pipes are kept within a bund and have a cut-off valve or lockable valve where it leaves the container. “Trigger” delivery nozzles with automatic cut-off on release are considered good practice
Locate dispensing facilities in an area where spills can be contained easily e.g. away from main river flows or heavy river traffic. When refuelling, vessels should be adjacent to the dispensing point to ensure no spills
Consider allocating a separate berth, which is used only for refuelling

For information relating to refuelling boats and onboard procedures, see the boat users section

Find out more

Case Studies	Green Fuel Pollution Control and Resource Efficiency

Fact Sheets	Oil and Fuel Spills from Recreational Craft Biodiesel

Useful Links To find your nearest fuel disposal point For advice on storage and disposal Where to buy bilge socks, fuel collar To report oil spills call	Oil Bank Line Environment Agency The Green Directory 0800 807060