B4.6.2 Scotland Legislation continued…
The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 [SI No. 133]
These regulations stipulate requirements relating to the storage of oil in Scotland. They apply to any container of oil, regardless of quantity, including waste oil.
The regulations came into effect in three stages, with all tanks being required to comply by the 1st April 2010.
These regulations cover the storage of:
- Petrol
- Diesel
- Mineral oil
- Heating oil
- Lubricating oil
- Waste oil
- Vegetable and plant oil
The containers include any type of container that is used to store oil above ground, whether inside or outside a building. This includes fixed tanks, intermediate bulk containers, drums (oil drums or similar containers used for storing oil) or mobile bowsers.
Below is an overview of some of the General requirements:
- Where oil is stored in any portable container with a storage capacity of less than 200 litres, the container must be fit for purpose and unlikely to burst or leak.
- Where the container has a storage capacity of 200 litres or more, secondary containment (a bund or drip-tray) is required, which will contain any oil that escapes from its container.
- The container must be strong enough to hold the oil without leaking or bursting.
- The container must be positioned to avoid damage (for example, as the result of impact from vehicles).
- A secondary containment system (bund or drip tray) must be provided to catch any oil leaking from the ancillary pipe work and equipment.
- The container must be situated within a secondary containment system (e.g. bund, drip tray) of sufficient capacity to contain at least 110% of the maximum contents of the container. Where more than one container is stored, the bund should be capable of storing at least 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total storage capacity, whichever is the greater (in the case of drums the tray/bund size should be at least 25% of total storage capacity).
- Oil stored in mobile bowsers is also required to be bunded.
- The bund base and walls must be impermeable to water and oil and checked regularly for leaks.
- Any valve, filter, sight gauge, vent pipe or other ancillary equipment must be kept within the bund when not in use.
- Above-ground pipe work must be properly supported.
- Below-ground pipe work must be protected from physical damage (e.g. excessive surface loading, ground movement or disturbance) and have adequate leakage detection. If mechanical joints have to be used, they should be readily accessible for inspection.
Please note that the above information is intended for guidance as o the types of issues covered in the regulations. It is by no means a comprehensive summary of the requirements.
Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009
The Act introduces a more sustainable and modern approach to flood risk management. Specific measures include:
- A framework for coordination and cooperation between all organisations involved in flood risk management.
- Assessment of flood risk and preparation of flood risk management plans.
- New responsibilities for SEPA, Scottish Water and Local Authorities.
- A revised, streamlined process for flood protection schemes.
- New method to enable stakeholders and the public to contribute to management flood risk.
- A single enforcement authority for the safe operation of Scotland’s reservoirs.
For further information, please refer to SEPA:
http://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/flood_risk_management/national_flood_risk_assessment.aspx