The Need for Tank Bunding in Wales

The lack of tank bunding in Wales has long been an issue with up to 300 incidents of oil related contamination happening each year. The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016 contained three planned stages,  aimed on improve the condition of oil storage at commercial and agricultural premises. The final stage, which intends to see all existing oi

l storage tanks or drums exceeding 200 litres have 110% secondary containment by 15th March, has now passed.

If you haven’t been able to comply yet, it is advised that you seek advice as soon as possible. This is to ensure you are not in breach of the current legislation, as this can result in considerable fines, or the receipt of a mandatory works notice to force compliance.

Guidance from the Welsh Government, can be found in the link here.

The guidance sets out the framework for compliance, and also provides excellent examples of best practice which should be followed when storing the majority of oils or fuels on a site in tanks over 200 litres. The document also details sites that can be deemed as excemptions, what types of oil are included or excluded and the overall reasons for the legislation being introduced.

Tank bunding can involve replacing the existing tank for a bunded tank with 110% capacity, or simply carrying out remedial works in order to provide 110% secondary containment with a concrete or masonary bunds. In addition to providing a bund, owners of tanks should also ensure that they are ‘fit for purpose’ and are not at risk of reputuing under normal conditions.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the legislation or your options for tank bunding in Wales, please feel free to contact us directly on 01132635163, email [email protected] or by filling out our contact form here.