Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, No. 2954 (as amended)

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 is legislation designed to prevent pollution incidents by regulating how oil is stored in England. Here’s a concise summary covering its purpose, requirements, and applicability:

The main objectives of these regulations are to:

1. Prevent oil pollution: Minimize the risks of oil spills and leaks which can cause environmental damage, particularly to water sources and ecosystems.
2. Promote safe storage practices: Ensure that oil storage facilities adhere to stringent standards to reduce the likelihood of pollution.

The Regulations set out specific standards for oil storage, including:

1. Storage Containers: Oil must be stored in containers that are suitable and sufficiently robust to prevent bursting or leaking.
2. Secondary Containment Systems: Containers must be situated within a secondary containment system (like a bund or drip tray) that can catch oil if the container leaks or overflows, capable of containing at least 110% of the container's maximum content.
3. Maintenance and Inspection: Facilities must regularly inspect and maintain oil storage containers and systems to prevent deterioration that might lead to leaks or spills.
4. Location Considerations: Containers should be positioned away from areas where a spill could run into watercourses or drainage systems and should be protected from vehicle impacts.

The regulations apply to:

1. All Businesses and Other Commercial Users: Including industries, farms, and institutions storing more than 200 liters of oil above ground.
2. Non-Exempt Facilities and Locations: While most business and commercial operations are covered, certain sectors and smaller storages are exempt, like oil storage at premises used wholly for agricultural purposes if storing less than 1500 liters.
3. Various Oil Types: These include, but are not limited to, petrol, diesel, vegetable oils, synthetic oils, and mineral oils.

These regulations are enforced by the Environment Agency in England and are crucial for businesses and other entities that store significant quantities of oil, helping to protect the environment from the hazards of oil pollution. Compliance not only mitigates environmental risks but also aligns with broader sustainability and corporate responsibility goals.

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 imposes specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with its provisions aimed at preventing oil pollution. Here's a summary of these key evidence requirements:

1. Documentation of Compliance: Facilities must have documentation that demonstrates compliance with the regulations. This includes details on the design and construction of oil storage containers and associated secondary containment systems like bunds or drip trays.
2. Maintenance Records: It's essential to maintain records of regular maintenance and inspections of oil storage facilities. These records should detail any repairs, replacements, and checks performed to ensure the integrity of containers and containment systems, proving that they are in good condition and comply with the regulations.
3. Capacity Evidence: Facilities must have evidence of the storage capacity of both primary containers and secondary containment systems. This ensures that the secondary containment can hold at least 110% of the volume of the largest tank or 25% of the total stored volume, whichever is greater.
4. Location and Installation Records: Evidence should be maintained showing that the storage facilities are correctly located away from watercourses, protected from vehicular damage, and installed in accordance with the prescribed standards. This may include site plans or installation certifications.
5. Spill Response Plans and Training Records: Facilities should have documented spill response plans detailing procedures for dealing with oil spills, including materials and strategies to contain and clean up spills. Training records of staff who handle or manage oil storage should also be kept to confirm that they are trained in operating procedures and emergency response.

These requirements are designed to ensure that facilities not only comply with the regulations but are also prepared to prevent and manage oil spills effectively. Regular updating and reviewing of these documents are crucial for maintaining ongoing compliance and environmental protection.