Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, No. 412 (as amended)

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 were established to prevent pollution incidents by regulating the storage of oil. These regulations set forth specific requirements for how oil must be stored in order to minimise the risk of environmental contamination.

Purpose: The primary aim of these regulations is to mitigate the risk of oil spills and leaks, which can have severe environmental impacts, particularly on water sources and ecosystems. By stipulating proper storage measures, the regulations help ensure that oil is stored in a manner that significantly reduces the likelihood of pollution.

Requirements: The regulations require that all oil storage containers with a capacity greater than 200 litres must be stored in a secondary containment system, such as a bund, which must hold at least 110% of the container's capacity to contain any spills. The rules specify the materials and construction standards for such containers and associated equipment. Regular maintenance and inspection of storage facilities are also mandated to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Applicability: These regulations apply to any business, farm, or institution that stores oil, where "oil" includes petrol, diesels, vegetable oils, synthetic oils, and mineral oils. Certain exceptions are specified, such as storage containers located on premises used solely for the distribution of oil, or storage facilities on a farm with a capacity of 1,500 litres or less that are used for agricultural purposes.

By following these directives, entities covered under these regulations can help prevent oil pollution incidents, protecting the environment and maintaining public health and safety.

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 include specific evidence requirements designed to ensure that the regulations are being followed and that oil storage facilities are compliant with the stipulated safety and environmental standards. These evidence requirements serve as a means for regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce compliance.

Key Evidence Requirements:

1. Documentation of Compliance: Owners of oil storage facilities must be able to provide documentation demonstrating that their oil storage containers and secondary containment systems, such as bunds, meet the specifications laid out in the regulations. This includes details about the construction material, capacity, and design of the containment systems.
2. Maintenance Records: Facilities are required to keep detailed records of maintenance and inspections carried out on their oil storage systems. These records should show regular checks for leaks, deterioration, and other potential faults, and they should document any remedial actions taken to address such issues.
3. Capacity Proof: Evidence must be provided that secondary containment systems are capable of holding at least 110% of the maximum storage capacity of the largest tank within the system or 25% of the total storage capacity of all containers, whichever is greater.
4. Location and Installation Records: Documentation should be available to show that the installation of oil storage containers and their associated protective measures adhere to the regulations, including restrictions on location relative to water sources and other sensitive areas.

These evidence requirements are critical for ensuring that oil storage facilities in Northern Ireland do not pose a risk to the environment, particularly to water bodies and ecosystems, through oil spills or leaks. Regular compliance checks and the ability to provide this evidence upon request are central to the regulations' enforcement strategy.