There are strict regulations are in place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help prevent leaks, spills and contamination that could damage property, harm the environment and pose serious health and safety risks. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines, environmental clean-up costs, operational disruption and long-term reputational damage. So, how do you stay compliant?
What Is Bunded Storage?
A bund is a secondary containment system designed to capture leaks or spills if the primary storage container fails. This may include an outer protective layer around a bunded fuel tank or a constructed containment area surrounding drums, tanks or IBCs. The purpose of bunded storage is to stop hazardous liquids escaping into drains, groundwater, soil or nearby watercourses. Guidance from the UK Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights bunded storage as a critical part of pollution prevention and workplace safety.
UK Oil Storage Regulations Explained
In England, the primary legislation covering oil storage is the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001. These regulations generally apply to businesses storing more than 200 litres of oil above ground and cover commercial, industrial and institutional sites. The rules apply to a wide range of substances including diesel, petrol, lubricants, vegetable oils and biofuels. Similar regulations are enforced across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Understanding the 110% Secondary Containment Rule
One of the most important compliance requirements for bunded storage is containment capacity. Bunds must usually be capable of holding at least 110% of the volume of the largest container stored within the system. This ensures that if a tank or container fails, the spill can be safely contained without polluting the surrounding environment. Bunds must also be impermeable to oil and water, free from drainage outlets and regularly inspected for cracks, corrosion or structural damage.
Safe Tank Positioning and Environmental Risk
Businesses must also carefully consider where tanks and hazardous liquid storage systems are positioned on-site. Additional environmental protection measures are often required where storage is located near drains, watercourses or environmentally sensitive areas. For example, storage systems positioned within 10 metres of inland or coastal waters, or within 50 metres of a drinking water source, are considered higher risk and may require enhanced containment and monitoring measures.
HSE Guidance on Fuel and Chemical Storage
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides further guidance on the safe storage of flammable liquids and fuels. This includes recommendations around bund design, fire safety, tank maintenance and operational procedures. Businesses are expected to ensure storage tanks are protected from vehicle impact, pipework is secure and fuel delivery fill points are properly supervised during use.
Why Regular Maintenance and Inspections Are Essential
Compliance does not end once a bunded tank or containment system has been installed. Businesses are expected to carry out routine inspections and ongoing maintenance to ensure storage systems remain safe and fit for purpose. Common causes of pollution incidents include damaged tanks, overflowing bunds, blocked drainage systems and poor site housekeeping. The Environment Agency also recommends that businesses have spill response plans, spill kits and trained staff in place to minimise environmental risk and respond quickly to incidents.
Which Industries Need Bunded Storage?
Bunded storage is particularly important across industries such as construction, transport, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing and waste management. Farms and agricultural businesses are also subject to SSAFO regulations, which cover the storage of fuel oil, slurry and silage to help prevent agricultural pollution incidents.
The Financial Risks of Non-Compliance
Poor fuel and chemical storage practices can have serious financial consequences for businesses. Pollution incidents may lead to prosecution, expensive remediation work, insurance claims, downtime and significant reputational damage. In many cases, the long-term costs of non-compliance far outweigh the investment required to implement compliant bunded storage systems from the outset.
How Hyde Park Environmental Can Help
Hyde Park Environmental provides businesses across the UK with expert environmental support and compliant storage solutions tailored to operational requirements. From bunded fuel tanks and spill containment systems to environmental guidance and waste management support, we helps organisations improve site safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, working with experienced specialists can help businesses remain compliant, protected and operationally efficient.
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