Underground fuel tanks - technical information
The storage of fuel oil is strictly controlled in the UK and Ireland.
Tank owners are considered liable in law for any contamination or pollution caused on their or their neighbour’s property. It is therefore vital that the tank complies with legislation.
If you are considering the installation of an underground fuel oil storage tank Balmoral strongly advises you to contact your local authority environmental office regarding approval for such a tank in your region. It may also be worthwhile talking to your fuel oil distribution company regarding access and supply requirements.
Balmoral Underground Tanks comply with the requirements of British Standard BS 5410 Section 6.4 h.
The relevant legislation is as follows:
• Building Regulations (England & Wales) ADJ Section 5.3
• Scottish Building Standards – Section Domestic 3.24.2 refers to Scottish Executive Code of Practice, Underground Storage Tanks for Liquid Hydrocarbons (2003/27) and BS5410 Part 1
• Scottish - Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005
• PPG27 Installation, Decommissioning and Removal of Oil Storage Tanks
• Scottish Building Standards – Non Domestic 3.24.2 Code of Practice for the Owners and Operators of Petrol Stations and other Fuel Dispensing/Storage facilities involving underground storage tanks and BS5410 Part 2.
Once approval had been granted a further Fire Prevention assessment must be completed to establish the correct siting and positioning of the tank.
Finally, the tank must be installed in accordance with Balmoral’s Installation Instructions which are supplied with every tank (enclosed with the fittings) with respect to selecting a site with acceptable ground conditions and installation of the tank - a typical installation is shown on the right. Failure to comply with Balmoral's instructions may affect the tank warranty.
Overall requirements are specified in the following legislation:
• Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)(England) Regulations:2001
• Water Environment (Oil Storage)(Scotland) Regulations April 2006
• Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry & Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations: 1991
Agricultural fuel oil applications MUST COMPLY with:
• The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and -Agricultural fuel oil) Regulations 1991 (similar regulations exist in Scotland)
If in doubt we recommend obtaining advice and information from a local representative of either the Environment Agency, the Irish Environmental Protection Agency or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
The underground tank has been suitably designed to hold fuel oils of classes - A2, C1, C2 and D, as defined in BS2869 Part 2:1988, namely:
• Diesel Kerosene Paraffin (burning oil)
• 5% mixture biofuel (BSEN14214)
When specifying an underground fuel oil storage tank we recommend talking to your fuel oil distribution company regarding access and supply suitability.
Additional Information
Balmoral provides advice on alternative tanks and material suitability for the storage of a wide range of liquids.
It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure alternative tank applications meet any legislative requirements that may apply and that suitable pipework and fittings are used.
