As part of an ongoing oil storage campaign, the Environment Agency has visited a series of industrial estates in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire over the past week.

Environment Agency officers have been inspecting oil storage tanks at the estates, checking the structure and location of tanks, ensuring the pipework was safe, and that the tanks were generally well maintained.

A key part of the Environment Officers’ role during the enforcement was to make sure there were suitable procedures in place for deliveries, as well as when dealing with spills and leaks, to prevent pollution incidents. Any business found storing oil or fuels on the premises were provided with a guide to oil storage and specific advice.

Richard Bowen, Environment Manager, said “We regularly visit industrial estates and during our recent visits we have concentrated on oil storage. We’ve been giving advice and guidance to businesses with oil tanks to explain the legislation surrounding oil storage.We’ve been helping them to assess specific risks for their tank and highlighted the implications a leaking or damaged tank could have to both the surrounding environment and the business, especially if it ends up with a large clean-up bill or fine for pollution.”

At just one inspection at the Clifton Road Industrial Estate in Cambridge, three oil tanks, owned by three different companies, were found to not meet the standards of current pollution prevention regulations.In the past year, there has been a number of reported fuel thefts from this estate, suggesting that security of oil tanks and the associated pollution risks are a significant issue in this area.

Richard added, “Safe oil storage is paramount for all businesses and the environment officers have worked hard to make sure everyone is aware of the implications poor oil storage can have on the local environment.”

For further information regarding both domestic and commercial oil storage visit the Environment Agency online.