Environment Agency launches Oil Tank Awareness Campaign

 

Last year the Agency was called to more than 140 incidents, most caused by poor maintenance or inadequate security of both commercial and domestic oil storage containers.

 

Leaked oil can end up in drains, many of which lead directly to rivers, streams lakes and even garden ponds, having the same effect as pouring it directly into the watercourse. Oil is poisonous to fish and other wildlife and smothers plants - just two litres of oil could seriously pollute the volume of fresh water needed to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool.

 

Richard Bowen, Environment Manager, said, "Good oil storage can save money, especially at a time of increased oil prices. The loss of oil, whether through poor tank maintenance or lack of security, will prove costly to the owner and the environment.

 

"Our statistics show that we receive an increase in the number of calls at this time of year reporting pollution incidents involving leaking or damaged oil tanks and from insurance companies about oil thefts. We hope that by reminding people about good oil storage and security, before the clocks go back, that there will be a reduction in the number of pollution incidents.

 

The campaign, set to run for six weeks, will include advice and information on tank maintenance and security, the pollution that can be caused and what punishment can be expected if you cause pollution by not protecting your tank.

 

Richard added, "The aim of the campaign is to protect the environment from any preventable pollution and we hope that if people follow our advice and information, the number of incidents will be reduced."