You must store and handle all materials in a responsible way, so that they cannot enter surface waters and groundwater. You must adequately contain all liquids; even milk and fruit juice can be polluting. Solids, powders and dusts can all be washed into the drainage and cause contamination.
Store all above-ground storage tanks, drums and containers on an impermeable base within a bund. The bund should be made of material that is impermeable to the liquid being stored.
In
England and
Scotland, if you store any kind of
oil on your premises then you may need to comply with the oil storage regulations.
In Northern Ireland and Wales you should still consider meeting the requirements of the oil storage regulations. This will help you to prevent water pollution, which is an offence under other legislation.
Designate, mark and isolate loading and unloading areas from the surface water drainage system. If this is not possible, protect surface water drains using sandbags, mats or other devices.
Install drip trays or other forms of containment beneath any equipment that is likely to leak or result in spillage of pollutants. Empty these on a regular basis so that they do not overflow. The contents of the trays may need to be disposed of as hazardous/special waste.
