Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Environment Agency
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 6 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
What you must do
6 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Equipment and safety 3
Maintain safe fixed oil storage tanks
Unlimited fineIf your business stores oil in a fixed tank you must make sure the tank, its gauges, pipes, valves, pumps and any flexible delivery lines have the required safety features – automatic shut‑off valves, anti‑siphon devices, corrosion protection, locks, secondary containment, non‑return valves, etc. All of these parts must be fitted, kept in good condition and used correctly to prevent spills or leaks.
Secure all taps, valves and pipes on mobile oil bowsers
If your business uses a mobile bowser to store oil, you must make sure every tap, valve and pipe that could let oil out is fitted with a lock and kept locked when not in use. This includes permanent taps on the bowser, the delivery pipe’s pump/valve and the sight‑gauge valve. The aim is to prevent accidental or unauthorised oil releases.
Store oil in suitable containers with secondary containment
Unlimited fineIf your business stores oil, you must keep it in a container that won’t burst or leak in normal use, is installed correctly, and is placed inside a secondary containment system that meets the regulations. This means checking the container’s strength, ensuring proper installation, and having an approved bund or similar system around it.
Management duties 2
Maintain and test underground oil storage pipes
Unlimited fineIf you store oil in a fixed tank that is fed by an underground pipe, you must keep that pipe safe, install leak‑detection equipment and carry out regular leak tests. Mechanical joints are only allowed where you can reach them for inspection, and any detection device must be kept working and tested at least every five years. Failure to do so can lead to unlimited fines and possible imprisonment.
Provide adequate secondary containment for oil storage
If you store oil, you must have a secondary containment system that can hold at least 110 % of the oil you keep, is impermeable to water and oil, is positioned to avoid damage, is sealed around any pipes, and contains all ancillary equipment. You must keep the system in good condition and be able to demonstrate it meets these standards.
Offences and prohibitions 1
Fail to comply with oil storage regulations
Unlimited fineIf you breach any of the specific oil‑storage rules set out in regulations 4, 5(1), 6(1), 7(1) or 8(1) – for example the requirements for underground pipes, mobile bowsers or related safety measures – you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you will be liable to an unlimited fine, and the case can be heard either in a Magistrates’ Court or a Crown Court.
Penalties for non-compliance
4 penalties under this legislation. 4 carry an unlimited fine.
Maintain safe fixed oil storage tanks
Unlimited fine
Store oil in suitable containers with secondary containment
Unlimited fine
Maintain and test underground oil storage pipes
Unlimited fine
Fail to comply with oil storage regulations
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sections and provisions
12 classified provisions from this legislation.