This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Guidelines protect environment from fuel leaks
06/11/2003
Those involved in fuel storage will gain valuable
guidance on protecting our environment from a new
code of practice.
Produced in consultation with industry
stakeholders and the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency (SEPA), the code will help ensure vulnerable
groundwaters are not threatened by the unintentional
leakage of fuel oils.
Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson
said:
"Groundwater is an important natural resource
forScotland, essential for drinking water supplies and wetlands,
rivers and lochs, which support important
biodiversity.
"Badly maintained or installed underground tanks
and pipelines pose real threats to vulnerable
groundwater. That is why it is important to take proper
precautions to minimise the risk of pollution and
protect the Scottish environment.
"The code of practice published today provides
clear guidance for all those installing, operating,
maintaining or decommissioning tanks, helping them to
store oils safely and comply with the Groundwater
Regulations 1998."
This code is designed to provide good practice
advice to the owners and operators of fuel
dispensing/storage facilities involving underground (or
partially buried) storage tanks and those transporting
liquid hydrocarbons by underground pipelines. It will
also help to ensure such operations comply with the
requirements of the Groundwater Regulations
1998.
The Groundwater Regulations make provisions for
Ministers to issue codes of practice to give practical
advice to those involved in activities that have the
potential to pollute groundwater.
The code of practice consists of a two page
summary and nearly 60 pages of advice. It covers who
should use the code, the potential risks to
groundwater, risk assessment, engineering requirements,
managing systems and emergency plans and procedures.
The Scottish Executive carried out a consultation on
the draft code during late 2002/early 2003.
SEPA has a responsibility to maintain and improve the
quality ofScotland's waters, including groundwater. Under the
Groundwater Regulations, SEPA has a duty to bring the code
to the attention of those who store or transport liquid
hydrocarbons in underground facilities.