New regulations for fuel depots after Buncefield investigation

Following an investigation into the Buncefield disaster of 2005, experts from the Environment Agency have said that fuel and oil storage sites must improve their safety standards if they are to protect the public and the environment.

The report was released after a three month investigation by the Competent Authority for the Control of Major Accident Hazards (CACMAH), which includes experts from the Environment Agency, Health & Safety Executive and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The investigation included input from public consultation, the fuel industry, and other interested parties.

The policy set out in the report sets out new standards for every new depot installation according to risk. The standards take into account the type of fuel and infrastructure of the site, and how close the site is to near-by communities. The highest standards apply where the public and the environment are at the most risk.

The new policy requires all operators of large scale depots to have their safety protocols assessed and their sites inspected. Failure to adhere to the new guidelines will lead to enforcement action.

Dr. Martin Bigg, head of industry regulation at the Environment agency, said: “This containment policy clarifies and strengthens the requirements for primary containment, such as alarms and emergency shut down systems, to prevent spillages from storage tanks.

“It also requires improvements to secondary and tertiary containment systems, such as bunds around tanks, to reduce the consequences of any spills that might occur.

“The upgraded standards will apply immediately to any new sites, so they comply with best practice.

“We will review each of the existing sites against this policy and work with the operators to establish appropriate improvement plans.”