However, this transition throws up some important practical challenges, including the safe disposal of many thousands of plastic and steel fuel storage tanks that have either been replaced or become redundant.
Decommissioning and removing existing fuel storage tanks poses a serious pollution risk, so such work needs to be very carefully planned and executed.
Preparation
Tanks that are decommissioned should always be removed by a business registered as a tank installer with a Competent Person Scheme (CPS), as they will have appropriate knowledge for the task. Others are unlikely to have a working knowledge of relevant legislation and safe working practices.
Prior to work commencing, contractors should as a minimum:
- complete a ‘risk assessment’ and ‘method statement’.
- wear appropriate PPE.
- have appropriate insurance.
- have a means of safely removing all fuel from the tank (if electrically powered pumps are used, these must be suitably rated for use in an explosive atmosphere).
- have suitable robust containers to receive the fuel.
- ensure they have a spill kit ready to deal with any accidental leakage.
- have a waste carriers’ licence that covers the movement of hazardous material.
Tank and fuel removal
Tanks should be removed from site as soon as they are decommissioned to prevent inadvertent filling.
Plastic tanks will absorb fuel over time and therefore they should only be sent to a waste disposal site licenced to handle hazardous materials. All tanks, steel or plastic, should not be sent for recycling unless the recycling site is licensed to take hazardous waste.
Due to the weight of steel tanks, it can be tempting to consider cutting them up for easier removal. Dismantling or cutting up any tank is an exceptionally dangerous activity which should only be undertaken by specialist contractors who have the correct equipment, expertise, and insurance. People have been seriously injured or killed during such activities.
Underground tanks
There is a very high risk of pollution occurring during the decommissioning and removal of underground storage tanks. This task should only be undertaken by specialist companies experienced in this field of work.
Other equipment
In cases when a tank is removed completely, the associated fuel supply pipes and appliance will become redundant and should therefore be removed as well. This equipment should be carefully drained and transported and disposed of in the same manner as the fuel storage tank.
Non-domestic tanks
The size of tanks used at non-domestic sites will likely require far more stringent processes than those described above, including the use of flammable gas detection equipment, fume extraction, cold-cutting techniques, pressure washing, gas-freeing, and post removal soil sampling. Only contractors with the necessary expertise with these processes should undertake this work.
Image credit: OFTEC
