Chemical Storage Near Watercourses

Chemicals stored near rivers, streams, and ditches pose an immediate pollution risk if containment fails.
Construction chemicals include fuels, oils, paints, solvents, cement, and water treatment products.
A single litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of drinking water if it enters a watercourse.
The Environmental Permitting Regulations make it an offence to allow pollutants to enter controlled waters.
Secondary containment (bunding) must hold 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total volume stored.
Bunds must be impermeable, resistant to the stored chemicals, and regularly inspected for integrity.
Spill kits appropriate to the chemicals stored must be available immediately adjacent to the storage area.
Drainage from chemical storage areas must not connect to surface water drains or watercourses.
The Environment Agency can require clean-up, prosecute, and impose unlimited fines for water pollution.
PPG2 and subsequent Environment Agency guidance set the standards for above-ground oil and chemical storage.

Water pollution	Chemical spills reaching watercourses kill fish, contaminate drinking water supplies, and destroy aquatic habitats.
Unlimited fines	Causing pollution to controlled waters is a criminal offence with unlimited fines and potential imprisonment.
Irreversible damage	Chemical contamination of watercourses persists for years. Prevention through proper storage is the only effective approach.

Do

Don't

Store all chemicals in bunded areas with 110% containment of the largest container.
Position chemical stores as far from watercourses as the site layout allows.
Use drip trays under containers, taps, and connection points to catch leaks.
Keep spill kits immediately available adjacent to all chemical storage locations.
Inspect bunds regularly for cracks, degradation, and accumulated rainwater.
Remove rainwater from bunds promptly but only after checking it is uncontaminated.
Ensure bund materials are compatible with and resistant to the chemicals stored.
Lock chemical stores to prevent unauthorised access and tampering.
Display safety data sheets for all chemicals stored at the storage location.
Report any spill immediately and deploy spill kit materials to contain it.

DON'T store chemicals within 10 metres of a watercourse without enhanced containment.
DON'T use bunds with cracks, holes, or degraded linings for chemical containment.
DON'T drain accumulated rainwater from bunds directly to surface water drains.
DON'T leave chemical containers open, leaking, or unsecured in storage areas.
DON'T connect chemical storage area drainage to surface water drains or ditches.
DON'T store incompatible chemicals in the same bund without separation measures.
DON'T delay spill response; deploy the spill kit immediately to prevent water entry.
DON'T overfill containers or leave them without secure caps and lids.
DON'T assume small drips and leaks are insignificant; they accumulate rapidly.
DON'T dispose of waste chemicals by pouring them onto the ground or into drains.

See also: Spill Kit Use and Deployment | Groundwater Contamination Prevention

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