Storing chemicals near rivers, streams, canals, or drainage outfalls creates a serious pollution risk. A single spill can contaminate a watercourse for miles, killing fish and wildlife and resulting in prosecution and substantial fines. Construction sites often store fuel, oils, solvents, and cementitious products close to water without adequate protection. This talk explains the storage requirements and the controls that prevent pollution incidents.
Key Hazards
Watercourse contamination from chemical spills reaching drains or open water
Prosecution and unlimited fines for causing a pollution incident to a watercourse
Fish kills and ecological damage from oils, fuels, or chemicals entering the water
Rainwater washing chemicals from unsecured storage into surface water drains
Control Measures
Store all chemicals in bunded areas with a capacity of at least 110% of the largest container stored.
Position chemical storage at least 10 metres from any watercourse, ditch, or surface water drain.
Keep all chemical containers sealed when not in use to prevent rain ingress and spillage.
Ensure spill kits are available at every chemical storage location and all personnel know how to use them.
Install drip trays beneath all taps, dispensing points, and transfer hose connections.
Check bund integrity regularly and drain collected rainwater only after confirming it is uncontaminated.
Label all chemical containers clearly with the product name, hazard symbols, and emergency contact.
Ensure the emergency spill response procedure is displayed at every chemical storage area on site.
Report any chemical spill immediately and deploy spill kit materials to prevent it reaching water.
Remember
Store chemicals in bunded areas holding at least 110% of the largest container volume
Position all chemical storage at least 10 metres from any watercourse or surface water drain
Keep all containers sealed when not in use and install drip trays at all dispensing points
Spill kits must be available at every storage location and all personnel must know how to use them
Report any chemical spill immediately and deploy containment before it reaches water
Check bund integrity regularly and only drain rainwater after confirming it is not contaminated
Applicable Legislation: Environmental Protection Act 1990 · Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 · Water Resources Act 1991 · COSHH Regulations 2002