When you are storing diesel on a business premises or at home, possibly the most important consideration is whether your tank should be bunded or single skin.
A single skin tank is just that – a single layer of material (polyethylene or steel) between the contents of the tank and the outside world. If a single skin tank gets damaged, there Is nothing to stop the contents from getting out into the environment and potentially causing damage.
A bunded diesel tank is a tank within a tank, or a tank with two walls. The inner tank stores the liquid and the outer tank holds 110% of the inner tank’s capacity, offering extra protection against leaks or spills from the inner tank.
In many instances, a bunded tank will be the right choice. In fact, it is often legally the only option.
A bunded diesel tank is a legal requirement in England and Scotland for businesses and public buildings storing more than 200 litres.
It is a legal requirement at home in England and Scotland:
- If you are storing more than 2,500 litres of diesel in England and Scotland.
- Where oil spills could run into an open drain or a loose manhole cover
- Where the tank vent pipes cannot be seen when the tank’s being filled, for example because the delivery tanker is parked too far away
- Within 10 metres of coastal waters or inland fresh waters like lakes or streams
- Within 50 metres of a drinking water source, for example wells, boreholes or springs
- Where oil spills could run over hard ground and reach coastal waters, inland fresh waters or a drinking water source
- In the inner zone of groundwater source protection zone 1(Not sure what this means? Check Gov.uk for more information.)
It is important to remember than only bunded tanks are legally permitted in Wales.
If you are looking for a diesel tank to use at home in England or Scotland and it doesn’t meet any of the requirements above, it is possible to use a single skin tank.
If you are on a tighter budget, storing small quantities of diesel and not in a sensitive area, a single skin tank at home might be sufficient for your needs. Advantages of single skin tanks are that they are cheaper, usually lightweight, easier to install and require very little maintenance.
But if you are considering getting a single skin diesel tank, it is important to get some qualified advice, to make sure you are within the law.
However, even if you don’t live in Wales and a bunded diesel tank isn’t a legal requirement for you in England or Scotland, it is the most sensible choice, for these reasons:
- It is easier to get permission to install a bunded tank
- Manufacturers often offer longer warranty periods on bunded tanks
- Bunded tanks are designed to prevent rainwater getting into the inner tank
- Peace of mind as there is minimal risk of leaks into the environment
- If diesel leaks from the inner tank into the bund, it can be reused. If it spills from a single skin tank, not only do you have potential environmental damage and a costly clean-up, you also can’t reuse the diesel
There are many reasons why a bunded diesel tank will most likely be the best option for you. There are circumstances where it would be acceptable to use a single skin tank, but for peace of mind, additional safety and futureproofing (who knows if the law will change at some point in the future?), a bunded diesel tank should be your first choice.
