Kingspan Titan has found that some 70% of businesses* in Northern Ireland do not currently comply with new fuel storage regulations that come into force on 31st December this year.

From that date business owners must ensure any fuel at their premises is stored in a bunded- or double skinned- tank with owners facing hefty fines of up to £20,000 or even imprisonment for non-compliance. 

The regulations, which were prompted by the high level of oil related pollution incidents in Northern Ireland, will apply to ground oil storage facilities of 200 litres or more on industrial and commercial sites including shops, churches and hairdressers to manufacturing plants and offices.

Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental spoke of the awareness raising initiative at a breakfast briefing at Kingspan Stadium where the company hosted business representatives in the company of Ulster Rugby players:  “The cost of oil spillages to both business and the environment can be heavy and the government has taken action to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. It is imperative business owners are made aware of this regulatory change and the consequences of noncompliance.  Business owners are also often unware that they will be responsible for the cost of any clean up required due to an oil spill on their premises, costing many thousands.”Spillage incidents often result from leaks from tanks caused by inadequate equipment, poor installation or management and human error.  So far 70% of commercial sites assessed by Kingspan Titan have not been compliant and therefore require a replacement before the regulations kick in on December 31st. The Kingspan Titan Fuel Regulations Team are experts in legislation, standards and oil and fuel storage solutions and are working with businesses across Northern Ireland to upgrade their tank as required by offering a free site assessment.

Abbey Scott, Regional Sales Manager NI, Kingspan Titan commented:  “This event marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure all businesses have the required tank to comply. This regulation will help ensure our environment is protected from damaging oil spills and we aim to help business owners be aware to avoid a heavy fine or imprisonment.”

For further information on the regulations visit www.kingspanenviro.com/nifuelregs

ENDS

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Vincent Lundy or Lyn Sheridan at Aiken PR on  vincent@aikenpr.com or lyn@aikenpr.com or alternatively call 90663000*Kingspan has surveyed more than 100 businesses across many sectors in Northern Ireland.