Agency concerned over rise in serious oil pollution incidents
Agency concerned over rise in serious oil pollution incidents
Keywords:Environment, Oils, Pollution, UK
The total number of oil pollution incidents in England and Wales fell in 1997 for the third year running, but only slightly, according to figures released today by the Environment Agency. However, the number of serious "category 1" incidents caused by fuel and oil doubled.
In 1997, a total of 5,542 pollution incidents (28 per cent) were caused by oil. This compares with 5,587 in 1996 and 6,025 in 1995. The number of category 1 incidents, which fell from 45 in 1994 to 29 in 1995, rose in 1997 to 49.
Of the total oil pollution incidents, diesel was responsible for 35 per cent, gas oil for 12 per cent and waste oil for 9 per cent. In 19 per cent of cases, the oil could not be identified.
The figures, from the agency's forthcoming report on pollution incidents, were revealed to a forum of industry bodies, local authorities and retailers by Martin Brocklehurst, head of the agency's National Service for Environmental Protection, in a presentation on the agency's Oil Care Campaign.
Speaking at the launch of a new guide on managing oil recycling banks, jointly sponsored by the agency,Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and the National Household Hazardous Waste Forum, Martin Brocklehurst said: "The oil care campaign is testament to what can be achieved by working in partnership with industry. The campaign has been very successful so far, in spreading the oil care message but we need to maintain the momentum. Oil is a harmful pollutant. Five litres can cover an area of water the size of two football pitches. It is therefore vital that everyone using oil understands the importance of safe storage and proper disposal."
The Oil Care Campaign was launched in 1995, bringing together the oil industry, local authorities,retailers and regulators, in an effort to raise awareness of the impact of oil pollution, and how it can be avoided.
Hundreds of thousands of leaflets have since been distributed through the campaign and thousands of calls made to the freephone Oil Bank Line (0800 663366) which enables DIY mechanics and boat owners to locate their nearest oil recycling bank. The Oil Bank Line number is also included on most packs of lubricating oil, the packaging for many oil filters and in popular car maintenance manuals.
Since the launch of the campaign the number of oil pollution incidents has fallen from a peak of 6,908 in 1994, to 5,542 in 1997. However, the most serious pollution is caused when oil storage tanks fail or when spillages occur during deliveries. This emphasises the need for legislation on oil storage and the agency has been pressing successive governments on the need for legislation on oil storage.
Martin Brocklehurst added:"The rise in the number of serious incidents last year is obviously cause for concern. Major spills cause serious damage to rivers, birds and other aquatic life. The costs of such incidents are high, both in damage to the environment and financially through fines and clean-up costs to polluters. We would much rather help prevent pollution in the first place and initiatives such as the Oil Care Campaign, backed by robust legislation will help us achieve this goal".
Notes
(1)A Category 1 incident is a major incident involving one or more of the following:
potential or actual persistent effect on water quality or aquatic life;
closure of potable water, industrial or agricultural abstraction necessary;
extensive fish kill;
excessive breaches on consent conditions;
instigation of extensive remedial measures;
significant adverse effect on amenity value;
significant adverse effect on site of conservation importance.
(2)Along with sewage, oil is the largest single identified type of pollutant, accounting for 25 per cent of the total number of pollution incidents.
(3)Causing oil pollution is an offence. The maximum fine is £20,000 in a Magistrates Court. There is no limit in Crown Court. The cost of cleaning up rivers after pollution incidents can be recovered from the polluter, even if the case does not go to court. Clean-up costs may be higher than any fine imposed.
(4)Oil recycling banks can be found at many civic amenity sites, operated by local authorities. In some areas garages and large retail outlets now provide banks. The Oil Bank Line enables callers to find the location of the two nearest oil banks. The line is administered by the Environment Agency with support from several major oil companies and the British Lubricants Federation.
(5)The Environment Agency produces a wide range of support material for the Oil Care Campaign:order by fax: 0118 953 5419.
