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Notification

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andy38416  
#1 Posted : 12 May 2017 07:42:45(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
andy38416

Hi all,

I have been asked about a company that has noticed they have an underground kerosene pipe leaking into the soil and then into a sewer drain via the soil. They have isolated the leak, started to remove the underground pipe and also the contaiminated land via a specialist contractor.

However my question is do they need to specifically notify the environment agency of the leak? They have no idea how long it has been happening or how much has leaked. I've been reading environmental regulations but can't find much on specific notification.
Wooldridge29111  
#2 Posted : 12 May 2017 11:20:58(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Wooldridge29111

Where there is potential for harm to the environment, (i.e. all incidents falling within the amber and red categories), the operator or competent person in charge of the site should also contact the Environment Agency on the 24 hour incident hotline number 0800 80 70 60. Environment Agency attendance will be based on their assessment of the nature and severity of the incident under their own Incident Classification System, however, even where there is no attendance; information can be given regarding the potential impact on nearby sensitive locations as well as advice on spillage cleanup and disposal of waste.  

It is important that the Environment Agency is informed of any spillage that has the potential to impact or actually has impacted upon the wider environment as advice can be given on the best way to respond. 

See also: Guidance on the Notification of Petroleum Spills, ENERGY INSTITUTE

  

Adams29600  
#3 Posted : 12 May 2017 13:48:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Adams29600

Yes it should be reported.

Given that appropriate remedial action appears to be being carried out, it is unlikely the agency will take any further action, unless there are other issues of course.

chris42  
#4 Posted : 12 May 2017 16:10:24(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

As well as the EA you may need to tell your Water Undertaker.

That has got tot be unluky to have a bust kerosene pipe and a broken sewage pipe, as the sewage system should be realativly sealed to stop the nasty stuff getting out and hitting the fan. If it is a storm water drain you may have polluted a pond , stream or river somewhere, or it is sewage it has gone to the sewage treatment plant. ooops

Chris

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