Hi all, We have old fuel-oil lines located both buried and within culverts in our site, these have not been in use for many years and have been filled with water for quite a few years. The issue is that with the deteriorating condition of the pipes leaks have started to appear and this is escaping into the sea and ground. Because we are not the owners of the pipe we are only applying remedial measures to patch up the pipe. Until some one higher up agrees with the owners how they intend to remove these god knows when that will happen! My question/s are the following? Is the possibility of emptying the lines an option or will the fuel oil residue create a flammable atmosphere in the pipe lines therefore creating a greater hazard? Are there any other solutions for somehow adding a chemical to breakdown the fuel oil so that the residues do not create flammable atmospheres? Any other solutions/ideas welcome. Thanks and BR

can U explain what 'our site' means as if you can be deemed to be the only controller U may be stuck with the problems and liabilities U need to go over the terms and conditions of your lease etc. in detal to evaluate the risk and get hold of the landlord and get them involved on an ASAP basis and take notice of RockyB

Had a similar issue on MOD sites with underground fuel tanks (although we actually owned them so just got on with it...) We hired a registered firm to empty the tanks and then fill them with intert foam. Did the job, no problem. However, I cannot remember the name of the company that did the work for us (well over 10 years ago now...). Seems that this could be a temporary solution to your problem.