A bunded tank is a type of storage tank designed with a secondary containment system, the bund, to prevent leaks or spills from escaping into the environment and creating safety risks. It consists of an inner tank that holds the stored liquid such as fuel, oil, or chemicals, and an outer tank or bund that acts as a protective barrier. The bund is usually capable of holding at least 110% of the inner tank’s capacity, ensuring that any leaks or overflows are contained. Bunded tanks are durable tanks, built to withstand the elements and are ideal for coping with changeable weather.
Whether a bunded tank is compulsory depends on the location, regulations, and the type of substance being stored. In the UK, bunded tanks are legally required in many cases, especially for commercial and industrial sites that store more than 200 litres of oil, as per the Oil Storage Regulations. It is also required for agricultural use, if storing more than 1,500 litres of oil and in environmental risk areas where spills can contaminate water sources or sensitive land.
For domestic oil storage, bunded tanks are usually only needed if the tank is over 2,500 litres, or if it is located near a watercourse.
Niplast offer steel and plastic tanks, suitable for different needs. Due to the potential hazard to the surrounding environment, there are regulations which govern how fuel is stored on commercial properties.
Under the Control of Pollution Regulations 2001, the Water Environment Regulations 2006 and the Control of Pollution Regulations 2016, any storage unit that has the capacity to hold over 200 litres of fuel has to meet certain special storage requirements.
While smaller domestic tanks and low-risk areas may not legally require bunding, having a bunded oil tank or bunded fuel tank is still very helpful. A bunded tank provides extra protection against leaks. The 200 litre bund tanks is designed specifically for use in the water treatment, effluent treatment or process applications. It is made from medium density polyethylene and installing one makes a smart investment for safe storage. If you are currently using an old tank, several factors could mean a smaller footprint and a safer double skinned bund.
Commercial enterprises benefit from being able to refuel vehicles onsite. This would include local authorities and companies who are running large numbers of fleet vehicles.
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