Case Studies : Diesel Storage for Wiltshire Constabulary

Higher penalties for environmental damage caused by diesel storage leakage and pressure on costs are major concerns of forces who manage their own fuel say Wiltshire Constabulary and maintenance supplier Vectec.

With Chief Constables now liable to heavy penalties under new environmental legislation for leakages fo diesel fuel from storage installations, no matter when installed, good site maintenance has become even more important.

Wiltshire Constabulary has appointed a new contractor to manage diesel storage maintenance amid these concerns and pressure on costs.

Wiltshire Constabulary continues to manage its own fuel storage as it supples its own, as well as fire and ambulance service vehicles and needs resilience of supply, whatever the circumstances. In addition, fuel cards did not save on administration says Ian MacLean-Boyle, Wiltshire Police Fleet and Services Manager.

As forces have moved to use more diesel than petrol, different legislation has become more important. Storage of petrol has always required a license due to its natural hazard. Until recently, private stores of diesel fuel were not subject to such rigorous scrutiny.

Legislation governing environmental damage caused by potential leakage from diesel stores can be as costly following the recognition of the damage just a small amount of diesel can do to the environment.

Under The Control of Pollution Regulations(Oil) for above ground installations and The Groundwater Regulations for below ground tanks and pipes, brought in much higher penalties after September 2005.

Simon Fowler of Vectec who maintain Wiltshire's storage facilities and advise on recording usage says that it is not only essential to check the usage of diesel to prevent theft, regular and accurate measurement could spot when there is a leak before it becomes an environmental concern.