Businesses that store hazardous liquids must adhere to strict UK environmental regulations to prevent spills from contaminating land and water.
One of the primary requirements is the use of secondary containment systems, ensuring that if a storage tank leaks or fails, the contents are safely contained. Bund lining plays a crucial role in achieving this compliance, offering a protective barrier that prevents leaks, deterioration and environmental damage.
Covac specialises in high-performance bund lining solutions, helping businesses across various industries comply with bunded tank regulations. With the right lining system, companies can not only meet legal obligations but also protect the environment, avoid substantial fines and extend the lifespan of their containment structures.
What Are the Key Regulations Governing Bunded Storage in the UK?
UK legislation mandates that companies handling hazardous substances implement appropriate containment measures. The most relevant bunded tank regulations include:
1. The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001
This law applies to any business storing more than 200 litres of oil, requiring bunds to contain at least 110% of the container’s total storage capacity. This ensures that, in the event of a failure, the bund can contain the entire volume without risk of spillage.
2. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
These regulations set out requirements for industries that store and handle hazardous substances. Bunds must be impermeable, structurally sound and regularly maintained to prevent leaks into surrounding soil and watercourses.
3. CIRIA 736: Containment Systems for the Prevention of Pollution
CIRIA 736 provides best practice guidelines for bund design, maintenance and materials. This standard recommends that bund linings be resistant to the chemicals stored and that surfaces be regularly inspected for integrity.
4. The Water Resources Act 1991
Under this act, any business found responsible for polluting controlled waters can face severe penalties, including unlimited fines and prosecution. Ensuring bunds are properly lined is one of the most effective ways to mitigate this risk.
How Does Bund Lining Help Maintain Compliance?
Bund linings serve as a protective barrier that prevents hazardous substances from seeping through concrete or steel containment structures. Without adequate lining, bunds can degrade over time, leading to leaks and potential regulatory breaches. Key compliance benefits include:
1. Ensuring Structural Integrity
Concrete bunds are porous and can crack, allowing chemicals to seep through and compromise containment. A high-quality bund lining system provides a seamless, liquid-tight surface, preventing deterioration and leakage.
2. Enhancing Chemical Resistance
Bund linings are designed to withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals, including fuels, acids and industrial solvents. This ensures that the containment system remains robust, regardless of the substances stored.
3. Reducing Environmental Risks
By preventing leaks and spills, bund linings help protect groundwater, rivers and soil from contamination. This not only ensures compliance but also supports a company’s environmental responsibilities.
4. Extending the Lifespan of Bunded Structures
Regular exposure to chemicals can cause bunds to deteriorate over time. Linings act as a protective shield, reducing wear and tear and minimising the need for costly repairs or replacements.
5. Supporting Regulatory Inspections
A well-maintained bund lining system makes compliance audits and inspections much smoother. Businesses that can demonstrate effective containment measures are less likely to face penalties or operational disruptions.
Common Issues with Unlined or Poorly Maintained Bunds
Businesses that neglect bund lining may face several challenges, including:
- Cracked or eroded bund walls, leading to leaks and non-compliance.
- Chemical degradation, where aggressive substances weaken the bund structure.
- Permeability issues, allowing liquids to seep into the ground.
- Difficulty in cleaning and maintaining bunds, increasing operational risks.
How Covac’s Bund Lining Solutions Ensure Compliance
Covac provides specialist bund lining installations tailored to meet UK compliance standards. Our linings are designed to offer:
1. Seamless, Chemical-Resistant Protection
Our bund linings create an impermeable barrier that prevents leaks and resists corrosion from stored chemicals. This ensures long-term containment reliability.
2. Upgrade & Restoration for Older Bunds
If an existing bund is cracked, porous or deteriorating, our lining solutions restore full containment capacity, ensuring compliance without the need for costly reconstruction.
3. Tailored Solutions for Different Industries
We provide bund lining for industries handling fuels, chemicals, wastewater and hazardous liquids, ensuring each solution meets sector-specific regulations.
4. Durable & Cost-Effective Compliance
Our high-performance linings not only help businesses meet legal requirements but also reduce maintenance costs by extending the life of bunded storage areas.
The Importance of Regular Bund Inspections and Maintenance
Even the most effective bund lining system requires routine inspections and maintenance.
Businesses should:
- Conduct regular visual checks for cracks, blistering or wear.
- Ensure bund capacity meets regulation standards following any modifications to storage.
- Schedule professional assessments to detect potential issues early.
- Promptly repair any damage to maintain compliance and prevent leaks.
Covac offers inspection and maintenance services to help businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements.
Our team can assess existing bunds and recommend repairs or upgrades where necessary.
Why Choose Covac for Bund Lining Compliance?
With decades of expertise in bund lining solutions, Covac is a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable and compliant containment systems. Our services provide:
- Industry-leading materials that deliver long-lasting performance.
- Expert installation teams with experience across multiple sectors.
- Comprehensive compliance support, ensuring businesses meet UK regulations.
- Ongoing maintenance and inspection services to keep bunds in optimal condition.
Get Expert Advice on Bund Lining Compliance
If your bunds require repairs, upgrades or a full lining system, Covac offers tailored solutions to help you stay compliant. Our specialists can assess your current bund tank setup and recommend the best approach to ensure long-term containment and environmental protection.
Contact Covac today to discuss your tank bunding requirements and safeguard your business against compliance risks.
