Question reference: S5W-14829
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 23 February 2018
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 8 March 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential impact on oil distribution companies of the changes to the Controlled Activities Regulations when applying for a SEPA licence, and how many companies these changes will affect.
Answer
A study was carried out in 2015 into the condition of oil storage facilities used for onward distribution, which were exempt from oil storage legislation. A number of issues were found which had potential to impact on public safety, or the environment. It had also been identified that some of the exempt structures were of similar volume to installations already covered by legislation.
Following engagement with the sector, and consultation, the decision was taken to include oil distribution depots in oil storage legislation and consolidate the regulations into the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations (CAR).
The consolidation of oil storage into CAR provides flexibility in that where a site complies with the general binding rules there is no additional cost to the operator. Where a site does not comply with the rules there is a requirement to apply to SEPA for a licence. Licences can be issued on a single fee multi-site basis; allowing operators to include a number of sites under one licence. SEPA will work closely with these operators on a mutual timetable for improvement plans, to provide the required environmental protection.
There are 26 companies operating out of 95 depots, not all of which contain oil storage. SEPA assessments, in association with operators, have identified that some sites are already compliant and will not require a licence. A self-assessment checklist is available to allow operators to check for compliance with the general binding rules of CAR, or whether a licence may need to be applied for. The multi-site licence approach will also reduce the overall number of licences which may be required.