Maintaining Oil Interceptors: How to protect the environment and avoid hefty fines

What are oil interceptors and how do they work?

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Fuel and oil interceptors are submerged drainage systems situated in areas where a fuel spillage is more likely to occur, such as car parks, petrol stations, airports, car washes, construction sites and vehicle maintenance sites. They play a crucial role in filtering contaminants from rainwater run-off.

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Oil and petrol interceptors use chambers to separate oil, water, and sediment. The Oil rises, whilst the sediment settles, and cleaner water flows out through a drain or outlet. Any vapours trapped during the process are released via vents.

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Why are oil interceptors important?

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Oil interceptors are essential to prevent environmental contamination and to prevent pollutants from entering the main sewage system.  Any business that carries the risk of any kind of fuel or oil contamination must ensure they operate and maintain interceptors on site to protect the environment and risk hefty fines should pollution occur.

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The risks of neglecting interceptor maintenance

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Regular oil or petrol interceptor emptying, cleaning and maintenance are essential to protect the environment and your business from the following risks:

• Serious pollution and environmental impacts such as soil contamination, harming wildlife, air pollution, increased flood risk, and ecosystem damage.
• Fines and legal action:
  • Since 2023 the Environment Agency is empowered to impose unlimited financial penalties on companies responsible for environmental offences, including pollution resulting from poorly maintained interceptors.
  • As it is a criminal offence, it can also lead to prosecution.
• Invalidation of insurance which can have serious legal and cost implications.
• Reputational damage as a result of the neglect of responsibilities and the damage caused to the environment.
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Oil Interceptor Maintenance Best Practice

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Regular interceptor inspections

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To maintain compliance, the Environment Agency (EA) recommends regular interceptor inspections to ensure they are working as they should. The frequency depends on the site but should typically be every three to six months and after heavy rainfall. These inspections should include:

• Checking the accessibility of the interceptor and for visual signs of damage.
• Check of any contaminants have built up, such as grime, silt or oil. If there is a build-up, it is advisable to consider a clean and empty of the interceptor.
• A visual inspection of any signs of damage to the interceptor, access points and mechanical parts.
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Six monthly maintenance and cleaning

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Depending on the site, interceptors should be cleaned and serviced every six months, and after a spillage or alarm activation. This would typically include:

• Emptying and cleaning the interceptor.
• Checking the filters, including repair or replacement, if needed.
• Servicing the mechanical and electrical components.
• Examining manholes, pipework, gullies, and other water-draining infrastructure around the interceptor.
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Proper waste disposal

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Captured waste oils and liquids should be collected and disposed of by licenced professionals, such as Alpheus, to ensure safe and compliant disposal and to ensure that you have the proper paperwork to demonstrate compliance.

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Maintaining proper records

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Keeping detailed records of inspections, cleaning, and maintenance is essential for compliance, ensuring the validity of insurance and that maintenance tasks are not missed.

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Additionally, you must retain waste transfer documentation as proof of compliant disposal of liquid waste from your site.

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Ensure compliance and avoid costly fines with Alpheus

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As experts in liquid waste management, and as part of the Anglian Water Group, you can trust Alpheus to ensure safe, effective and compliant maintenance, cleaning and emptying of your interceptors.

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For organisations who manage their own interceptor maintenance – it is quick and easy to arrange disposal of your interceptor liquid waste via one of our four liquid waste recycling sites situated in Buckinghamshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.

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Get in touch today by phone on 01234 686100 (Option 2) or email tankering@alpheus.co.uk.