Environmentally friendly liquid waste disposal route for interceptor wastes

and the physical investigation, a second tank test was arranged to confirm the likely position of the tank leak. - It was found that the tank was leaking from near the bottom of the tank, and that water was now entering the tank in small quantities.

Levels of Wetstock Loss

From the documents provided it would be difficult for the site operator to identify any trends within the data. Although the loss levels are fairly consistent the site operator is unable to take account of the effect of meter inaccuracy, and has no control site against which wetstock loss levels could be compared. Acomparison of one period against another shows that the levels of wetstock loss were consistent over the period analysed. For the purposes of this analysis the

Period Average Daily Loss For Period (Litres) Average Daily Loss For Most Recent 60 Day Period (Litres) Average Daily Loss For Most Recent 30 Day Period (Litres)

01/04/03 to 29/10/04

01/04/04 to 29/10/04

01/06/04 to 29/10/04

01/08/04 to 29/10/04

01/09/04 to 29/10/04 33

34

24

35

27 28

28

28

28

27 19

19

19

19

19 data following the tank leak has been disregarded.

These levels of wetstock loss are not typical for a site being supplied by Oil Company from Supply Terminal. Taking into account meter settings, the average year to date wetstock loss for sites supplied from Supply Terminal is 0.49%, with a maximum of 0.77% and a minimum of 0.38%. These figures compare with the 0.62% reported by Leaking Garage in the period 01/04/03 to 29/10/04.

Percentage Loss For Period Percentage Loss For Period (Taking account of meter settings)

0.54 0.66

0.50 0.62

0.35

0.49 0.47

0.62

0.37 0.49

Conclusions

Tank Age

The tanks are very old and are single skin steel. The site operator has been aware of the problems associated with having tanks of such an age and has instigated a regime of annual tank testing. Prior to this incident all spirit tanks were tested and passed on August 3rd 2004.

Tank Gauging

Perhaps this is the most significant area of weakness within the reconciliation process. The hydrostatic gauges are susceptible to large variances, and, although the vapour balancing valve goes some way to reducing these variances, the gauges are liable to reporting tank contents with a significant degree of inaccuracy.

Deliveries

It is important that the vapour balancing valve is used prior to delivery in order to check that the ullage reported is accurate. One of problems associated with the hydrostatic gauge is that, prior to delivery; any imbalance within the tank system can cause inaccurate ullage space to be reported. This may lead to a tank overfill.

Sales Volumes

Sales volumes are recorded by reference to the mechanical totalisers on the dispensers. This offers the site operator an accurate reference of the usage and protects against fraud and failures within the dispensing unit or pump controller.

Wetstock Control

It appears that the site operator had been keeping adequate wetstock reconciliation records for Leaking Garage Ltd. Although reconciliation was onlybeing performed at grade level it is not unusual for sites with pressure systems to do this. The alternative would be to run individual tanks and pumps in isolation, necessitating the opening and closing of the shut-off valves on a regular basis. The operational difficulties, and the Health & Safety implications of doing this make it impractical to do unless as part of a wetstock loss investigation.

Additional Analysis Using SIR

Following the initial investigation the data was processed using an approved SIR system. The system used the data from a number of sites supplied from the same supply source to generate an 'acceptable' loss characteristic, and then used statistical tools to analyse how 'Leaking Garage' differed from this norm.

The chart below plots the cumulative wetstock loss, expressed as a percentage of the cumulative sales for the period of time for which data was supplied. As can be seen the suspect tank is consistently below the other tanks supplied from this same supply source.

Once the effect of the dispenser meter inaccuracies are taken into account the difference between the suspect tank and its peers is even more evident.

The SIR system flagged the data as being outside acceptable tolerances from the first 30 day period, suggesting that the tank leak had been present for an extended period of time, albeit at a low level (i.e. less than the US EPAstandard of 0.1gph)

The chart below shows the spread of a group of tanks supplied from the same source, as you can see each tank is within ±0.05% of the terminal norm.

The suspect tank is in excess of 0.5% away from the terminal norm, a factor of 10 difference.

The site operator in this example had an inventory control system in place and diligently recorded his stock variances. The fact that his site had a low level leak for an extended period of time lulled him into accepting the figures he recorded as normal an acceptable. It was only when the tank finally failed that the true situation became apparent. The tank failed catastrophically, allowing in excess of 4,000 litres of fuel to go to ground and migrate to a drinking water well some distance from the site. The site operator was unable to meet the cost of replacing or relining the tanks an as a direct result the forecourt ceased trading.

It should also be noted that the tank that failed had been tested 3 months before the catastrophic failure. The test failed to pick up the low grade leak that was clearly present when viewed using SIR analysis.

By Jane Mardell, APEABusiness Manager

The AGM was well attended with around 70 delegates and I would like to thank all of you, that were present, for taking the time to contribute.

Detailed below are the minutes from the AGM meeting held at th held at the Marriott Northampton 5th April 2005.

1. Chairman's Welcome

The Chairman, B Baker welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

In the absence of the Honorary Secretary, B Baker noted that apologies had been received and that they would be minuted.

Apologies were received from:

W C R Dale, Clifford Page - Walter Page (Safeways) Ltd, Reigate and Banstead Council, Duncan Smith North Lanarkshire Council, David Jones - Dragon Pump Services Ltd, Phil Monger - Petrol Retailers Association, Terry Rogers, Annie Risbridger - Risbridger Ltd, James Luke, James Harrigan - Harrison Electrical, Barry Jenner - Cameron Forecourt Ltd, Tony Jenner - Cameron Forecourt Ltd, Alan Inglis, Tom Armstrong - Armstrong and Associates, Geoff Oldham - Suresite Ltd.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

B Baker reviewed the minutes from the previous AGM on 26th April 2004 and it was agreed that the minutes were correct. B Baker asked for the minutes to be accepted. Rob Tunnicliff proposed the motion and this was seconded by B Conlin. B Baker requested a show of hands. There were no hands against.

4. Matters Arising from Minutes 26th April 2004

There were no matters arising.

5. Correspondence

No correspondence had been received.

6. Chairman's Report

B Baker presented the following report:

'I wish to start my address by thanking the members for an interesting year and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the helm.

It is always great to work with like-minded individuals who are professional in all they do and the experience has been very rewarding. I say to anyone thinking of standing for Council go for it. It is definitely worthwhile!

To look back over an incredible quick year is somewhat daunting but I am pleased to say that the revisions to the "Blue Book" are complete and you will hear more about the changes later today but the exercise involved many across our industry. Not everyone agreed with each other but when you think of all the "man hours" devoted into the project, freely given by some of the leading lights it is no more than a minor miracle.

You will hear about the publication date shortly with all our members receiving their free copy - another benefit of membership I hasten to add.

Looking at what is going on around us, we should look no further than sustainable and renewable fuels. The opening of the first Hydrogen site at Hornchurch, Essex is imminent. We are now seeing Wind Turbines on canopies, Nano-technology is emerging where microscopic biocides can be used to monitor just about anything a site requires.

The bio-fuels are still being introduced. In fact behind the scenes, much research is taking place all around and soon to be with us.

This pace of change is something this Association must keep pace with, as reflected in the selection of speakers at both Branch and National level. This is a sure way for members to pick up early on developments.

Our membership has fallen slightly, mainly as a result of introducing a new corporate structure to subscriptions last year. That said it is consistent with our industry as we further contract with another 170 sites closing last year, the lowest annual figure for 7 years.

What we are seeing here is a reflection of convenience shopping though average annual throughputs across all remaining sites has marginally increased.

Recently, one regional area of the country has introduced a central reporting system to gain a handle on incidents. As a Petroleum Officer myself (that does go to site to inspect or investigate!) I am often called on wet stock variances, leaks, spillages and indeed fires.

In fact only yesterday I was at a site in my area where they had sustained a second identical arson attack in a fortnight - by the same individual at the same time of night! Needless to say the culprit is now in custody but illustrates just how often safety is critical on the sites we work on and for the companies we work for.

Moving closer to home and to friends on Council, we are in the wars at the moment. Paul Craven our Secretary cannot be with us due to a very important meeting on the future of petroleum enforcement in his county of Suffolk that is taking place today. Ian Taylor cannot be with us as he is recovering from a serious operation and our thoughts and prayers are with our Editor, Tony Jenner who only 2 weeks ago he and his lovely wife Vanessa received some very distressing news. To all absent brethren - our best wishes are with you.

I will close now by simply stating a very big thank you to Council for their support and willingness to answer my constant stream of questions, for putting up with the fact that I am an MK Dons Fan and to you the membership for listening to me - I thank you kindly'.

7. Secretary's Report

In the absence of the Honorary Secretary, B Baker presented the written report from PCraven.

'I do sincerely apologise that I am unable to be with you today but the AGM coincided with a very important meeting within Trading Standards of Suffolk County Council;, my employers

that involved the future of petroleum enforcement throughout the county.

As a Senior Officer I was expected to attend and contribute to the debate.

That said I have enjoyed my first year as Secretary of the APEA for which much has been spent on learning the role and receiving sound advice from those on Council. To them I say a special thank you.

I am not aware of any matters arising nor have I received any matters of correspondence to report on.

Jane will have received any apologies to this meeting and remind everyone to try and attend our Conference & Exhibition on 13th October 2005 at the Hotel Metropole, Birmingham.

Aquiet year by recent standards and wish every one well'.

8. Treasurer's Report

M Silmon presented the following report

'Good morning all, I present for your approval the audited accounts for 2003/2004. You will see that that again we show a financial loss, which has been compensated for by use of our reserves.

There are several items that I would draw to your attention.

In order to bring the Yearbook income into line with the treatment of other sources of income, monies received in respect of the 2005 Yearbook have been treated as deferred income. Similarly the costs associated with the production of the Yearbook have been included as payments in advance. The majority of the 2004 Yearbook income or costs were included in the 2003 accounts thus there is very little income or costs shown in these accounts.

As in previous years monies received relating to the next year activities (the year we are in now) for 2005 membership subscriptions, Bulletin advertising and training courses are treated as deferred income and not included as income in the 2004 accounts.

Arelated transaction note has been included to cover the training fees paid to 4 directors. All of these payments have this year been processed through the payroll.

Seminar and exhibition income is higher this year, the costs attributable to these events have also increased, so we show an overall loss of just over £9000 on each item.

All the website design development costs have been written off in the year. This has had a significant effect on the results of the Association in the year.

Once again we have run training courses at realistic prices, for the benefit of all members who wish to be involved. These are also available to outside bodies and there-by help us run our Association.

I commend these accounts to you and ask you later in the meeting to approve them.

Bearing in mind that I am an engineer not an accountant, if there are any queries I will try to answer them now and if I don't know now, I will get an answer for you.'

J Thompson proposed that the accounts be accepted. Robbie Robson seconded the motion. Ashow of hands accepted the motion and there were none against.

9. Editor's Report

B Baker introduced J Thompson to cover the Editor's report in the absence of T Jenner. B Baker explained the reasons for T Jenner's absence but emphasised that he wished to carry on the role of Editor.

TJenner thanked everyone who had contributed to the Bulletin in the last 12 months but emphasised that more contributors were required to submit articles. J Thompson asked everyone at the meeting that if they had anything to submit to the Bulletin then to email the item to the APEA office for consideration.

TJenner had requested that thanks be recorded for J Mardell for the work she had done on the Bulletin and Yearbook. 11. Any other Business

J Thompson said that on behalf of the Honorary Secretary he proposed a change of articles for the Association regarding the definition of Corporate membership. J Thompson read out the following:

APEA Council propose change to article 3.3.5 (d) of the Articles of Association

From

ACorporate Member shall be entitled to receive only one copy of "The Bulletin", to only one place at Member's rates at functions and courses and other events (without limitation (subject to the arrangements for the particular function course or other event) to the number of places which may be taken up at non-members rates)

to

ACorporate Member shall be entitled to receive five copies of "The Bulletin", to only one place at Member's rates at functions and courses and other events (without limitation (subject to the arrangements for the particular function course or other event) to the number of places which may be taken up at nonmembers rates).

J Thompson asked for the change of articles to be accepted. This was seconded by Robbie Robson. There was a show of hands for and none against. The motion was passed. B Baker said that the Association wished to recognise the amount of voluntary work and contribution that Anton Martiniussen had made to the APEA as Eastern Branch Secretary. B Baker said that he personally knew how much work Anton contributed

10. Election of Officers

B Baker presented the election of officers and that nomination forms had been received as follows and were nominated unopposed for office:

Chairman Mr Brian Baker Vice Chairman Mr Bob Conlin Hon Secretary Mr Paul Craven Hon Treasurer Mr Mike Silmon Hon Editor Mr Tony Jenner B Baker went onto propose that Anton Martiniussen should be awarded a Fellowship to the APEA. This was seconded by Gareth Bourhill. There was a show of hands with none against and the motion was passed.

to finding speakers and organising meetings for the Branch. B Baker invited Anton to accept the award of Fellow of the APEA.

Anton said that it was a great honour to accept the award and noted that the APEAis a unique Association and well respected overseas and that his colleagues in Germany had great respect for the APEA. Anton Martiniussen thanked B Baker and noted that the APEAwere always looking for speakers and said that the APEAserves the members and is only as good as you and encouraged the delegates to attend branch meetings and support the Association.

The Chairman concluded the Business session and introduced the following speakers during the day.

Tony Jenner, Joint Chairman of the APEA/IP"Blue Book" Review Group 'Blue Book' - general overview of revisions

B Baker introduced J Thompson to speak in the absence of TJenner. John Dallimore, John Dallimore & Partners 'Blue Book' - overview of revisions to Electrical section

Jay Wright of Polyflow Inc. USA Flexible, retractable pipe systems: Still the best solution underground conveyance of hydrocarbons

Ernst Olav Strutz, Yara UK Ltd AdBlue - ASuppliers Explanation

Design, Constructions, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of filling stations Chapter 14 - Electrical Section

ByJohn Dallimore, Dallimore & Associates

Unlike other Chapters in the Guidance Document, Chapter 14, Electrical Installations, follows almost exactly the format adopted in the first edition. Anumber of new clauses have been added to cover specific topics and remaining clauses renumbered accordingly; however, the main headings remain the same throughout the Chapter.

The Annexes, with the exception of 14.3 and 14.4, covering PME and the use of the Test Socket, have been largely rewritten as a result of the significant changes made to Section 14.10, Inspection and Testing.

Incidentally, the Annexes no longer follow the Chapters to which they refer (a mistake in the opinion of the writer) so be warned. The Annexes to Chapter 14 contain much vital information and must not be overlooked.

The main revisions to Chapter 14 may be grouped under the following headings:

· Changes to Legislation, e.g. ATEX and DSEAR. Standards; for example, those relating to Fuel Pumps and Dispensers.

· Autogas (previously LPG), which is far more common on forecourts than it was when the first edition was published.

· Cathodic Protection, this is also far more common on forecourts, largely as a result of the introduction of underground Autogas tanks.

· Underground cable ducts; the recent explosion at a site near Bristol, caused by flammable vapours migrating through ducts, emphasised the need to improve the sealing of ducts.

· Inspection, Testing and Certification

Without doubt, this section of the original guidance caused a great deal of controversy and indeed, some significant elements of the industry had reverted to the use of the Inspection and Testing forms in HS(G) 41, despite this document having been withdrawn by the HSE. From outset the Electrical Working Group were determined to ensure that the revised guidance would be acceptable to all interested parties.

In the remainder of this article I have endeavoured to highlight the most significant changes to Chapter 14; however, there are many other revisions that time and space do not permit me to cover here and all readers are strongly encouraged to study their own copy of the guidance document.

The introduction to the Chapter, Clause 14.1 has been expanded to stress the need for compliance with DSEAR and to explain the new guidance on inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations at filling stations.

Clause 14.2 Hazardous Area Certification. There has been a tendency to follow blindly the well known diagrams showing typical hazardous areas on filling stations. This clause has been revised to stress the need for persons installing and maintaining electrical installations have a thorough understanding of hazardous area classification. The Clause also refers to the need to have knowledge of