The Bulletin Magazine - June 2009

The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

June 2009

Editorial

Contents Regulars

Brian Baker Editor

Chairman’s Report

4

Letters to the Editor

7

Editor’s Report

7

Business Manager’s Report

8

52 Milton Grove Bletchley Milton Keynes

New APEA Members

9

MK3 5BH tel:

+44 (0) 1908 252332

fax:

+44 (0) 1908 252319

mob:

+44 (0) 7932 785166

e-mail: Bakerb4@sky.com News

13

Press Releases

26

Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman 70 Wangford Road

Articles US Experiences with Biofuels

Reydon 32

Southwold Suffolk

Obituary - Ray Wilson

38

APEA 2009 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

39

Interview with Gordon Robb, Highland Council

44

Are we Stabalising our Market?

46

Stage 2 Vapour Recovery - Working safely on tanks and pipework

47

Total Vapour Solutions

50

The History of Petrol Filling Stations - Tank and Pipes

55

IP18 6NX Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1502 722999 Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 625851 email: jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager (including Bulletin Advertising and Production) PO Box 106

Branches Branch reports

Saffron Walden 59

Essex CB11 3XT United Kingdom Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 603 5507

Training

Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 2009 course dates and booking details

62

email:

admin@apea.org.uk

Front Cover - Unattended self service near Cookstown, Northern Ireland

Published by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration A company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No. 2261600 Opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily the views of the Association.

3

Our Conference speakers have been

Chairman’s Report

selected for their area of expertise and

Well, can’t believe it that we are now approaching

those

long

summer

hopefully for some emotive subjects particularly with regards new fuels.

evenings and certainly where I stay on

The Association has an important role

the West coast of Scotland its great if

to play here as our forecourt operators

we have the weather i.e. some

will want to introduce them faster than

sunshine that allows us almost to have

ever before but will also expect the

some form of daylight almost 24 hours a

engineering technology and legislation

day in June and July.

for the safe delivery, storage and

I think if we just get it dry then

dispensing of these fuels to be safe for

anything else is a bonus and certainly I

those

will not be keeping the garden furniture

forecourts. The aim will be to introduce

and

these fuels with as little inconvenience

barbeques

outside

with

no

protection from the rain.

that

work

and

use

their

and of course as little cost just to give

what

I

have

2010 when the current edition becomes by, but within my area of work it still

already

mentioned in previous editions about

Certainly some of the fuels discussed

the “Credit Crunch” I’m delighted that

at the Conference would not presently

APEA 2009 at the RICOH Arena is

perhaps be thought about and be

shaping up to be our best event yet.

discussed by our members especially

Great thanks go of course to Bob Conlin

the rapid “Charging” of electric vehicles

and the rest of his team on the Events

or Hybrid vehicles running on both

Committee along with Downstream

electricity and other fossil or Bio fuels.

Events in securing our sponsors and

But if the existing National network of

speakers at the Conference along with

filling stations are seen as being already

our exhibitors of course who are being

placed in ideal situations for the “Re-

well catered for this year with better

fuelling” then we will have to think about

allocation of time and facilities with

how this will affect us presently but how

setting the stands up and exposure time

we

to visitors.

business for our members and for our

more

importantly

can

create

regulators and enforcers still to be Please continue to read the further

involved. What will indeed be the risk

articles throughout this edition with the

for the public, operator and the

latest update of what is going on and if

environment at these new premises?

you haven’t already done so get your

amazes me that I come across individuals and companies that are working on filling stations that have never heard of the “Blue Book” let alone we are on the second edition, there are still people out there that are oblivious to best working practice and I’m afraid that in today’s climate when money is scarce temptation is always there to get work done at the cheapest price and often this will be by people that have no idea of the dangers of what they are about to be exposed to or what they should be doing.

Our members in the enforcement and regulatory side will certainly have their work to do.

I hope that you enjoy this edition of the “Bulletin” - its your publication and

space booked for conference plus your

This all may still be some years away

our Editor is always looking for suitable

dinner space, the entertainment looks

but no reason why we can’t start in

articles and stories, or you may just

to be fantastic and even if its just

2009 to start planning and discussing

have an opinion on something and want

coming along to see me in my kilt again!

this and our Association brings together

to voice your views, then why not do so

everybody that has an interest and

in an ideal environment, if you have

gives them opportunity to debate and

something to say lets hear it.

I would also encourage you to nominate an individual or company for

agree what should be done.

our Awards or why not nominate

4

work completed for the end of March five years old. Time certainly does fly

us a greater challenge!

Despite

standards. Our target is to have this

As you read this I will be back out in

yourself? Its easy at the Awards

Myself and our Technical Chairman

Doha, Qatar on business, so one things

ceremony to question the shortlist or

have already opened up dialogue with

for sure I’m guaranteed sunshine and

actual winners and say you know

our friends at the Energy Institute over

very hot temperatures out there. It’s just

somebody or company that is far better,

the future publication of the third edition

a pity we are not blessed with the same

but if there are no nominations you can’t

of the “Blue Book” and although we are

back in the UK.

win. We have listened to what you the

not anticipating starting from scratch the

members have said and made the

publication does need to be regularly

Enjoy this edition and wherever you

judging process in my opinion totally

updated with regards technological

may be heading off to on your summer

open and transparent in response to

advances, working practice and of

holidays with your families, have a

one or two negative comments.

course change in other regulations and

fantastic time.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Editor’s Report The fact I am penning my usual rant it seems to me that it has come around quickly this time with the half year fast approaching. To put every issue together depends on submissions received and much of my time is spent seeking out news or technical items that are of importance to the membership so we can all learn, occasionally through the misfortune of others.

One thing I can say is that after several attempts, I have not managed to secure an article on the infamous “Morrison’s” fire in Livingstone, Scotland that occurred towards the end of 2008 despite numerous requests.

It seems odd that in an industry quite insular, but priding itself in its ability to share issues with everyone, as well as its activities and sense of achievement, irrespective of good or bad news, has not been forthcoming on this occasion.

Maybe I can shame someone into writing an article about this fire as I suspect there are genuine lessons that can be learned, judging by the video footage dramatically shown on the internet showing a large column of black smoke issuing from the forecourt - but there is one big question that the industry should ask itself – What if that particular supermarket operator had operated an Unattended Self Service Site?

The quick thinking of staff and contractors alike who were on site, ensured that the emergency services had been summoned and that an evacuation took place so there were no injuries reported.

The issue of unattended self service sites in their own right has instigated a national inspection campaign that has recently taken place with disturbing findings of non- compliance, failings in risk assessments and numerous prohibition notices being served. Is it

Letters to the Editor FAO Brian Baker Dear Sir I don't know if you will remember me . I'm the PO for Bristol, and we met at one of the APEA courses a year or so ago.

time for a re-think on how these sites are controlled? I hope to obtain a factual article for a future issue of this Journal but needless to say the findings of many Petroleum Licensing Authorities will probably be discussed at the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) that may result in further guidance being published.

Talking of published results, the final outcome of the Buncefield Investigation has stated that Total were found responsible for the series of explosions that occurred in December 2005 and claims of £750 million have been recorded. This might be one of the largest fines ever in the UK and a strong reminder to us all in exercising diligence in what we do.

The same can be said of BP in terms of a leak from a former service station in Luton back in December 2001 as a local newspaper recently reported (The Luton News April 15 2009) a leaking underground storage tank lost nearly 40,000 litres of unleaded grade that was just 230 metres away from a main water abstraction plant serving the town of over 100, 000 people, despite a substantial fine in 2002 there has been little activity in the continued clear up that now enters its eighth year. It is alleged that BP are pumping 250,000 litres of water a day out of the ground to prevent the fuel spreading further and to ensure that the fuel does not reach the water table. The local authority is now starting to demand further action as frustrations mount.

Now looking ahead, we have our Annual Conference in October, as we finalise our proceedings and with the speaker line up nearly complete it includes what may turn out to be a controversial day with the present UK Government showing increasing support for the electrification of vehicles, it makes me ponder the thought – will filling stations be a thing of the past? It is conceivable that you could fill up (charge) your own electrical

I thought I'd feed back my appreciation for your artcle re M & M Mart garage in the recent bulletin. Since starting here I tried to dig out the story, but was unable to find the detail I wanted ( I wanted to use it to show Councillors the importance of the role).

Most of my colleagues, who mostly

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

supply from your own home and its cost added to the domestic electricity bill making the “motorist” self sufficient. I do not think that is a million miles away from reality. What do you say about it?

Ever more reason to come along to the APEA Conference 2009.

Personally I have had a couple of trips to Northern Ireland lately and have to say I really like the place with some fine countryside and hospitality given by my hosts. The supermarkets are having a substantial effect on the petrol station market there and already one independent retailer has gone for unattended self service provision as evidenced by the front cover of this issue.

That said there are signs of serious investment and a lot of building work can be seen though in more recent months, the local economy has slowed to pretty much across Europe and for that matter, globally.

There is glorious sunshine outside at the moment and it is an ideal time to get my potatoes in the ground, pot some fuchsia’s and generally relax in the garden. What a lovely time of year!

Until next time Brian

grew up in Bristol, were unaware of it, so I passed it on to them with a note.

Regards Nick Evans Senior Trading Standards Officer/ Petroleum Licensing Officer Bristol 7

Business Manager’s Report

Bulletin

The last few months have been very busy compiling the 2010 Yearbook and this issue of the Bulletin.

Arrangements are also well under way too for APEA 2009, details of which can be found below and in this issue of the Bulletin on page 39. It looks to be a very exciting event at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Thank you to all of you that have contributed to this issue of The Bulletin.

Please send me any news items, press releases or articles for the September 2009 issue and I will pass them onto our Editor for approval.

We are always pleased to receive contributions from our members and it ensures that the Bulletin remains an interesting and informative read.

2010 Yearbook

Bulletin Advertising

Thanks to all of you that returned your Registration forms for the 2010 Yearbook and also those of you who booked advertising, the artwork is now at the printers and the Yearbooks will be distributed on 1st October.

If you have not received your copy by the end of October please let me know and I will chase up your delivery. We will be sending all Yearbooks by Royal Mail recorded delivery and by courier so that we can follow up any non deliveries.

Thanks to all of you that renewed your advertising for the 2009 issues of the Bulletin and thanks to new advertisers too.

Remember that if you book in all four issues you receive a 25% discount and we are able to offer discounts for those of you that wish to book for more than one issue but less than four issues too.

The advertising rates remain unchanged for 2009 and are listed on our website on the ‘Publications’ page at www.apea.org.uk If you would like to book advertising in the Bulletin for 2009, please call me on 0845 603 5507 or email me at admin@apea.org.uk for a booking form.

2009 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner Following the success of APEA 2008 we will be repeating the format for APEA 2009 but at a new venue in Coventry.

It brings together equipment suppliers, service providers, oil companies, independent retailers, supermarkets and regulators for a day of conference debate, new technology and product display, networking and industry recognition.

APEA 2009 takes place on 15th October at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

The event takes place in a dedicated conference and function centre, boasting top class facilities.

Anyone wishing to book for the Conference, Exhibition or Awards Dinner should contact Annabel Daley on +44 20 8222 8837 or email annabel@downstream-events.com If you would like to enter any of the awards please contact me for an entry form at admin@apea.org.uk, please specify which award you wish to enter so that the appropriate form can be emailed to you. Details about the awards can be found on page 40.

I will be managing the AGM part of the event and information and nomination forms will be posted to all members with the September issue of the Bulletin.

8

Publications The Blue Book is available at the discounted rate of £40 to APEA members.

If you wish to purchase a copy please contact me on 0845 603 5507 and I will be able to provide you with details on obtaining a copy.

We also publish the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can be purchased and downloaded directly from the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk.

APEA Members £10.00 plus p+p Non APEA Members £20.00 plus p+p Training Thanks to all of you that have booked on the APEA training courses, the last few months have been busy with bookings.

The 2009 dates are detailed on page 62 of this issue of the Bulletin and are also on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk where you can book online or download a booking form.

I am arranging bespoke courses for various companies which enables members to receive training at a discounted rate and at a time and location suitable to them.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

If you are interested in hosting a bespoke course for your company please do not hesitate to contact me.

We can offer discounted rates for these courses if you are able to provide a venue and catering.

Thanks go out to all our trainers who often travel long distances to provide their valuable services.

You can book online from the Training page on the APEA website or you can download a booking form from our website training page, just click on the course you are interested in and the course details and form are displayed or please contact me by email or by phone and I can email you a copy.

New Members There have been 48 new members joining during January, February and March and details can be found on pages 9 and 10.

Website The website continues to be a useful site for information and to make online bookings and payments. I am glad so many of you are using it.

If you wish to contribute anything to the site please feel free to log on and go to the APEA Resource Centre where you can submit your article for approval.

There is a ‘Help’ pull down menu if you need some assistance. If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

You can also use the website to change your contact details, just logon and you will be able to access your record. If you cannot remember your logon details please contact me.

General Assistance Finally if any of you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0845 603 5507 and I will endeavour to help.

Jane

APEA New Members Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during January, February and March.

Charles Bacon 3 Whiting House Greenway Lydd Kent TN299HE

January Peter Emery Anchor Safet 19 Adonis Close Tamworth Staffordshire B79 8TY

Gary Wemyss (Scotland) 20 George Street Kincardine Fife FK10 4NR Mark Swindells

Lee Papper TLM Group Ltd Unit 8 Wyndmere Park Ashwell Road Steeple Morden Hertfordshire SG8 0NZ

Jason Taggart

Peter Sheekey Niall Montgomery and Partners Architects 33 Rock Road Williamstown Blackrock Dublin Ireland

Geo2 Remediation Ltd Units 6 and 7 Ferrybridge Workspace Pontefract Road Ferrybridge WF11 8PL

Taggart Design 133a Coolreaghs Road

Rachael Harris Plymouth City Council Safety, Health and Licensing Public Protection Service Environmental Services, Floor 6 Civic Centre Plymouth Devon PL1 2AA

Cookstown Tyrone BT80 9QD Roger Wilton R Wilton Associates Ltd 54 Beech Road Horsham Surrey

Dan Preece Plymouth City Council Safety, Health and Licensing Public Protection Service Environmental Services Floor 6, Civic Centre Plymouth Devon PL1 2AA

RH12 4TU

Russell Fowler Rocklodge The Hollow Washington Pulborough West Sussex RH20 3DA

Gary Treadwell

Jake Ramphal Bedfordshire County Council Trading Standards Service 4th Floor County Hall Cauldwell Street Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 9AP

Bovis Lend Lease

Robin Carter Merebrook Consulting Argosy House 161a - 163a High Street Orpington Kent BR6 0LW

Kieran MC Sorley K Decorators and Maintenance services 27 Adelaide Ave Coleraine BT521LT

Gary Wemyss

Stuart Whatley AECOM Environment Marlborough House Upper Marlborough Road St. Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3UT

Raymond Renucci Co-operative Group 7 Robert Owen House 87 Bath Street Glasgow G2 2EE

February

148 Barrells Down Road Bishops Stortford Herts CM23 2SZ Freddie Boniface 3rd Floor, Witan Gate House 500 - 600 Witan Gate

David Bourne Bostik Ltd Common Road Stafford Staffordshire, ST16 3EH Tracy Heath Southampton City Council Southbrook Rise 4 - 8 Millbrook Road Southampton Hampshire, SO15 1YG

Central Milton Keynes Milton Keynes Bucks MK9 1ES Alan Pierce Styles and Wood Aspect House Manchester Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5PG

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

James Craig PetroTechnik Australia 21 Aristoc Road Glen Waverley 3150 Australia Gabriel Manley Manley Construction Ltd Main Street Duleek Meath Ireland 9

New APEA Members Neil Bryson 11 Feilding Way Lutterworth Leicester LE17 4NS David Harvey First Impressions 7 Newtown Cornwood Ivybridge Devon PL219QL March James Hoare Site Safety Services 108c High Street Billericay Essex CM12 9BY Steven Gibb KCR Ltd Ladywood Westerboghead 2 Crosshill Road Lenzie Glasgow G66 4SR Sabi Grewal Southampton City Council Southbrook Rise 4 - 8 Millbrooke Road East Southampton SO15 1YG Ron Perry Ron Perry & Son Ltd A19 Services Elwick Hartlepool TS27 3HH Bob Currie Avanti Environmental Ltd Charleywood Road Knowsley Industrial Estate Liverpool Merseyside L33 7SG Kenneth Prime 21 Lon Ger Y Coed Ammanford Carmarthenshire SA18 2JA Stuart Anderson Energenics Pte Ltd 89B Science Park Drive No. 03-06 The Rutherford Singapore Science Park 1 118261 Singapore 10

Sonny Garrett Norfok Fire & Rescue Service Whitegates Hethersett Norwich Norfolk NR9 3DN

Dave Watson Co-operative Group 5th Floor Dantzic Building Dantzic Street Manchester Greater Manchester M60 0AF

Ronnie McArdle McArdle Doyle Limited Unit A8, Santry Business Park Swords Road, Santry Dublin 9 Ireland

Andy Pye Co-operative Group 5th Floor Dantzic Building Dantzic Street Manchester Greater Manchester M60 0AF

Mirjan Maiberger Flammer GmbH Strombergstr. 73 Cleebronn D-74389 Germany Barry Dewhurst Pureflo Fuels Ltd 3 Stronsay Close The Beacon Hindhead GU26 6UL Prarthan Shah Timeplan Ltd Unit 12, The Pines Broad Street Guildford Surrey GU3 3BH Eanna Coleman Enco Brackwansha Knockmore Ballina Mayo Ireland Hermann Mallia Fritz Energy Malta Ltd Pitkali Road Attard ATD2214 Malta Mick Cassidy Co-operative Group 5th Floor Dantzic Building Dantzic Street Manchester Greater Manchester M60 0AF

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Peter Hunt Co-operative Group 5th Floor Dantzic Building Dantzic Street Manchester Greater Manchester M60 0AF Sean Loughlin Lagan Projects Ltd Lagan House 19 Clarendon Road Belfast BT1 3BG John Jones Veolia Dock Road South Bromborough Wirral Merseyside CH62 4SQ Julian Rafter Olive Engineering & Design Services Ltd The Old Egg Farm Waynestown Dunboyne Meath Ireland Jose Luis Pena Tecnotank Hidrocarburo, S.L. Lorenzo Frutos, 15 San Sebastian de los Reyes Madrid 28701 Spain Niall Curtin Waterford City Fire Service Fire Station Catherine Street Waterford Ireland

News

UK Ilford. Petrol spill sparks evacuation Feb 2009 - Drivers fled a garage forecourt as petrol started pouring from the pumps. The spill happened around 1.30pm at the Tesco garage, High Road, Chadwell Heath, shortly after a tanker arrived to deliver fuel. The forecourt was evacuated by staff, and many drivers had to push their cars to safety. Motorist Barry Slemmings was filling up at the time. He said: "The tanker driver was brilliant. He instructed everyone to turn their car engines off, which we all did. "Everyone stayed out of the way, although there were two idiots trying to drive in. "Everywhere stank of petrol."

It is believed the tanker had been carrying up to 11,000 gallons of fuel when it arrived at the garage, but store manager Matt Arch stressed the delivery had nothing to do with the incident. He said: "We're waiting for a company to come and identify the problem and how to fix it. We're hoping to be open again as soon as possible."

A crew from Ilford fire station was on standby at the scene in case of any further spillage, and staff were awaiting the arrival of the petrol company's clean-up team.

UK, Report on incident in Orpington Kent On the 27th August 2008, the London Fire Brigade’s Petroleum Group received a call from the police in South East London. They explained that they had taken a man into custody after he had been heard to threaten to use petrol he had stored at his home to set fire to the house of a close relative.

Whilst the man was still in police custody they would like to have the petrol removed from his home and were requesting our assistance.

Subsequently it was arranged for the petroleum inspector covering that area to meet with police officers at the home address of the man with a view to identifying the fuel as petrol and seizing it, if appropriate.

That lunchtime the PI met two community support officers at the address, where the wife of the man was happy to grant entry to the premises.

The premises were a detached property in a residential area with a small lean-to constructed off a gable wall and

abutting the boundary fence. A timber shed of the neighbouring property also abutted this fence. The lean-to had been roofed with PVC sheeting and had a metal glazed door giving good insulation and a fair degree of airtightness. Inside the lean-to, along with the normal gardening and decorating paraphernalia found in sheds, were a selection of large plastic drums stacked three high in places all containing liquid.

These were unapproved 25 litre plastic containers. There were also 2 x 10 litre metal and 2 x 5 litre plastic approved petrol containers.

Having emptied the contents of the lean-to into the garden the lady of the house informed us that she knew her husband had labelled all the containers so he would know which were petrol and which diesel. On separating the containers by these markings it was unclear to see the colour differential and therefore it was decided to break the seal on “one of each” and ascertain, using an explosimeter, which was petrol. The totals came to 8 diesel and 16 petrol plus all the other smaller containers giving a total of about 160 litres of diesel and 350 litres of petrol.

After a discussion with the lady on the dangers of keeping such amounts of fuel in close proximity to her house she was pleased to agree for the petrol to be seized under Section 25 (1) of the Health and safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 (seizure of substances posing a danger to health and safety).

A series of phone calls ensued as arrangements were made with the authority’s approved specialist contractor to come to the address and collect all the containers identified as containing petrol and arrange for them and their contents to be destroyed (with the exception of the 2 x 5 litre plastic containers that were left with the lady for use in her lawn-mower).

The contractors arrived, labelled and removed all that had been “seized” with politeness, speed and efficiency.

A letter was then sent to the gentleman outlining the offence he had committed and that consideration was being given to prosecuting him. He responded to this letter admitting the offence, and stating that he had been unaware of either the law or the dangers. He subsequently accepted a formal caution and paid the costs to the Authority totalling in excess of £800.

During the afternoon it was ascertained that the gentleman had been collecting the fuel for future use, or as a possible profitable enterprise to sell on in times of fuel crisis. When he was questioned further he admitted buying the unapproved containers and filling them with both petrol and diesel at

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

a petrol filling station outside the London area. The Petroleum Licensing Authority for that area have been given the details and are investigating.

UK, New Publications from the Energy Institute Here is a list of all of the EI technical publications produced during the past 12 months for the Downstream side of the Industry.

Further information or visit the EI publications website: www.energyinstpubs.org.uk As a reminder, EI Members receive a 25% discount on all EI technical publications.

Model codes of safe practice • Model Code of Safe Practice Part 16: Tank cleaning safety code Electrical safety • Guidelines for the managing inspection of Ex electrical equipment ignition risk in support of IEC 6007917 Biofuels guidance (see also IP Test Methods) • Guidance for the storage and dispensing of E5 petrol and B5 diesel at filling stations • Guidance for the storage and handling of fuel grade ethanol at petroleum distribution installations • EI literature review: Implications of biofuels on microbial spoilage and corrosion within the fuel distribution chain and end use • EI literature review. Biofuels – potential risks to UK water resources Microbiology • Guidelines for the investigation of the microbial content of petroleum fuels and for the implementation of avoidance and remedial strategies Marketing and distribution • Code of practice for a product identification system for petroleum products • Code of practice for entry into underground storage tanks at filling stations • Guidelines

for

the

design

and 13

News operation of gasoline vapour emission controls at distribution terminals • Code of practice for petroleum road tanker vapour collection systems and equipment used in unloading operations.

UK, Essex, Latchingdon. Lucky escape at petrol station blaze A major disaster was averted after a car burst into flames at a petrol station.

Crews from South Woodham Ferrers and Maldon worked quickly to contain the blaze to the car, which was parked at a pump at the Texaco garage in The Street, Latchingdon, shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 3. Sub officer Robin Chaplin from Maldon fire station said: "The woman driver had just filled up, she went to start the car and it burst into flames. The South Woodham crews were there first and used foam on the fire to prevent it spreading. "The driver was a bit shaken up, and the car was a write off. It was a lucky escape, it could have been a major disaster."

UK, Cambridge. Blaze at petrol station An electrical fault is believed to have sparked a blaze at a Cambridge petrol station. The fire broke out in the shop at the Shell garage in Newnham Road.

Two fire engines attended the scene, and quickly had the fire under control.

No-one was injured.

UK, Caerphilly.

Checks after petrol pump faults Fuel pumps at more than 70 Tesco filling stations in the UK had to be checked after thousands of people were overcharged at one petrol garage.

Motorists who filled up at the Ystrad Mynach store in Caerphilly county over a nine month period received less fuel than they paid for. The average overcharge amounted to £2 to £3 over nine months because of a software error at three pumps.

Customers have been offered a refund or can opt for the money to go to charity.

A Tesco spokesman said the error was spotted during a routine test at the 14

Ystrad Mynach garage last autumn.

The fault meant less fuel was dispensed than was paid for by customers who used the affected pumps from 26 October, 2007 to 7 July last year. It meant the supermarket had to undertake the "lengthy process" of checking pumps at a further 72 of its service stations which use the same software.

After no other faults were found, the company was able to trace customers who used the Ystrad Mynach branch using their Tesco Clubcards and credit cards. One driver who lives in Cardiff and used to work near Ystrad Mynach received a letter from the supermarket which offered a refund of 80p. "It's good of Tesco to own up to it, but I'm not going to go all the way to Ystrad Mynach to get my money back," she said. "I'd spend more than 80p in petrol just to drive there, so I'm happy to see them giving it to good causes. "I suppose Tesco could have stayed quiet about this and just kept all the money, so well done to them for owning up to it.

"But you do wonder whether it ever happens anywhere else and we never find out about it."

UK, Blackpool. Smoke sets home on fire filling petrol tank Fire crews have issued a warning about the dangers of using petrol indoors after a man had a lucky escape from a ferocious house fire. The incident happened at a house on Kentmere Drive, Merseyside. It is thought the resident was refuelling a garden strimmer in the doorway to his living room when the fire broke out.

Fire crews say it is suspected the petrol was accidentally ignited by a cigarette. The man managed to escape and raised the alarm, but the fire ripped through the property, causing severe damage. He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation. Watch manager Pete Langley, from South Shore Fire Station, said: "It only took us four-and-a-half minutes to get to the scene from when we got the initial call. "In that time the fire had completely engulfed the front room and spread upstairs. It had spread so fast. "It was well alight and quite ferocious. "The occupant was very lucky. He had managed to get out and had some smoke inhalation, but other than that was not injured.

He did go to hospital just to be checked over. "The downstairs of the house was completely destroyed and there was severe smoke damage to the

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

upstairs. "People don't appreciate just how dangerous petrol can be. It's the fumes which ignite. "We urge people to take extra care when dealing with petrol and to never smoke or have a naked flame anywhere near petrol. "If it ignites, it spreads so rapidly. It can be lethal." Fire crews from Forest Gate and South Shore attended the blaze, along with Police, and were there for two hours.

UK, Birmingham.

Bonfire man suffers severe burns A man in his 50s has suffered serious burns after an accident involving a bonfire in Birmingham, the ambulance service said. The service was called to a property off Lordswood Road, Harborne. A man had reportedly dropped a canister of petrol by a bonfire and it had ignited causing burns to his legs, lower back, right hand and his side. The man was helped by people at the scene before being taken to hospital. A spokesman said: "He had been taken inside by other people at the property and was having water put on the burns when the crews arrived.

"They treated him with burns packs before taking him on blue lights to the specialist burns unit at Selly Oak Hospital."

UK, Northampton. Car crashes through busy petrol station forecourt A major explosion was averted when a car left a main road in Northamptonshire and crashed through a busy petrol station forecourt. Police and the fire service were called out to the BP garage on the A43 Brackley Road when a Mercedes car left the carriageway. After careering over the grass embankment, it collided with some gas pipes, causing the vapour to be released.

However, a police spokesman later confirmed there had been no danger to the public, and the male driver was only slightly injured. Police, firefighters and paramedics were alerted to the scene but the car, which was a Mercedes C Class, had not caused as much damage as was initially feared.

Eyewitness Daniel Ewen, aged 29, said he was visiting the adjacent McDonalds restaurant when he saw the accident happen. He said: "The gentleman involved said his brakes had failed. "He was travelling from the Brackley

News direction and there was a traffic jam in front of him. "He said the car would not stop so he had gone to go up the slip road to the petrol station but it went up the embankment and straight into the forecourt. "It tore out some of the gas pipes so there was gas billowing from some of the bottles for about 10 minutes which eventually ran out. "It made a massive noise; the bang was colossal."

UK, Hertfordshire.

Buncefield back to petrol storage Part of the Buncefield oil storage depot in Hertfordshire, UK, has now been granted approval to store petrol on site. Planning restrictions have been lifted which limited BP to storing only aviation fuel until now. An explosion ruptured the terminal in December 2005, injuring 40 people and damaging residential and business properties. It was caused by an overflowing fuel storage tank at the HOSL depot.

Dacorum Borough Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say that energy company BP has met all safety criteria. The council formally signed off safety works undertaken by BP following a year of inspections by the council HSE and Environment Agency to check BP had met 55 safety criteria set out in a legal agreement drawn up in February 2008. BP spokeswoman Sheila Williams says BP has taken on board all the requests made by the local council and residents, resulting in BP investing over £10 million (€7.9 million) at the terminal.

UK, Buncefield. Total liable for Buncefield blast Claims following the blast are said to amount to more than £750m.

The High Court has ruled that the oil company Total is liable for damages caused by the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot in Hertfordshire.

The Hemel Hempstead site was the scene of an explosion which injured 40 people and left homes and businesses damaged. The blast in 2005 was the largest in Europe since the end of World War II. The depot was owned by Total and Chevron in a joint venture called Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd (HOSL), but was operated by Total. The ignition of the vapour cloud which followed the spillage of 300 tons of petrol, caused an explosion which measured 2.4 on the

Richter Scale.

The High Court hearing was over a dispute between Total and Chevron as to who was liable for the agreed acts of negligence that led to the spillage and explosion. Chevron claimed Total was to blame, while Total said the joint venture company HOSL should bear responsibility. The court said Total had failed to discharge the burden of establishing that HOSL was responsible for the negligence of the supervisor.

It found that all those working at the site had contracts with Total; the terminal manager who was the most senior member of staff on site was appointed by Total and line managed by Total. All safety instructions were developed by Total. The court also found there was a further contributory fault due to the failure by Total's head office staff to develop an adequate system for preventing the overfilling of a tank. It also said Total was not entitled to recover a contractual indemnity from HOSL or Chevron in respect of all or any part of the claim.

UK, Charge her up, UK petrol stations to go electric London's abandoned petrol stations are to be converted to charge electric cars, it was revealed.

parks.

"If electric cars take off, then a lot of these charging points will be needed," said Richard Barrett of EPR, the architect who designed the stations. "If you are charging at home then it can take up to eight hours. However, these stations can do the job in 20 minutes."

When drivers first plug in their cars, an electronic diagnostic system will work out the model and type of battery.

An average electric car such as the G-Wiz, which costs about £8,000 and has a range of 40 miles, will cost about £2 to recharge, Evoasis said. The firm is also planning to allow drivers to download music and films. "Recent models allow us to access the entertainment system, so from the lounge you could buy music and have it downloaded straight to your car," said Mr Barrett.

Mayor Boris Johnson is considering an electric-car hire plan for London that would require thousands of power points. The plan mirrors a Paris scheme, Autolib, which will be in place by the end of the year. Modelled on its bicycle-hire scheme, Autolib will see 4,000 electric cars sited across the French capital and its suburbs. Drivers will be able to use them at any time.

Sales of electric cars are small because of a lack of charging points. In a Commons written answer, transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said 4,929 battery-powered vehicles had been registered since 2004, and 1,322 took to the UK´s roads last year.

UK, Yorkshire. Petrol deal pumps up York based Costcutter An American firm is planning to transform dozens of empty stations.

They will have airport-style waiting lounges where drivers can buy food or coffee.

Evoasis is setting up the first electriccar garage in Grovesnor Road, Pimlico, where up to 12 bays with high-power outlets will be able to recharge a battery in about 20 minutes. A further five stations will be established by the end of the year. Simon Lloyd, spokesman for Evoasis, said the firm would share profits from the scheme with the owners of each site.

The firm is in talks with supermarkets such as Tesco to install charging points for shoppers. It is also discussing installing charging points with Westminster council, which already has 60 - 12 on the street and 48 in car

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York based supermarket chain Costcutter has clinched an important deal to continue to supply Murco, the UK forecourt division of US-based Murphy Oil, which now operates 212 Costcutter sites on its petrol forecourts.

Murco has been supplied by Costcutter for the past 12 years, with business developing successfully over this time, and the new contract has been agreed to run until June 2012.

The deal is expected to generate a turnover through Costcutter in the region of £100m a year. Since its original partnership agreement started with Costcutter in 1996, Murco has greatly expanded its UK store estate, most recently towards the end of 2008. In September 2008, Murco established its first presence in Scotland with the purchase of seven sites in the West Lothian and Falkirk areas. In October, the acquisition was 17

News announced of 62 Petrol Express forecourts, throughout England and Wales. Nick Ivel, Costcutter managing director, commented: “We are delighted with the outcome of our negotiations with Murco, and that we will continue to work with them to further develop their forecourt stores. “Costcutter has a package for retailers which cannot be matched by any other symbol group, a fact which is confirmed by this result.

The Costcutter Supermarkets Group operates a franchise operation with more than 1,500 convenience stores throughout the UK. In slightly more than 21 years the group has grown from seven retailers to 1,500-plus. The firm offers more than 200 own-brand products sitting alongside famous names such as Birds Eye, Walkers, Cadbury, McCain, Andrex and many more.

UK, North Yorkshire, Haxby. ‘Bomb’ discovered at Haxby petrol station A Bomb disposal squad went to York after an unexploded shell was discovered at a petrol station. The bomb, which was ten inches long and three inches round, was discovered at Station Garage, in Station Road, Haxby, during building work.

North Yorkshire Police were alerted at 11.45am on February 20th and immediately threw a cordon around the area, closing Station Road. A police spokesman said: “We are awaiting advice from the army's bomb disposal unit, which is on the way. “Shells have been found here before because this is next to the railway station where shells were loaded and unloaded for Strensall Barracks“. The garage is closed at present for the building work so there is no danger with the petrol pumps. The public have been asked to avoid the area.

UK, Company prosecuted for firework breach West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed a sentence imposed by a District Judge sitting at the Leeds Magistrates’ Court after 1st Storage UK Ltd breached health and safety regulations.

1st Storage UK Ltd admitted an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for breach of Regulation 18

11 (8) of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 (MSER) at a hearing before Leeds magistrates on 15 April, 2009. The company was fined £750 and prosecution costs of £1,000 were awarded to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

At the time of the offence in 2007, 1st Storage UK Ltd operated from a site at Unit 1 Holmecroft, York Road, Leeds. It provided containers for businesses and individuals to hire out for storage purposes. The company had been registered to store fireworks at the site since July 2000.

The registration regime places a statutory limit on the quantity of explosives which can be kept on the site and in this case allowed the storage of a maximum of 250kg net explosive content of Hazard Type Four fireworks.

Explosives inspectors from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service seized fireworks weighing 468.86kg by net explosive content. – 87 per cent in excess of that allowed under the terms of the registration regime.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Senior Explosives Inspector, Roger Marris, said: “The fire and rescue authority considered this was a serious breach of the regulations, therefore we welcome the sentence.

“The risk in the event of fire was not only to the employees, but also to the general public who hired the containers and to the fire-fighters who would have attended. Had the 455kg present in one of the units been involved in a fire, such an event would produce immense volumes of thick and acrid smoke which could have engulfed the whole of the storage compound, thereby putting the safety of people both on and off site at risk. There would have been the additional hazard from fragment throw and the projectile effects of the fireworks.”

UK, Nottingham.

Petrol leak ignited causing severe burns A scrap yard employee received severe burns after being engulfed in flames when a petrol leak ignited.

Nottingham magistrate’s court heard that on 26 August 2006, a 56-year old man was using a cutting torch to strip parts from a car, just a few metres away from a colleague, who was filling a different vehicle with fuel using a petrol receiving unit.

The man noticed that the petrolreceiving unit was leaking and had created a large pool of petrol on the

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surrounding ground. He walked over to his colleague to point out the leak, which he thought was a result of a control lever being placed in the wrong position. As he approached, his colleague began operating a cutting torch, causing sparks to spread across the yard and igniting the petrol and the man’s trousers.

The victim received severe burns to 17% of his body. As a result, he spent five weeks in hospital and underwent two skin grafts. He has been unable to return to work since the incident.

His employer, Phoenix Auto Parts 2000 Ltd, pleaded guilty on 5 November 2008 to breeching Regulations 6 (3) and 5 (1) of the Dangerous Substances & Explosives Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The court handed the firm a fine of £2,000 and ordered it to pay costs of £2,375.

In mitigation, the company showed remorse for the incident and revealed it had already paid the victim compensation through a civil case. It stated that new safety measures had been put in place at the yard since the accident and it had stopped using cutting torches. It said the accident was the result of an oversight of its health and safety procedures. It also admitted failure to recognise the risks of operating the torches in close proximity to the petrol remover. The firm has since appointed a yard manager, who is responsible for carrying out weekly safety checks on the site.

HSE Inspector Francis Bailey said “This serious accident could have been prevented if cutting operations and any other sources of ignition had been separated from the handling of petrol.

This could have been achieved by either maintaining a minimum separation distance or managing work to ensure employees carried out these activities at different times”.

UK, Milton Keynes.

Firefighters stop blaze spreading from gas cylinders A fire in a store of flammable liquids could have exploded into a massive inferno. But fire crews from three city fire stations brought the Bleak Hall blaze under control. The firefighters from Great Holm, Bletchley and Broughton were called to the scene on Summerson Road.

There they were faced with six liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders which had caught alight. It had already spread to the nearby single storey units and

News vehicles. A Bucks Fire spokesman said: "They were at the scene for more than two hours. "They removed a number of other cylinders - containing highly flammable acetylene - nearby to a safe place. "Once heated acetylene cylinders have to have a cordon placed around them for up to 24 hours because they can explode and travel a considerable distance." Four units in the building and five vehicles outside were damaged by the blaze. An investigation is underway to establish how it started.

France, Loire Atlantique, Donges.

Fire risk as wrong fuel delivered Jan 2009 - An error at an oil refinery has placed at least 2,000 homes in the west of France at risk of boiler fires. A mistake in the fuel mixture at the Total refinery in Donges in the LoireAtlantique has resulted in extraflammable heating oil being delivered to homes between January 15-19. Some 2.5 million litres of domestic heating fuel are thought to have been contaminated with petrol and delivered to six wholesalers including SFDM – which in turn carries out home fuel deliveries.

The resulting mixture is stronger than normal heating oil with highly flammable vapour. The problem has hit homes in the Brittany and Pays de la Loire regions. A spokesman for Total recommended that affected households should not use their boilers. SFDM have compiled a list of homes where fuel was delivered since the incident and has been carrying out visits to empty and clean heating systems. Total has announced that it will foot the full cost of the bill. One homeowner said: “Are they going to compensate us for a week without heating and hot water?” In March, 2008 the same oil refinery at Donges was responsible for the leakage of 400 tonnes of oil into the Loire river. The accident produced oil slicks around the l'île de Ré and the l'île d'Oléron as well as the river.

Kilimanjaro climb Director of Fairbanks Environmental, Bob Conlin recently completed a trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. “It was a gruelling as well as uplifting experience and I would highly recommend the challenge as a way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause”, says Bob. He would like to thank all those who have generously supported his endeavour by

contributing towards his sponsorship total of over £6,500. Bob is already considering his next expedition.

Iceland strides toward a hydrogen economy Global economic crises underscores urgency of the goal, even as it delays progress.

It looks much like any other filling station: Shell-branded gasoline pumps lined up before a brightly lit convenience store on the shoulder of a busy highway. But this is the hub of one of Iceland’s most ambitious projects, an obligatory stop for visiting foreign dignitaries that offers a glimpse of what might be the future of human transportation.

This is no ordinary Shell station. Just to one side, where you might expect to find diesel pumps, stands the world’s first commercial hydrogen fueling station. Pull up in your hydrogenpowered car, swipe your credit card, attach the pump fixture, and in five minutes you’ll be back on the road, your tank full of emissions-free fuel produced right at the filling station from water and sustainably generated electricity.

“It’s a completely green car, with only water coming out of the tailpipe,” says Jon Bjorn Skulason, general manager of Icelandic New Energy, who drives one of the city’s 14 hydrogen-fueled vehicles. “If we complete our plans, we will be a zero-emissions society. We would not have to import fuel from foreign sources, and we would be 100 percent sustainable, which must be the true future of the world.”

While many countries talk about sustainable energy and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, Iceland is committed to weaning itself off fossil fuels altogether by the middle of the century. Instead of importing oil to power its cars and fishing vessels, this remote island nation of 300,000 plans to power them like everything else here: with electricity from hydroelectric and geothermal plants.

In recent decades, Icelanders have harnessed melt-water from massive ice sheets and the steam that pours from its volcano-dotted landscape, which together generate virtually all the

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island’s heat and electricity. In the dead of winter, Icelanders use geothermal heat to grow bananas in frost-covered greenhouses, and to warm the streets and sidewalks of central Reykjavík.

“Our power plants are essentially processing water,” says Eirikur Hjalmarsson, spokesman for Reykjavík Energy. Its geothermal power plants have become tourist attractions. “Since we’re generating electricity from renewable sources, it may make sense to use it to power vehicles.”

The government’s plan, announced in 1998, is to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen. Together with Daimler AG, Shell, Norsk Hydro, and local utilities and research institutions, they created Icelandic New Energy, the company charged with spearheading the effort.

The Shell station opened in 2003, serving the needs of three experimental hydrogen fuel-cell buses that plied the streets of Reykjavík for four years without incident. Hydrogen-fueled cars followed in late 2007, and were joined by a fuel cell-equipped passenger vessel last year.

“We haven’t found any major problems with the operation of a hydrogen economy with buses, cars, or ships,” says Icelandic New Energy’s Mr. Skulason. “If somebody were to say to me today, ‘I’ll bring 20,000 hydrogen cars to Iceland every year for the next five years at the same cost as a conventional car,’ it would not be a problem for us.”

But the project, which aimed to convert the country to hydrogen by 2040, is several years behind schedule, due to delays in automobile manufacturers’ roll-out of the next generation of hydrogen vehicles, which the global recession will only make worse. Iceland’s own financial collapse has not only delayed the building of additional fueling stations, Skulason says, but has also underscored the need to develop domestic fuel supplies.

The idea is to use electricity generated by geothermal (steam) and hydro plants to power cars. While plugin electric cars might be sensible for Reykjavík commuters, long-distance travelers, fishermen, and aircraft pilots have power and range requirements that can’t be practically served by battery storage alone, says Bragi Arnason, the University of Iceland chemist who first conceived Iceland’s “hydrogen experiment.”

“You will use electricity wherever you can, but batteries do not have a sufficient range – maybe 200 or 300 kilometers [124 to 186 miles],” he says, requiring that the electricity be stored in another, more intensive form. “Most experts agree that hydrogen is 21

News candidate fuel No. 1, because it’s the cheapest and easiest to make.”

At the Shell station, an electrolyzer strips hydrogen from H20 molecules, which are later consumed in the engines of specially-modified internalcombustion Toyota Priuses. The hydrogen can also be turned into electricity in the fuel cells of Daimler AClass electric cars. (Drivers here say the latter approach delivers far more torque and power.)

Critics say this entire approach is illogical. “If you have renewable electricity, why would you buy an expensive electrolyzer to throw away some of that electricity making hydrogen, buy an expensive tank to store it, and put it in a vehicle just to make it into electricity again?” asks Joseph Romm of the Center for American Progress in Washington, author of “The Hype About Hydrogen.”

“If Iceland hasn’t figured out that electricity is their future, they will soon.”

Standing on the deck of the fuel-cellequipped whale-watching vessel Elding, mechanical engineer Hallmar Halldors disagrees.

Mr. Halldors, founder of Icelandic Hydrogen, is Reykjavík’s main hydrogen mechanic, servicing fuel-cell vehicles and designing a network of a dozen small hydrogen filling stations that would one day provide full coverage across the country. “You just don’t get the range with batteries, and you could never use them for fishing vessels,” he says, noting that the latter are out at sea for weeks at a time. “The fuel-cell vehicles have proven very reliable and people really accept them.”

The Elding’s captain, Vignir Sigursveinsson, uses his vessel’s fuel cells to power the ship’s electrical system, allowing him to shut down the diesel engines altogether while observing whales. “It’s totally silent,” he says. “Now when we stop the engines, we really realize how loud the old generator was.”

The system has received coast guard certification and the Elding’s customers – many of them British tourists – haven’t expressed concern with having hydrogen on board. Its only waste product is steam, which Captain Sigursveinsson would like to harness to make cappuccinos. “It’s technically possible,” Halldors notes with a smile, “but the safety certifiers are very cautious.”

Switching the country to hydrogen will be a long process, says Professor Arnason, who has been advocating the move since the oil shocks of the 1970s. “”If you look back in history, every change from one type of energy to another – wood to coal, coal to oil – it 22

always takes 50 years,” he says. “I will only see the first steps, but when my grandchildren are grown, I am sure we will have this new economy.”

Malta, Agreement on refund to petrol station owners GRTU representatives of fuel pump owners agreed with Infrastructure, Transport and Communication Minister Austin Gatt on a refund by Enemalta for stocks the owners held when fuel prices were cut by some 20 per cent.

The Department of Information said the refund does not cover the entire price difference on the stocks, the intention being to make up for the profits pump owners made when there were fuel price increases in the past.

Carlo Cini, from the GRTU’s petrol station owners section said that the refund agreed to is e0.20 on every litre of fuel, and all petrol stations are now in line with the new prices.

Commenting on the price reduction, the GRTU, Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, expressed satisfaction, saying that the price cut should positively affect operators who use transport and car owners.

USA, Hunting for the elusive alternative-fuel station The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the ‘Alternative Fueling Station Locator’, a tool that helps you find the five closest alternative fuel filling stations.

This tool should help early clean car adopters, especially those who travel away from familiar territory. Maybe it’ll even get some people to buy cleaner cars.

The numbers behind the information service tell the story of how far we have to go, though. The database contains 5,866 alternative fuel stations across the U.S. This compares to 167,000 gasoline stations. That’s about one alt fuel station for every 28 gas stations.

At first blush this doesn’t seem so bad. But if you remove the fossil fuel sources included in the list — compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas and propane — you’re left with 2,141 stations. That works out to about one alt fuel station for every 78 gas stations.

Now let’s say you’ve been reading about the downside of corn ethanol (for example the high levels of greenhouse

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gas and particulate emissions from the corn ethanol lifecycle) and you’d like to exclude E85 from the list, at least until there are better sources of ethanol.

Now you’re down to 1,211 stations: 687 biodiesel, 466 electric and 58 hydrogen.

That’s about one alt fuel station for every 138 gas stations.

To be sure, driving on natural gas is better than burning gasoline, but what I’d really like is to see that 1 to 138 ratio rapidly decrease.

New Zealand, Wellington. Shell looks at selling 230 petrol stations Shell's decision to review the ownership of all its downstream businesses in this country is being seen as a major strategic shift in the company's thinking. The oil giant is intending to keep its extensive oil and gas exploration assets in New Zealand, which are mostly in Taranaki, but has everything else under review. The businesses under review include its 17 percent shareholding in New Zealand's only oil refinery at Marsden Point, a 36 percent shareholding in construction firm Fulton and Hogan, and a 25 percent holding in Loyalty New Zealand, operator of Flybuys.

Also under review is Shell's ownership of 230 petrol stations around New Zealand as well as its aviation, bitumen, chemicals, commercial fuel, distribution and supply, and marine business.

Collectively Shell's downstream businesses are believed to earn between $100 million and $150 million a year. Shell spokeswoman Jackie Maitland told The Dominion Post that such reviews happened intermittently in the company's operations around the world. She would not say when one was last done in New Zealand.

The directive for the review had come from the international head office in the Netherlands. Rockpoint Corporate Finance executive director Chris Stone said the review was a major strategic shift in the company's thinking. The statement that the Taranaki assets were not being reviewed might be a matter of timing, given the two parts of the company were separate, Mr Stone said. Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee received a confidential briefing from Shell about the review and said he was "comfortable" with it, The New Zealand Herald reported. "If that were to lead to some sort of divestment I am very confident that the assets they have got

News and the sites they have got would mean some other international player might well come into the fold. "I am not concerned that it will lead to a lessening of choice for New Zealand consumers."

A Mobil spokesman said the downstream business generally, and fuel retailing in particular, was tough and competitive. "It's hard to get a decent return so it's not surprising that people look at that fairly carefully from time to time." Gull New Zealand general manager Dave Bodger said his company would have some interest in a sale of Shell businesses, and would be looking at what was for sale.

Phillipines, Metro Manila, Quezon City.

Government teams on look out for substandard LPG tanks Wary of the possibility of fires triggered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank explosions, government teams have intensified their monitoring activities on substandard tanks. Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said composite teams will also check firms that “re-qualify" LPG tanks to make sure they can be reused safely. Maglaya said in an interview on dzXL radio. “We do not want any more fires caused by exploding LPG tanks. That is why the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is identifying requalifiers.” She said the

DTI is part of a joint task force with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Energy. The joint task force will “go around" LPG shops and stores of requalifiers, she said. Maglaya urged consumers to call the DTI hotline at 7513330 if they see any rusted or corroded LPG tanks being used.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Shell Malaysia to open 40 petrol stations March 2009 - Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd will open 40 petrol stations nationwide this year despite the gloomy economic outlook. "We are selective in our investments, especially the sites of the stations and the investors. "This is a business that doesn't react to the prices of oil and we are conservative in the way we look at our investments," said Shell Malaysia managing director, Datuk Mohzani Abdul Wahab, at the launch of the limited edition ShellFerrari model cars. He said the stations were long-term investment and they could be sustained for up to 30 years.

Mohzani said the company expected the campaign to be well-received by the public, as the previous collections yielded tremendous response. "This is why we are bringing in over 3.2 million units of these model cars for this campaign," he said. The model cars cost RM6.90 each with a minimum purchase of RM40 fuel.

British Virgin Islands, Road Town. Driver crashes into O’Neal gas station A driver who mowed down the gas pumps at the O’Neal Gas Station in Road Town late on February 14th has been caught by police. No injuries were reported. Police sources said that the driver, after crashing into the gas station which is operated by the family of Hon. Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, fled the scene. Following the accident, the vehicle was discovered in Joe’s Hill.

Police said that fire officials who also rushed on the scene ensured that the excess gas was washed away.

Australia, Victoria, Melbourne. Caltex fined over petrol leak Caltex has been convicted of permitting an environmental hazard following a petrol leak into the Yarra River. About 2000 litres of petrol escaped from a larger leak that was otherwise contained, into a stormwater system.

EPA Victoria brought proceedings against Caltex for creating an explosion and fire risk and for the uncontrolled release of fuel. Caltex was fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $80,000 to fund an energy efficiency project, plus $27,580.48 for EPA's costs.

The Premier Group supporting Cancer Research UK Sadie

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Press Releases

Hytek launches new Adblue pump Fuelling specialists Hytek have launched a brand new Adblue version of their established Alpha fuel pump.

asking for a version of the tried and tested Alpha pump that would cope with the aggressive qualities of Adblue. The Alpha pump is competitively priced compared to many other products on the market, and uses proven technology to offer a simple solution for Adblue.”

Hytek’s heavy duty Alpha Adblue pump is fully electronic, so there are no levers, switches or knobs to worry about. Meter readings are accurate to +/-1%, with the backlit LCD display capable of showing up to 999,999.9 litres. It has easy access for straightforward service and maintenance.

A 4m delivery hose is supplied as standard, along with an automatic nozzle. Pumping speed is 40 litres/minute, which is ideal as Adblue tanks are smaller in capacity. Adblue consumption is 5% of diesel so for every one hundred litres of diesel, five litres of Adblue is used.

For the smaller user Hytek also supply an IBC mount Adblue pump kit, that mounts straight onto a 1000 litre IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container).

Hytek products are sold only through distributors. For further information or a copy of the catalogue call: 01279 815600.

KPS wins supply contract for Total Oil’s operations in Asia and the Pacific’s Designed specifically to cope with the aggressive qualities of Adblue, the new pump is housed in a robust, stainless steel cabinet and is fully electronic.

Adblue is essentially a water based chemical solution which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from the exhaust of diesel vehicles. The dosing rate for Adblue is approximately 5% of diesel consumption. Although it is nontoxic and safe to handle, it can be corrosive for some metals, and therefore correct storage and dispensing are very important.

Adblue is very susceptible to contamination, and must not be dispensed from normal fuel pumps. Any contaminants from rubber hoses/seals (on pumps which are not designed to handle Adblue) can damage vehicle engines, causing hefty repair bills and increasing vehicle downtime.

Commenting on the launch of the new Alpha Adblue pump, Hytek Sales Director Andy Seal said “Adblue is becoming increasingly popular, and many of our customers have been 26

In January, fast-growing petrol pipe manufacturer KPS was selected as supplier to Total Oil’s operations in the Asia and Pacific region. With regard to Total’s expansion in the region, the contract constitutes a significant growth of business potential for KPS and its local operations.

During 2008, KPS was the biggest supplier of petrol pipes to Total in Europe, says Fredrik Hellner, Sales & Marketing Director. This agreement will further strengthen our co-operation, and is a testimony to the quality and value of our products and services.

According to the contract, KPS will supply Total’s petrol stations in the region with its groundbreaking conductive fuel pipe systems for forecourts. These polymer pipe systems can be fully grounded to earth, thus completely eliminating the risks of static electricity-related accidents. KPS is presently the only manufacturer in the world offering this technology.

In addition to the quality of the products and its unique properties, Total will also benefit from KPS’s local

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service organisations in the region, explains Frédéric Bottin, Senior Purchasing Coordinator at Total Oil Asia-Pacific.

Total Oil, one of the largest oil companies in the world, is now expanding its operations in the AsiaPacific region. For KPS, the new contract is thus regarded as an important market opportunity, enabling even further growth. Since the year 2000, KPS has experienced an annual growth of 20 per cent, making it the fastest growing company in the industry.

Fredrik Hellner Sales & Marketing Director Fredrik.hellner@kpsystem.com Tel: +33-632 36 12 79

Cobham rebrands three prominent technology design, development and testing businesses A new business unit combines ERA Technology, Culham Lighting and Vector Fields Three prominent technology design, development and testing businesses, ERA Technology, Culham Lightning and Vector Fields have been brought together under the new name of Cobham Technical Services - as part of a Group wide rebranding programme by FTSE 100 parent company Cobham plc.

Cobham has revenue of £1.5 billion and employs more than 12,500 people worldwide on five continents, with customers in over 100 countries. In the past individually branded business units have provided products and services to primarily aerospace and defence customers, many of whom have been unaware of the breadth of capabilities available to them from across Cobham.

The unification of all businesses under a single unified brand is designed to make it easier for customers to understand the Group and highlight the career opportunities available to current and future employees.

Cobham Technical Services brings together over 250 people in three businesses operating in related consultancy and technology design areas. ERA Technology, based in Leatherhead UK, started life as the 'Electrical Research Association', a cooperative organisation undertaking research predominantly associated with electricity supply and use. Today, it offers leading-edge design, development and consultancy services

Press Releases but across a broader range of markets from electronics and communications systems, to antenna technology, safety and EMC, and reliability engineering.

Culham Lightning of Abingdon UK, is dedicated to understanding the problems relating to the direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes. It provides consultancy and testing services to clients in aerospace and other sectors including wind power and oil and gas. The business has made significant contribution to lightning standards and best practices used in many applications, particularly aerospace.

Based in Oxford UK and Aurora USA, Vector Fields produces advanced design automation software for modelling and analysing electromagnetic equipment and effects.

Its virtual prototyping and optimisation tools speed time to market in an exceptionally broad range of applications from communications products and systems, to motors, loudspeakers and particle beam machines.

Paul McCarter, General Manager of Cobham Technical Services, commented: “In an increasingly competitive and international marketplace, aligning three successful businesses under the name Cobham Technical Services is going to make it easier for our customers and employees to understand the breadth of capabilities and opportunities available to them from across Cobham. This is an evolution of a successful growing business, with our great products and services now provided under the brand of a FTSE 100 company.”

New FUELVAC ® System extends tank and bund life Chemical and Fuel Storage Tanks and Bunds are very expensive to replace and leaks can be catastrophic in terms of inconvenience, repair, civil and lost product costs and possible legal fees in the case of severe leaks causing damage to adjoining property and the environment.

All of these costs can be avoided if the tanks are surveyed after grit blasting to detect small bacteria corrosion leaks, once perforations are repaired tank can be coated prior to leaks occurring, and these services are offered by ABFAD Limited of Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, under their trademarked service FUELVAC® .

ABFAD have carried out these life extending services over the past 5 years for BP, Total, Shell and many

independent Oil & Gas retailers, providing tank refurbishment and an extendable 10 year guarantee not only for petroleum and petrochemicals but for a wide range of chemical and water storage tanks.

FUELVAC® Coatings are solvent free using trained personnel and specialist equipment such as Hydra-Cats

The damage and bacteria corrosion to the inside of a tank prior to clean up and blasting

legislation and regulations. Steel, FRP/GRP tanks and concrete bunds above or below ground can be blasted, refurbished and coated using tailor made substances with single or d o u b l e layers/skins.

Customers who have found A B F A D ’ s F U E L V A C ® service useful ABFAD’s Vacuum Leak Detection Monitoring Units at Total, Balham include BP and Total who have plural component machines for the provided the following comments: spraying of these products after grit “ABFAD have completed a number of blasting and refurbishment is complete. projects for us over recent years the FUELVAC® Double Skin Lining meets most recent being the provision of all current European environmental

A tank after blasting and protective coating applied at Sainsbury’s, Bracknell

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Press Releases advice and repair strategies for existing lined fibreglass tanks in Milton Keynes.”

Phil Lambeth, Fuel Systems Design, BP, Global Fuels Technology “ABFAD have carried out projects for Total in the UK to a very high standard, the quality of the workmanship provided was excellent and the lining and monitoring systems installed have extended the life of our underground storage tanks.”

Patrick Howley, Network Engineering Manager, Total UK Ltd For further information please contact Chris Haritou at ABFAD, email chris@abfad.co.uk, or tel: 0191 5166223

The Premier Group install first Scheidt & Bachmann pumps on U.K forecourt Scheidt & Bachmann pumps have made their debut in the U.K with the first installation at Park Garage Groups site at Watford Rd Harrow.

When Sunil Tandon Managing Director at Park Garages decided to reopen the previously closed site he invited Ian Welch Sales Director at The Premier Group to put forward proposals that would see a transformation of the entire site.

“This was an important decision for The Park Garage Group” commented Sunil “ I guess some might see it as a ‘bold move’ to use Scheidt & Bachmann pumps, but there were several important factors that made my decision easier, my relationship with Ian, the reputation for engineering quality and reliability of Scheidt and Bachmann and my confidence in The Premier Group.”

“I really am delighted with the results.

I have state of the art pumps with full Stage ll vapour recovery and a fantastic shop, featuring our own ‘Park & Shop’ branding and a forecourt which really sets the bench mark for our other retail locations” “Harrow takes over as the PGG flagship site.

We have high expectations for the newly refurbished site, forecast sales of a Million pounds in year one and early indicators are this is achievable” “The locals are very pleased with the new offer, many saying that they were thrilled that the site had been re-opened and with the range of products available. The site provides a 24 hour shop, coffee and hot snacks, off license, fresh meat and fruit & vegetables; in short - a total convenience store” “Our Manager and his team have 30

been recruited locally which we believe will add that personal service which Park and Shop customers have become to associate with the brand” Working with architects 305 Management Services, The Premier Group were able to deliver the total forecourt solution.

Ian Welch commented “ With our

breadth of skills and experience throughout our various divisions, as well as key partnerships with Scheidt & Bachmann and Fafnir Gauges, The Premier Group are able to deliver a complete retail site re-development with the added advantage of one point of contact and the subsequent cost and time saving.”

The before and after pictures disguise the amount of work involved on this site.

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Press Releases and petroleum retail sectors around the world.

Contacts: For further details, please contact Fiona Horan or Emma Faure Downstream Events Ltd. 309 Goldhawk Road London W12 8EU Email: info@downstream-events.com +44 (0)20 8222 8837 www.downstream-events.com

BOSS campaign succeeds in improving Home Office guidelines on ‘driveoffs’

Ken Owen congratulates Sunil Tandon on his new site, with (L-R) Miles Harvey The Park Garage Group, Steve Evans – Premier Group Construction Director and Ian Welch – Sales Director

Commenting further Ian continued “ I know Sunil has put a lot of faith in the Premier Group and the new equipment and the smile on his face at the recent site opening told me everything.”

The before and after pictures may disguise the amount of work involved on this site.

Re-lined tanks with a monitored double skin, new interceptor & drainage. new pipe work & chambers and a completely refurbished building and canopy have made this a modern, cost effective profit centre for the future.

Ken Owen, Premier Group Managing Director, commented, “We are extremely pleased to have been able to provide the total solution for Sunil’s redevelopment. We have, with Torex’s cooperation, successfully linked the S&B pumps and Fafnir gauge to the POS and BOS, to provide a compliant, effective solution. I understand that this is probably the first installation in the UK of any MID (Measuring Instrument Directive) Approved forecourt equipment.”

“I believe that this is a site of which we can all be very proud.”

A fresh approach to meeting the key people in the fuel distribution industry Downstream Events are pleased to announce the launch of its latest business forum. The Fuel Distribution Forum will take place on September 16th-18th 2009 at the Sheraton Algarve, Portugal.

Some fifty of the leading distributors across the UK and Ireland are to be invited alongside the best vendors the industry has to offer.

The forum combines a conference program, individual business appointments and informal networking.

Says Keith Guppy, Consultant to Downstream Events : “We’ve been encouraged by the terrific response and we look forward to working with the industry to deliver a truly unique twoday forum that will introduce new suppliers to the sector and debate the topics that will shape the business now and in the future” Downstream Events specializes in producing business forums for the retail

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Improvements to the rules affecting the recording by police of ‘making off without payment’ from petrol stations come into force on 1 April 2009 thanks to tireless campaigning by the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS).

Home Office National Crime Recording Standards (NCRS) guidelines have now been amended by the removal of the following text: “Previous intelligence in respect of the vehicle or occupants, together with the current information may help to determine if, on the balance of probabilities the making off without payment is as the result of a criminal act, as defined by law.” Removing this text should help to eliminate the ability of police to initially class a ‘drive-off’ as a matter of civil debt.

From 1 April 2009 the NCRS rules in relation to the recording of making off without payment state: “Where a victim or their representative reports a making off without payment from a garage forecourt, the incident will be recorded in accordance with the basic principle of NCRS.” Under the new guidelines, Police should record ‘drive-offs’ as a crime, and investigate accordingly until it can be proved otherwise. All police forces in England and Wales have been advised of the updates to the guidelines prior to 1 April.

Kevin Eastwood, Executive Director at BOSS said: “BOSS has been campaigning for some considerable time to achieve this change. The breakthrough came after we gave a formal presentation to the Home Office NCRS Steering Group. The Steering Group unanimously supported our proposal, finally leading to approval from the Home Secretary.”

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US Experiences with Biofuels

By Lorri Grainawi, Steel Tank Institute elastomers should also be verified for compatibility with E10.

The United States has been using ethanol biofuels for more than 30 years.

In 1978, the US passed the Energy Tax Act, which gave an exemption of 4 cents/gallon federal fuel tax on gasoline for 10% ethanol blended fuels. In 1986 the US produced 780 million gallons (3 billion l) of ethanol. In 1992 the US Energy Policy set a national goal to use 30% alternative fuels in light duty vehicles. Most recently, in 2007 the Energy Act was passed to require at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022.

Of the various biofuels, more ethanol is currently used in the US than any other product.

Production capability in the US for ethanol is currently at 5.5 billion gallons.

The US currently produces more ethanol than any other country.

Bio-Willie Bio-diesel tank

Currently the number of stations selling E85 (85% ethanol/15%gasoline) is rapidly growing. Over 1900 stations currently sell E85. Only specially equipped vehicles can run on E85.

Vehicles that can utilize E85 are known

E85 Double wall storage tank

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Petroleum E q u i p m e n t Institute has developed a website which p r o v i d e s information on equipment for s t o r i n g , dispensing, metering and transporting alternative fuels,

E85 Station

as Flexible Fuel Vehicles. More than six million Flexible Fuel Vehicles are on the road today in the US.

http://resource.pei.org/altfuels/guide.as p. Compatibility information is provided by the equipment manufacturer.

More than two thirds of the US gas s u p p l y currently c o n t a i n s ethanol. 10% ethanol/90% gasoline, more commonly known as E10 is the most c o m m o n blend.

It’s estimated that of all US stations sell only ethanol blended fuels, sell only unblended gasoline and offers both.

Part of the reason that ethanol usage has risen so dramatically over the last couple of years is because of the discontinued use of MTBE.

On October 5, 2006, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) suspended all listings for dispensers used with products greater than 15% ethanol.

UL subsequently issued a new standard, UL87A, for this purpose and is now testing equipment to the new standard.

Proposals have been submitted to UL for updating all other petroleum equipment standards such as tanks and piping, but no changes have been approved to date.

E10 is generally considered to be compatible with all petroleum equipment, however you should always check with the e q u i p m e n t manufacturer before switching to any biofuel mixture. Problems have been noted in the marine industry with E10. Older boats with fiberglass fuel tanks have reported incompatibility issues.

Gaskets and other

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Whenever considering a switch to a biofuel, you should do the following: • Verify compatibility of all equipment that is either in liquid or vapour contact with the fuel. Gaskets, other elastomers, aluminum and other soft metals, are two material types that are at greater risk for incompatibility.

• Verify that leak detection systems are compatible with the new fuel. Older automatic tank gauges (ATGs) for example, may not work correctly with E85. E85 has a higher electrical

E85 Fuelling Station

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Steel Tank Institute Installation of Permatank in Thailand

conductance which creates issues with the detection system unless the electronics are built for use with E85.

This cleaning action can create blocked filters and other related problems.

• Clean the fuel storage system before making a switch. Biofuels have a tendency to clean dirt and other accumulations in the storage system.

• Even after cleaning the fuel system, expect more frequent filter changes when you first make the switch. This is not uncommon.

N A C E International, an association devoted to corrosion and corrosion engineering, publishes a handbook with comp ability data.

The N A C E handbook states carbon steel is compatible with ethanol.

In 1990, STI sponsored its

Depth profile of steel surface exposed to biodiesel fuel blend

own study on the compatibility of ethanol with steel.

For blends with 85% alcohol and water added, the corrosion rate of carbon steel was determined to be 3 x 10-6 inches per year, which is generally considered to be insignificant. This study is available on STI’s website, www.steeltank.com.

Other studies are presently being sponsored by API, NACE, NREL and other groups regarding the phenomenon of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) that has occurred in some terminal distribution tanks storing fuel grade ethanol. These failures have been limited to only this application and have not occurred in fuels blended with gasoline, such as E10 or E85 or in shop fabricated tanks that are 60,000 gallons and less in size. So far, it has not been determined why SCC has occurred.

For more information see API’s publication 939-D. The use of biodiesel in the US is relatively new, but already has widespread acceptance.

Fuel specifications are covered by ASTM. ASTM D975, the specification for Diesel fuel, was modified in 2008 to allow up to 5% biodiesel to be considered standard diesel fuel. ASTM also issued another standard for biodiesel blended fuels up to 20% biodiesel.

Biodiesel is not an alcohol, but has similar concerns as ethanol. Biodiesel is also considered to be a solvent and will clean out equipment that it comes in contact with. Again, it is recommended to clean the fuel system prior to switching to biodiesel blended fuels.

Compatibility of biodiesel with fuel equipment has become a big question in the US. To resolve any concerns about steel storage tanks, STI cosponsored a study last year on the compatibility of steel and biodiesel.

Over a 12-week period, the corrosion rate of steel was measured with biodiesel blends ranging from 0 to

Biodiesel test set-up for electrochemial tests

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Articles period.

Greatest weight loss occurred on the sample tested with 5% animal based biodiesel/ ULSD/ 1% water. Optical examination of this sample indicated no measurable corrosion pits.

The corrosion rate calculated at 0.09 mm/yr (.00354 in/yr) which equates to an Excellent Corrosion Resistance rating.

Mexico production Permatank

100% at slightly elevated temperatures.

The temperatures were chosen to accelerate the corrosion rate to simulate a 12 month storage period.

Water was also added to the test fuel again to simulate real life conditions.

In the fuel blends, it was expected

that as the fuel aged, acetic acid would form increasing the number of charge carriers, thus increasing the corrosion rate. But, conductivity of the fuel blends was too low to measure any corrosion using electrochemical impedance techniques, even at end of 12 week

STI will continue to look for opportunities to study the use of biofuels in storage systems. As new fuels continue to emerge we expect new questions to arise as well. One of the difficulties with these new fuels is that test standards and regulatory codes have not been able to keep pace with the emergence of the new fuels.

This places more of a burden on the user to verify that they are following the best approach at their service station.

Obituary - Ray Wilson 13th Nov 1938 - 4th Jan 2009 Ray passed away on 4th January 2009, age 70.

Ray was the eldest child of Rose and Cecil Wilson followed by his sisters Anne and Margaret. During the early part of Ray’s childhood his father was away fighting with the British Army in Burma.

In 1948 he attended Barnfield Junior School, 1954 Northampton Technical College and in 1958 Hendon Technical.

Ray showed his leanings towards engineering throughout his education and was offered an apprenticeship at De Havilland Aircraft Company. His dedication to detail during this time was spotted by senior aircraft crash investigators who tried to get Ray to abandon his chosen career and join them. He gratefully declined their invitation and was offered a position of Flight Engineer on Freddie Laker’s fledgling airline Britannia Airways.

During that time with Freddie Laker he had stories of engine failures over Bombay now (Mumbai) and how the engines of a Bristol Britannia 102 were held on by 16 three eighth bolts.

It was at this time at De Havilland that he met his future wife Maggie on New Years Eve 1959. They married four years later on 25th August 1962. They had four children, Paul, Jonathan, Rebecca and Zoe. They settled in the village of Hoddesdon which also had another famous resident Jamie Thompson. Both Ray and Jamie’s sons attended the same school.

It was in 1963 that Ray joined 38

Cleveland. This company was based in North East England and was acquired by Esso Petroleum Company in the 1930’s. Those who are old enough may remember their products included a benzole blend and an alcohol blend called Discol.

Both the Esso and Cleveland names were in common use until 1973 when Cleveland filling stations were rebranded as Esso. During his time at Cleveland Ray was a Sales Representative for company owned and dealer sites. Ray’s position remained in Retail sales in the early days of Esso until September 1982 when Esso launched their new Esso Retail Identification Concept (ERIC) he became a Field Engineer. This programme affected all the company owned sites, whether as a new build, refurbishment or maintenance and required engineers. Ray stayed with the engineering group and moved from the London area to Nether Stowey in Somerset until his retirement in April 1993.

Ray’s major passion in his spare time was motor racing and anything to do with cars. He always had two wishes, one involved Sophia Loren and the other in race car design. Following Ray’s design of a race car suspension the RAC re-wrote the rule book as to what constituted a race car suspension and declared his car illegal. He did however have a chapter dedicated to it in a car book that included the designers for Lotus and Tyrrell.

For those that worked with Ray all

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those years, knew him as an engineer through and through. If you gave him a problem to solve he would treat it as his only problem irrespective of any others he may have had. He had a very high attention to detail, which meant that you did not have to go back to revisit the item. Who else could go to Cyprus and design a Stage 1B vapour recovery system from scratch for every different individual site that Exxon had on the island.

We need people like Ray in this industry who understand how things work and why they work that way. He will be sorely missed not only by his family but also by those who knew him as a friend and as a colleague.

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15th October The Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK

The Ricoh Arena, Coventry, is set to open its doors to the APEA’s annual conference, exhibition and awards dinner, on 15th October 2009. Set within a site covering more than 40 acres, the 3-year old multi-purpose complex has already won awards for the design of its state-of-the-art conference, banqueting, and exhibition facilities. This impressive venue has some of the best transport links in the country, making it an attractive and easily accessible location no matter where you are.

take a stand…

APEA 2009 will be held in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall, which offers more than 3,000 square metres of column-free conference, exhibition and banqueting space.

This year’s exhibition will be 15% bigger with a wider selection of display areas, and will stay open into the evening, providing an arena for the welcome drinks, and an additional focus for all those attending the Awards Dinner. Exhibitors will be offered more value for money, as they gain access to around 600 dinner guests, giving them a chance to maximize on networking opportunities.

The exhibition stands have been selling quickly, and just a handful of display areas are left. They include electric socket, table and chairs, and two day-delegate places, which include the conference lunch, parking and all documentation.

With ever greater restrictions on budgets, APEA 2009 is proving to be the popular choice, for an event at which you can showcase your company and its products, make those important contacts, and generate sales. It’s a wise choice for 2009, and if you want your company to take part in this dynamic industry gathering, email Annabel Daley on annabel@downstream-events.com, or call her on 020 8222 8837, without delay.

The costs are: 3x2m booth (display area only) - £895 +VAT 3x2m booth (with shell scheme) - £995 +VAT APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Exhibiting Companies so far...

Abfad Adler & Allan APEA CSD Sealing Systems D. Berry & Co (PFS) DP Fuel Tank Services Dresser Wayne Durapipe E&S Environmental Services ELAFLEX Energy Level Systems Eurotank Environmental Fairbanks Environmental Gilbarco Veeder-Root Graphite (UK) Hytek King Tanktechnic LCM Environmental Ledbury Welding & Engineering OAMPS Petrocom Petroman Environmental Services PetroTechnik PFS Risbridger Scheidt & Bachmann SLR Consulting Suresite Tanknology The Premier Group Tokheim Torex Toureen Mangan 39

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the awards...what’s new for 2009 The prestigious APEA Awards, now in their fourth year, continue to recognise and reward those organisations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in their areas of expertise. However in response to your constructive feedback we are introducing some improvements this time around..

• Application on the web. This year there will be two ways to submit your application; in addition to completing the downloadable form as in previous years you will now be able to register online and complete your applications on the APEA website allowing you to save your work and return later to finish your submission. Our aim is to make the application process as straightforward as possible.

• APEA Award judged by APEA members. The APEA Award does belong to all members, so this year we are introducing a members voting system whereby you will be invited to select your favourite from the shortlist. This will take place in advance of the Awards event with individual members and corporate member nominated persons being eligible to vote by email or fax.

• Self nominate or be nominated. Several members have expressed their reluctance to promote themselves, but would gladly complete the application form if a 3rd party thought they were good enough and contacted the APEA to nominate them. We also feel that there are many worthy entries amongst our members which would otherwise remain unpublicised. So we will be encouraging all members who are customers, service users, other stakeholders or 3rd party observers to identify organisations, individuals, projects and initiatives which merit recognition and to simply nominate them. We will do the rest.

• Increased coverage. All shortlisted entries will be featured in the Bulletin, on the website and throughout the Awards ceremony • Who are the Judges. We had an excellent response to our invitation to members to become Awards Judges to ensure a healthy turnover on the judging panel. There are 15 judges who each sit on 2 or 3 category panels; our process is highly transparent and judging entirely democratic.

2009 Awards Judging Panel Thank you to all of our judges who give freely of their time and expertise; they are: Louise Morgan (Petrocom) Daniel Nolan (Toreen Mangan) Peter Murfitt (Coteba) Anton Martinuissen (Elaflex) Richard Quarmby (Torex) Bryan Catcheside (Fire Risk Management) Steve Wenham (Environment Agency)

John Hazeldean (The HSE) Peter Brough (Manor Service Stations) Rob Tunnicliff (P.O & Environmental Health) Brian Baker (P.O. & Building Control) Phil Monger (PRA & PEIMF) Geoff Lee (Cookson & Zinn) Nobby Clarke (E&S Env Services) Mark J Orr (LCM Environmental).

These are some of the comments from last years judges; “The panel was drawn from different branches of the industry so that we had a variety of opinions from regulators, manufacturers and retailers which led to a healthy debate and a balanced assessment of the submissions”.

“I have very much enjoyed being part of the judging panel for the APEA Awards and am glad that I have been able to make a practical contribution to the work of the organisation in this way”.

“To participate as a judge is a privilege as well as both challenging and rewarding”.

“As far as the judging panel is concerned, every application stands the same chance of success, irrespective of the size of the organisation involved but, crucially, final decisions are made on the depth of the information provided in support of the application.

The scoring system, in combination with final round table discussion, provides both the focus and fairness necessary to determine the worthy winner”.

“The process has been very open with every judge having the time to express their opinion, and having it taken into account. I think the idea of giving marks out of, particularly fair and democratic with every judge’s views given precisely equal weight”.

The APEA’s Awards organiser, Bob Conlin, urges members to get involved. “Do play your part in ensuring that we identify, recognise and celebrate the best of the best in our industry”.

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2009 Awards Sponsors...

The APEA will be sponsoring the Small Enterprise Award for the second year running.

Gareth Bourhill, the APEA’s

Chairman says, “Within the petroleum retail sector, there are numerous, talented, self-employed individuals and small companies whose work or products often go unrecognized…

This award acknowledges their skills, knowledge and service, and the huge contribution they make to our industry”.

First-time sponsors, Petrocom, are taking on the Environment Award for 2009. Louise Morgan, a Director at Petrocom says, “As a forecourt contractor, the environment is a key contributor in the way we work, and every opportunity to minimise any potential impact is embraced. Retailers and contractors have a huge responsibility within this industry to protect the environment and by sponsoring this award, it gives us the opportunity to recognise the tremendous effort made by companies, large and small.”

ELAFLEX are stepping up to the mark for the third year running as sponsors of the Personal Contribution Award.

Anton Martiniussen,

Managing Director, says, “It’s important to us as a company, particularly during these tough times, when high standards and commitment from individuals in their fields must prevail. ELAFLEX is proud to champion the individual who best demonstrates these qualities through their dedication and contribution.”

Toureen Mangan are sponsoring the Innovation Award for the fourth year running. Petroleum Director, Daniel Nolan, says, “As a major national forecourt contractor, we see at first hand how significant improvements and technological advances for the petroleum sector are brought about, by forward thinking companies that harness innovation, and so it gives us great pleasure to support such a worthy award.”

Other categories this year include Customer Care sponsored by Torex, and Health & Safety sponsored by Coteba.

how to enter...

Nominations for the awards are now open; entry forms and full details on the judging criteria can be obtained from Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk. Additionally, entries can be submitted via the website www.apea.org.uk

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the conference...

The APEA conference continues to go from strength to strength, offering a wide range of topical subjects. Returning sponsors, Gilbarco Veeder-Root will be backing it for the fourth year running, putting their name against an event which is increasing in stature year on year.

To kick-off a great line-up, Andrew Haslett, Strategy Director at the Energy Technologies Institute, will look at the highly topical development of the UK infrastructure for light vehicle electrification. This will be followed by an in-depth examination by Hugh Tucker, Technical Director at UKPIA, of the European BioFuels directive and its impact on filling stations. Mark Morton, Policy Advisor at the Environment Agency, will give a fascinating insight into protecting groundwater from hydrocarbon storage, focusing on the importance of groundwater, its vulnerability to pollution, and how to work with the industry in promoting a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach. Other sessions will include a talk from Rex May of BP UK, giving us an insight into BP and Ethanol, and Ahmed Mulla, Operations Manager at Morrison’s will ask the question, ‘above ground storage tanks – friend or foe?’ To finish the conference, a speaker on behalf of Wyatt Engineering will be speaking about the portable petrol filling station.

the awards dinner...

Eurotank Environmental will be the sponsors of the evening’s Welcome Drinks, which unusually this year, will be held around the exhibition stands, thereby offering exhibitors unprecedented access to around 600 dinner guests. Eurotank’s Managing Director, Edward Wheeler said, “We’re really looking forward to sponsoring the Drinks this year, particularly given the new format, which should foster some healthy networking opportunities.”

PetroTechnik are coming forward for the fourth year running to sponsor the Evening Entertainment. Chairman, John Boudry, says “In these difficult economic conditions, we once again jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the evening entertainment, hoping that this year our contribution will really top the evening in an exciting and splendid way. Let’s have some fun!”

where to stay...

Over 600 rooms of varying budget ranges have been reserved for APEA delegates within a 10minute drive of the conference centre. Booking your accommodation this year couldn’t be easier.

Go to www.conferencebookings.co.uk/delegate/CVNAPEA2009 or email Jackie on j.fallon@cvone.co.uk or call 02476 607 010 (quote APEA).

To book your place at the conference or awards dinner, contact Annabel Daley on +44 20 8222 8837 or email annabel@downstream-events.com APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Interview with Gordon Robb, Highland Council

By Brian Baker has been wholly within Trading Standards in local government.

Whilst my knowledge of Scotland is poor tell me what your “patch” is like?

How many licensed sites have you?

Currently we have just under 100 active retail filling stations, and something like 30 non-retail sites including a number of farms and estates.

I guess you must travel long distances to get round to inspect your sites. What is the furthest or remotest site?

As part of the Interviews series we turn north to Scotland and an area that has a lot of rural area bringing their own peculiar problems and on this occasion I was able to track down Gordon Robb who is the Petroleum Officer for Highland Council. I was able to put a few questions to him in his role.

Gordon; It is good to speak and we are very pleased to see you and your colleagues from Scotland at the 2008 APEA Conference. Was this the first time you have been able to get to the Annual Conference?

Hi Brian, I have been lucky enough to get to two previous events, but I agree that it was excellent to see so many of my colleagues from the Scottish Branch there in Telford, thanks of course to the support we received from the APEA executive.

How long have you been in your current role as a Petroleum Officer?

Have you always worked for a Local Authority?

Although having had some peripheral involvement in licensing enforcement from my early days working first as a trainee and then as a Trading Standards Officer in Glasgow and the West of Scotland, I only became fully active in my Petroleum Officer role in about 1990 while working in Highland.

It’s also at this time I was dropped in at the deep end with explosives storage, so with everything that was going on in these areas in the early 90’s, it was shall we say “interesting”.

My career, with only a short break in the 1980’s, when I was in the police, 44

I think the retail filling station at Uig on the north-west coast of the Isle of Skye is probably the farthest away at about 130 miles and over 3 hours driving, but with a land area equal in size to Belgium and still some single track roads, there are quite a few that are over a hundred miles and/or 2 hours plus driving time from Inverness where I’m based.

Travelling through some of the best scenery in Britain is of course a bonus, but sometimes when the roads are full of tourists and you are trying to get home it doesn’t always feel that way.

What would you say has been the biggest change you have seen in the last 10 years?

Like everywhere else in the UK we have seen the continued decrease in site numbers, but the arrival of the major supermarkets into some of the council’s more rural areas over the last 10 years has had a huge impact. There has been a rise in the closure rate of what in some cases were our better sites and those sites that stay open often struggle to maintain acceptable standards in the face of increased competition. This makes it all the harder to regulate these businesses and at the same time to recognise their importance to the sustainability of rural communities.

Do you manage to get to the Scottish Branch Meetings of the APEA? What particular subjects interest you?

I try to get there when I can, but not as often as I would like. Driven by the problems that are particularly relevant to small rural sites, I take a keen interest in issues such as aboveground storage, unattended self-service solutions (and up here that doesn’t

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always mean supermarket run sites); tank relining; electrical maintenance and wetstock control.

Have you got any unusual sites? Do you have many farms that have a licensed installation?

Other than being old and remote, (or maybe that’s me I’m talking about) most of the permanent sites are pretty standard, but we have had had some temporary installations over the years which were interesting.

The refuelling installation for last year’s Round Britain Power Boat Race, which others will no doubt be aware of was one of the most recent, but I can also remember another temporary aboveground installation (see photo), put together by Esso up at Skibo castle back in the 1990’s for Jaguar’s launch of a new model that certainly caused a bit of head scratching before we could agree on an acceptable solution.

What is your pet hate? What irritates you the most when doing your job as a Petroleum Officer?

Probably being presented with electrical certificates for filling stations which don’t address the hazardous area requirements, from contractors who should know better. I’ll say no more!

When was the last time a new filling station was built in your area?

The last new retail development was in 2005 in Wick, but there are at least two if not three new supermarket sites currently being planned.

Are you a lone PO or is the role covered by colleagues, whom I presume are Trading Standards Officers?

No thank goodness Brian. My role as Principal Trading Standards Officer involves amongst other things, leading a team of 8 officers, 4 of whom have within their wider remit some responsibility for Petroleum. The geography in Highland does not lend itself to single topic specialisation.

Ok, what is the funniest moment you have had as a PO? I’ll deviate just a little from your question here Brian, if you’ll forgive me as it’s probably more on the explosives side of things that has produced the situations that have made me, or

Articles sometimes others, laugh.

The incident that comes to mind was being presented with a ferry bill, coincidentally by the prospective licensee, to take me and a police inspector in a small open boat in winter across a sea loch on the west coast to inspect a proposed explosives storage site.

It hadn’t been the most comfortable journey, given that the sleet was horizontal and the water distinctly choppy, but to be then confronted immediately prior to our return trip, by a bill which funnily enough exactly matched the licence fee caused me and certainly others subsequently, to chuckle somewhat.

Do you have any interests or hobbies when not batting for your Council?

Esso Jaguar Skibo Aboveground filling station

When I get the chance, having recently completed converting an

old steading and now only have what seems like an awful lot of stone walls to point and the bidding of the head gardener (my wife Lesley) to do, I like to play golf badly, ski, get out on my motorbike and the odd bit of scubadiving.

Where do you want to be in five years time?

Well Brian I’d certainly like to have finished the pointing, but apart from that I’d like to think that I have played my part in securing a viable filling station network in the Highlands, which with all the challenges being presented by the introduction of E85 into an aging infrastructure is at this stage not guaranteed.

Thanks for talking Gordon. I hope you can get to our Conference in Coventry this year. Maybe just maybe I may even come up to you if you can recommend a peaceful quiet location!

Are We Stabilising Our Market?

By Brian Baker Having got my copy of the excellent publication entitled Retail Marketing Survey produced by the Energy Institute the numbers of Retail Petrol Forecourts saw an INCREASE of 8 sites in 2008, the first rise in numbers since 1997 but represents a mere 0.13% rise. The Oil Companies continue to dominate the market with 5,646 forecourts out of a total of 9,283 sites in the UK. The table reads as follows; (2007 figures in brackets) Oil Companies Company BP Texaco Shell Esso Total Jet Murco Total

No of sites 1,200 (1,146) 1,061 (1,018) 932 (880) 872 (880) 835 (855) 408 (408) 338 (342) 5,646 (5,549)

Self Service 1,198 1,040 932 872 835 408 338 5,623

Nozzles No’s 9, 380 7,289 6,819 7,417 6,392 2,935 1,860 42,542

No. of Sites 1,173 (1,131)

Self Service 1,009

Nozzle No’s 4,877

Supermarkets Company Tesco Morrison’s Sainsbury’s Asda Others Somerfield*(Co-op) Waitrose Total

No. of Sites 441 (428) 288 (283) 247 (246) 173 (170) 66 (61) 30 (35) 14 (14) 1,259 (1,237)

Self Service 441 288 247 173 63 30 13 1,255

Nozzle No’s 4,981 3,025 3,253 1,698 377 276 140 13,750

Other Retailers Companies 13 small businesses

No of Sites 128 (105)

Self Service 114

Nozzle No’s 384

Main Retailers Company (x18)

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

EUROPEAN SALES MANAGER GLOBAL-MSI plc is the European leader for the supply and installation of structures to the fuel station forecourt industry.

To take advantage of the strength of the Euro against Sterling, GLOBAL-MSI plc seeks a sales professional with a proven track record to develop this area of the business, meet Company sales objectives and expand on new opportunities that have emerged.

This is a varied senior sales role and will include dealing with Oil Companies, Forecourt Building Contractors, Design Consultants, Private ‘dealer’ Companies and Local Authorities.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of sales strategies and fluency in at least one other European language. In addition the right candidate would be highly motivated with excellent communication skills and able to present our leading product and organisation at management level within the industry. Experience in construction would be highly regarded.

Excellent salary and benefits are provided with this position.

Interested candidates should forward their CV to: GLOBAL-MSI plc, Cannon Lane, Tonbridge. Kent TN9 1PP For the attention of Martin Steggles Director & General Manager, Email: martin@global-msi.com

Stage 2 Vapour Recovery - Working safely on tanks and pipe work

By Andy Kennedy, UK Maintenance Manager, BP Global Alliance

Ullage pressure BP has been installing sites with stage 2 vapour recovery since 2000. In the course of operating and maintaining these sites we were early identifiers of issues associated with the build up of pressure in ullage spaces. This usually manifested itself in vapour problems in access chambers and some problems when connecting the tanker vapour recovery hose which resulted in a national program of vapour checking and tank testing on stage 2 sites in

2005. Working with several specialists in their field, we found that vapour pressure could build up in tanks even when the stage 2 systems on the pumps were correctly calibrated and operating correctly.

either the UKPIA training or in the inhouse training being given to contractor’s staff. When speaking to other companies and facility managers, they had similar concerns, but no clear answer to the problems.

Safety Concerns Having noted the problem instructions were issued to all our contractors stating that they must presume all vessels and pipes to be under pressure unless it could be proved otherwise. Recent review with our contractors found there was very little consistency on how engineers on site were preparing for and managing vapour releases when working on tanks, vapour recovery and vent pipes with consequent gaps in safety method statements and risk assessments on clearance certificates.

We were also aware that this additional risk was not being covered in

Workshop To try and get some consensus on how to reduce the risk when working on stage 2 sites, we organised a workshop at BP Pangbourne with a number of our key contractors and other expert and interested parties from the industry including lead Petroleum Officers, oil company representatives, facility management specialists and contractors. At this meeting the group discussed the safety issues and risks of managing vapour releases safely on a petroleum forecourt. Various options were discussed following presentations from several delegates including proposed methods, vent design

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Articles changes and how to carry out on site risk assessments.

The main points from the meeting captured below, covers the main actions agreed by those attending.

It was agreed that in general forecourt work practices have not taken into account the additional risks of pressurised spirit tank ullage spaces.

This risk has increased due to the implementation of stage2 and vapours being returned to the tanks under pressure.

Releasing pressure at low level on the forecourt is not recommended due to the risk of ignition and health issues to workers on site. Method statements should identify the means of achieving dilution and dispersion of vapour and identify risks of vapour collection in low lying areas.

Where possible, systems should be checked for pressure readings of the ullage space and pipe work. If this is not possible the system must be approached as if it is under pressure.

Safety method statements supplied for this type of task must take into account how these checks will be made. They should also take into account the likely changes of hazardous areas and how this should be managed.

On site risk assessments must be carried out and specific attention paid to vapour releases and the likely hazardous areas. These risks and how they will be eliminated must be recorded on the clearance certificate.

This should be done by walking round

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the site assessing the zones and the hazards.

It is recommended that a temporary vent is connected to a modified vapour recovery cap via a suitable hose and vented at high level using a temporary vent before work starts and during the work. This temporary vent must be fitted with a flame arrester.

The hazardous area around this temporary vent must be suitable to manage the vapour Temporary vent and modified cap courtesy of E&S Environmental release safely. If this that not all of these valves have a flame cannot be maintained then the site arrester fitted. The gauze installed in should be closed and suitable these fittings may only be a filter for measures put in place. collecting debris.

The risks associated with The operation of Stage 2 vapour uncontrolled vapour release is recovery systems needs to be increased when sites move to E5 due to suspended while works to tanks and flammability of ethanol vapours. connected pipework is carried out. This can be achieved by: • switching off the stage 2 at the dispensers (generally a pump technician needs to be called out to do this) • all spirit nozzles can be locked in (or isolated) before and during the work so they cannot operate.

•

Site closure (Post meeting note: The output pressure of a stage 2 vapour pump can be up to 1.5bar.)

Gas monitors must be used to monitor the vapour levels at the point of venting and the workplace.

Any changes in the hazards or risk must be recorded and changes made to the clearance certificate.

On new installations, methods should be built in to safely vent the ullage space.

Additional training is required for people working on forecourts who may be affected by this type of activity.

Engineers should not release the ullage pressure via the vapour return point, by depressing the check valve in an open vapour return fitting. It has been found from this meeting

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Future The problems associated with working on service station fuel systems with excess vapour pressures affects everyone in the industry. It clearly makes sense to develop a common approach to the procedures to be followed and measures to be carried out by those working on tanks and pipes.

Total Oil have shared their safety notice on this issue and this has been used by the BP Global Alliance as the basis of the BP control measures document. Further work is needed by the various industry associations to develop common procedures and ensure these are uniformly applied at all facilities. Discussions have been initiated with the Energy Institute Service Station Panel, APEA, PEIMF and FEF and it is hoped these bodies can work together to pull together some consistent advice for contractors and operators.

BP’s Stage 2 control measure document is available through the APEA web site at http://www.apea.org.uk/ Design of future sites can be modified to reduce the risk with changes in the venting system and the planned revision of the Blue Book should incorporate these. For now it is up to all of us to ensure that we plan ahead to reduce or eliminate all risk from vapour releases and put in place the processes to ensure we do what we say we need to do.

Contact details: Andy.kennedy@eu.bovislendlease.com

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Total Vapour Solutions

By Rodney Carter, Petroman Ltd

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Total Vapour Solutions (Accounting for Stage 1B and Stage 2 combined with TVS) We are now approaching the deadline of 31st December 2009 for sites that qualify to be fully operational Stage 2 Vapour Recovery systems on sites that qualify in the UK and heralding a new era of controls and safety. To fully understand what is happening, a step backwards is first required.

includes the sealing of the over fill prevention valves, the drop tube and pressure/vacuum valve. With this having been done and site sealed, deliveries from the less efficient tanker can still be offloaded safely with virtually no risks at all. This does accentuate the need for testing the Stage 1B system and it is particularly useful to do so with a delivery tanker on site to artificially promote the conditions of a problem

Stage 1b has now been enshrined in legislation for the past eighteen years or so and this is required to control the vapour when off-loading petrol from a road tanker. The efficiency of this system has always been very much dependent on the efficiency of the delivery tanker, working on the old adage that more often than not an efficient delivery tanker will very often overcome the short comings of a poorly operating Stage 1b system. There will unfortunately come the day when a less efficient tanker will arrive on site to deliver to the same system, and that’s when the potential for a serious problem will arise.

The importance of a vapour tight site cannot therefore be over emphasised.

The principle of being vapour tight

and ensure the system copes satisfactorily under these ‘worst case’ conditions.

The introduction of Stage 2 brings with it a completely different situation to the site in respect of delivering vapour back into the tank farm from all the pump nozzles. In fact, rather than treat Stage 1B and Stage 2 as two separate and distinct systems on the same forecourt, we must now treat them as one complete system, both being fully integrated into a Total Vapour Recovery system and very much interdependent upon one another.

Within the Total Vapour Recovery system there is the possibility of many situations occurring within the tank farm that otherwise would not have occurred if Stage 2 had not been introduced. For

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example, vapour expansion due to temperature differentials between the temperature of delivered product and the temperature of the collected vapour via the Stage 2 system. This also means that the infra-structure connecting the dispensers back to the tank farm has to be tested as well.

With vapour being collected from the dispenser nozzles, a higher level of concentrated vapour will be present throughout the venting system and therefore new methods of working within this environment will have to be instigated to ensure a safe and emission free environment. The advantages of introducing Total Vapour Solutions well outweigh the few disadvantages, as well as making it possible to operate the site better commercially; it also ensures better and far more accurate control of wet stock reconciliation. This gives the benefit of a more rapid alert to leakages within the system and, perhaps more crucially at a far earlier stage, thus giving the operator valuable extra time to accurately assess the situation and proactively deal with it.

With Total Vapour Recovery, the site has to manage and control vapour created by both the deliveries from the road tanker and vapour being collected via the dispensers and that in its self can produce unwanted problems. The tank farm is now in a different condition due to vapour being “delivered” from the dispensers on the forecourt. Delivered vapour from the dispensers becomes a very important part of wet stock reconciliation.

With a sealed system and vapour being returned to the tank farm, via the underground pipe work the Total Vapour Recovery system should be kept in balance. As the product is dispensed from the tank farm, it is replaced with vapour/air collected from the motorists’ fuel tanks. Under most normal operating conditions this works very well and the Total Vapour Recovery system remains in balance, that is until there is a disparity in the temperature of the vapour in the ullage space and the temperature of the incoming vapour from the Stage 2 system.

Articles This temperature differential causes a rapid expansion of the air/vapour mixture to such an extent that the pressure/vacuum (p/v) valve is released (emitting vapours out to atmosphere) and only reseats when the two temperatures resume equality (within the permitted range) in the Total Vapour Recovery system (which can often take quite some time to balance out). This situation is more problematical during the winter season when temperature differentials can be quite high.

To achieve the full advantages of Total Vapour Recovery a number of issues have to be resolved.

The control valves will also distribute the petrol vapour as it is displaced from the UST’s during off loading, as well as retaining the vapour within the tank farm at a prescribed pressure, rather than allowing it to be returned back to the tanker.

Controlling the delivered product to the Tank Farm

Controlling the environmental conditions of the collected vapour from dispensers There is often a significant differential in temperature (either positive or negative) between the vapour/air collected from the vehicles via the dispensers and the actual temperature of the fuel being dispensed (being determined by the temperature within

1)Control of the Delivery Tanker effects.

2)Managing the delivery of product into the tank farm.

3)Control of the environmental conditions of the delivered vapour from the dispensers to the tank farm.

4) The processing of the air/vapour mixture into liquid, returning that back to the UST’s and releasing the air back out to the environment.

Controlling the effects of the delivery tanker This is achieved by installing control valves onto the vent pipes (System VR).

If the tankers vapour recovery hose is connected to the site when offloading

diesel, these control valves will neutralise the effect of the tanker which would otherwise draw off petroleum vapour from the tank farm whilst off loading diesel.

Turbulence of the delivery product must be prevented during off loading when the product enters the UST’s as this will significantly reduce the generation of vapour, together with balancing the temperature differentials.

This is achieved by using a distribution beam to smoothly deliver the product along the bottom of the storage tank, in conjunction with a vacuum generator within the fill pipe to

draw the vapour out from the ullage space and permeating it through the delivered product as it enters the tank via the distribution beam (Softfill + Accumulus).

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the tank farm). In winter, the vapour/air collected from the vehicles may often be lower than the temperature within the tank farm (and in summer vice versa). If these two temperatures are not equalised or acclimatised, this could promote rapid expansion and significant rises in vapour pressure within the system. It is important therefore, to control as far as possible manage and stabilise the temperature of the vapour/air mixture returning from the dispensers and to regulate it (up or down) to bring it into line with the temperatures within the tank farm. We harness the temperature of the stored product to cool or warm the incoming vapour before entering the ullage space so that a balance is created between the two conditions.

Processing Vapour into Liquid The OPW (Vaporsaver) device is used to process both the air/vapour collected and generated during deliveries as well as the air/vapour mixture being delivered back from the dispensers.

Using membrane technology, an advanced form of vacuum pump and compressor, any air within the system is purified before safely venting out to atmosphere. All the vapour within the system is processed into the super saturated vapour and liquid (that is then returned to the UST’s where it can be 51

Articles

sold onto the customer) and it is the efficiency of this system that has made it possible to bring higher levels of vapour management onto the forecourt, with increasing levels of environmental protection and most importantly, hugely improved levels of profitability for the site operator.

Total Vapour Solution (TVS) All elements are now in place to make it possible to manage wet stock reconciliation to much higher levels of accuracy. It also allows any shortages incurred during deliveries to be flagged up more rapidly as well as more importantly, leak detection.

Collecting and managing the vapour from fuel deliveries means that there is minimal return to the delivery tanker, whilst the vapour is being controlled within the storage tanks and retained by the retailer. The larger the ullage space after a delivery the more vapour there is stored to be processed. It is therefore easier to quantify product losses or variations, in tens of litres as opposed to hundreds or thousands of litres.

With all the vapour now being processed within the tank farm it is possible to calculate wet stock losses far more definitively, as there is much more information available with Total Vapour Recovery and Processing.

• The delivery of vapour/air from the dispenser nozzle is a tested and legislatively set measurement of efficiency of between 95 – 105 %.

• The closing stock recorded from the tank gauges will include vapour returned to the tank farm as processed liquid and this can be calculated using the following conversion rate of vapour into liquid.

• (667 litres of vapour per litre of product dispensed (1.5 litres of liquid /1,000 litres of vapour) With the above conversion factor it is possible to calculate and allocate losses, so we have to give consideration to the indirect delivery of product via the dispensers.

D u r i n g n o r m a l operations the processor will be working during the delivery and after to process the retained vapour from the delivery.

Once this has b e e n completed it will operate as and when the pressure rises to 3 mbar and switches off at -

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

2mbar. Therefore, a total time of two hours daily with a delivery or with no deliveries thirty minutes daily. Seasonal variations have to be taken into account but we believe this will give a life of fifteen years before major maintenance need be considered. With larger sales sites of seventeen million litres upwards we recommend two processors to achieve the best efficiency. With this reliability it is possible for us to offer the client a three year warranty on all the equipment.

The running costs are very dependent on the clients own situation but these have been calculated to be between £0.65 to £0.95 per day depending upon the number of deliveries. There are three and single phase versions all with ATEX approvals. We try to utilise existing pipe work, so as to avoid disturbance on the forecourt, but some installations do offer higher processing efficiencies due to the sites pipe work.

These performances have been achieved and recorded, with independent stock control companies, and have we little reason to believe that it will not be possible on every site subject to the sites infra-structure.

In the British Isles and Southern Ireland the Total Vapour Solution (TVS) is being marketed by Petroman Environmental Services Ltd based in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.

Worldwide sales are being handled by OPW from their offices in Europe but should you require any further information please contact Petroman on the details below: Unit 5 Sneyd Green Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. ST6 2NP Tel: +44 (0)1782 200750 Fax: +44 (0)1782 200755 Website: www.petroman.ltd.uk Email: info@petroman.ltd.uk

Articles

The History of Filling Stations - Tanks and Pipes, Part 10

By Jamie Thompson The first container used to both store and distribute fuel was the 2 gallon can.

The oil industry imported barrels of fuel from the US into the docks where the fuel was then transferred into these cans and then distributed to the “filling stations” which were in fact petrol cans stored inside brick stores. In London, (the first city in the UK to import this fuel) most of the brick store “filling stations” were in the many Mews premises where the horses were still being stabled. The early cars had spare cans strapped to the running boards as a venture far from the capital would not guarantee the driver seeing another filling station.

Eventually the industry realised that the laborious filling and emptying of 2 gallon cans was not viable and the move to storing larger amounts of fuel underground was made.

One company in London that designed and provided such a service in 1914 was F. Braby and Co Ltd of Euston. They offered a storage tank and dispensing system with the added incentive that it had been “examined and approved of by the London County Council”.

The tank was steel, rectangular by design and riveted.

The filling point had a filter in it, it had a contents gauge, a vent and a hand pump and measuring cylinder to allow filling of the car. The tank was surrounded by concrete as early as that date.

Early deliveries of fuel to the storage tank were via horse drawn road tankers and later by motorised tankers.

1900 to 1950 The very early sites had small storage tanks: 250, 500 or 750 gallons and as the larger sites were developed there was a move towards 1000 to 2000 gallon tanks.

These sites were then redeveloped as the site sales rose and tanks from 4000 to 6000 gallons were more common. The tanks were generally steel construction, cylindrical in shape with dished heads, and were installed in puddled clay, sand vaults or concrete in London. In 1957 the first guidance of how sites were constructed was issued by the Home Office and it included underground tank and pipe advice.

1960 to 1980 During this period the tanks became much larger and many of the sites were redeveloped to take into account the demand for

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self service. Tanks of 10,000 to 12,000 gallon capacity were often used. Many tanks were built with multi-compartments to accommodate the blending of fuel which was going on at that time. The steel tanks were manufactured to BS 2594, were all single wall and were painted with a black bitumastic paint.

The tanks were really poor quality compared to tanks manufactured today and built down to a price.

In the late 1960’s the first GRP tanks were installed in the UK. After some early problems the first successful installation was operated by BP in West London from 1970 to 1992 when the tanks were eventually replaced.

1980 to 2000 This period proved to be the one with the greatest change for storage tanks.

The main reason for this was that tanks and pipes which had been in the ground for some time started to leak, and although concrete was placed around the tanks to try and afford some protection from corrosion, many leaking tanks and lines disproved this theory.

In the USA major oil companies were getting sued for leaking product into drinking water and the word “environment” was mentioned in the 55

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context of petroleum storage. In London during this period the petroleum inspectorate would have dealt with 120 to 130 leaks of petrol a year into the ground and on five occasions petrol leaked into the underground railway network: a serious problem.

It was a case of “out of sight - out of mind” as the buried equipment was not considered by the marketers as important as that equipment which could be seen above ground.

GRP tanks also became an option and while there were some successful installations the number of problems that occurred during and after installation caused the industry in the UK and indeed Europe to lose confidence in the product and although still permitted by regulators there have been no GRP tanks installed in the UK

on retail sites for over 11 years.

The biggest change came about due to work on the European standard for underground tanks which developed the double wall steel tank standard. It was clear that there was a need for a new approach to petrol storage which would suit the next century with both safety and the environment in mind.

The new standard (BS EN 12285-1) 56

had a much improved quality about it from steel quality and thickness, quality weld, s u r f a c e preparation and coating.

We went a l m o s t overnight to a quality tank with built in safety which

years the development of a standard in the USA for tanks providing a fire resistant surround to the tank has been successfully used in the US and more recently in the UK. The standard the tanks are protected to is UL 2085 which requires the tanks to go through a series of fire tests to ensure integrity and make certain they will not explode. These can be either 2 or 4 hr fire resisting. The main users of such storage tanks have been the utilities, golf clubs or car manufacturers but due to some environmental concerns these tanks are not being considered for retail sites.

The London Fire Brigade in 1990 decided they would no longer allow single wall tanks for storage of fuel and in future would require all storage to be double wall.

These tanks had leak detection covering both skins of the tank to ensure product would no longer enter the environment as once the alarm sounded fuel could be removed from the tank. It was soon adopted by all petroleum authorities, the Environment A g e n c y , industry and is of course included in the

Pipework When the first petrol stations were built with underground pipe it was steel with screwed joints and as time progressed the steel was galvanised to add protection.

Like tanks the steel pipe work was also covered by concrete.

What we appeared to have overlooked during this process was that by attaching galvanised steel pipe to a steel tank we were in fact providing the tanks unintentionally with a sacrificial anode and the galvanised pipe worked

suited both the regulators and the site operators.

Blue Book.

The above ground storage of petrol has usually been restricted to special bunded areas inside compounds with distance being the main criteria for safety.

In more recent

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Articles problems of corroding metallic pipes underground and were using Polyethylene in high pressure gas and water mains.

The oil industry first used GRP pipe as an option but eventually as other types became available it is no longer used in Europe A number of options followed and while some US manufactured flexible pipes were used by some operators, failures of those piping products across the Atlantic caused some doubts and the general trend was towards using the High Density Polyethylene Pipe which is now the industry norm in Europe and indeed many parts of the world.

The use of double wall pipe has also increased with its use mandatory on pressure lines. The operators can also see the benefits of providing such equipment which offers excellent protection at low cost.

What the change has meant is that as sites have been built and pipes have been replaced the number of leaks dropped drastically - the buried part of the plastic pipe will not corrode and steel is now only used above ground or in manhole chambers where it can be regularly inspected.

as such and therefore we had lots of leaks on lines, in fact over 75% of the leaks from petrol stations at that time came from lines. While underground pipe work had been the same for over 70 years it too proved a time to change.

The installation of steel pipe took some time; apart from the handling of this heavy pipe the threads were cut on site, a jointing compound mixed up and the joints then set. On completion the petroleum inspector would observe the

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air pressure and soapy water test over the joints. In one period in the 1980’s the jointing compound failed on a number of newly constructed sites.

Once fuel ran through them they had to be dug up and the pipe work replaced.

On looking back we can see that the water and gas industry had already recognised

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The changes that started to occur 20 years ago in this section of the industry have been for the better and safety and environmental protection of groundwater has been vastly improved by using these tanks and pipes.

Branches Eastern APEA Eastern Branch Meeting and AGM held 10th March 2009 at Duxford The APEA eastern branch met at Duxford . Duxford has one of the finest collections of aircrafts as well as restoring historical aircraft. There is a fine collection of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits.

This famous heritage site began as an airfield in the First World War and also played a vital role in the Second World War. The film “The Battle of Britain” was also shot on location there and the story is that more damage was caused to the place during the making of the film than during the war.

Our meeting was based on a new and fresh format designed by our active Committee who meet regularly. There were several short presentations of 1015 minutes giving speakers the opportunity to talk about their equipment and technologies with time for question and answers. The short presentations were intended to reflect the busy and demanding times we live in and also our continuous endeavour to keep the meetings interesting and relevant. It also recognises how much time is often dedicated to the preparation of these events. More than 50 people attended and audience participation was lively. It was also a pleasure for us to see and welcome members from our friends of the Southern branch too. We hope you will all come again.

Alex and John Boudry

Anton Martiniussen

containment system.

Flammer Gmbh, Mirjam Maiberger expanded on the perceived issue of disadvantage of an orifice plate. Now there is a new solution available. Before opening the storage tank, the tanker driver or station manager can release the tank pressure by a hand valve through a bypass. BS EN 12874 is a new standard for flame arresters and has superseded BS 7244.

Flame arresters on forecourts have to be in accordance to new BS EN 12874.

Gilbarco GVR Mike Jennings talked about Globalisation on standards. The

considerations behind the features of this new family of ZVA nozzles to the market.

Risbridger’s Piers Gibson, talked about the RIS-FLANGE modular tank lid system, outlining the key features, benefits, and savings, always good to se a quality British equipment manufacturer.

Hytek’s Adrian Holyomes, gave a short history about Hytek and his role in the business and the range of products they supply to the industry, from the London Fire Brigade LFEPA Jean Fincken talked about the role of the Petroleum Officer and gave an “overview” of what a petroleum officer does.

PFS fueltec Trevor Mason talked about their production of a Response unit to handle road tanker spill incidents. This seem to be an essential piece of equipment in the event of a serious incident for any authority. These can be towed behind a trailer.

Milton Keynes CC Brian Baker A regulators update: Brian talked about Environment agency Ground water policy, the myth of Stage II VR permits, Above ground storage tanks, Fire Safety order, Impact of Ethanol and guidance issue by Energy Institute.

Brians updates are a must for all local authorities. Comprehensive as always.

The summarised details are at the end

The following people presented for their companies:Cookson & Zinn, Geoff Lee talked about the features and benefits of the “Base frame Storage Tank” with prefitted cradle and hold down straps. This was their APEA award winning product.

Mike Jennings

Geoff Lee

PetroTechnik, Alex Boudry talked about The Complete UPP System and the benefits of electrofusable piping &

complexity and wide range of standards and approvals and the interpretation of these requires the mind of an expert and Mike did not disappoint.

Elaflex Ltd, A n t o n Martiniussen talked about the new ZVA Slimline 2 and vapour recovery nozzle and the

Discussing topics

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Branches The accounts have been duly audited and approved by members.

I would like to thank all those that served in the past year and for the interest and contribution. We would also like to thank Hytek for their hospitality to us during the past year.

Jean and Audrie

of this note A most sincere thank you goes to all our speakers who made it such an excellent venue.

In line with the requirements of our AGM the following were elected for the eastern branch: Chairman John Boudry Vice Chairman Jacquie Holt Secretary & Treasurer Anton Martiniussen Committee member John Brooks Audience

Committee member Jamie Thompson Committee member Alex Boudry Committee member Jean Fincken Branch Rep Adrian Holyomes Auditor Mike Alston

John Brooks and Mike Alston

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Brian Bakers update 1. Environmental Damages Act 2009 Coming into effect April 2009 and enforced by the Local Authority that will cause more higher potential fines for pollution 2. Health and Safety Offences Act 2008 Coming into effect later in the year that sees the levels of Fines increase for certain contraventions of health and safety law 3. Review of Fire Precautions Design Guides Many of the usual fire design guidance is being revoked inn favour of a single guidance publication known as BS9999 that is effective from April 2009 and the former BS588 series is being withdrawn

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

4. DEFRA Guidance on Stage 2 Vapour Recovery This has now been published on the DEFRA Web Site www.defra.gov.uk/vapourrecovery The Guidance is some 169 pages long whilst the Application Forms are at the back of Part C guidance a separate document. Both downloads are free 5. Environment Agency’s New Groundwater Policy Most controversial guidance this published for many years where the Agency are going to insist on new tanks being above ground due to the risk of groundwater pollution. This will cause major disruption and design issue for all Operators.

Despite request from UKPIA the Agency remain adamant about its new policy being followed and it is expected there will be a lot of challenges to it.

6. A b o v e Ground Tanks – Fire Rating As there is likely to be an increase in the installation of above ground storage tanks, account needs to be taken that the British Standard BS EN 1285 Part 2 2004 does not specify a standard fire resistance rating whilst the American comparable standard Underwriters Laboratories 2085 does stipulate 4 hours. This becomes an issue as the surrounding risk should be assessed from the prospect of direct heat impinging on the surface of an above ground tank wall and Regulator’s are encouraged to pursue such a rating before Approving its location.

7. Energy Institute Guidance on Bio Fuels E5 and B5 This was published recently and contains useful advise on preplanning and prior switching to a bio grade fuel and what the operator must do before hand. Brian is looking at doing an article for the next Bulletin issue on this subject and guidance.

8. Blue Book Update Gareth Bourhill (APEA Chairman) and Jamie Thompson (Technical Committee Chairman) have made the initial approached to the Energy Institute regarding the revisions to the

Branches Blue Book which is due every 5 years, the last being in 2005.

9. APEA 2009 Ricoh Arena Coventry Update on the annual APEA Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner all progressing well with numerous speakers so far confirmed of which the subject matter will be the Electrification of vehicles, The Bio Fuels Directives, BP & Ethanol, Above Ground Tanks-Friend and foe and the Environment Agency’s new Groundwater Policy.

Some controversial subjects which makes attending essential.

10.SELOCOG Tank Failure Survey 2008 Brian advised that this Regulator’s regional Group were conducting a Tank Failure Survey that so far with 21 Local Authorities responding out of 31 has seen 10 tank failures throughout 2008 in the area. The reason for this is to establish a true picture of tank failures in the area.

11.Taxi Office Explosion Immingham This occurred on 24 December 2007 and caused the local MP to raise it in the House of Commons which has seen an acceptance that domestic storage of petrol needs to be reviewed where two women lost their lives in this incident.

Anton Martiniussen Branch Secretary Ireland The Irish Branch held its 2009 AGM on 26th March in Ashbourne Co. Meath.

The turnout was reasonable at 31 members and one guest speaker. There was a good cross section of attendees from consultants, local authorities, petroleum contractors/suppliers and oil companies which helped in input from all interested parties in the discussions on the proposed new Dangerous Substances Regulations which is covered later in this piece.

The first item on agenda was the election of the officers and committee for the coming year as follows: Chairman Tom Daly Vice Chariman Kevin Wright Secretary Julian Rafter Treasurer Oliver Lupton

Branch Rep Killian Tallon Committee Members: Maureen Briggs Phil Bonny Alan Pollock Clive Kyle Lorraine Kelly Michael O’Kane The second item on the agenda was a presentation by Kevin Cleary of WYG Environmental on “Greening your Forecourt”. This presentation gave a valuable insight into the opportunity for forecourts to become more environmentally aware and increase profit.

The third item on the agenda was a presentation on “Risk Assessment in Retail Petroleum” given by Geoff Oldham of SureSite. This proved to be a very interesting presentation particularly with the proposed changes in Irish legislation and the strong emphasis on risk assessment and risk management proposed in the Ove Arup report and generated many questions from the floor.

After lunch there was a presentation on “Marketing Services in a Recession” given by Eamon Leahy (Chartered Accountant). Given the current economic outlook, this presentation gave some very valuable advice to all present.

Our last item and definitely the most important item on the day was an update from our Chairman Tom Daly on the progress and current status of the review of the Dangerous Substances Legislation being carried out by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment.

At the time of our meeting the process was at the public consultation stage and we utilised the meeting to discuss, in detail, the 30 recommendations that have been made by the consultants in their report. This generated quite a lively debate, chaired

by Tom, with very good participation from all at the meeting.

In general most of the changes/recommendations were welcomed. In particular we welcomed the proposal to adopt the APEA “Blue Book” as the standard in the future and to remove the prescriptive items out of the new legislation and instead refer in the legislation to Approved Codes of Practice which will ensure that advances in technology can be brought in more easily and quickly through their incorporation into the ACOPs. However it was agreed that if this was being adopted as the standard in ROI it is important for Ireland to be represented for the forthcoming revision of the “Blue Book”, which will be our “bible” going

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

forward. There will be a lot of work in the coming 12 to 18 months on agreeing the relevant ACOPs, many of which no doubt we will adopt from the IP/APEA and other relevant institutions.

We understand that the Department will be meeting with the Government Minister in charge to discuss the public consultation responses in late April/May and it is our hope to meet again with the Department in May/June to progress the next stage. We also understand that the Department are seeking to progress this as an inclusive process with the interested parties involved to ensure that relevant experience and expertise is available to aid the process.

Anybody interested in gaining further information can contact either Tom Daly or Julian Rafter or view the details on the Department’s website www.entemp.ie//employment/chemical spolicy/index.htm#Latest A copy of our response to the Department on the recommendations is included below for those interested.

2008/09 has been a particularly busy year for the Irish Branch given the ongoing review of the legislation. Apart from the AGM we have held a number of council meeting’s during the year and also met with the consultants ARUP to put forward our recommendations on the ne legislation. The year ahead would appear to be an interesting one with the ongoing legislation review and we would hope to be in a position to provide input in to the process giving plenty of scope for further expansion of the Irish branch.

Julian Rafter Branch Secretary Scotland 14 April 2009. Forth Valley College, Kerse Road, Stirling FK7 7QA Gareth Bourhill, the Chair of the Branch, opened the meeting by welcoming all to the College facility as well as wishing the attendees a happy Easter. He thanked the Secretary for arranging the Meeting which would take the format of presentations on different subjects, followed by our AGM in the later afternoon.

The first speaker was Edward Wheeler, Managing Director of Eurotank Environmental Ltd. As well as a history of how the Company has developed over the last few years, Edward included information on how working on Petroleum Forecourts has had to change over the last few years due to the two major changes that have been seen namely the introduction of Stage II Vapour Recovery, and the increased use of new fuels and Biofuels in particular. He did this by way of very 61

Branches informative case studies which included information on some of the situations they had come across on forecourts as well as how they had adapted their risk assessments and working procedures to take them in to account. The case studies included a number of scenarios that had been found on forecourts due to the fact that Stage II systems were under constant pressure and how this had had several effects such as movement of plastic pipework, LEL levels now being found in manholes and alarms tripping on a double skinned GRP tank. The scenarios also covered the effect of the introduction of Biofuels and some of the instances they had come across such as bacteria growth which could clog filters, solidification of the fuel and the sort of degradation effects ethanol in the biofuel can have in situ.

The second speaker was Janine Young, a Senior Policy Advisor at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, who had gamely stepped in to give the presentation at very short notice on behalf of a colleague who could not attend. The subject covered was on the protection of groundwater from possible contaminants from Filling Stations. Janine gave an introduction on what was meant by groundwater and what measures there needed to be in place for its protection as groundwater is very vulnerable to pollution. This could be a particular problem in those rural areas of the country where it was being used as a source of drinking water. An indication of the possible sources of contaminants from Filling Stations was highlighted along with the control measures expected to be seen in place. She finished by showing that the real cost on any business that caused contamination was that of remediation of the site and groundwater as this could run in to many tens of thousands of pounds.

The third and last speaker was Abbé Shedden a Sustainable Transport Advisor based in an advice centre of the Energy Saving Scotland advice network whose work includes giving impartial advice to households and small businesses on energy saving matters.

Her presentation included an interactive Q & A session, as well as facts and figures, on the sort of usage that people make of their cars. This included the facts that the percentage of journeys of a) less than 2 miles, and b) single occupancy, had not changed in the last 10 years being 62% and 60% respectively. Abbé went on to describe the use of alternative transport as well as indicating that an informative topic of Eco-Driving was available to give tips on saving fuel when driving. Abbé finished by describing the process of linking Road Tax to CO2 emissions and 62

the availability of cars powered by alternative fuels.

Following the above presentations the AGM of the Scottish Branch was held.

Paul Devine Branch Secretary Southern The Spring meeting/AGM of the Southern Branch took place on Thursday 23rd April 2009 at the Red House Hotel, Cholderton, Salisbury; there were 28 x members in attendance.

The AGM took place at 10.30.am. until 11.15 a.m.

The first speaker of the day was Grant Agnew of CARE Grant Agnew of CARE (Consideration and respect for the environment) on Materials used are similar to those environmentally friendly forecourt used in the marine industry. cleaning.

Chris then showed various stage Grant advised that NetRegs April photos of a typical lining installation.

2009 newsletter explained that since DFT thickness tests and pinhole the Environmental Damage inspections are carried out following Regulations 2009 came into force in lining, to ensure the integrity of the England on 1st March 2009, you no system. longer have to be prosecuted before Spencer followed this by advising that you can be made to deal with pollution Orange County Ltd. are the UK caused by your business. distributor for SGB leak detection Similar regulations are expected to be systems; there are more than 40 applied to Wales, Scotland and different types of system available, with Northern Ireland later this year. multiple variations.

CARE have come to the conclusion that there are two effective methods for cleaning oil spills, which are bio-remediation and hot water p r e s s u r e washing with a difference.

Hot water p r e s s u r e w a s h i n g processes used by CARE incorporate a Spencer Rogers of Orange County Ltd. and Chris Haritou of ABFAD Ltd system to recover the contaminated liquid, which All systems are approved to EN is then removed from site and re-cycled.

13160 class 1, which means they are For more information, contact Grant designed to detect a leak in a tank or Agnew of CARE on 01623 869446, or pipe before stored product can enter the by e-mail on environment. info@carecommercialcleaning.co.uk Fore more information, contact Chris Our next speakers were Chris Haritou Haritou of ABFAD Ltd. on 0191 of ABFAD Ltd. and Spencer Rogers of 5166223 or by e-mail on Orange County Ltd. on tank lining and abfad@bicne.co.uk, or Spencer Rogers leak detection monitoring systems. of Orange County Ltd. on 01388 Chris advised, in their experience, 813433 or by e-mail on that tank corrosion is increasingly more sales@orangecounty.co.uk prevalent and therefore stringent An enjoyable hot buffet lunch was blasting, cleaning and thickness testing followed by an outside demonstration are crucial in preparation for lining. The

by Steve Robinson, Simon Palmer and domed circumferences on double Lee Boulton of First Advance Specialist compartment tanks are sealed prior to Services of their tank cleaning vehicle; lining, as an extra precaution. their unique remote tank cleaning unit

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Branches The first technical presentation by Joanne Bradley of the Environment Agency, was a review of the Water Framework Directive and the new version of Groundwater Protection Policy GP3 with its significant implications when developing service stations in environmentally sensitive areas. Joanne also presented an introduction to the Environmental Damage Regulations.

The key messages supporting the need to protect groundwater from contamination were: • Where the EA judges that an unacceptable risk is posed to groundwater by storage of pollutants, they will oppose such storage First Advance Specialist Services

equipment allows tank cleaning to be done without entering tanks, thus reducing health and safety issues.

Members were guided around the demonstration vehicle, and given a full explanation of the processes used.

For more information, contact Steve Robinson of First Advance Specialist Services on 01474 855587 or by e-mail on steve@fass.com The first speaker of the afternoon was Ray Blake of the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority on Prime Authority Partnerships.

Prime Authority Partnerships allow an organisation which operates within the jurisdiction of a number of local authorities to enter into a legal partnership with one local authority, which becomes its prime authority.

The aim is to achieve a consistent approach to the enforcement of legislation, and to save resources of the individual business and local authorities on a national basis.

The final presentation of the day was

by Phil Monger on the APEA 2009 exhibition/conference details.

The main reasons for switching from Telford to Coventry were given, together with details of remaining available display areas and confirmed exhibitors.

The Southern Branch Summer meeting is to be held on Tuesday 21st July; details to be advised.

Sue Meadowcroft Branch Secretary North West APEA NW Branch AGM & Technical Presentations Thursday 26th March The meeting was held at our usual venue the NFU conference room in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

Our morning meeting commenced with the AGM, was followed by three excellent presentations and concluded with a networking lunch. A total of 39 members were in attendance and the election of officers and committee members resulted in the following; Chairperson Joanne Bradley of the Environment Agency Secretary Bob Conlin of Fairbanks Treasurer Jean Algie of Fairbanks.

Ray Blake of the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority

• The EA will object to the underground storage of hazardous substances in SPZ1 • The EA will object to storage of pollutants below the water table in principal or secondary aquifers However, my understanding from these messages was that all relevant factors would be taken into account when considering an application and developers should make contact with the EA as early in the planning process as possible in order to engage them in a constructive dialogue.

The second presentation was given

by Mark Swindells, director of Geo2 Remediation Ltd, which is a site investigation and remediation contractor established in 2003 and operating throughout the UK. Mark took us on a tour of the latest subsoil remediation techniques including; • Physical Treatment - Pump out water and treat, soil vapour extraction, air sparging • Thermal Treatment- Steam injection, resistive heating • Biological Treatment- Bio piling, windrows, bio augmentation stimulating existing natural bacteria to breakdown contaminants.

Committee Members Louise Morgan, (also Branch Rep) Geoff Oldham of Suresite Martyn Gent of GVR Jane Longley of Cheshire County Council.

• Chemical Treatment -Direct injection drilling, in-situ application of chemicals

Thanks to you all for volunteering your time and I wish you well in your new appointments.

A presentation on our 2009 event was also given with a particular plea to members to enter this years awards programme.

Mark discussed all the treatments explaining the pros and cons along with the cost and degree of clean up achievable. He concluded by using two case studies to give us an insight into chemical treatment and physical treatment using dual phase vacuum

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

• Civil Engineering Solutions - Vapour membranes, geotextiles, capping

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Branches extraction and chemical oxidation.

Simon Palmer of First Advance Specialist Services delivered the final presentation, introducing his company’s latest innovation; PETRACK, their remote tank cleaning system. Simon showed us a video of the ‘robot’ in

Anton Martiniussen - Sec ELAFLEX Ltd Riverside House, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0PA Tel: 01992 452 950 Mob: 07831 595620 email: elaflex@aol.com

Bob Conlin - Sec Fairbanks Environmental Ltd The Technology Management Centre Moss Lane View Skelmersdale Lancs WN8 9TN Tel: 01695 51775 email: bobconlin@fairbanks.co.uk Scotland Ian Hillier - Rep North Ayrshire Council Bridgegate House Irvine KA12 8BD Tel: 01294 324969 email: ian.hiller@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

action as it moved along the bottom of a tank using high pressure jets to clean the scale and debris from the tank walls and a suction device to uplift the scale and sludge. Petrack reduces the need for enclosed space working and will be a welcome addition to the range of options open to tank owners particularly as tanks are now being prepared for the introduction of Ethanol gasoline blends.

The meeting closed at 1pm and the networking lunch was enjoyed by all.

North East Mike Silmon - Rep and Sec W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE6 5XB Tel: 0191 224 0777 Fax: 0191 224 0707 email: associationtreasurer@apea.org.uk Midlands

Bob Conlin Branch Secretary Midlands Nothing to report North East Nothing to report

Branch Representative and Secretary Contact Details Eastern Adrian Holyomes - Rep HYTEK GB LTD Delta House Green Street, Elsenham Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire Tel: 01279 815600 email: adrian@hytekgb.com 64

Rob Tunnicliff - Rep 37 Victoria Park Road Tunstall Stoke on Trent ST6 6DX Tel: 07815 069846 email: rob.tunnicliff@stoke.gov.uk Alec O’Beirne - Sec Cornlea, Moat Lane Prestwood Great Missenden Bucks HP16 9BY Tel: 01494865097 email: alec.obeirne@ptftraining.co.uk

Paul Devine - Sec South Lanarkshire Council Consumer and Trading Standards North Stand, Cadzow Avenue Hamilton ML3 0LU Tel: 01698 476170 Fax: 01698 476180 Mobile: 07795 090903 email: paul.devine@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Southern Philip Monger - Rep Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside, West End, Sherbourne St John, Basingstoke, Hants.

RG24 9LE. Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 email: phil.monger@ukonline.co.uk Sue Meadowcroft - Sec 1 Rock Cottage, South Cornelly Bridgend CF33 4RN Tel: 07795 841891 email: sue@high-cross.com Ireland

North West

Killian Tallon - Rep Topaz Energy Ltd Topaz House Beech Hill, Clonskeagh Dublin 4, Ireland Tel: + 353 1202 8705 email: killian.tallon@topazenergy.ie

Louise Morgan - Rep Petrocom Ltd The Malthouse 48 Southport Road Ormskirk Lancashire L39 1QR Tel: 01695 572400 email: louisemorgan@petrocom.co.uk

Julian Rafter - Sec Olive Engineering & Design Services Ltd The Old Egg Farm Waynestown Dunboyne Meath Ireland Tel: +353 1 8253670 email: jrafter@ipservices.ie

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Join the APEA Today!

If you are: • • • • • •

involved in the Oil Industry work for an oil company work for a retailer operating petrol filling stations a Petroleum Officer, or a Regulator concerned with the industry a supplier of goods or services to the petroleum industry a contractor to the industry

Then you should join the APEA - the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration. It represents extremely good value for money: Individual membership £30.00 per annum This entitles you to one copy of the Bulletin per quarter and one APEA Yearbook and discounts on APEA Training courses. Access to information on the APEA website.

Corporate membership £130.00 per annum This entitles you to five copies of the Bulletin per quarter, five copies of the APEA Yearbook, use of the APEA logo and discounts on APEA Training courses for all your company staff. Access to information on the APEA website.

Be Better Informed APEA Publications, including a free quarterly magazine, The Bulletin, APEA Newsletters, APEA annual Yearbook and other essential literature. Meetings, seminars and conferences all enable members to be better informed about new developments, changing legislation and new technology. As a member of the Association you will be advised of and entitled to attend the meetings of your local branch covering the UK. New Business Contacts Membership of the APEA offers you the forum in which you can exchange views and ideas with colleagues and fellow members and make valuable new contacts within the industry.

To join go to the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk and complete the membership application form on the Membership page or contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk or telephone 0845 603 5507 for more information.

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Training

2009 Course Dates Petrol Filling Stations Construction, Safety and Environmental Protection 12/13 May

Dublin

10/11 Nov

Manchester

1/2 Dec

Luton

LPG Installations

Wetstock Management

11 June

Manchester

12 May

Manchester

29 Oct

Birmingham

15 Sept

Glasgow

DSEAR

Petrol Filling Stations Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection

26 May

3/4 June

Southampton

18 June

Glasgow

23/24 Sept

Dublin

16 Sept

Derby

7/8 Oct

Glasgow

4/5 Nov

Cardiff

22 Oct

Manchester

Electrical Installations An Awareness

24 Nov

Luton

26 May

Bournemouth

9 Dec

23 June

Cardiff

22 Sept

Derby

27 Oct

Belfast

24 Nov

Sheffield

APEA Training Team Jamie Thompson Independent Consultant Bob Conlin Director, Fairbanks Environmental

Manchester

Petrol Filling Stations – Enforcement Procedures An Awareness (One day) 6 hours Continued Professional Development

18 May

Manchester

15 June

Bournemouth

22 June

Sheffield

Birmingham

21 Sept

Bristol

Explosives and Fireworks

14 Sept

Portadown (NI) (prov)

4 Sept

Luton

12 Oct

Colchester

11 Sept

Manchester

19 Oct

Glasgow (prov)

Gareth Bourhill Principal Training Consultant Electrical Safety Forth Valley College of Further and Higher Education

Kim Bennett, Senior Environmental Health Officer Milton Keynes Council

Brian Humm Deputy Head of Petroleum, LFEPA

Richard Wigfull, Consulting Engineer J. Wigfull & Son

Joe Maerz Operational Manager Rural & Public Protection Team Essex Trading Standards

Brian Baker Fire Safety & Petroleum Officer Milton Keynes Council

Phil Lambeth Senior Engineer, BP Global Alliance

Jean Fincken Petroleum Inspector, LFEPA

Courses will be designed around the new TCB Document, Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations.

Please contact the APEA Business Manager on 0845 603 5507 or at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to find out about purchasing a copy. APEA Members can purchase the guide at the discounted rate of £40 (non member rate £120).

It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.

All courses can be booked online at www.apea.org.uk on the ‘Training’ page.

Bespoke courses can be made available provided the minimum number of Delegates is 8. This offers a discount.

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - Training Coordinator, (contact details on page 3) or Brian Humm, Training Chairman 84 Dunblane Road, Eltham, London SE9 6RT Mobile: 07818 097141 e-mail: brian.humm@london-fire.gov.uk

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