Fuel Tank Bund

What is a fuel tank bund? –

Bunds are intended to act as a backup or secondary containment vessel, if the primary containment fails ( tank surface/lining/pipework) – a correctly installed bund should be able to prevent the spread of large quantities of harmful or undesirable liquids and is an important part of any pollution control measures.

Bunds can be installed inside or outside of plant buildings.

Fuel tank Bund Design –

Bund design & build must conform to current legislation and will change depending on the liquids being stored.

A tank bund, designed to contain Hydrocarbons may be different to a bund designed to contain chemicals, as these products may require specialized linings, in order to provide complete protection and create a seamless, impervious and strong barrier that is superior to a normal concrete structure.

• Special attention needs to be taken if different / chemicals are being stored next to each other, as they may be hazardous if mixed, so separate bunds should be used.
• Rainwater can be a big issue with outside tanks/bunds, and a suitable removal system needs to be fitted.
• Tank/ Bund contents need to be removed in a way that they do not contaminate surface water or groundwater.
• Special care needs to be taken when actually siting the bund/tanks, to avoid watercourses, open drains, gullies, wells, springs, and boreholes – the current Environment Agency guidelines will provide the specific requirements for use when designing and planning a tank/bund installation.
• – Concrete and mortar type bunds may need a rendering or coating on the internal surfaces, to make them impermeable – these coatings are often called “ Linings “ and can vary depending upon the liquids being stored in the tanks.

Commercial establishments with more than 200 Litres of liquids (Hydrocarbons / Chemicals) and domestic sites with more than 2500 Litres of liquids (Hydrocarbons / Chemicals ),  should have some form of tank bunding that complies with the current “ control of pollution regulations.

Inspection and repairs of fuel tank bunds –

As previously stated, bunds form a very important part of pollution containment and should be inspected on a regular basis, for signs of damage, wear & tear, vegetive growth, visible cracks, and unsealed joints/ gaps around where pipes enter/exit the bund   & the correct operation of any water/ liquid removal systems.

Bunds require a level of ongoing maintenance, inspection, and repairs to ensure regulatory compliance and functionality. At BMS, we have many years of experience in bund design/repairs and lining.

If you would like to arrange a survey to assess the condition of your existing bund, call us on 01233 740149, or email sales@bms-ltd.com