What Happened
An oil spill from split tank in Banbridge was reported to Gaea via our out of hours phone number.
A distressed customer was dealing with a split in his plastic oil tank which he had only refilled the day before.
We explained the process for temporarily sealing a crack in a tank to the customer.
Gaea then mobilised to Banbridge that night with a temporary tank, transfer pump and hoses and a length of oil line.
The remaining contents were rescued, and made safe within a tank we brought with us. The tank was set up and the heating restored before we left.
Investigation
- One of our Environmental Scientists attended site the next morning and started their investigation.
- The spilled kerosene was found to be migrating down hill from the tank location through the rear lawn
- An emergency trench was recommended to the customers insurance company and we received immediate authorisation to proceed.
- Within two days our report was ready and was forwarded to the Insurance Company.
what we found
- 200 litres of home heating oil were lost from the split in the oil tank.
- The oil spill had impacted 20m2 to a depth of 1m of the customers rear garden.
- Consultation with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland confirmed there to be a low groundwater risk.
- Gaea examined all the local water courses but could find no impact whatsoever.
- No risk to buildings in this case.
Remedial works
- The old tank was decommissioned, cut up and cleaned. The remaining pieces were then recycled.
- The original tank base was broken out and disposed of.
- The identified contaminant plume area was excavated and the spoils placed in lined skips.
- Our Scientists monitored the work daily and made sure nothing was missed.
Validation
Seven soil samples were removed from the base and sides of the excavation.
The samples were then sent by courier to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis.
The analytical results scientifically proved that the remedial objectives have been met and no risk remained.
Reinstatement
- The excavation was backfilled and the aggregate compacted.
- A new OFTEC compliant base was constructed in poured concrete.
- A new tank was purchased and set up on the base.
- The remaining rescued home heating oil was decanted from our temporary tank to the customers new tank.
- The surrounding lawns were then filled with fresh topsoil which was compacted, raked out and then sewn with grass seed.
Turn around - savings
Emergency call out – called at 7.30pm and arrived with equipment by 8.30pm that night
The tank was made safe and heating restored by 10pm.
Scientist attended to conduct a survey the following morning.
Permission was granted to install a containment trench and this was carried out immediately.
Gaea’s report was available two days later.
Once approved by Insurers Gaea began the work within five days.
The remediation work was completed in 8 days.
1100 litres of home heating oil were prevented from impacting the Environment.
6 skips of impacted soil were diverted from landfill, being recycled instead.
Failed Oil Tank recycled.
If you suspect that you have an oil spill or are at risk of one please get in contact ASAP.
The sooner you can get the leak stopped, contained and assessed the smaller job it will be. Contact Gaea directly on 08000 541 361 or 012330222 for ROI
