Ignore legislation at your peril!
Ignore legislation at your peril!
Much has been said recently about The Groundwater Regulations and many are now bringing their wash-down facilities up to specification with the installation of closed loop water recycling facilities incorporating micro-organisms, like those offered by Course Care and some others. Whilst these systems are the ideal solution (and many believe will be the only one when legislation is tightened!) oil separators (interceptors) can be installed.
As the law stands at present, you may discharge into a foul sewer via a standard full retention separator. If washings are to go to a soakaway or watercourse, however, then a Class 1 separator must be installed. Course Care has been installing separators and sewage plants for over 15 years now, so have considerable experience in this field.
They progressed into water recycling plants in 2003 when demand became apparent and are now installing systems up and down the country. Unlike other systems, Course Care's ClearWater systems are unique in that they are below ground, out of sight, silent and, with prices starting below £6000 for a standard recycling plant, affordable. The company offers installation and wash-pad build services too.
The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 affects those storing over 200 litres of oil above ground (this includes diesel fuel and petrol!) and that means most of you! Old single skin fuel tanks must be replaced by 1st September 2005 by properly bunded ones, preferably with an integral electric pump and the Course Care range probably covers the needs of most.
Of course, if your tank is 10 metres from a watercourse or 50 metres from a borehole or well, you should have replaced it by 1st September 2003! All other oil containers (bottles, drums and barrels) should stand on sump pallets also to avoid the possibility of pollution and likely prosecution.
The carriage and storage of petrol is the third concern. Many Greenkeepers and Groundsmen are often, unwittingly, breaking the law and risking prosecution by collecting petrol from local garages in unauthorised containers. Carrying more than 2 x 5 litre properly designed petrol cans in a vehicle is illegal. A range of petrol storage and transport items are available on the market now, including the keenly priced transit box special from Course Care, which can be used to transport petrol legally and holds 4 x 20 litre jerrycans.
Don't risk prosecution and hefty fines, check your facilities, speak to the suppliers and get the right equipment in place so that you too comply!
For more information please contact Course Care on Tel: 01535 611103 or e-mail: info@highspeed.co.uk