Any oil storage, such as tanks containing heating oil, diesel and waste oil, should be routinely checked and maintained to avoid the risk of causing pollution, through leaks and spills.
For larger oil storage on commercial sites, the tank may also need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations. It is always a good idea to keep your domestic heating oil tank in good condition, and ideally it should be properly bunded (contained within a sealed area or unit), so that in the event of a leak, the oil will not soak away into the ground. Some sites may also need 'interceptor' drains, to trap any oil or fuel which runs off the site into the surface water drainage system.
This can cause a great deal of damage to your property and the wider environment and can be very costly to clean up. As the owner you may be liable and even face prosecution if the oil pollutes groundwater or a nearby river.
You may wish to check with your home or business insurance policy to make sure you are covered for such incidents.
Read more about oil storage advice on the GOV.UK website
You can search the following directory for accredited contractors who can give specialist advice and assistance for cleaning up oil and chemical spillages.
Oil spill contractors website