Design of Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facility

Published on March 2017 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 56 | Comments: 0 | Views: 256
of 7
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

Sub-Sectoral Environmental Guidelines  PETROLEUM STORAGE (including PETROL STATIONS) ST ATIONS)

 PROCESS DESCRIPTION Facilities involved in the storage of petroleum range from small to large-scale distribution terminals typically occupying between 1 and 15 ha with a storage capacity in the 10,000 to > 100,000 100,000 m 3 range, as well as petrol filling stations which typically occupy less than 0.1 ha and with a storage capacity below 200 m3. Petroleum distribution terminals commonly receive their products from the refinery by pipeline, although in some cases road, rail or ship delivery may occur. Bulk storage tanks (with capacities ranging from several hundred to several thousand cubic metres) receive the products, which can include gasoline, naphtha, middle distillates (gas oil (diesel or heating oil), kerosene, aviation fuels lighter fuel oils), heavy fuel and lubricating oil. The various products are often divided into “white oils” consisting of gasoline and lighter spirits and the “black oils” consisting of heavier oils such as fuel oils. The storage tanks are generally above ground, large cylindrical vessels usually set in bunded tank farms, although some underground, semi-buried and mounded tanks may also be present. Tetramethyl lead, marker dyes and various additives may also be stored on-site. The various petroleum products are then transferred by pipeline from the bulk storage tanks to loading gantries via the additives compound, where proprietary additives may be added. The loading gantries can either be bottom loading stands or top loading stands in the case of heavier fuel oils. Road tankers are filled at these locations and then distribute their products regionally. More modern terminals are equipped with systems which collect the petroleum fumes generated during the filling of the tankers and transfer these via above-ground pipes to a Vapour Recovery Unit. Other activities at oil terminal sites include vehicle re-fuelling facilities, vehicle maintenance workshops, tanker washing facilities and in some cases small sewage treatment units. For some petroleum products, drumming operations may take place on-site, where the product is dispensed into containers of various sizes, e.g. for lubricating oil, motor engine oil etc. When the road tanker arrives at a petrol filling station it discharges its products into a series of underground storage tanks. Typically, there are several of these corresponding to the type of fuel, e.g. leaded, unleaded, premium, diesel. A typical capacity of tank may be in the 5 to 50 m 3 range. Suction pipes then transfer the product to the corresponding petrol or diesel pump as required.

SUMMARY OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL RISK/LIABILITY FACTORS Risk of major spills resulting in substantial liability claims or regulatory enforcement action (service stations and terminals). Contamination of soil and groundwater due to historical and/or present use of petroleum products (service stations and terminals). Fees and penalties (particularly effluent discharges). Long-term the terminal may become non-compliant if regulatory environment becomes more stringent. Run-off/stormwater drainage from storage areas on terminal. Outstanding claims (health and safety).

 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The following are applicable to both terminals and filling stations. Soil and groundwater contamination relating to petroleum products is extremely costly to remediate and could be severely disruptive to site operations. Upgrade of storage areas may be required. Upgrade of pollution abatement equipment or site infrastructure (sewers, drainage, interceptors) may be required. Major fires and spills could be financially ruinous.

OTHER POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES In this section medium/large petroleum storage facilities and service stations are considered separately.  Medium/Large Size Petroleum Storage Facilities Key environmental issues associated with petroleum storage facilities such as oil terminals include the following: storage and handling of petroleum products; soil and groundwater contamination; waste management; atmospheric emission; fire risks. Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products Large quantities of hazardous petroleum products, typically in the 10 4–105 m 3 range are stored in: tank farms (multiple tanks); single above-ground storage tanks (ASTs); semi-underground, or underground storage tanks (USTs). Smaller quantities of materials may be stored in drums and containers of assorted compounds (such as lubricating oil, engine oil, other products for domestic supply).  Issues to consider:

Secondary containment of tanks and other storage areas (with adequate bunding etc.) and integrity of hardstanding (without cracks, impervious surface) to prevent spills reaching the wider environment: also secondary containment of pipelines where appropriate. Licensing of storage facilities. Age, construction details and testing programme of tanks. Labelling and environmentally secure storage of drums (including waste storage). Accident/fire precautions, emergency procedures. Disposal/recycling of waste oils and other materials.

Soil and Groundwater Contamination There is a potential for significant soil and groundwater contamination to have arisen at large petroleum storage facilities. Such contamination consists of: petroleum hydrocarbons including: lighter, very mobile fractions (paraffins, cycloparaffins and volatile aromatics such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) typically associated with gasoline and lighter distillates; middle distillate fractions (paraffins, cycloparaffins and some polyaromatics) associated with diesel, kerosene, some of the lighter fuel oils, which are also of significant mobility; heavier distillates (long-chain paraffins, cycloparaffins and polyaromatics) associated with lubricating oils and heavy fuel oils; organic lead, associated with leaded gasoline; other organic additives, e.g. anti-freeze (glycols), alcohols, detergents and various proprietary compounds. Key sources of such contamination at petroleum storage terminals are: loading gantries; tank farms, individual ASTs and particularly USTs; interceptors; additive compounds; pipeline runs; drainage runs; pump raft/pipe manifold areas; vehicle washing facilities; maintenance workshops.  Issues to consider:

Whilst contamination may be associated with specific facilities the contaminants are relatively highly mobile in nature and have the potential to migrate significant distances from the source in soil and groundwater. Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination can take several forms: free-phase product, dissolved-phase, emulsified phase or vapour phase. Each form will require different methods of remediation so that clean-up may be complex and expensive. Petroleum hydrocarbons include a number of compounds of significant toxicity, e.g. benzene and some polyaromatics are known carcinogens. Vapour phase contamination can be of significance in terms of odour issues, e.g. houses, food and retail outlets. Waste Management Typical wastes include: waste oils and “out of spec.” materials; waste oil sludge (from interceptors/tanks); solid wastes (cartons, rags, etc.).  Issues to consider:

Regulatory requirements. Means of solid waste disposal management. Disposal permits. Fees and penalties. Use of approved disposal routes (and contractors).

GUIDE TO INITIAL DUE DILIGENCE SITE VISITS When visiting the sites of potential borrowers or during loan supervision, use the following as a practical guide to the initial due diligence process. Perform a complete tour of the site compound if possible. Quantities and characteristics of atmospheric emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste arising. Note signs of poor housekeeping, inadequate/untidy storage areas, poor drum labelling. Review current status of pollution abatement technology. Evaluate potential for spillages and leakages to enter soil or stormwater drainage system. Check drainage systems. Note nature of solid waste disposal. Look for localised spills, leaking tanks, pipes etc. Check for distressed flora/vegetation zones near storage sites. Check personal protective equipment. Review machinery guarding. Assess emergency response to fires, major spills, etc. Review historical and projected trends for environmental fees and fines. Not all of the above may be applicable to retail filling stations. However, in the case of the latter, particular attention should be paid to: integrity of surface, presence of cracks, vegetation within hardstanding; age and condition of USTs; monitoring programmes undertaken; state of drainage systems and interceptors; known losses of product/spillages etc. It is also suggested that contact is made with local regulatory agencies to determine compliance and whether complaints have been made by the public.

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close