Mid and East Antrim: 'Fewer than five filling stations in borough have tanks over 50-years-old' as new petroleum licence policy agreed
Mid and East Antrim councillors approved a new petroleum licensing policy at a meeting of the council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee on Tuesday (February 24).
The council has licensed 38 filling stations to store and dispense petrol in the borough. Licence terms and conditions have not been revised for more than ten years, councillors have been told.
A report to the committee explained the council is responsible for the issuing of petroleum licences under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1929. The legislation gives the council the authority to grant and transfer licences for the storage and dispensing of petroleum.
The report stated that safe storage, handling and dispensing to prevent fires and explosions is required under legislation with “adherence to strict safety standards”.
Currently, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has no policy for petroleum licensing. The new policy “clarifies a range of guidance and best practice which most operators of petrol stations have been following but these had not been a formal requirement of the licensing process”, the report said.
The guidance covers technical requirements for building and refurbishing filling stations with controls that must be put in place to minimise the risk of fire and explosions.
The report indicated that although most have been rebuilt or refurbished in recent years, fewer than five have tanks and pipelines that are more than 50-years-old and do not have “suitable drainage systems in place”.
New requirements will cover testing of fuel storage tanks which are more than 20-years-old as well as equipment to deal with spillage. It is expected that the new policy will come into effect on October 1.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter