The Indian government has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for petrol depots, outlining stringent compliance measures for their establishment and operation.
The new SOP, issued by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), mandates a series of environmental and safety protocols to be implemented by petrol depots, addressing concerns related to pollution, leakage, and overall operational safety.
Key Highlights of the New SOP
Environmental Compliance
Petrol depots are now required to obtain “Consent to Establish” and “Consent to Operate” from their respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).
Mandatory baseline monitoring of ambient air, soil, and groundwater quality is required prior to commissioning, with ongoing monitoring thereafter.
Strict groundwater and soil monitoring protocols are put in place, with defined screening values for pollutants like Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) or Oil Water Separators are mandatory for treating wastewater.
Hazardous waste management must comply with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Vapor Recovery Systems are also mandated.
Leakage Prevention and Detection
Petrol depots must install hydrocarbon detectors with alarm systems at leakage-prone locations.
Spill and overfill prevention equipment are mandatory.
Secondary containment systems are required to prevent environmental contamination from leaks.
Interstitial and Vapour monitoring wells are mandated for leak detection. Automatic tank gauging with daily volume balance reports are required.
Emergency Response
Major leakages or spillages must be reported to the SPCB/PCC, Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), and District Administration within 24 hours.
Immediate cessation of operations and removal of petrol from leaking tanks is required. Petrol depots may be held liable for environmental compensation and remediation in case of negligence.
Impact and Rationale
The implementation of this SOP is expected to significantly reduce the environmental risks associated with petrol depot operations. The stringent monitoring and prevention measures aim to:
- Minimize soil and groundwater contamination.
- Reduce air pollution from hydrocarbon emissions.
- Enhance overall safety standards.
- Increase accountability.
