Oil & fuel
Did you know?
- The legal limit for hydrocarbon in water discharge is roughly one drop of oil in 2l of water (15mg/l).
- A single litre of fuel can contaminate over a million litres of water.
- Oil is toxic to fish and water species. Prolonged exposure affects reproduction, growth and feeding of aquatic life, even at low concentrations.
- The majority of oil pollution in our rivers and oceans comes from every day sources like refueling, engine emissions and oil leaks.
- Oil and fuels are the most frequently reported pollutant of inland waters in England and Wales. The majority comes from everyday sources like refuelling, engine emissions and oil leaks.
Advice
- The most effective way to clean oily bilge water is to use an oil absorbent sock.
- Check bilge water for contaminants before routine pumping.
- Use a funnel when pouring fuel or oil.
- Good maintenance of fuel lines, connections and seals helps avoid leaks.
- Transfer used oil or waste fuel in proper containers and dispose of in oil waste facilities.
- Dispose of all oily or fuel-soaked materials in the hazardous waste containers.
- When fuelling, avoid topping off or overfilling to reduce the risk of fuel overflowing from vents. Allow room for expansion in the tank.
- Never use detergents to deal with spills – it may disperse the fuel or oil and save you embarrassment, but they can be more toxic to aquatic life than the oil itself.
- Avoid using oil and fuel on the pontoons, other than on those dedicated to refueling. Off the boat, the Government recommends a distance of at least 10m from the water.
- A drip tray under the engine is a requirement on many waterways. If it starts getting oily, find and mend the leak!
Useful information
The Oil Bank Line will give you your nearest oil disposal centre: www.oilbankline.org.uk
The Environment Agency website has lots of facts about oil and the environment: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/oilcare
If you see a pollution incident, report it through the Environment Agency’s 24 hour a day pollution hotline – 0800 80 70 60
Downlaod the boat Safety Scheme guide to Pollution Reduction from www.boatsafetyscheme.com
