Bund Testing

In order to comply fully with the requirements of the Water Pollution Act 1997, 1990 it is imperative that bund testing is carried out on a regular basis.

A bund is defined as a secondary containment facility designed to prevent leaking contents from contaminating the environment.

A bund must be structurally strong enough to withhold the pressures exerted if it had to contain the full contents of the primary tank plus a factor of 10% volume (initially designated volume factor to recognise the presence of rainfall in external bunded areas). A bund must also be impervious to the liquid stored in the tank and to water, as this is the test medium used.

The standard protocols that apply to bund tests:

• Bunds should be tested at least every three years. However, it is recommended to test more frequently in certain cases such as highly sensitive environmental areas.
• The testing period is gauged when bunds are filled to the minimum capacity and monitored for loss after a 6 hour, 24 hour or 5 day test period.
• The bund must be constructed of a compatible material capable of containing the liquid being stored. A common error found in the industry is storing corrosive liquids in a steel bund which is highly likely to corrode and leak over time

Bulk tanks for storing fuel, oil and chemicals often pose the greatest spillage risk on site. The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 requires sound tanks and bunding of 110% of the capacity of the bulk tank to contain a spill should it occur.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Pollution Guideline PPG2 recommends that bulk storage tanks should consist of:

• Reinforced Concrete Construction
• Base and walls impermeable to water and oil
• Any fill or draw off pipe should be located within the bund or, if not, adequately protected by secondary containment

Our Bund Repair & Testing service involves:

• Visual inspection of bund
• Hydro Static bund test in accordance with legislation
• Bund Fault Report, if necessary
• Bund repairs
• Full certificate of bund

Common Problems with Bunds:

• Damaged Wall
• Pipe existing through bund wall
• Oil penetration through wall
• Plant life in bund

Contact our certified engineers today for full information on the Chemstore bund testing service.