This SOP shall be applicable for Petrol Depots (other than Petrol Pumps / Retail Outlets) having facilities for storing, handling, distribution, transportation, loading or unloading of petrol and that are liable to take approval / license from the Chief Controller of Explosives for storage of petrol. 

 Here’s a summary of the key points:

1. General Compliance

• • Obtain necessary consents from pollution control authorities before establishing and operating the depot. 

• • Insurance policies under the Public Liability Insurance Act must be in place. 

• • Baseline environmental monitoring data on air, soil, and groundwater must be collected and submitted to authorities. 

• • Report any major spillage or leakage within 24 hours to the relevant authorities. 

• • Conduct groundwater monitoring and analysis annually. 

• • Soil sampling near tanks for contamination analysis should occur. 

• • Annual air, water, and soil quality monitoring reports must be submitted to the SPCB/PCC. 

• • Provide proper effluent treatment facilities and manage hazardous waste. 

• • Install Vapor Recovery Systems as per regulations.

 2. Prevention of Leakage

• • Implement measures to reduce fugitive emissions and comply with equipment leak standards. 

• • Install leak detection systems and spill prevention equipment. 

• • Ensure proper tank separation, and secondary containment to prevent leakage. 

• • Secondary containment should be checked regularly and must be able to contain any leakage effectively.

3. Secondary Containment

• • Implement systems to prevent the leakage of stored petrol, such as double-walled tanks or concrete enclosures. Ensure leakage is detected and prevented from escaping into the environment. 

4. Monitoring

• • Intervening Monitoring: Install systems to detect leaks between tanks and containment barriers. 

• • Vapor Monitoring Wells: In cases where interstitial monitoring is not possible, install vapour monitoring wells. 

• • Leak Detection Systems: Use automation for tank gauging and manual checks for accuracy. 

• • Action After Leakage: Report any contamination to authorities, remove petrol from leaking tanks, and take corrective measures.

5. Prevention of Accidents

• • Comply with hazardous chemical storage rules and carry out safety audits. 

• • Obtain necessary fire department no-objection certificates and follow guidelines for risk management. 

• • In case of accidents, notify authorities and implement emergency plans.

6. Location and Siting of Petrol Depots

• • Ensure depots are located away from residential, industrial, and commercial areas (minimum 250-300 meters buffer zone). 

• • Avoid siting near water bodies, with at least a 100-meter distance from rivers, lakes, etc. 

7. Decommissioning of Tanks

• • When dismantling tanks, remove petrol, residual vapors, and hazardous waste. 

• • Obtain permission from authorities before decommissioning. 

• • Investigate and report potential environmental contamination before dismantling. 

This SOP ensures environmental safety, leak prevention, regulatory compliance, and accident preparedness in the operation and decommissioning of petrol depots.