Essex firms could face court action if they fail to clean up their act as new green rules begin to bite.
Regulations governing the storage of fuel oil could affaect companies across the board. Main risks come from poil powered heating systems, diesel bulk fuel tanks and on-site generators and owners are responsible for any spillage.
East Anglian firms have already ended up in court after being prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
One had to pay fines and costs of £30,000 after oil leaked from a corroded pipe into a river killling two swans. And a meat wholesaler was fined £8,000 after unsecured tank was vandalised and diesel leaked into a nearaby river.
Energy specialist Paul Blacklock said: "Businesses in the eastern region really need to carry out a full risk assessment if they're storing oil on site or using oil power equipment and they should also investigatae readily available alternatives."
Published Thursday July 1, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article