...Use oil and fuels

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.

   

Pointers

• 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.

   

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