Kerosene oil loss during delivery

We were called to a commercial site in County Down to examine a loss of oil.

Early indications showed that an oil delivery gun had broken and was leaking into a concrete bund surrounding the oil tank. Oil smells and oil staining were identified in the property, so it needed resolving quickly.

We immediately installed a vapour extraction unit (VEU) to remove the vapours within the property. Following this, air monitoring was conducted, which showed that vapour levels had reduced significantly, and people were able to enter the property again.

We then started a full investigation, which consisted of trial pitting, drilling of boreholes, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, and sampling of groundwater. The completed investigation identified sandy soils within the surrounding area of the oil tank and along the foundation blockwork of the building, which were heavily impacted by kerosene.

We were then able to undertake remedial works on site, checking the soil and removing all necessary waste. Further activity took place on the impacted groundwater, and neat kerosene was removed and treated via a three-stage oil-water separator. Treatment of the impacted foundation blockwork of the main building structure was also undertaken to remove oil contamination from this area.

More air monitoring and internal air sampling was implemented, which confirmed vapours had reduced.

During this project, we removed and disposed of 49 tonnes of kerosene-contaminated soils from the impacted ground surrounding the original tank location. The remaining groundwater wells were monitored for approximately one year following completion of all remedial works and decommissioning of the groundwater pump and treatment system.

Kerosene was not detected in any of the groundwater samples analysed during the final round of groundwater monitoring. At the request of the property owner, the site was then partially reinstated, the oil-fired heating system was decommissioned, and a new gas fired heating system was installed.