If you run a scrap yard, garage, vehicle dismantling site or transport depot, there's a good chance oil and fuel end up in the water that drains off your yard. An oil separator tank stops those contaminants reaching the drainage system.
This guide explains what oil separators do, which businesses need to think about them, and what an installation involves.
What does an oil separator do?
An oil separator tank sits in a site's drainage system and separates oil, fuel and other contaminants from surface water before it leaves the site. This helps prevent pollution and helps businesses meet their environmental responsibilities and relevant drainage regulations.
Which businesses need to think about oil separators?
Any site where oil or fuel could get into surface water drainage should consider one, including:
- Scrap metal yards
- Vehicle dismantling sites
- Garages and workshops
- Transport depots
- Industrial units
- Commercial premises with vehicle parking or fuel storage
The type and size of separator a site needs depends on things like the area being drained and what is stored or handled there. It's usually specified by a drainage designer or the separator manufacturer. If you're unsure what applies to your site, the Environment Agency publishes guidance for businesses.
What does installation involve?
We recently completed a project for a local scrap metal company in Essex. The job involved:
- Excavation and ground preparation
- Oil separator tank installation
- Drainage connections
- Concrete base preparation and installation, including steel reinforcement
Doing the groundworks, tank installation and concrete base with one contractor keeps the job simple and avoids delays between trades.
Why the groundworks matter
An oil separator is only as good as the way it's installed. Accurate excavation, a properly prepared base and correct drainage falls all matter. So does the concrete slab on top, which needs to stand up to heavy vehicles and machinery day after day.
Need an oil separator installed?
From excavation and drainage works to concrete bases and commercial site preparation, we provide reliable groundwork services for local businesses across Essex and Suffolk. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation.
