scope:

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

In the UK Oil is one of the most commonly reported types of water pollution and causes nearly a quarter of all pollution incidents. Adequate measures must be taken to prevent the risk of pollution of Surface Waters, groundwater, sewers and drains by Oil.

National Grid is committed comply with all relevant environmental laws. See National Grid Environment Policy for information.

This technical specification is applicable to containment of Oil at new and existing (i.e. retrofit) electricity substations and other relevant operational sites. It shall also apply, as appropriate and via agreement, to third party assets installed on National Grid owned land.

The Environment Agency for England and Natural Resources Wales are responsible for protecting Controlled Waters from pollution. This responsibility extends to the prevention of pollution of the environment, harm to human health and detriment to local amenity by waste management activities.

It is an offence to pollute Controlled Waters either deliberately or accidentally and the formal consent of the appropriate Agency is often required for discharges to such waters, whether these are direct or via soakaways. This specification defines the mandatory prescriptive and functional requirements by which National Grid shall ensure compliance with its legal obligations. Installations not specifically covered by this document shall, as a minimum, comply with current legislation and the relevant Agency guidelines, specifically those included in the References Section 13.