Editor’s Report The fact I am penning my usual rant it seems to me that it has come around quickly this time with the half year fast approaching. To put every issue together depends on submissions received and much of my time is spent seeking out news or technical items that are of importance to the membership so we can all learn, occasionally through the misfortune of others. One thing I can say is that after several attempts, I have not managed to secure an article on the infamous “Morrison’s” fire in Livingstone, Scotland that occurred towards the end of 2008 despite numerous requests. It seems odd that in an industry quite insular, but priding itself in its ability to share issues with everyone, as well as its activities and sense of achievement, irrespective of good or bad news, has not been forthcoming on this occasion. Maybe I can shame someone into writing an article about this fire as I suspect there are genuine lessons that can be learned, judging by the video footage dramatically shown on the internet showing a large column of black smoke issuing from the forecourt - but there is one big question that the industry should ask itself – What if that particular supermarket operator had operated an Unattended Self Service Site? The quick thinking of staff and contractors alike who were on site, ensured that the emergency services had been summoned and that an evacuation took place so there were no injuries reported. The issue of unattended self service sites in their own right has instigated a national inspection campaign that has recently taken place with disturbing findings of non- compliance, failings in risk assessments and numerous prohibition notices being served. Is it
Letters to the Editor FAO Brian Baker Dear Sir I don't know if you will remember me . I'm the PO for Bristol, and we met at one of the APEA courses a year or so ago.
time for a re-think on how these sites are controlled? I hope to obtain a factual article for a future issue of this Journal but needless to say the findings of many Petroleum Licensing Authorities will probably be discussed at the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) that may result in further guidance being published. Talking of published results, the final outcome of the Buncefield Investigation has stated that Total were found responsible for the series of explosions that occurred in December 2005 and claims of £750 million have been recorded. This might be one of the largest fines ever in the UK and a strong reminder to us all in exercising diligence in what we do. The same can be said of BP in terms of a leak from a former service station in Luton back in December 2001 as a local newspaper recently reported (The Luton News April 15 2009) a leaking underground storage tank lost nearly 40,000 litres of unleaded grade that was just 230 metres away from a main water abstraction plant serving the town of over 100, 000 people, despite a substantial fine in 2002 there has been little activity in the continued clear up that now enters its eighth year. It is alleged that BP are pumping 250,000 litres of water a day out of the ground to prevent the fuel spreading further and to ensure that the fuel does not reach the water table. The local authority is now starting to demand further action as frustrations mount. Now looking ahead, we have our Annual Conference in October, as we finalise our proceedings and with the speaker line up nearly complete it includes what may turn out to be a controversial day with the present UK Government showing increasing support for the electrification of vehicles, it makes me ponder the thought – will filling stations be a thing of the past? It is conceivable that you could fill up (charge) your own electrical
I thought I'd feed back my appreciation for your artcle re M & M Mart garage in the recent bulletin. Since starting here I tried to dig out the story, but was unable to find the detail I wanted ( I wanted to use it to show Councillors the importance of the role). Most of my colleagues, who mostly
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supply from your own home and its cost added to the domestic electricity bill making the “motorist” self sufficient. I do not think that is a million miles away from reality. What do you say about it? Ever more reason to come along to the APEA Conference 2009. Personally I have had a couple of trips to Northern Ireland lately and have to say I really like the place with some fine countryside and hospitality given by my hosts. The supermarkets are having a substantial effect on the petrol station market there and already one independent retailer has gone for unattended self service provision as evidenced by the front cover of this issue. That said there are signs of serious investment and a lot of building work can be seen though in more recent months, the local economy has slowed to pretty much across Europe and for that matter, globally. There is glorious sunshine outside at the moment and it is an ideal time to get my potatoes in the ground, pot some fuchsia’s and generally relax in the garden. What a lovely time of year! Until next time Brian
grew up in Bristol, were unaware of it, so I passed it on to them with a note. Regards Nick Evans Senior Trading Standards Officer/ Petroleum Licensing Officer Bristol 7
