The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on February 07, 2025, issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Petrol Depots.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It shall be applicable for Petrol Depots (other than Petro Pumps / Retail Outlets) having facilities for storing, handling, distribution, transporting, loading, or unloading of petrol and that are liable to take approval/license from the Chief Controller of Explosives for storage of petrol.
• It states that petrol depots shall obtain prior environmental permits, and insurance, conduct baseline monitoring, report incidents, and conduct regular groundwater monitoring as per environmental regulations.
• It states that petrol depots shall install hydrocarbon sensors along with an alarm system at the leakage-prone locations to detect any leakage at the earliest.
• It states that petrol depots may install spill prevention equipment that will prevent release of product to the environment when the transfer hose is detached from the fill pipe.
• It states that the Interstitial monitoring system having hydrocarbon sensors and alarming system shall be installed between the petrol storage tanks and secondary containment barrier to detect any leakage.
• It states that in case of decommissioning petrol storage tanks, petrol depots shall obtain permission, dispose of petrol and flammable vapors safely, manage hazardous waste appropriately, and conduct environmental investigations, informing relevant authorities.
