Prevent groundwater pollution from solvents
Summary
The Environment Agency has issued guidance on preventing groundwater pollution from solvent use and storage. It stresses that solvents can contaminate groundwater even in small quantities and outlines the need for environmental management systems, risk assessments, secure storage and appropriate leak detection.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter solvent storage and use in commercial, industrial or mixed-use premises, particularly when assessing environmental risk and site compliance. The guidance also highlights legal exposure where solvent handling could lead to pollution or enforcement action.
Key points
- Solvent discharges to groundwater or disposal on land without a permit can be a criminal offence.
- The guidance links compliance to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
- Facilities should use an environmental management system and keep staff training records up to date.
- Risk assessments should inform storage design, operational controls and leak detection measures.
- Underground tanks are discouraged because they present a higher groundwater pollution risk.
Organisations:
Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales
Regulations:
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, BS 8555
Locations:
England, Wales
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