If you store fuel oil on agricultural land in the UK, the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations 2010 are not optional reading — they are the law. Enforced by the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in Wales, SSAFO places strict obligations on farmers and landowners regarding the storage of agricultural fuel oil. Failure to comply can result in remediation notices, prosecution, and significant civil liability if a spillage reaches a watercourse.
This guide cuts through the technical language and tells you exactly what SSAFO requires, what triggers compliance obligations, and what exemptions apply.
What Is SSAFO 2010?
The SSAFO Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/639) replace and update the earlier 1991 regulations. They set minimum construction and siting standards for silage, slurry, and agricultural fuel oil storage. For fuel oil specifically, the regulations govern the design, construction, and maintenance of tanks and associated infrastructure used to store heating oil, red diesel, and similar fuels on farms and agricultural holdings.
When Does SSAFO Apply to Fuel Storage?
SSAFO applies to any storage of fuel oil exceeding 1,500 litres on agricultural land. If your total fuel oil storage capacity is below this threshold using portable containers, SSAFO does not apply — though you still have duties under the Environmental Permitting Regulations and common law not to cause pollution.
Once you exceed 1,500 litres, secondary containment (bunding) becomes a legal requirement. This applies to above-ground fuel oil tanks, including those used for agricultural vehicles, heating systems, and on-farm machinery.
Bunding Requirements Under SSAFO
The bund must meet the following standards:
- Capacity: The bund must hold at least 110% of the tank's maximum capacity. This means if your tank holds 10,000 litres, the bund must contain at least 11,000 litres.
- Construction: Must be constructed of impermeable concrete or steel. Earthen bunds are not acceptable.
- No drain valves: Any drain valve fitted to the bund must be locked shut when not in use, with the key held by a responsible person.
- No penetrations: Pipework passing through the bund wall must be sealed to maintain impermeability.
- Siting: Tanks must be sited to prevent runoff reaching any watercourse, drain, or groundwater.
SSAFO Thresholds and Requirements at a Glance
| Storage Volume | SSAFO Applies? | Bund Required? | Bund Capacity | Construction Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 L (portable containers) | No | No (EA best practice recommended) | N/A | N/A |
| 1,500 L – 10,000 L | Yes | Yes | 110% of tank capacity | Concrete or steel, impermeable |
| Over 10,000 L | Yes | Yes | 110% of tank capacity | Concrete or steel, impermeable, locked drain |
| Any volume — existing pre-1991 installation | Yes (if modified) | Yes (on modification) | 110% of tank capacity | Must be upgraded to current standard |
EA Enforcement Powers
The Environment Agency has strong enforcement powers under SSAFO and the Water Resources Act 1991. Where a farm fuel installation does not meet the required standard, the EA can:
- Serve a remediation notice requiring upgrades within a specified timescale
- Carry out the works themselves and charge the costs back to the farmer
- Prosecute for causing or knowingly permitting water pollution under WRA s.85
- Issue civil sanctions including enforcement undertakings
EA inspections of agricultural fuel storage are triggered by complaints, pollution incidents, or routine farm visits. Inspectors will check tank condition, bund integrity, and whether drain valves are locked.
What Counts as a Fuel Oil Under SSAFO?
SSAFO covers "fuel oil" used in agricultural operations. This includes gas oil (red diesel), kerosene (heating oil), and diesel for agricultural machinery. It does not cover petrol, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or biofuels regulated under separate legislation.
New Installations and Changes
Any new installation or substantial change to an existing fuel oil storage system on agricultural land must meet SSAFO 2010 standards from the outset. You must notify the EA at least 14 days before construction begins for any installation exceeding 200 cubic metres of storage capacity.
Key Takeaways for UK Farmers
SSAFO is not a tick-box exercise — it exists because agricultural fuel spills are one of the most common causes of serious water pollution incidents in rural England and Wales. A single tank failure on a farm can devastate local watercourses, trigger EA prosecution, and result in six-figure clean-up costs.
If your farm stores more than 1,500 litres of fuel oil, audit your bunding now. Check capacity, check construction, check drain valves, and document everything.
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