70% of NI businesses fail to comply with new fuel storage regulations that are due to come into force on 31 December 2015, according to Kingspan Titan.

From that date business owners must ensure any fuel at their premises is stored in a bounded - or double skinned - tank or else the owners will face fines of up to £20,000 or even imprisonment.

The regulations will apply to ground oil storage facilities of 200 litres or more on industrial and commercial sites including shops, churches and hairdressers to manufacturing plants and offices.

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Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental, said: "The cost of oil spillages to both business and the environment can be heavy and the government has taken action to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. It is imperative business owners are made aware of this regulatory change and the consequences of non-compliance. Business owners are also often unaware that they will be responsible for the cost of any clean up required due to an oil spill on their premises, costing many thousands."

(CD/MH)