Petrol forecourt interceptor emergency

A petrol forecourt interceptor emergency is the urgent attendance of a vacuum tanker to empty a saturated forecourt interceptor (class 1 full retention type compliant with BS EN 858). Common during heavy rainfall events that wash forecourt contaminants into the interceptor at high volume, or following major spillage incidents. Across Greater London, forecourt interceptor emergencies are typically attended by specialist tanker operators within 90 to 180 minutes depending on traffic and demand. Before the tanker arrives, site staff should cordon off the affected area, deploy spill absorbents, identify the cause, and notify the brand or operator. The service includes tanker emptying, interceptor inspection, oil and water phase separation testing, and a written environmental permit compliance report. Operators must report significant pollution events to the Environment Agency. Failure to maintain interceptors leads to prosecution risk.