Petroleum Enforcement Authority: What do they do?

Summary

The Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA) is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing compliance with legislation and regulations governing the safe storage, handling, and transportation of petroleum products.

What is the Petroleum Enforcement Authority?

The Petroleum Enforcement Authority plays an important role in ensuring the safe and responsible management of petroleum products, contributing to the prevention of environmental pollution, protection of public safety, and maintenance of regulatory compliance.

The primary role of the Petroleum Enforcement Authority is to uphold the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 and other relevant legislation related to petroleum storage and transportation. This includes issuing petroleum storage licences to premises storing high quantities of petroleum, conducting inspections to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and taking action against non-compliant operators.

PEAs play a key role in safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and reducing the risks related to petroleum storage and handling. They work closely with businesses, industries, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of regulatory requirements and provide guidance on best practices for petroleum storage and transportation.

PEAs have the authority to conduct inspections, give enforcement notices, charge penalties for non-compliance, and take legal action against violators of petroleum regulations. They may also provide advice and assistance to operators wanting to improve their compliance with regulatory requirements.

Example of the Petroleum Enforcement Authority in practice

The Petroleum Enforcement Authority, represented by the local council’s environmental department, conducts a surprise inspection at a petrol station to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

During the inspection, they check the integrity of storage tanks, verify the presence of spill containment measures, and review documentation related to maintenance and safety procedures.

If any violations are found, the PEA issues corrective actions and follows up to ensure compliance, thereby safeguarding against potential environmental risks and promoting public safety.