Many commercial and industrial sites contain a range of substances such as solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, fuels and lubricants used in their day-to-day operations.  The use and storage of heating oil is also a relatively common occurrence in domestic settings. These substances are potentially hazardous to the environment, property and human health and unfortunately can be spilled and lost into the environment due to accidents, faults, attempted thefts or vandalism.

Incidents can result in impacts to the soil and groundwater environment, as well as risking regulatory action under the Environmental Damage Regulations or due to a breach in permit conditions.