PROXIMITY OF PETROL STATIONS TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS

PROXIMITY OF PETROL STATIONS TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS

4.

Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the potential health hazards posed by the proximity of petrol/gas stations to residential areas; and (b) whether there is a minimum safety distance for the siting of these stations to inhabited areas.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: URA plans the location of petrol stations in consultation with the relevant technical agencies such as SCDF, NEA and LTA.

NEA imposes requirements to ensure that petrol stations do not cause pollution or nuisance to the surrounding residential premises. For instance, the stations are required to install vapour recovery systems to minimise smell nuisance from fumes.

Another key potential safety issue posed by petrol stations is fire. While SCDF has guidelines for petrol stations to be sited at a minimum distance of 50 m and 90 m from residences and places of public assembly respectively in the Fire Code, these distance guidelines cannot be strictly met in all instances given the challenges posed by our urban density and site constraints. However, the SCDF also imposes other safety requirements as part of the planning process. For instance, the SCDF requires all petrol stations to apply for a licence to store or keep petroleum. SCDF requires that all petroleum tanks be installed underground in well-protected enclosed concrete or brick chambers. Access to the tanks is also required to be secured and monitored closely. Co-location of petrol stations together with other commercial or residential buildings is also strictly prohibited. These fire safety requirements help to prevent fire hazards to nearby residences.

As part of the planning process before a petrol station site is approved, the relevant agencies will carry out the necessary technical assessment to ensure that all health and safety requirements are complied with. Operating petrol stations are also subject to annual inspections by these agencies to ensure continued compliance.