A fuel station has a small footprint but is environmentally sensitive: underground tanks, fuel delivered and dispensed every day, a location often close to residential areas and main roads, and associated services such as oil changes and car washes. The environmental permit for a fuel station therefore covers both construction and operation, alongside the requirements of the Ministry of Energy and the other authorities on the Permanent Executive Committee for Service Centers and Fuel Stations, which includes the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).

What makes fuel stations environmentally sensitive?

  • Leaks from tanks and pipes into soil and groundwater, which may go undetected for years.
  • Spills during tanker unloading and vehicle filling.
  • Fuel vapors in the filling area.
  • Associated waste at stations with oil change or wash services.
  • Proximity to sensitive receptors such as homes, schools and hospitals, a classification criterion in the regulation.

The construction stage

The Environmental Permits Regulation requires an environmental construction permit before any construction work, starting with the classification form. Environmental approval requirements listed by the Saudi Business Center include a declaration of no degraded or contaminated sites and a rehabilitation plan prepared by a licensed provider. A site within, or 500 meters or less from, sensitive receptors or areas needs a detailed EIA.

The operating stage

After construction, the operating permit is required, and the operator must meet its conditions and submit self-monitoring reports. Adding a new activity, such as a car wash, oil change shop or more tanks, changes the activity and needs a new operating permit before it happens.

Soil and waste: explicit obligations

  • The Soil Pollution Regulation requires appropriate measures to prevent contamination and up-to-date records of them, and prohibits failing to notify NCEC immediately when soil contamination is detected.
  • Oils, filters and fuel-contaminated materials are hazardous waste handed to a carrier licensed by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) with a transport document.
  • If contamination occurs, a contaminated site remediation plan is prepared under the Rehabilitation Regulation, and the polluter bears the costs under the polluter-pays principle.

Common findings at fuel stations

  • Operating after the permit has expired.
  • No record of tank inspection or leak detection.
  • No spill containment materials or equipment on site.
  • Services added without amending the permit.
  • No documents for handing oil and waste to a licensed carrier.
  • Fuel-contaminated stormwater and wash water discharged without an oil separator.

Closing or relocating the station

The regulation covers closure as a stage of the activity, and NCEC may include closure controls in the operating permit conditions. For fuel stations, closure requires emptying and cleaning tanks, checking soil condition and rehabilitating the site where needed.

Guides for fuel stations

How Abak Green helps fuel stations

We manage your station's environmental permit for construction, operation or expansion, prepare the environmental management plan and tank and waste records, handle inspection findings, and prepare the site rehabilitation plan at closure. Contact us about your station.