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Storing diesel on-site can transform uptime for farms, transport depots and workshops — but getting approvals and compliance right is non-negotiable. As a leading Australian supplier of self-bunded diesel tanks, poly tanks, pumps, hose reels and spill solutions, AFLO helps customers navigate council and EPA requirements every week. Here’s what to know before you install.

Why approvals matter (and how AFLO helps)

Above-ground diesel storage involves Class C1 combustible liquids. Regulators require controls to:

• Protect the environment (prevent soil/groundwater contamination)

• Reduce fire risk (safe setbacks from buildings and ignition sources)

• Ensure safe refuelling access and emergency response

• Demonstrate compliance with Australian Standards (AS 1940, AS 1692, AS/NZS 4766)

AFLO advantage: We supply Standards-compliant tanks and provide the specification sheets, bunding details and layouts that councils and EPAs typically request.

Do I need council approval?

It depends on capacity, permanence and zoning. Many councils require development approval when one or more apply:

• Capacity typically above ~5,000 L (thresholds vary by LGA)

• Permanent/static installations with civil works (e.g., slab, fixed bunds)

• Locations near residential/sensitive uses or waterways

• New builds where fuel storage is part of a broader development

What councils review

• Site plan with setbacks and tanker access

• Secondary containment (110% of the largest tank)

• Fire safety and emergency egress

• Visual impact and signage

AFLO tip: Contact your council’s planning/environment team early. We can supply tank drawings, weights, footprints, pump kit specs and bund calculations to include with your application.

Do I need to notify or get approval from the EPA?

State EPAs focus on environmental protection. You may need registration, notification or approval if:

• You’re installing bulk storage or multiple tanks

• The site is environmentally sensitive (near waterways/wetlands)

• You store other dangerous goods on site

• Your setup doesn’t meet AS 1940 (e.g., single-skin tank without adequate bund)

AFLO tip: Even when a formal EPA approval isn’t needed, documentation of compliance (Standards, bund capacity, spill response) is essential for audits and insurance.

Australian Standards you must meet

• AS 1940 – Storage & Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Setbacks, ventilation, bunding = 110%, spill control, inspections
• AS 1692 – Steel tanks for flammable/combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 4766 – Polyethylene storage tanks (rotomoulded)
• (Where applicable) ADR/transport and electrical standards for pumps
• Self-bunded vs single-skin
• Self-bunded tanks (double-wall): built-in secondary containment; usually the simplest path to compliance and approvals
• Single-skin tanks: require a separate compliant bund (civil works, higher approval friction)

Practical compliance checklist 

Use this list when lodging council/EPA paperwork or internal risk reviews:

1. Tank certification – Steel to AS 1692 or Poly to AS/NZS 4766 (AFLO supplies CoC/technical data sheets)

2. Secondary containment – Self-bunded tank or external bund ≥110% capacity (bund drawings/calcs)

3. Site plan & setbacks – Distances per AS 1940; safe tanker access; no ignition sources in zone

4. Spill management – Spill kits, isolation valves, drainage control; maintenance schedule

5. Fire safety & signage – Extinguishers, DG placards, emergency instructions

6. Inspection & records – Periodic checks logged; water removal from bund; filter changes

AFLO can bundle tanks with pumps, meters, filtration, hose reels, overfill prevention and telemetry so your submission shows a complete, controlled system.

Typical approval pathways by tank type

How AFLO streamlines approvals

• Pre-approved spec packs: datasheets, drawings, weights, lifting points, bund volumes
• System design: pump selection (12 V/24 V/240 V), flow rates, meters, water-blocking filters
• Compliance kits: spill kits, signage, overfill/anti-siphon, lockable cabinets
• Aftercare: maintenance schedules, filter programs, replacement parts

FAQs 

Do I always need council approval?
Not always. Smaller, transportable tanks may only require notification and conformance with AS 1940, but thresholds vary by council. Confirm locally and document compliance.

Is EPA approval mandatory?
Often notification/registration rather than full approval — but sensitive sites and bulk storage can trigger approvals. Check your state EPA.

What bund size do I need?
Minimum 110% of the largest tank. Self-bunded tanks satisfy this by design.

Single-skin or self-bunded — which is easier to approve?
Self-bunded. Less civil work, simpler compliance narrative.

Can AFLO provide the documents I need?
Yes. We provide Standards-compliant specs, drawings and bund data that support council/EPA submissions.