Network Standard

Document No : NW000-S0034
Amendment No : 3
NETWORK Approved By : Head of AEP&S
Approval Date : 03/11/2017
Review Date : 03/11/2020

NW000-S0034 NS189 OIL CONTAINMENT FOR MAJOR SUBSTATIONS

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 NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

ISSUE

For issue to all Ausgrid and Accredited Service Providers’ staff involved with the design of oil containment systems at major
substations, and is for reference by field, technical and engineering staff.

Ausgrid maintains a copy of this and other Network Standards together with updates and amendments on www.ausgrid.com.au.

Where this standard is issued as a controlled document replacing an earlier edition, remove and destroy the superseded document

DISCLAIMER

As Ausgrid’s standards are subject to ongoing review, the information contained in this document may be amended by Ausgrid at
any time. It is possible that conflict may exist between standard documents. In this event, the most recent standard shall prevail.

This document has been developed using information available from field and other sources and is suitable for most situations
encountered in Ausgrid. Particular conditions, projects or localities may require special or different practices. It is the responsibility
of the local manager, supervisor, assured quality contractor and the individuals involved to make sure that a safe system of work is
employed and that statutory requirements are met.

Ausgrid disclaims any and all liability to any person or persons for any procedure, process or any other thing done or not done, as a
result of this Standard.

All design work, and the associated supply of materials and equipment, must be undertaken in accordance with and consideration
of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, latest revision of Ausgrid’s Network Standards and specifications and Australian
Standards. Designs submitted shall be declared as fit for purpose. Where the designer wishes to include a variation to a network
standard or an alternative material or equipment to that currently approved the designer must obtain authorisation from the Network
Standard owner before incorporating a variation to a Network Standard in a design.

External designers including those authorised as Accredited Service Providers will seek approval through the approved process as
outlined in NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations. Seeking approval will ensure Network
Standards are appropriately updated and that a consistent interpretation of the legislative framework is employed.

Notes: 1. Compliance with this Network Standard does not automatically satisfy the requirements of a Designer Safety Report. The
designer must comply with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW - Part 6.2 Duties of designer
of structure and person who commissions construction work) which requires the designer to provide a written safety report to the
person who commissioned the design. This report must be provided to Ausgrid in all instances, including where the design was
commissioned by or on behalf of a person who proposes to connect premises to Ausgrid’s network, and will form part of the
Designer Safety Report which must also be presented to Ausgrid. Further information is provided in Network Standard (NS) 212
Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets.

2. Where the procedural requirements of this document conflict with contestable project procedures, the contestable project
procedures shall take precedent for the whole project or part thereof which is classified as contestable. Any external contact with
Ausgrid for contestable works projects is to be made via the Ausgrid officer responsible for facilitating the contestable project. The
Contestable Ausgrid officer will liaise with Ausgrid internal departments and specialists as necessary to fulfil the requirements of this
standard. All other technical aspects of this document which are not procedural in nature shall apply to contestable works projects.

INTERPRETATION

In the event that any user of this Standard considers that any of its provisions is uncertain, ambiguous or otherwise in need of
interpretation, the user should request Ausgrid to clarify the provision. Ausgrid’s interpretation shall then apply as though it was
included in the Standard, and is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into with any person disputing the meaning of
the provision published in the Standard or the accuracy of Ausgrid’s interpretation.

KEYPOINTS

This standard has a summary of content labelled “KEYPOINTS FOR THIS STANDARD”. The inclusion or omission of items in this
summary does not signify any specific importance or criticality to the items described. It is meant to simply provide the reader with a
quick assessment of some of the major issues addressed by the standard. To fully appreciate the content and the requirements of
the standard it must be read in its entirety.

AMENDMENTS TO THIS STANDARD

Where there are changes to this standard from the previously approved version, any previous shading is removed and the newly
affected paragraphs are shaded with a grey background. Where the document changes exceed 25% of the document content, any
grey background in the document is to be removed and the following words should be shown below the title block on the right hand
side of the page in bold and italic, for example, Supersedes – document details (for example, “Supersedes Document Type
(Category) Document No. Amendment No.”).

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 KEY POINTS OF THIS STANDARD

Design Principles, Site and Typical Layouts, Bunding and

Scope and Risks Addressed Fire Fighting & Clean up
Regulatory Requirements Drainage

This standard details general design This section lists the basic design assumptions Specific design requirements are addressed as Specific design requirements are addressed
requirements for oil containment for major and principles used to design oil containment listed: as listed:
substations with the limitations as listed below systems within Ausgrid:
and the associated risks as indicated:  Typical oil containment layouts given for  For CBD and other major indoor
 Basic design assumptions listed in Cl. 6.1 CBD and suburban major substations substations fire-fighting water
 Applies to new and existing major  New and existing systems reviewed in Cl.  Bunding areas designed to minimise entry containment capacity shall be made for
substations with primary voltages of 6.2 of clean stormwater up to 90 minutes of expelled fire-fighting
33kV, 66kV and 132kV.  For existing major substations, all areas  Bunding designed to prevent burning fuel water
 Controls apply to both normal operations with any oil-filled equipment containing spreading fire to adjoining equipment.  For both non-rural and rural sites, the
and during emergency situations more than 1000 litres of oil will require oil  Spray screens may be required if bund minimum containment storage for non-
 Maintenance and operation of oil containment facilities unable to contain spray discharge. fixed firefighting is 20 minutes of one
containment facilities is specified  For equipment less than 1000 litres or in  Transformer roadways may have bunding hose with foam at 4 l/s
separately in NS190 Oil Containment areas designated low risk containment requirements  The required minimum storage can be
Operational Requirements for Major may not be necessary.  Bunding design requirements identified inclusive of volume available in bunded
Substations  For new substation sites all oil-filled  Secondary containment requirements areas plus any secondary storage or
 Consideration given to different types of equipment will be bunded unless indicated determined by Ausgrid risk management overflow areas.
oil containment plant for various otherwise. assessment.  Burn down rates can be included in
situations found in major substations.  Due consideration to minimise  Oil spill kits to be available for every major calculations for provisions of storage
 All materials and equipment used in contamination of stormwater. substation where a full bund oil fire occurs.
construction of Ausgrid assets must be  Principles for addressing three main risks  Section 12 identifies requirements for oil  Capacitors have specific containment
asbestos free.  Selection criteria for oil containment water separators and oil containment provisions.
 Three main risks to be addressed: systems based on Life Cycle Cost. tanks  After an emergency, oil containment and
 Catastrophic failure causing  Criteria for preferred designs indicated for  Section 13 identifies requirements for containment tanks must be emptied and
prolonged fire greenfield sites. drainage and associated structures remediation work undertaken.
 Catastrophic failure large amounts  For brownfield retrofit sites the preferred including pits, pipework, flame traps,  Clean up should comply with
oil spreading off-site oil containment system is a closed valves, and pumps environmental guidelines and legislation
 Minimise oil pollution during normal drainage PPS system.  Requirements for decommissioning tanks
operation  Drainage design philosophy for closed are provided.
systems and gravity drainage reviewed.
 Some existing and temporary sites may
adopt an alternative approach.
 Designer Safety Report required.
 Site selection criteria to limit impact of oil
loss.
 Oil containment discharge to Stormwater
and Sewer may have Regulatory Where to for more information?
requirements Section 14, 15, 16, 17

Tools and Forms

Where to for more information? Where to for more information? Where to for more information?
Section 1, 2, 5, 7 Section 6, 7, 8, 9 Section 10, 11 12, 13 Annexures A, B, C and D

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

Network Standard
NS189
Oil Containment for Major Substations

Contents

1.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.0 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.0 RELATED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Ausgrid documents .................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Other standards and documents ................................................................................................ 8
3.4 Acts and regulations ................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Literature .................................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 9
5.0 ASBESTOS .......................................................................................................................................... 10
6.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 11
6.1 General..................................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Typical oil containment systems .............................................................................................. 12
7.0 OIL CONTAINMENT PRINCIPLES ..................................................................................................... 12
7.1 Where is oil containment required? ......................................................................................... 12
7.2 Selection criteria for oil containment systems .......................................................................... 14
7.3 Drainage design philosophy ..................................................................................................... 15
7.4 Existing or temporary major substations .................................................................................. 15
7.5 Structural and other design considerations ............................................................................. 15
7.6 Designer safety reports ............................................................................................................ 15
8.0 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA .............................................................................................................. 16
9.0 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 16
9.1 Sewer ....................................................................................................................................... 16
9.2 Stormwater ............................................................................................................................... 16
9.3 Local council requirements ...................................................................................................... 16
10.0 TYPICAL OIL CONTAINMENT LAYOUT FOR NEW SUBSTATIONS ............................................... 17
10.1 CBD major substation with high velocity water spray .............................................................. 17
10.2 Suburban major substation ...................................................................................................... 18
10.2.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 18
10.2.2 Closed drainage PPS system ...................................................................................... 18
10.2.3 Gravity drainage system with oil containment tank ...................................................... 19
11.0 OIL CONTAINMENT BUNDING .......................................................................................................... 20
11.1 General..................................................................................................................................... 20
11.2 Transformer bunding ................................................................................................................ 20
11.3 Spray screens .......................................................................................................................... 20
11.4 Transformer roadways ............................................................................................................. 20
11.5 Bunding design requirements .................................................................................................. 20
11.6 Secondary containment ........................................................................................................... 21

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

11.6.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 21

11.6.2 Secondary containment area requirements ................................................................. 21
11.6.3 Oil spill kits ................................................................................................................... 21
11.6.4 Secondary containment options ................................................................................... 21
12.0 OIL WATER SEPARATOR AND OIL CONTAINMENT TANKS .......................................................... 22
12.1 Parallel Plate Separator (PPS) ................................................................................................ 22
12.1.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 22
12.1.2 PPS system shut down ................................................................................................ 22
12.1.3 PPS system alarms ...................................................................................................... 22
12.1.4 Neat oil flow .................................................................................................................. 23
12.1.5 PPS design and installation ......................................................................................... 23
12.2 Enhanced Gravity Oil Water Separator (EGOWS) .................................................................. 23
12.2.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 23
12.2.2 Emergency operation of EGOWS ................................................................................ 23
12.3 Access to tanks ........................................................................................................................ 24
12.3.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 24
12.3.2 Bolt – down covers for hydraulic pressure ................................................................... 24
12.4 Inspection and hold points ....................................................................................................... 24
13.0 DRAINAGE AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES ............................................................................... 25
13.1 Pipework .................................................................................................................................. 25
13.1.1 Closed drainage PPS system ...................................................................................... 25
13.1.2 Gravity drainage with oil containment tank .................................................................. 25
13.1.3 Pre-commissioning tests and inspection ...................................................................... 26
13.1.4 Design .......................................................................................................................... 26
13.2 Pits and drainage channels ...................................................................................................... 26
13.2.1 Encasement and finish ................................................................................................. 26
13.2.2 Flame traps .................................................................................................................. 27
13.3 Valves....................................................................................................................................... 27
13.3.1 Closed drainage PPS systems ..................................................................................... 27
13.3.2 Gravity drainage systems ............................................................................................. 27
13.4 Pumps ...................................................................................................................................... 28
13.4.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 28
13.4.2 Pumps for Parallel Plate Separators ............................................................................ 28
13.5 Ventilation pipework ................................................................................................................. 28
13.6 Infiltration trenches ................................................................................................................... 28
14.0 FIRE FIGHTING WATER CONTAINMENT CAPACITY ...................................................................... 28
15.0 CAPACITORS ...................................................................................................................................... 29
15.1 General..................................................................................................................................... 29
15.2 Outdoor capacitor banks .......................................................................................................... 29
15.3 Capacitor banks and fire sprinklers .......................................................................................... 29
16.0 POST EMERGENCY CLEAN UP ........................................................................................................ 29
17.0 DECOMMISSIONING OF OIL CONTAINMENT TANKS .................................................................... 29
18.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................... 30
19.0 RECORDKEEPING ............................................................................................................................. 30
20.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL...................................................................................................................... 30
ANNEXURE A – SECONDARY CONTAINMENT OPTIONS.......................................................................... 31
A1 Greenfield and brownfield sites with PPS systems .................................................................. 31

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

A2 Greenfield sites with tanks (EGOWS) ...................................................................................... 32

A3 Brownfield sites with tanks (Single stage, three stage or other) .............................................. 33
ANNEXURE B – OIL SEPARATOR DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS 34
ANNEXURE C – OIL SEPARATOR INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS AND HOLD POINTS ........................ 43
ANNEXURE D – SAMPLE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST ................................................................................ 45

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

1.0 PURPOSE
Network Standard NS189 details the general requirements for oil containment for major
substations. The objective of this standard is to specify the design requirements for oil containment
on site during the day to day operation of major substations as well as in emergency situations.
This standard also aims to provide consistency of design and to minimise the spread of fire.

2.0 SCOPE
This Standard covers the design of oil containment systems for new and existing major substations
with primary voltages of 132, 66 and 33 kV.

This Standard also considers the different types of treatment plant for the various situations found
in major substations.

This Standard also defines the performance criteria of a containment system based on discussions
between the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Ausgrid.

Maintenance and operation of oil containment facilities is specified in NS190 Oil Containment
Operational Requirements for Major Substations.

This Standard does not include provisions for pole top transformers and capacitors, distribution and
customer substations, kiosks, regulators, tap changer auto transformer substations, reclosers or oil
filled cables and their associated pressure vessels.

3.0 RELATED DOCUMENTS

3.1 General
All work covered in this document shall conform to all relevant Legislation, Standards, Codes of
Practice and Network Standards. Current Network Standards are available on Ausgrid’s Internet
site at www.ausgrid.com.au.

3.2 Ausgrid documents

 Company Form (Governance) - Network Technical Document Endorsement and Approval
 Company Procedure (Governance) - Network Document Endorsement and Approval
 Company Procedure (Network) - Production / Review of Engineering Technical Documents
within BMS
 Division Workplace Instruction (Network) – Production /review of Network Standards
 Electrical Safety Rules
 Electricity Network Safety Management System Manual
 NS171 Firestopping in Substations.
 NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations
 NS187 Passive Fire Mitigation Design of Substations.
 NS190 Oil Containment Operational Requirements for Major Substations
 NS210 Documentation and Reference Design Guide for Major Substations
 NS211 Working with Asbestos Products
 NS212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets
 NS261 Requirement for Design Compliance Framework for Network Standards

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

3.3 Other standards and documents

 Australian Rainfall and Runoff; The Institution of Engineers, Australia.
 Austroads 92’ Bridge Design Code.
 AS 1170 Loading Code.
 AS 1646 Elastomeric seals for waterworks purposes.
 AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design construction and
Installation.
 AS 1940 The Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
 AS 2067 Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1kV a.c.
 AS 2865 Confined Spaces
 AS 3000 Electrical installations (known as Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
 AS 3500 National plumbing and drainage code – Stormwater drainage.
 AS 3600 Concrete structures.
 AS 3610 Formwork for concrete.
 AS 3735 Concrete structures retaining liquids.
 AS 4100 Steel structures
 ENA Doc 001-2008 National Electricity Network Safety Code

3.4 Acts and regulations

 Building Code of Australia.
 Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014 (NSW)
 Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014
 Protection of the Environment and Operations Act 1997
 Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Regulation 2011

3.5 Literature
 EMS 350: Environmental Management Strategy 350, Oil Filled Equipment.
 Fire Safety Study Guideline, Hazardous Industry Planning Advisory Paper No. 2, Department of
Planning NSW Fire Brigades.
 EG 100: Oil Handling and Spill Response Guideline.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

4.0 DEFINITIONS
Accredited Service An individual or entity accredited by the NSW Department of Industry, Division of
Provider (ASP) Resources and Energy, in accordance with the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network
Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW).

Approved Equipment or materials approved in writing by Ausgrid.

Equivalent

ARI Average Recurrence Interval. This is the long-term number of years between the
occurrence of a flood as big as or larger than a selected event.

Bund A wall/barrier of sufficient height constructed around fluid filled equipment to contain
spillage of liquids.

Business An Ausgrid internal integrated policy and procedure framework that contains the
Management approved version of documents.
System (BMS)

Butterfly valve The valve used to close the outlet of an oil containment tank.

Closed Drainage A drainage system designed to retain liquids within a bunded area for treatment or
disposal as required.

Document control Ausgrid employees who work with printed copies of document must check the BMS
regularly to monitor version control. Documents are considered “UNCONTROLLED IF
PRINTED”, as indicated in the footer.

EGOWS Enhanced Gravity Oil and Water Separator. An oil containment tank developed by the
UNSW. The tank contains stainless steel baffles and flow retarding devices.

Fire Sprinklers Low flow rate water discharge nozzles not generally used on transformers.
2
First Flush 1 in 1 year ARI of 5 minutes duration plus 10mm/m of the catchment.

Flame trap A pit with a down turned pipe used as a fire quenching mechanism.

FRC Fibre reinforced concrete.

FSW Fire Separation Wall.

Gravity Drainage A drainage system designed to remove liquids to a remote location, such as an oil
containment tank, for retention and/or treatment prior to discharge.

Gravity separation Oil-water separation without the use of chemicals or mechanical means ie using
gravity only based on Stokes law. Single, double, triple stage separators and all PPSs
use gravity separation.

High Velocity A high velocity fire water sprinkler with a typical flow rate of 50 to 90 L/s, usually
Water Spray surrounding transformers.

Infiltration Trench filled with gravel used to discharge stormwater into groundwater.
trenches

Major Substation For the purpose of this document, major substation means zone and sub-
transmission substations with primary voltages of 132, 66 and 33 kV.

Neat Oil Where the flow of liquid through the system is predominantly oil.

Network Standard A document, including Network Planning Standards, that describes the Company's
minimum requirements for planning, design, construction, maintenance, technical
specification, environmental, property and metering activities on the distribution and
transmission network. These documents are stored in the Network Category of the
BMS repository.

Non Return Valve Also called a flap valve, it is a one way valve that prevents flow back up into the pipe.

Normal operation Day to day operation precluding major rainfall events.

Oil containment The oil containment system refers to the transformer bunds, together with a suitable
combination of flame traps, pipes, oil containment tank and Parallel Plate Separator

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

system as required. The oil containment system is not designed as an oil storage system. It is
designed for emergency situations and the treatment of minor oil contamination from
transformer bunds.

Passive system A system that operates without automatic or manual intervention.

PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls.

Parallel Plate Parallel Plate Coalescing Separator also known as a PPS. PPSs are gravity
Separator (PPS) separation separators.

PPM Parts per million. An oil-water concentration of 10ppm equals 10mg/l which is
equivalent to a mixture that is visibly free of oils and greases, i.e. no visible oil.

Review date The review date displayed in the header of the document is the future date for review
of a document. The default period is three years from the date of approval. However a
review may be mandated at any time where a need is identified due to changes in
legislation, organisational changes, restructures, occurrence of an incident or
changes in technology or work practice.

Secondary An overflow area used to capture firefighting water.

Containment

Sensitive Any parcel of land or waterway that has environmental attributes that contribute to the
environment retention and or creation of wildlife habitat, soils stability, or other vital ecological
functions. Examples of sensitive environment are national parks, wetlands and nature
reserves.

Surcharge A condition where the hydraulic capacity of the drain system is temporarily exceeded
and the amount of liquid that enters the system exceeds the conveyance capacity

Tank Refers to a vessel made from concrete or masonry that is usually wholly or partially
buried, that provides containment of lost oil and can also be an oil/water separator.

Surfactants A substance which emulsifies, disperses, dissolves other substances eg a detergent.

Waste Captured oil and sediment within the oil containment system.

Waterway Any river, stream, lake, lagoon, swamp, wetlands, unconfined surface water, natural
or artificial watercourse, dam or tidal waters (including the sea), or
Any water stored in artificial works, any water in water mains, water pipes or water
channels, or any underground or artesian water.

5.0 ASBESTOS
All materials and equipment used for construction of Ausgrid’s assets are to be free from Asbestos
and or Asbestos related products. Suppliers are expected to comply with the Work Health and
Safety Act 2011 (NSW) together with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW) and
confirm in writing that all products supplied to Ausgrid contain no Asbestos related materials.

At existing substation sites, a site contamination and hazardous materials audit may be required
prior to work commencing on site.

Particular care shall be exercised when handling or working in the vicinity of existing asbestos
products. Items containing asbestos shall be disposed of properly. Ausgrid’s Asbestos Product /
Location Register shall be consulted prior to work commencing to identify relevant plant and
equipment. Asbestos related work shall only be carried out by suitably trained personnel and in
accordance with Ausgrid Network Standard NS211 Working with Asbestos Products.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

6.0 INTRODUCTION
6.1 General
This document outlines Ausgrid’s minimum requirements for oil containment at major substations.

This Standard does not document sections from the relevant Australian Standard or requirements
of these standards unless a specific departure from the standard is required for major substation
specific purposes.

The provision of oil containment at major substations is based on the following basic assumptions:

 Only one transformer will rupture at the one time releasing its entire contents into the oil
containment tank or into the bunded area where there is no gravity drainage.
 No major rain event occurs simultaneously with an emergency situation.
 The oil containment system is appropriately maintained and is free of excessive residual oil in
the tank i.e., less than 10% volume of the largest transformer.
 Oil filled equipment is in good working order and does not continually leak significant amounts
of oil.
 Oil containment tanks are designed for short term emergency oil retention only. The tanks do
not meet the design and legislative requirements for long term oil storage.
 Replacement transformers and other oil filled equipment will not increase the volume of oil
requiring containment;
 Major substations are generally not staffed, requiring the oil containment system to operate
automatically or to be a passive system wherever possible;
 Oil-water concentration of 10ppm is equivalent to a mixture that is visibly free of oils and
greases, i.e. no visible oil.
 The oil containment system is assumed to have a maintenance regime and operational
performance that is in accordance with NS190.
 Gravity separation will not separate oil and foam contaminated water. In such cases,
secondary containment will be used.
 Gravity separation systems will not work with oil degreasers or surfactants.
 The oil water separator does not retain any contaminants other than transformer oil, e.g. it will
not remove dissolved pollutants or particles.
 The use of a secondary containment area or emergency response process to manage the flow
of water when firefighting.
 For all sites except CBD substations, a minimum of 20 minutes firefighting medium
containment is required by AS 1940. The flow rates shall be a minimum of 4 L/s (using foam)
but the overall volume shall be rounded up to 5,000 litres. Refer also to Section 14.
 CBD sites shall have 90 minutes of firefighting water containment at the flow rate of the high
velocity water spray system. Refer also to Section 14.
 For all sites, a risk assessment shall be undertaken to determine if greater containment
volumes are needed and shall consider the cost/ease of providing the additional containment
and the benefit from a risk reduction perspective.
 Controlled overflow or surcharge into other bunds, or into secondary containment areas on the
site, are both acceptable under the application of firefighting medium. Refer also to Section 14
and Annexure A.
 Foam is corrosive and therefore potentially damaging to other assets where overflow or
surcharge is allowed to occur.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

6.2 Typical oil containment systems

There are several different oil containment systems used in the Ausgrid franchise area as
summarised below:

1. Generally, older sites (pre 1990) have single, double or triple stage tank systems. Some ex-
Electricity Commission of NSW sites use a PPS system.

2. A few older sites have early PPS systems installed and were purposely used as trial sites to
determine the most appropriate system to install.

3. For new substation sites, one type of oil containment system uses a closed drainage design
with bund storage and a PPS system.

4. An alternative EGOWS gravity drainage system and tank uses a delayed release principle to
separate the oil and water.

5. Retrofit substation sites normally use a closed drainage PPS system with bund storage.

7.0 OIL CONTAINMENT PRINCIPLES

7.1 Where is oil containment required?
Oil containment systems shall be designed to meet the requirements of this Network Standard and
the relevant parts of AS 2067 and AS 1940. Where a conflict occurs, the requirements of this
Network Standard shall prevail.

For existing major substations, all areas with any piece of oil filled equipment containing more than
1000 litres of oil generally require oil containment facilities. If the piece of equipment has less than
1000 litres or if the location with this piece of equipment is designated low risk by Ausgrid, then
containment may not be necessary. In this case, the equipment should be located such that it is not
in a drainage path to a waterway, or such that any oil lost will not create a hazardous situation to
the public, neighbouring buildings or equipment in accordance with AS 1940.

Due consideration must be made to minimise the potential for stormwater to become contaminated
with oil.

For new substation sites, all oil filled equipment shall be bunded, unless indicated otherwise by this
Network Standard.

High voltage capacitors generally do not require oil containment because they are sealed units that
contain minimal free oil. Refer also to Section 15 of this Standard.

The following principles shall be adopted to address the three main risks identified:

1. Catastrophic failure causing prolonged fire.

a. Closed drainage PPS systems

 In a catastrophic failure, the oil containment system shall reduce the risk of fire spread
off site by containing the oil in the bund.
 The PPS shall be designed to shut down upon neat oil flow through the separator. This
can be achieved by diverting the neat oil directly to the waste oil tank, filling it, and
triggering a shut-down of the equipment and the waste oil tank high level alarm.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

b. Gravity drainage systems

 In a catastrophic failure, the oil containment system shall reduce the risk of prolonged
fire (hence fire spread) by containing oil spillage and/or providing a quick draining route
for oil.
 Oil containment bunds shall have a floor slope of 1% and pipes designed for the flow
rate of the firefighting water, which also facilitates the quick removal of oil from the
bund. Each oil containment bund is drained via a flame trap reducing the potential for
fire to reach the oil containment tank.
 The oil containment tank provides an oil spill retention area away from the fire.

2. Catastrophic failure causing large amounts of oil spreading off site.

a. Closed drainage PPS systems

 Bunds shall have capacity for the contents of the transformer plus approximately 5000
litres of firefighting medium. Some sites may require more than 5000 litres of additional
containment.
 Oil shall be removed from the bund as soon as possible to avoid the risk of leakage to
other parts of the site.

b. Gravity drainage systems

 Bunds shall contain oil in the area of loss thus preventing burning oil migrating off-site.
The oil containment bunds are designed to hold 100% of the oil volume to provide
adequate drainage time in the event that the pipes are partially blocked.
 The bund shall be drained to an oil containment tank. The tank is designed to retain
110% volume of oil from one transformer.
 EGOWS oil containment systems shall be fitted with a manual or automatic shut-off
valve at the outlet of the tank to facilitate the closing of the oil containment system to
prevent discharge of the firefighting medium. Overflow from the oil containment shall be
managed by directing it to a secondary containment area or by the emergency response
process.

3. Minimise oil pollution during normal operation.

a. Closed drainage PPS systems

 Providing oil filled equipment is maintained in good working order and is not continually
leaking, the system shall minimise the day to day loss of oil to the environment.
 During normal operation a stormwater discharge less than 10ppm of oils and greases
shall be achieved in all storm events. Larger storm events will cause the water to rise
inside the bunds while treated discharge from the PPS will continue at a constant rate.
Compliance of PPS discharges is dependent on proper maintenance in accordance with
NS 190.

b. Gravity drainage systems

 Providing oil filled equipment is maintained in good working order and is not continually
leaking, the system shall minimise the day to day loss of oil to the environment.
 During normal operation a stormwater discharge less than 10ppm of oils and greases
shall be achieved. In some higher rainfall events higher oil and water discharges may
be experienced.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

7.2 Selection criteria for oil containment systems

Selection of the preferred oil containment system shall be based on a Life Cycle Cost (LCC)
analysis together with an assessment of site constraints, site risks, environmental aspects and
impacts upon the project schedule.

The LCC analysis shall capture all site specific capital costs and include O&M costs that accurately
reflect the activities required to maintain the functional performance of the equipment.

For Greenfield sites the following criteria will typically determine the preferred oil containment
system when assessed in conjunction with a LCC analysis;

a. Closed drainage PPS systems may be preferred for -

 Urban locations in the vicinity of Ausgrid’s Services Maintenance depots where response and
travel times are low and operation and maintenance costs are reduced.
 Locations where effective gravity drainage is difficult or costly to achieve.
 Congested sites where a gravity system either cannot be readily accommodated, or would
constrain an efficient site layout for plant and equipment.
 Sites where the EGOWS tank cannot be located adjacent to, or in close proximity (10m to
15m) of, the transformer bunds.
 Sites where the EGOWS tank requires extra strengthening to support mobile crane outrigger
loadings (e.g. in the vicinity of TX bays).
 Locations where difficult site conditions such as rock, low soil strength, high water table,
restricted access etc. adds significant costs to the civil works.
 Locations where early civil works for gravity systems are an expected critical path item and a
significant project benefit can be realised through reduced program duration and site costs.
 Environmentally sensitive areas where strict discharge limits cannot be satisfied by gravity
systems under all conditions (e.g. high flowrates).
b. Gravity drainage systems may be preferred for -

 Rural locations where response and travel times are high and O&M costs are increased for
PPS systems.
 Sites where sufficient space is available to locate the gravity system without significant impact
on the efficient site layout of plant and equipment.
 Sites where the EGOWS tank can be optimally located, namely;
a) adjacent to, or nearby (10m to 15m), the transformer bunds, and

b) with minimal gravity drainage pipework, and

c) without additional strengthening of the tank to support mobile crane outrigger loadings.

 Locations with suitable geotechnical conditions and good site access that enable low cost civil
construction
 Locations where the civil works for gravity systems will have minimal impact on the program
duration.
 High hazard locations where the continuous removal of fuel by gravity drainage may provide a
reduced fire risk following a major oil spill.
 CBD and other locations which require a high velocity water spray system for the transformer
area.
 Sites where significant LCC benefits can be realised by combining the functions of an EGOWS
with required On-Site Stormwater Detention (OSD) into one tank unit.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

For a generic Greenfield site, a closed drainage PPS system using bund storage can be
comparable, on a LCC basis, with a gravity drainage system using an EGOWS tank. Selection of
the preferred oil containment system should therefore be based on the site specific criteria
indicated above, together with a LCC analysis.

For existing Brownfield retrofit sites the preferred oil containment system is typically a closed
drainage PPS system. The alternative gravity drainage system is generally less favourable and can
incur significant additional costs and construction risk due to existing underground services,
together with increased site disturbance and site works duration.

For all oil containment systems, the design should be optimised for each site. This will generally
require;

 Early incorporation into the substation site layout design to optimise all aspects of the
substation design and associated works.
 A system design that is as compact as possible.
 Innovation in design to take advantage of any multi-use functions (e.g. combined EGOWS and
OSD where possible).

7.3 Drainage design philosophy

Where a closed drainage system is adopted, using bund storage and a PPS, suitable pumps and
above ground pipework shall be provided as part of the oil containment system.

For gravity drainage systems, all drainage shall be accomplished by gravitational action where
possible. In cases where gravity systems are required but complete gravity drainage is not possible
(e.g. CBD substations), fixed pumps may be used at the outlet of an oil containment tank or
storage tank.

7.4 Existing or temporary major substations

An alternative oil containment approach may be adopted for existing or temporary major
substations. At a minimum these sites will generally require a bund around each transformer.
However the bunds will need to be monitored and emptied after rain events. The bunds shall be
designed for 100% of the oil volume plus secondary containment as described in Clause 11.6.

Allowance should be made for run-off from a significant rainfall event for the region. The retained
water may be contaminated and require disposal off-site.

The use of a PPS system on a temporary basis should be considered. The PPS can be reused at
another site upon decommissioning of the temporary installation.

7.5 Structural and other design considerations

All components of the oil containment system must be designed for the expected loading
conditions.

Effects of differential settlement shall be incorporated into the design.

The design of the oil containment system shall consider the relevant WHS requirements for
construction, operation and maintenance of the system.

7.6 Designer safety reports

For structures and plant, including equipment, pipelines and containers, the WHS Regulation 2011
requires a written safety report to be provided by the designer of a structure or plant, or any part of
a structure or plant, to the person who commissioned the design.

The Designer Safety Report shall comply with the requirements of NS 210 and shall be prepared at
the completion of the design development process.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

8.0 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

Consideration shall be given to the following requirements when evaluating a substation site to
assist in reducing the potential impact of oil loss from site:

 Proximity of waterways and sensitive environments;

 Ground conditions eg, sandy soils and/or high water table allow oil to be migrated easily.
Areas that have been filled or experience excessive heave can provide large differential
settlements which may damage watertight structures;
 Sites with some slope are preferred to facilitate a gravity system; and
 The level of the site should be higher than the 1 in 100 year flood level.

9.0 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Sewer
For oil containment discharge to sewer:

 A Trade Waste Agreement (TWA) is required and may have specific monitoring and discharge
requirements. Refer to relevant authorities for all TWA requirements and conditions.
 Ausgrid currently adopts a discharge requirement of 10ppm for oils and greases. Refer to the
TWA for the relevant criteria.

Discharge of treated water to sewers is not preferred and shall only be done so when connection to
stormwater is not practical.

9.2 Stormwater
For oil containment discharge to stormwater:

 Ausgrid currently adopts a discharge requirement of 10ppm for oils and greases.
 No licence is required for connection to stormwater in accordance with the current
environmental management strategy, EMS 350.
 Ensure appropriate Approvals are sought for new connections to Local Council, Sydney Water
or Hunter Water Corporation Stormwater Systems.

9.3 Local council requirements

Local council stormwater codes of practice or guidelines shall be reviewed and adopted where
practicable.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

10.0 TYPICAL OIL CONTAINMENT LAYOUT FOR NEW

SUBSTATIONS
10.1 CBD major substation with high velocity water spray
A CBD major substation is fully contained within a building and no or limited stormwater enters the
substation during day to day operations. The transformers are typically protected by a high velocity
water spray fire protection system.

Each transformer has a bund which is drained to a storage tank or designated overflow area. The
tank is designed to take a minimum of 90 minutes of high velocity water spray from one of the
transformer bays and 110% of the oil volume of the largest transformer. The tank may overflow into
the cable basement or other area in the event of high velocity water spray operation greater than a
minimum of 90 minutes. The overflow is taken from the bottom of the tank.

Where stormwater can enter the system, the contents of the tank are pumped to a PPS and treated
prior to discharge to stormwater or sewer.

During emergency situations in existing CBD substations with PPS systems, the PPS is designed
to be shut down by the operation of the transformer protection system and activation of the high
velocity water spray system.

Refer to Clause 12.1 for a description of PPS shut down modes under emergency operation.

CBD capacitor bays containing capacitors with oil shall also have bunds and may be fitted with
sprinklers. Where sprinklers are fitted, the bunded areas shall be connected to an independent
storage tank designed for 90 minutes of sprinkler discharge. The contents of this tank are not
treated. Any waste collected, is taken and disposed of off-site. A tank pump out point is provided
for tanker access.

Elevation

Figure 1 - Typical CBD substation with high velocity water spray

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

10.2 Suburban major substation

10.2.1 General
A new suburban major substation generally consists of switching equipment (indoor or outdoor),
outdoor transformers and a control building. High volumes of stormwater run-off are expected from
these substations.

The management of stormwater, and of any potential oil contamination, will vary depending on
whether a closed or gravity drainage system is adopted for oil containment.

10.2.2 Closed drainage PPS system

The closed drainage PPS system, using bund storage and a PPS oil/water separator, can compare
favourably as a low cost option for oil containment. PPS systems shall be considered for all
suitable Ausgrid sites based on the selection criteria outlined in Clause 7.2.

The transformers are individually bunded and any discharge points are kept normally closed.
Automatically operated pumps are provided within the bunds together with suitable bund sumps
and above ground pipes constructed to the requirements of Clause 13.1.1. All liquids are pumped
to a PPS oil/water separator and treated prior to discharge to stormwater. Further details of the
PPS system are provided in Clause 12.1.

The bund storage is sized to retain all oil spills, with a suitable margin for rainwater and/or fire-
fighting medium. Any overflow from the bund area will be directed to a secondary containment
storage area or managed by the emergency response process. Secondary containment storage
areas shall be designed to the requirements of Clause 11.6 or as specified by a risk management
approach, determined by Ausgrid.

Plan

Figure 2 - Typical Suburban Major Substation - Closed Drainage PPS System

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

10.2.3 Gravity drainage system with oil containment tank

The transformers are individually bunded and drained to an Enhanced Gravity Oil Water Separator
(EGOWS). The treated stormwater is discharged to stormwater.

The EGOWS is manually closed by a butterfly valve at the tank outlet upon application of
firefighting water. The overflow from the oil containment tank shall be directed to a secondary
containment area or managed by the emergency response process. Secondary containment areas
shall be designed to the requirements of Clause 11.6 or as specified by a risk management
approach, determined by Ausgrid.

Elevation

Figure 3 - Typical suburban major substation - Gravity drainage system

Elevation

Figure 4 - Typical cross-section for Figure 3

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

11.0 OIL CONTAINMENT BUNDING

11.1 General
Oil containment bunded areas shall be designed to minimise the entry of clean stormwater. All sub-
soil drainage, yard run-off and roof drainage shall be excluded from the bunded areas. All bunds
are to be designed to AS 1940.

11.2 Transformer bunding

At existing sites where a retrofit system is being installed, each transformer containing greater than
1000 litres of oil shall be bunded unless a risk assessment indicates this is not required.

At new substation sites all oil filled transformers shall be bunded.

The extent of bunds shall be such that burning fuel cannot propagate the spread of fire to adjoining
transformers, structures and adjacent premises and shall meet the requirements of AS 1940.

11.3 Spray screens

Bunding shall be designed to capture a 1:2 (Horizontal:Vertical) spray discharge to AS 1940
requirements. Where the bund cannot be placed to meet the spray discharge, then screens may
need to be installed.

Where the transformer radiators are positioned in very close proximity to the transformer roadway,
spray screens need only be placed to a maximum height of 1.5 m above the bund wall.

Spray screens near the transformer radiators shall be louvered to allow sufficient air flow around
the radiators. These spray screens are to be removable to allow access for maintenance.

11.4 Transformer roadways

For new sites, transformer roadways shall be bunded by the use of speed humps where required.
The drainage is to be to stormwater via an easily accessible and identifiable butterfly valve which is
to be left open except when oil filled equipment is parked on the roadway, or when operations are
underway that involve the transferring of oil.

At existing sites, this requirement also applies, but only where it is practicable without the need for
laying of new drainage pipes.

For sites of restricted size, it may be viable to use smaller transformer bay areas and drain the
transformer roadway within the 1:2 spray zone directly to an oil containment tank. The required
tank size may increase as a result due to higher stormwater inflows. A risk assessment and LCC
analysis shall be provided to evaluate the alternative oil containment arrangements and site
layouts.

11.5 Bunding design requirements

All bunded areas shall have a 1% floor slope. Where drainage from the bund is required for gravity
drainage systems it shall be via a flame trap. The use of gravel as a fire quenching medium is not
permitted for new sites.

All bunded areas shall be finished with a non-slip surface.

Permanent bunds shall be constructed from reinforced concrete. In instances where the bunds will
be temporary, earthen bunds are permitted.

All bunds shall be able to take loading from a spray screen. This allows flexibility for placing larger
transformers in bunds and maintaining AS 1940 requirements.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

Removable bund walls may need to be provided at some locations as specified by Ausgrid.
Generally, these locations will be limited to sites with raised transformer plinths.

Any openings in the bund floor for power cables shall be raised above the bund floor, or otherwise
the floor sloped away from the opening to avoid ponding. All seals to the openings shall be gas
tight. Refer to drawing A4-190509 for typical design details.

Where secondary cables pass through a bund floor opening, the opening shall be raised using
internal bunding to a minimum 50 mm above the bund wall height. Refer to drawing A3-225716 for
typical design details.

Access to the bund shall meet the requirements of AS 1657.

11.6 Secondary containment

11.6.1 General
The secondary containment for major substations shall be designed to the requirements specified
by a risk management approach determined by Ausgrid. The form of secondary containment can
vary depending on the site location and site constraints.

11.6.2 Secondary containment area requirements

Permeable or unpaved secondary containment areas shall not be located on areas with a high
water table or sandy soils or close to waterways or sensitive environments. Immediate localised
remediation would be required for the secondary containment area after use.

11.6.3 Oil spill kits

An oil spill kit shall be available for every major substation to assist with the provision of secondary
containment.

11.6.4 Secondary containment options

Annexure A provides details of the secondary containment options and the requirements for major
substations.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

12.0 OIL WATER SEPARATOR AND OIL CONTAINMENT TANKS

12.1 Parallel Plate Separator (PPS)
12.1.1 General
Parallel Plate Separators (PPS) shall be used with closed drainage oil containment systems that
rely on bund storage. A PPS can also be used in cases when it is not possible to drain entirely by
gravity, where a high velocity water spray system is installed (e.g. CBD substations), and for
retrofitting into existing major substations.

The Ausgrid currently accepted PPS unit is the Ovivo “EnviroSEP OS 7500” supplied by Ovivo or
an approved equivalent. The PPS shall be correctly installed and fully commissioned on site with a
minimum 12 months defects liability period to ensure effective long term operation of the system.
Refer to Annexure C for the inspection requirements and hold points associated with PPS system
installation and commissioning.

The PPS control panel, and the motor-pump arrangement that supplies the PPS, shall be installed
above the bund high water level in order to prevent the equipment flooding in the event of bund
filling. The control panel shall also be installed in a location accessible from outside the bund

The PPS shall be fitted with waste oil tank that triggers the pump to stop when full. Testing and
maintenance specifications shall be supplied and verified by the manufacturer.

12.1.2 PPS system shut down

The PPS system shall be able to operate independently of the substation protection system. This
means the system shall independently shut down after an incident to avoid discharging oil off site.

The PPS power supply shall be dedicated and fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD) unit at
the point of supply.

12.1.3 PPS system alarms

A communications system shall be installed using the Network Fibre Optic System where available.
This will enable local and remote monitoring and control of the PPS for the purposes of improved
efficiency and maintenance.

The PPS system shall provide alarm signals to the PPS control panel for the following conditions
as a minimum:

a) Waste oil tank high level,

b) Pump failure, and

c) High bund level.

For Item c) the high level float switch shall be located in the sump just clear of the grate. The alarm
signal to SCADA is to be delayed by four hours.

Should any of these alarms activate, a flashing light mounted on top of the control panel is to
activate. In addition, suitable signals can be sent via the communications network identifying the
type of fault and any further data as required.

Only one alarm signal shall be sent to the control room via SCADA.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

12.1.4 Neat oil flow

The PPS unit shall accept neat oil being pumped through the unit in the case of a bulk oil loss from
a catastrophic transformer failure. Under this condition the PPS unit shall:

a) shut down when the waste oil tank high level is activated, and

b) not discharge oil from the separator unit.

12.1.5 PPS design and installation

Annexure B provides details of the main design features and installation requirements for PPS
systems to be installed at major substations.

12.2 Enhanced Gravity Oil Water Separator (EGOWS)

12.2.1 General
The EGOWS is an oil-water separation system developed by the University of New South Wales.
EGOWS are used with gravity drainage systems and generally provide stormwater discharges of
less than 10ppm of oil in water during normal storm events (refer to Clause 13.1.4).

During higher intensity storm events the EGOWS could discharge oil/water of up to 100ppm or
greater. However, these events are rare and generally the discharge concentrations would be
much lower.

In environmentally sensitive areas the EGOWS tank may need to be increased in size where it is
necessary to achieve the required discharge limits for these higher intensity storm events.

Alternatively, where the site layout permits, a non-overflow tank design can be installed that
complies under all storm events. This system maintains a constant discharge and allows the inflow
to surcharge into the bund areas. The EGOWS tank will generally require access covers that are
raised to bund height.

EGOWS systems shall be installed in accordance with a site specific design to be provided by
Ausgrid for each substation. Refer to Annexure C for the inspection and hold points associated with
oil-water separator system installation and commissioning.

12.2.2 Emergency operation of EGOWS

A butterfly valve shall be located at the outlet of an oil containment tank in an easily accessible and
identifiable location. A butterfly valve may also be required at the secondary containment outlet.
Both valves shall be shut off with the application of firefighting medium in order to close off the
gravity drainage system.

Closure of the valves will allow the oil containment system to surcharge in such a way as to allow
overflow to be directed to a secondary containment area, whilst retaining bulk oil in the oil
containment tank. Alternatively, the flow can be surcharged into the transformer bund areas which
will provide a large secondary containment volume.

Where secondary containment is not viable an emergency plan response process will be required
to manage the surcharge overflow.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

12.3 Access to tanks

12.3.1 General
All tanks shall be fitted with three 900 x 900 access covers to the appropriate class (Class B or D).
The covers shall be located one each on the inlet, middle and outlet chambers. Where surcharging
is possible, the tanks shall use bolt-down, gas tight covers in accordance with Clause 12.3.2.

All tanks shall have 1.8m internal head clearance and shall contain internal vertical ladders or step
irons.

Enclosed tanks are confined spaces and will require signage and confined space entry procedures
in accordance with AS 2865 and WHS Regulation 2011. Refer to NS 190 for further details.

Tanks shall be provided with a 500 mm wide concrete slab at each end of the tank for the complete
width of the tank. This will allow erection of the fall arrest/confined space rescue supporting frame.

Where possible, allow 1 metre minimum access space around the access points of the tank for the
erection of fall arrest equipment.

All tanks are to be labelled with confined space signage located just inside the access covers on
the side edge of the roof slab.

All tanks shall be suitably located to allow for removal of hatches and to enable ready access by
maintenance crews and cleanout tankers

12.3.2 Bolt – down covers for hydraulic pressure

Bolt-down, gas tight covers shall be used where surcharge of the system is possible. The use of
bolt-down, gas tight covers will be site specific and dependent on the operation of the oil
containment system and hydraulic conditions.

12.4 Inspection and hold points

Annexure C provides details of the main inspection and hold points associated with the installation
of oil-water separators. Annexure C outlines the timing, responsibility and key inspection items
necessary to ensure that oil-water separation systems are properly installed and fully functional at
each site.

For closed drainage PPS systems a detailed commissioning procedure and checklist is provided in
Annexure B.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

13.0 DRAINAGE AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES

13.1 Pipework
13.1.1 Closed drainage PPS system
Pipework installed between pumps and the PPS shall be located above ground and within the bund
storage area where possible.

Pipework shall be constructed using the following materials and designed to the appropriate
criteria;

 Outdoor locations outside the bund area – stainless steel pipes

 Outdoor locations inside the bund area – PVC pipes or other suitable material
 Indoor locations where damaged pipework would discharge into stormwater – stainless steel
pipes.
 Indoor locations elsewhere – PVC pipes or other suitable material
 Temporary locations – PVC pipes or other suitable material

Construction of above ground pipework is also preferred where a PPS system is being retrofitted to
an existing site or where buried pipework or gravity drainage is impractical. In such cases, the
appropriate pipework materials as indicated above shall be used.

13.1.2 Gravity drainage with oil containment tank

0
All pipes draining to an oil containment tank shall be designed to resist at least 100 C and be oil
resistant. In addition, any exposed pipes laid in open trenches shall also be fire resistant.

The preferred drainage system for gravity systems is:

 Galvanised steel rolled grove system (Victaulic or approved equivalent), or

 Stainless steel rolled grove system (Victaulic or approved equivalent), or
 Cast iron pipes.

All pipe joints with rubber seals shall use Nitrile rubber or other oil resistant material.

Pipes are to be laid above ground on supports where possible or in trenches with removable
covers (similar to secondary cable trenches). Pipe trenches shall be drained to the stormwater
system.

For existing Brownfield sites, buried pipework using heavy-duty PVC, or cast iron can be direct laid
as a temporary measure to suit the phasing of construction works where required.

For Brownfield sites, suitable exposed pipes that are laid on supports within existing cable trenches
can be considered where minimal ground disturbance is necessary. However, this approach will be
subject to achieving an acceptable design solution, and will require a site based risk assessment
and specific approval for each site.

A risk assessment shall be undertaken when adopting buried pipework to determine the risk of soil
contamination. The risk assessment shall consider issues such as site conditions, sensitive
environments, design life and ease of replacement.

Pipework in cable basements shall be subject to specific approval and will generally only be
acceptable in CBD major substations. Pipework in cable basements may also be considered at
sites where the transformers are adjacent to the substation building basement area. Stainless steel
or cast iron shall be used for all internal pipework in basements.

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13.1.3 Pre-commissioning tests and inspection

All existing underground or above ground drainage pipes that can be used as part of the oil
containment system shall have full hydraulic testing undertaken in accordance with the AS 3500.3.
All installed drainage pipes shall have zero leakage.

13.1.4 Design
Generally, a minimum of 0.5% fall is to be maintained for all drainage channels and pipework
draining to an oil containment tank.

Oil containment pipes for gravity drainage shall be 150mm in diameter, except for CBD substations
where larger diameter pipes may be necessary to cater for the high velocity water spray system.

As a guide, the oil containment tank should be sized such that oil globule sizes of 33 microns or
larger are contained within the tank for the following rainfall events:

 1 in 1 year ARI storms of 1 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour duration, and
 1 in 20 year ARI storm of 5 minute duration.

The various flow rates for firefighting medium are discussed in Clause 6.1. For CBD substations
the oil containment pipes shall have sufficient capacity for the transformer high velocity water spray
system flowrates.

At suburban locations the pipework can be designed to allow the transformer bund area to
surcharge during firefighting flows. At these locations a butterfly valve is provided to shut off the oil
containment tank discharge to stormwater before firefighting commences (refer to Clause 13.3.2).

For gravity drainage systems that adopt the use of pits at junctions (refer to Clause 13.2.1), the
pipework shall be designed to ensure any downstream pits do not surcharge in the event that all
the oil from one transformer is lost instantaneously within one bunded area. During such events it is
assumed there will be no additional flow from a storm event or activation of fire hoses.

13.2 Pits and drainage channels

13.2.1 Encasement and finish
The use of continuous metal pipework laid in open trenches for gravity drainage systems negates
the need for any pits at junctions and also the need for watertightness at those pits. For pipework in
open trench systems, there shall be no pits on the inlet drainage line.

An alternative gravity drainage system that uses buried pipework with pits at junctions may also be
viable, but is generally not preferred . Where adopted (e.g. to retrofit existing sites) the associated
pits shall be cast in-situ and a hydrophilic seal placed around the pipe and cast into the pit.
Hydrophilic seals shall also be used on any concrete joints in the pit construction.

The finish on the inside of pits and drainage channels shall be watertight. If a watertight structure
has not been achieved, a suitable concrete sealant shall be applied to achieve a seal. The sealant
used shall be resistant to transformer oil and remain effective for the life of the pit or drainage
channel.

Pipe trenches that are used to protect oil containment pipelines are not considered to be drainage
channels and the above requirements for watertightness do not apply.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

13.2.2 Flame traps

Flame traps consist of a down turned pipe with a 300 mm (minimum) downturn and a 150 mm
clearance from the pit floor. The pits are typically 900 mm x 900 mm. The flame traps remain full of
water or oil forming a seal.

Flame traps are required for gravity drainage systems and should be located as close to the
transformer as possible to:

(a) facilitate the fast removal of oil/water;

(b) reduce oil drainage paths across the bunded area; and

(c) reduce flame front size.

Flame traps must be cast in-situ with a hydrophilic seal around the pipe. Concrete joints should be
avoided in flame traps, but where they are required hydrophilic seals shall be used.

13.3 Valves
13.3.1 Closed drainage PPS systems
PPS systems shall use a ball valve to facilitate maintenance and removal of the pump. The ball
valve material shall be suitable for connection to the adjoining pipework

13.3.2 Gravity drainage systems

A butterfly valve shall be used to shut off an oil containment tank or to direct flow as required. The
valve shall be located in a pit that is readily accessible and identifiable, and shall be operable with a
spindle extension so entry to the valve pit is not required. The pit shall have a hinged grate cover.

The butterfly valve shall be located such that it can be safely operated manually during a fire. A
suitable separation distance or a fire resistant barrier should be provided to reduce the radiant heat
exposure to an acceptable level. Refer to NS187 Passive Fire mitigation Design of Substations.
Where adequate fire segregation cannot be provided for the butterfly valve location, a risk
assessment shall be undertaken for the site.

The location of the butterfly valve can allow for a reduced fire front area based on the bunds being
gravity drained. The radiant heat level can be based on a transformer tank fire (sides and top)
together with a small pool fire along the flow path from the transformer to the sump. Modelling of a
full bund oil fire is not required during operation of the butterfly valve.

The position of the valve within a tank outlet area depends on the secondary containment method.
If the tank is to be used as secondary containment, the valve is positioned on the inlet to the valve
pit. If the secondary containment is a separate area, the valve needs to be positioned appropriately
to direct flow.

The equipment shall be capable of withstanding the conditions expected on site including potential
water/oil temperatures in a fire and be corrosion resistant. Valves shall also be low maintenance,
simple to operate, and all automatic shut off valves shall have a manual override.

The use of non–return valves should be avoided wherever possible, however they may be required
if the system is likely to be effected by:

 a 1:100 year flood; or

 surcharge of the pipework.

The “Hume-King Flood Gate” or approved equivalent is recommended for use as a non-return
valve.

A stainless steel non-return valve is the only type acceptable for use in the major substation
environment.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

13.4 Pumps
13.4.1 General
All pumps to be used on low lift oil containment systems shall be diaphragm pumps.

Diaphragm pumps are preferred for low lift applications. The system should be designed to ensure
that dirty water is low lift and this may mean relocating the discharge point closer to the influent
source.

Where high lift is required, a non-emulsifying screw pump may be used. These are prone to seizing
from debris and do not tolerate no flow conditions. Therefore, it is preferred to redesign the system
to facilitate the use of diaphragm pumps wherever possible.

13.4.2 Pumps for Parallel Plate Separators

All pumps used on the PPS system shall be “ASM DS32” diaphragm pumps or approved
equivalent.

13.5 Ventilation pipework

Ventilation pipes associated with oil containment tanks shall be spatially separated from any
lightning masts located on the site. The minimum horizontal separation distance between the pipe
exhaust point and the mast shall be 1.5m, with an increased distance of 3m preferred where site
conditions allow.

13.6 Infiltration trenches

The use of infiltration trenches is generally not preferred and shall be subject to the approval of
Ausgrid.

14.0 FIRE FIGHTING WATER CONTAINMENT CAPACITY

For CBD and other major indoor substations using fixed firefighting systems, provision shall be
made for up to 90 minutes of expelled firefighting water to be stored in accordance with Fire Safety
Study Guideline, Hazardous Industry Planning Advisory Paper No. 2, Department of Planning NSW
Fire Brigades.

For both non-rural and rural sites, the minimum containment storage time for non-fixed system
firefighting is 20 minutes. The assumed firefighting method shall be one hose with foam at 4 L/s.

For both non-rural and rural sites, the required minimum containment storage can be inclusive of
the volume available within the bunded areas, plus any secondary containment or overflow areas
available on site. Refer also to Annexure A.

Where a full bund oil fire may occur, a suitable volume allowance can be made based on a
nominated burn down rate of 100mm per hour applied across the surface area of the bund. Actual
burn down rates may vary based on conditions and the use of higher values shall be subject to
approval by Ausgrid.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

15.0 CAPACITORS
15.1 General
High voltage capacitors contain either Jarylec or Faradol fluid for the purpose of insulation. With a
specific gravity of 1.006 and 1.001 respectively, these fluids are slightly heavier than water and
therefore, standard gravity separation is impractical. Stormwater run-off from capacitor bank areas
shall not pass into the standard oil containment catchments or oil containment tanks.

15.2 Outdoor capacitor banks

Capacitors are generally sealed units containing minimal oil with low risk of leakage. For this
reason, capacitors in outdoor yards shall not be bunded.

If there is a significant risk of leaking capacitors, the use of a concrete perimeter bund may be
required and a risk assessment should be undertaken.

Evidence of leaking oil should be visible on founding concrete slabs or the ground around them and
should be inspected during oil containment maintenance.

15.3 Capacitor banks and fire sprinklers

Where the capacitor banks are located within a building and the room is fire protected with fire
protection sprinklers, the room shall be drained to a dedicated containment tank. The containment
tank shall have the capacity to take minimum 90 minutes of the firefighting water. The room shall
also be bunded.

16.0 POST EMERGENCY CLEAN UP

After an emergency it will be necessary to empty the oil containment system or storage tank and
undertake remediation of any areas of the major substation as required. Clean up work must be
undertaken in accordance with appropriate environmental guidelines and legislation. Contact
Environmental Services and Services Maintenance for more information regarding emergency
clean up.

Following the emergency use of the system, the system will need to be re-commissioned.

17.0 DECOMMISSIONING OF OIL CONTAINMENT TANKS

An underground oil containment tank that has been taken out of service shall be either;

a) removed, or

b) drained, steam cleaned and completely filled with an inert solid material (e.g. sand, backfill
mortar).

All pipework shall be disconnected and removed from the tank, drained and the open ends sealed
off.

Due to the nature of an oil containment tank, there is potential for oil leakage during the service life
and resulting contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater. When oil containment tanks
are decommissioned and/or removed the potential for contamination shall be investigated.

Contact Ausgrid's Environmental Services for more information regarding the management of
contaminated land.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

18.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For this network standard the authorities and responsibilities of Ausgrid employees and managers
in relation to content, management and document control of this network standard can be obtained
from the Company Procedure (Network) – Production / Review of Engineering Technical
Documents within BMS. The responsibilities of persons for the design or construction work detailed
in this network standard are identified throughout this standard in the context of the requirements to
which they apply.

19.0 RECORDKEEPING
The table below identifies the types of records relating to the process, their storage location and
retention period.

Table 1 – Recordkeeping

Type of Record Storage Location Retention Period*

Approved copy of the network BMS Network sub process Standard – Unlimited
standard Company

Draft Copies of the network HPRM Work Folder for Network Unlimited
standard during Standards (HPRM ref. 2014/21250/216)
amendment/creation

Working documents (emails, HPRM Work Folder for Network Unlimited

memos, impact assessment Standards (HPRM ref. 2014/21250/216)
reports, etc.)

* The following retention periods are subject to change eg if the records are required for legal
matters or legislative changes. Before disposal, retention periods should be checked and
authorised by the Records Manager.

20.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL

Content Coordinator : Manager – Trans and Dist Subs Engineering

Distribution Coordinator : Snr Engineer Guidelines Policies and Standards

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

Annexure A – Secondary Containment Options

A1 Greenfield and brownfield sites with PPS systems
Where the site has no tank and the closed drainage PPS system will be installed, the following
options in order of preference, should be considered.

Options Containment Detailing Additional Disadvantages

method requirements containment
available

1 Allow for the burn Adopt a burn down Dependant on bund Available volume is time
down rate due to a rate of 100mm/hr surface area and dependant
3
full bund oil fire over the full bund time. (e.g. 12m for a
2
surface area 60m bund after 2
hours)

2 Raise bund height Raise bunds to a Minimum 5000 litres - Higher bunds means
height to meet risk maximum depends greater heights for persons
assessment on maximum to traverse into the bund.
containment volumes. allowable bund This may create a WHS
height. risk.

3 Provide controlled Needs connection to Available volume has Some residual fire risk to
overflow into neighbouring bunds to be calculated for neighbouring assets if the
neighbouring bunds via pipework valves each site, but overflow control is normally
or underflow weirs. generally will be “open”.
approximately 40,000 Foam is corrosive. Some
litres. damage may occur to the
neighbouring assets.
Would require a clean-up
after an incident.
Extensive pipework may be
required where bunds are
not adjacent to one
another.
Preferred only where
FSWs are in place.

4 Provide an overflow Requires drainage Limited only Suitable containment area

area paths to direct flow to by site constraints. must be available at the
the containment area. (topography and site site.
Requires installation use). Difficult to achieve at
of appropriate brownfield sites due to
signage and topography and space.
warnings. Requires a clean-up of the
area following an incident.

5 Direct overflow to Requires the Depends on the Some residual fire risk to
the cable basement basement to be made basement size. cable basement if the
watertight or keep a Generally in excess overflow control is normally
zone 300 mm from of 30,000 litres. “open”.
the floor penetration Corrosive foam could
free. cause damage to the
Requires appropriate assets in the basement.
shut off valves and Requires extensive
additional drainage pipework.
lines.
Many sites do not have
Requires appropriate suitable cable basements.
warning alarms to
evacuate the Requires a clean-up of the
basement. area following an incident.

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A2 Greenfield sites with tanks (EGOWS)

Where the site has a tank that the bunded areas can drain to by gravity, the following options in
order of preference should be considered.

Options Containment Detailing requirements Additional Disadvantages

method containment
available

1 Utilise the Needs the tank outlet shut off Approximately Needs bolt down covers
freeboard in the valve to be fitted. The valve is 5000 litres. which are a minor
tank to be shut prior to application Actual volume inconvenience for
of fire-fighting medium. depends on the maintenance.
Needs the drainage system tank size. Watertight systems may
from the bunds to the tank to exclude FRC pipe systems.
be watertight to prevent loss.
All pits must have bolt down
gas lids.

2 Provide controlled Needs connection to Available Some residual fire risk to

overflow into neighbouring bunds via volume has to neighbouring assets if the
neighbouring pipework, valves or underflow be calculated for overflow control is normally
bunds weirs. each site, but “open”.
generally will be Foam is corrosive. Some
approximately damage may occur to the
40,000 litres. neighbouring assets.
Would require a clean-up
after an incident.
Extensive pipework may be
required where bunds are
not adjacent to one another.
Preferred only where FSWs
are in place.

3 Utilise the Same as option 1, except for Limited by bund Same as option 1, except the
freeboard in the the addition of raised bunds. height increased WHS risk of
tank and raise restrictions on raising bunds must be
bunds site considered.

4 Provide an Requires tank outlet pit outlet Limited only by Suitable containment area
overflow area shut-off valve. This will direct site constraints must be available at the site.
flow to another area. (topography and Would require clean-up after
Alternatively, the tank can site use). an incident.
overflow to the secondary
containment area and the
outlet from that area is
provided with a shut off valve.

5 Direct overflow to Requires the basement to be Depends on the Some residual fire risk to
the cable made watertight - or keep a basement size. cable basement if the
basement zone 300 mm from the floor Generally in overflow control is normally
penetration free. excess of “open”.
Requires appropriate shut off 30,000 litres. Corrosive foam could cause
valves and additional drainage damage to the assets in the
lines. basement.
Requires appropriate warning Requires extensive
alarms to evacuate the pipework.
basement. Some sites do not have
suitable cable basements.
Would require a clean-up
after an incident.

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A3 Brownfield sites with tanks (Single stage, three stage or other)

Where the site has an existing tank that will be re-used when upgraded, the following options in
order of preference should be considered.

Options Containment Detailing requirements Additional Disadvantages

method containment
available

1 Utilise the Needs a tank outlet shut off Approximately Potentially expensive.
freeboard in the valve to be fitted. The valve is 5000 litres. Existing drainage lines may
tank to be shut prior to application Actual volume not be watertight in most, if
of fire-fighting medium. depends on the not all, cases.
Needs a watertight drainage tank size.
system.

2 Provide controlled Needs connection to Available Some residual fire risk to

overflow into neighbouring bunds via volume has to neighbouring assets if the
neighbouring pipework, valves or underflow be calculated for overflow control is normally
bunds weirs. each site, but “open”.
Needs shut off to tank inlet. generally will be Foam is corrosive. Some
approximately damage may occur to the
Needs a watertight drainage 40,000 litres.
system between bunds and neighbouring assets
the tank, to prevent oil loss. Potentially expensive.

All lids must have bolt down Existing drainage lines may
gas tight lids. not be watertight in most, if
not all, cases.
Would require a clean-up
after an incident.
Extensive pipework may be
required where bunds are
not adjacent to one another.
Preferred only where FSWs
are in place.

3 Utilise the Same as option 1, except for Limited by bund Same as option 1, except the
freeboard in the the addition of raised bunds. height increased WHS risk of
tank and raise restrictions on raising bunds must be
bunds site. considered.

4 Provide an Requires tank outlet pit outlet Limited only by Suitable containment area
overflow area shut-off valve. This will direct the site must be available at the site.
flow to another area. constraints. Containment areas will
Alternatively, the tank can require maintenance and
overflow to the secondary monitoring.
containment area and the Would require a clean-up
outlet from that area is after an incident.
provided with a shut off valve.

5 Direct overflow to Requires the basement to be Depends on the Some residual fire risk to
the cable made watertight. basement size. cable basement if the
basement Requires appropriate shut off Generally in overflow control is normally
valves and additional drainage excess of “open”.
lines to divert flow to the 30,000 litres. Corrosive foam could enter
basement. and cause damage to the
Requires appropriate warning assets in the basement.
alarms to evacuate the Requires extensive
basement. pipework.
Many sites do not have
suitable cable basements.
Would require a clean-up
after an incident.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

Annexure B – Oil Separator Design, Installation and

Commissioning Requirements
B1 Introduction
The design, installation and operation of an oil containment system requires the coordination of a
number of functional groups within Ausgrid. A fully compliant system requires the timely input of
various design, environmental, procurement, construction and operational personnel in order to
achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Figures B1 and B2 provide an outline of the key roles and responsibilities within Ausgrid from initial
design up to the practical completion stage.

B2 Key responsibilities
1. Parallel Plate Separator systems
There are a number of manufacturers and types of PPS oil containment systems. The PPS unit
currently being installed in major substations for Ausgrid is the Ovivo EnviroSEP OS 7500 Oil
Separator.
The design principle is generally consistent across all substations but may require variations to the
final placement of some components due to local equipment and conditions.
The key roles and responsibilities within Ausgrid for the design, installation and commissioning of
PPS oil containment systems are as follows:
1. The installation or upgrade of the PPS system is project managed by the Major Projects or
Capital Programs Group;
2. The design drawings “For Construction” are provided by the Project Development Group;
3. The installation is mainly carried out by Contractors, with power supply and SCADA connections
by Ausgrid Field Technicians;
4. The inspection and commissioning responsibilities are as identified in Annexure C. The
commissioning checklist and procedure are contained in Sections B5 and B6 of this Annexure;
5. The emergency drainage diagram is prepared by Project Development Group to meet the
requirements of NS 186, and is installed by the Services Maintenance group;
6. The operation and maintenance functions are to be carried out by the Services Maintenance
Group. Refer to Annexure A of NS 190.
The PPS oil containment system shall be correctly installed and fully commissioned on site with a
minimum 12 months defects liability period to ensure effective long term operation of the system.
To facilitate this process, and ensure an effective handover of the equipment, the Project Manager
shall obtain the advice and input of the Services Maintenance Group during the delivery,
installation and final inspection of the PPS system.
Certification that the system has been installed in accordance with the design documentation and
manufacturer’s requirements shall be provided by all commissioning parties (including the PPS
manufacturer) at the completion of commissioning works.

2. Oil containment tank systems

The key roles and responsibilities within Ausgrid for the design, installation and commissioning of
oil containment tank systems are as follows;
1. The overall system design, internal configuration, internal dimensions and standard details are
the responsibility of the Project Development Group. The Project Development Group may
delegate any aspect of these functions to others as required;
2. Project management, construction and fit-out of the oil containment system is the responsibility
of the Major Projects or Capital Programs Group;

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

3. Final inspection and acceptance of the completed installation is the responsibility of the Project
Development Group (Civil Works), with specialist and technical input for equipment (e.g. oil
sensors) as required by the Services Maintenance Group during installation and commissioning;
4. The emergency drainage diagram is prepared by Project Development Group to meet the
requirements of NS 186, and is installed by the Services Maintenance Group;
5. Operation and maintenance of the complete oil containment system is the responsibility of the
Services Maintenance Group. Refer to Annexure A of NS 190.

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Figure B1 – Oil containment systems – design responsibilities

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

Figure B2 – Oil containment systems – procurement and construction responsibilities

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

B3 Parallel Plate Separator design and installation

The Ovivo EnviroSEP OS 7500 Oil Separator Unit is made of 304 Grade Stainless Steel and
designed to operate at a maximum flowrate of 5000L/hr. Welding uses mild steel rods as standard,
with stainless steel available on request.
The Ovivo EnviroSEP OS 7500 Unit is 2.1m x 1.86m x 1.175 m high and weighs 550kg empty and
2400kg when full.
The PPS oil separator can be used with inlets from up to four bund pumps. Each pump is set at an
equal proportional flowrate so as not to exceed the maximum 5000L/hr at the PPS inlet. Hence, the
Total System Capacity of 5000L/hr = F (proportional single flowrate) x N (Number of sump pumps).
The required flowrate for various combinations of pumps is indicated below. All pumps should have
the required flowrate indicated on the Pump ID label, located near the pump.

Required Flowrate Allowable Range

Description
L/hour L/hour
1. Single Pump Sites
One pump operating 2,500 2,400 – 2,500
2. Multi-Pump Sites
All pumps operating 5,000 4,900 – 5,000
One of two pumps operating 2,500 2,400 – 2,500
One of three pumps operating 1,700 1,600 – 1,700
One of four pumps operating 1,250 1,150 – 1,250

Wherever possible all pipes carrying water shall be installed inside the bund area to enable leaks to
be contained.
All conduits and termination boxes for electrical cables shall be in accordance with AS 3000.
Each pump is to be supplied by a dust-tight, immersion-proof (rated IP67 or above) 10A 240v
Switched Outlet accessible from outside the bund.
The PPS shall have a dedicated 240vAC 20Amp supply from a 20A Combination Circuit Breaker
and RCD (Safety Switch) on the Substation main AC Board and be labelled at both ends to identify
the circuit. When commissioned, a single Alarm shall be operational to the System Control Room,
with the contact phone number marked on the Control Panel. The Alarm shall have the provision
inside the Control Panel of being made “Non-Auto” during servicing.
The PPS oil separator tank shall be located in a bunded area and mounted on four 50mm x 15mm
threaded mounting studs so as to provide a height adjustment nut below the support bracket and a
locknut above.
The Control Panel shall be mounted to be accessible from outside the bund area. The Control
Panel door shall be lockable with a lock type that enables fitting of a suitable Abloy lock to be
supplied and keyed by the Oil Containment Group.
The PPS shall have all outflow 50mm Kamlock fittings located for the easy connection of tanker
hoses from the front. Where the PPS is located in confined areas, the use of a detachable 900
elbow with Kamlock fittings is acceptable.
Each bund pump shall have a stainless steel flexible hose approximately 500mm long (end fittings
excluded) to suit the site constraints and located on the outlet side only. Each pump outlet shall
have a ball valve between the flexible hose and rigid pipe. Each pump shall have a stainless steel
weatherproof cover that can be easily removed for servicing and is fitted with ventilation louvres on
three sides adjacent to the motor vents. The pump cover is to be hinged on the opposite side to the
pump pulleys.

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Where cables are installed in metal pipes or covers, the ends shall be bushed to prevent cable
damage.
The discharge of the PPS shall be directed to the transformer roadway or other well drained areas
and shall allow sufficient space for future sampling. The discharge shall not be connected directly
to stormwater pipes or pits. Site drainage shall be arranged so as to avoid long term ponding
directly in front of the Control Panel.
The Control Panel shall have an Auto/Off Selector Switch for the PPS Alarm circuit. A Control
Panel Operations Manual and PLC logic diagrams shall be available to enable the interrogation
and calibration of the Control Panel PLC. An electrical circuit diagram for the Control Panel shall
also be available in order to facilitate connection of sensors etc by qualified persons.

B4 PPS manufacturer installation requirements

B4.1 General
Installation Electricals shall comply with AS 3000. The installing electrical Contractor shall
provide to the Project Manager a Certificate of Completion - Electrical Works
(CCEW) to confirm compliance with AS 3000.
Pump installation A stainless steel flexible hose of approximately 500mm in length (end fittings
excluded) and correct diameter on the discharge side only of the pump. Refer
to OCD 513.
Level Floats Pump start and stop settings are to be to Ausgrid standard detail OCD 514.
The high level float should operate at the maximum height in the sump just
below the grate level.

B4.2 Electrical requirements

Rating Minimum
Item Description
Requirements
20A RCD Unit on Sub AC 240vAC 20A 1 x 3 core cable
Supply
Board to Control Panel
SCADA Sub SCADA to Control Panel 110vDC 1 x 2 core cable
Sub SCADA to Control Panel 1 x 4 core fibre cable
Floats Junction Box to each Float 24vAC 1 x 2 core cable per float
Junction Box to Control 24vAC 1 x 6 core cable
Panel
Control Panel to each Pump 240vAC 10A 1 x 3 core cable per
Pumps
Motor Supply Outlet pump

B4.3 Pump installation

Generally, ASM DS32 pumps shall be used on all sites to reduce the requirement for spares. Other
pump sizes may be used where specific site conditions dictate
The pump motor must be covered to the details shown on the project drawings.

B4.4 Pipe installation

Pipes shall be as specified on the project drawings. Generally, the use of ASM DS32 pumps will
require 40mm suction pipes and 50mm discharge pipes.

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NS189 Oil Containment for Major Substations Amendment No 3

B5 OVIVO EnviroSEP OS7500 Oil separator – commissioning checklist

Substation No.: Name :
A OIL SEPARATOR UNIT
1 Unit installed on four mounting studs c/w nuts for height adjustment
2 Lids are adequate and can be secured in Open and Closed Positions
3 Levels are Weir +/- 0mm across the fixed secondary weir and max 5mm along the unit
4 Hose Kamlock fittings readily accessible with or without the 900 detachable elbow, as applic.
5 Discharge to well drained area and no long term ponding in front of Control Panel
6 Flowrate checked OK
7 High Oil Alarm operation checked
B CONTROL PANEL
1 Control Panel door is lockable and hinged mounting panel is lockable
2 Installed securely to enable access from outside of bund area
3 Oil Containment Label and contact phone number on outside
4 Control Room Operator contact number on inside, near Alarm Switch
5 20A Supply on a dedicated circuit from Substation AC Board
6 Alarm Auto/Non-Auto Switch fitted to Control Panel
7 Alarm and cancel operation checked with Control Room
8 All conduit and cable entries are waterproof and secure
9 Pump Isolating Switch is lockable in OFF Position
C BUND AREAS, PUMPS and FLOAT SWITCHES 1 2 3 4
1 Pumps installed above high water level
2 Pumps are fitted with a removable weatherproof cover
Each Pump Motor is supplied via a 240vAC 10A Switched Power
3
Outlet (rated IP67 or above)
4 Pump motor clockwise rotation (from rear) and breather checked
5 Pump primed and flowrate checked
6 Flexible hose length is 500mm on the discharge side only of pump
7 All pipes sizes are as per pipe schedules on project drawings
8 Ball valve fitted only between flex hose and fixed pipes.
9 All electrical conduits are in accordance with AS 3000
10 Float Switch position and operation checked
11 Bunds and Pumps labelled correctly
D GENERAL
1 All conduits with cables are bushed to prevent cable damage
2 All conduits are mechanically protected over/outside of bunds
3 Water supply available nearby. (where possible)
4 Power Supply circuit protected by RCD Unit incorporating a C.B.
5 Operation/Maintenance settings and functionality checked
6 Discharge water 500ml sample for Oil%, PCB and pH levels.
E ADMINISTRATION
1 The Substation has an Emergency Drainage Diagram Dwg :
2 Oil Separator Unit entered in TIS as Task U116
3 Electricians “Certificate of Completion” signed and submitted – No. Dated:
4 A copy of this report is given to Major Projects Group Date:
5 Identified remedial actions completed. Date:
Checked by: ................................................................................. Date: ....................................

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B6 OVIVO EnviroSEP OS7500 Oil separator commissioning procedure

Substation:
Contact: Major Projects Group :
Equipment 1. Socket Set
required: 2. Silicon and Application Gun
3. Allen Keys
4. Rags
5. Spirit Level
6. Rule / Tape measure
7. Permanent Marker
System 1. Installation is complete
Status: 2. Power is connected
3. Pump direction has been checked – clockwise from rear of pump motor
4. Oil Separator unit is filled with water
5. Water is available on site for this procedure
System 1. Alarm Non-Auto and advise System Control Room – as per label
Preparation: 2. Record details of the Oil Separator Unit and all pumps
3. Ensure all switches in the Control Panel are OFF
4. Check the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is OFF
5. Check the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is OFF
6. Check that all wiring appears complete.
7. Check that the pumps are mounted above the bund spill height.
8. Check that electrical cables do not rub against metal edges
9. Check that the pump has been prepared for operation
10. Pipework between the sumps and pumps are complete and correct size
(40mm).
11. Pipework between the pumps and separator are complete and correct size
(50mm)
12. Flexible hoses are used between pumps and discharge pipes of at least
500mm in length (end fittings excluded).
13. The oil separator outlet pipe flows to stormwater.
14. Water in all the bund sumps covers the float switches.
15. Check the Oil Separator Unit levels – front to back (+/- 0mm) and side to side
(+/- 5mm)
Pump 1. Ensure the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is ON
Operation 2. Ensure the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is ON
Checks: 3. Turn Pump Switch No1 to AUTO
4. Raise No.1 float switch to initiate No.1 pump start
5. With each pump operation check pump direction and water flow – prime if
necessary
6. Repeat pump operation check for each Pump Switch
7. Ensure that all Pump Switches are OFF after each pump operation check
Bund 1. Ensure the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is ON
Float 2. Ensure the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is ON
Alarm 3. Raise High Alarm Float in Bund No.1 and observe alarm operation
Checks 4. Bund No.1 Alarm and Common Flashing Alarm should both light up.
5. Lower the High Alarm Float and both the Alarm Indicators should reset
6. Repeat the High Alarm check for each bund.

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High Oil 1. Ensure the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is ON
Level 2. Ensure the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is ON
Alarm 3. Raise High Oil Alarm Float in the Oil Separator and observe alarm
Check operation
4. The High Oil Alarm and Common Flashing Alarm should both light up.
5. Lower the High Oil Alarm Float and both the Alarm Indicators should reset
Pump 1. Ensure the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is ON
Supply 2. Ensure the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is ON
Fail 3. Trip the Circuit Breaker for Pump No.1 inside the Control Panel
Alarm
4. Observe that the Pump Fault Light and Common Alarm Light operate
Check
5. Reset the Circuit Breaker and observe that both alarms reset
6. Repeat this test for each pump
Oil 1. Fill unit with water to almost full
Weir 2. Note the distance from the top of the water to the top of the fixed oil weir
Setting 3. Set the distance from the water to the adjustable oil weir
4. Set the adjustable oil weir with silicon
5. Ensure that the silicon is level across its length
Outlet 1. The Outlet Weir setting determines the level of the water in the separator.
Weir 2. Ensure the Main Supply Circuit Breaker inside the Control Panel is ON
Setting 3. Ensure the Pump Isolating Switch on the side of the Control Panel is ON
4. Turn each Pump Switch on the Control Panel to AUTO
5. Allow the flow to maximise and settle
6. Adjust the Outlet Weir to be 3 – 8 mm below both the oil weirs.
7. Lock the Outlet Weir using an Allen Key on the grub screw.
8. Allow the system to drain each bund which automatically switches each
pump OFF
Discharge 1. Ensure that the oil separator has stabilised and is operating with discharge
Testing water flowing
2. Fill a 500ml sample bottle from the discharge outlet flow for testing
3. Arrange for testing of the discharge sample for Oil, PCB and pH.
Checks 1. Contact Supervisor if the supply RCD Safety Switch does not reset after
completed test.
2. Ensure that all Switches are in AUTO or ON
3. Secure the inside panel and Control Panel door and retrieve all access
keys
4. Restore Alarm then contact System Control Room Operator to confirm
Alarm and Reset
5. Ensure all equipment details are recorded
6. Record any defects, required repairs and items for attention
7. Contact Supervisor if any unsafe condition is found.

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Annexure C – Oil separator inspection requirements and hold

points

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Annexure D – Sample Compliance Checklist

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