Secondary Containment Systems – EPA Compliant – Northern California
Protect your facility and environment with professional secondary containment systems. EPA SPCC-compliant solutions for chemical storage, battery rooms, and hazardous material handling areas.
What is Secondary Containment?
Secondary containment systems are engineered barriers designed to capture and contain spills, leaks, or releases from primary storage containers. These systems prevent environmental contamination and ensure regulatory compliance with EPA SPCC rules, RCRA requirements, and state environmental regulations.
Our containment systems integrate chemical-resistant flooring with properly designed berms, sumps, and drainage systems to create a complete spill management solution. Each system is customized based on stored chemicals, facility layout, and specific regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Requirements
- • EPA SPCC (40 CFR 112) - Oil and petroleum storage
- • RCRA (40 CFR 264/265) - Hazardous waste storage
- • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 - Flammable liquid storage
- • State environmental protection requirements
- • Local fire department and building codes
- • Industry-specific standards (UL, NFPA, API)
- • Battery room safety standards (IEEE, NFPA)
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard System | Heavy-Duty System |
|---|---|---|
| System Build-up | Primer + Basecoat + 2 Topcoats | Primer + 2 Basecoats + 3 Topcoats |
| Total DFT | 30-40 mils | 60-80 mils |
| Containment Volume | 110% largest container | 125% largest container |
| Chemical Resistance | Acids, alkalis, petroleum | Aggressive solvents, oxidizers |
| Service Temperature | -10°F to 180°F | -40°F to 250°F |
| Cure Time | 16-24 hours between coats | 24-48 hours between coats |
| Return to Service | 5-7 days | 7-10 days |
| Bond Strength | > 400 psi | > 600 psi |
Chemical Resistance Chart
| Chemical Class | Examples | Standard System | Heavy-Duty System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Acids | HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃ | ||
| Alkalis | NaOH, KOH, NH₄OH | ||
| Petroleum Products | Diesel, gasoline, oil | ||
| Solvents | MEK, acetone, toluene | ||
| Battery Electrolyte | H₂SO₄ solutions | ||
| Oxidizing Agents | H₂O₂, bleach, peroxides |
Containment Design & Applications
Chemical Storage Areas
Bulk chemical storage requires containment systems sized to EPA SPCC requirements. Berms and sumps direct spills to collection points with proper drainage and monitoring.
- • 110% of largest container volume
- • Sloped floors to collection sumps
- • Chemical-resistant berm construction
- • Automated leak detection options
Battery Rooms
Battery installations require acid-resistant containment with proper ventilation access. Systems accommodate thermal expansion and routine maintenance activities.
- • 100% electrolyte volume plus 2\"
- • Acid-resistant surface coatings
- • Sloped floors for drainage
- • Thermal expansion joints
Fuel Storage & Dispensing
Fuel storage areas require specialized containment for petroleum products with consideration for vapor space and temperature variations.
- • API-compliant design standards
- • Spark-resistant surface finishes
- • Vapor-tight construction details
- • Grounding and bonding provisions
Laboratory & Research
Laboratory containment systems handle diverse chemicals with unknown interactions. Flexible designs accommodate changing research requirements and protocols.
- • Multi-chemical compatibility
- • Easy decontamination procedures
- • Modular containment options
- • Emergency response access
Berms, Sumps & Drainage Design
Design Requirements
Berm Construction
- • Minimum 6\" height above floor
- • 1/4\" radius cove base transitions
- • Chemical-resistant materials throughout
- • Structural integration with floor system
Sump Systems
- • Minimum 1/4\" per foot slope to drains
- • Accessible for cleaning and maintenance
- • Removable covers for inspection
- • Explosion-proof equipment if required
Berm Integration
Containment berms are constructed as integral parts of the floor system, providing seamless chemical resistance and structural integrity.
Sump & Drainage
Properly designed sumps collect spills efficiently while providing access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance operations.
Compliance & Cost Analysis
System Investment
Non-Compliance Costs
ROI Analysis
A properly designed secondary containment system pays for itself by preventing one significant spill event. Insurance premiums may be reduced with compliant systems.
Investment Protection
- • Prevents environmental fines
- • Reduces cleanup liability
- • Maintains operational continuity
Insurance Benefits
- • Lower premium rates
- • Reduced liability exposure
- • Faster claim processing
Operational Value
- • Regulatory compliance
- • Employee safety
- • Brand protection
Photo Gallery
Chemical storage with EPA-compliant containment
Battery room with acid-resistant containment
Fuel storage with petroleum-resistant containment
Laboratory multi-chemical containment system
Professional sump and drainage installation
Completed containment with monitoring systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
EPA's Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules under 40 CFR 112 require secondary containment for facilities storing more than 1,320 gallons of oil or petroleum products. Additional regulations include RCRA for hazardous waste and state-specific requirements for chemical storage.
Secondary containment must hold 110% of the largest container or 10% of total stored volume, whichever is greater. For multiple containers, calculate based on the largest single container plus sufficient freeboard for precipitation. Battery rooms require 100% of electrolyte volume plus 2 inches.
Containment systems must demonstrate compatibility with stored chemicals through standardized testing like ASTM D543 or NACE TM0174. Testing evaluates weight change, hardness retention, and visual changes after extended chemical exposure at operating temperatures.
Berms are formed using chemical-resistant materials bonded to the floor system. Sumps require proper drainage slopes (minimum 1/4" per foot) and may include monitoring systems. All transitions between vertical and horizontal surfaces must be properly sealed and radiused.
Monthly visual inspections for cracks, deterioration, or drainage issues are typical. Annual integrity testing may include hydrostatic testing for liquid containment. Documentation must be maintained showing inspection dates, findings, and corrective actions taken.
Yes, retrofit containment systems can be installed using specialized techniques like surface-applied membranes, raised berms, or modular containment systems. Existing drainage may need modification, and temporary containment is required during installation.
Thermal cycling can cause expansion/contraction stress in containment systems. Systems must be designed for expected temperature ranges with proper joint sealing and flexible connections. Cold storage applications require specialized formulations to prevent brittleness.
Related Resources
Compliance Assessment
- • EPA SPCC requirement analysis
- • Chemical compatibility testing
- • Containment volume calculations
- • System design & specifications
- • 24-hour compliance review
Typical Applications
- • Chemical storage areas
- • Battery rooms
- • Fuel storage & dispensing
- • Laboratory facilities
- • Hazardous waste storage