Secondary containment is a basin or berm that catches leaks from a tote so they never reach soil or drains. A common rule of thumb is capacity for at least the largest container plus a margin — often 110%. Many stored chemicals require it by regulation.
Read on for the full breakdown.
What secondary containment is
Primary containment is the tote itself. Secondary containment is the backup — a spill pallet, bunded basin or curbed area that captures any liquid that escapes the tank. It is the difference between a contained nuisance and an environmental incident.
Sizing the basin
A widely used guideline is that containment must hold at least the volume of the largest single container, with extra margin for rain if the area is outdoors — commonly expressed as 110% of the biggest tote. Check the specific rule for your material and jurisdiction.
What needs it
Not everything requires containment, but a lot does:
- Oils, fuels and many industrial chemicals
- Anything that could reach a storm drain or waterway
- Regulated substances with explicit containment rules
- Bulk storage where a full tote failing would be serious
Practical setups
Options scale to your needs: a single spill pallet under one tote, a modular berm around several, or a permanently curbed and coated storage bay. Keep incompatible chemicals in separate containment so a mixed leak cannot react.
Documentation
For regulated storage, containment is often part of a spill prevention plan you must be able to show. Keep it inspected, keep it clear of accumulated rainwater, and keep the records. Good containment protects the environment and your operating permits at once.
Published September 17, 2024 · By IBC Solutions Illinois