Stormwater BMPs: Secondary Containment and Spill Control September 2012
Secondary Containment
Secondary Containment Helps to minimize the potential for pollution by: Keeping spills in a confined area Preventing spills from entering drains Segregating incompatible materials Facilitating waste management and good housekeeping Capturing leaks and spills that may otherwise get tracked to other areas
Areas of consideration Consider the following: Areas where materials are stored and handled Outdoor storage, work and processing areas Loading and unloading areas Vehicle and equipment maintenance areas Waste management areas Dust and particulate generating processes
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Store containers on pallets to capture leaks and spills. Pallets: Provide instant containment of spills Facilitate waste segregation Can be moved if facility layout changes
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Use flexible berms that can be driven over in container storage areas. Berms: Allow room with impervious floors to have containment capabilities Maintain forklift and cart access Are less expensive that cement curbs or angle iron
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Use portable containment pools for temporary storage Portable pools: Can be deployed only when needed Store compactly when not in use
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Store hazardous chemicals and wastes in outdoor storage buildings Storage buildings: Free up space inside main buildings Protect waste containers from rain and snow Contain spills
Secondary Containment Options BMP: When wastes are collected outdoors, designate and cover the collection area. Covered waste collection: Helps prevent container corrosion Helps to keep wastes out of hightraffic areas Helps facilities that collect used oil from the public to keep the oil out of their work or retail areas Example of image. A thin outline and/or light shadow will pop image off of the page nicely.
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Provide containment for tanks stored outdoors. Tank containment: Captures leaks and spills during filling and dispensing Can be covered to keep rainwater and snow melt out of the sump
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Perform vehicle and equipment wash downs on containment pads or in areas designed for wastewater and pollutant collection. Containment Pads: Have bermed edges to trap wash water and sediment Are portable to allow them to be taken to various locations
Secondary Containment Options BMP: Dike wash-down areas to facilitate water and sediment collection. Dikes: Seal to any hard surface to provide instant containment Allow water or spills to be diverted away from drains Create instant containment so fluids can be vacuumed or pumped
Spill Control
A spill response plan should include: A description of necessary safety measures to be taken, and responsibilities of personnel A list of contacts and resources, such as police and fire departments, hospitals, POTWs, etc. Well defined procedures for containing, diverting, isolating, and cleaning up spills Descriptions of spill response and cleanup equipment to be used
Spill Response and Prevention Plans Should clearly state: How to stop the source of the spill How to contain and clean up the spill How to dispose of contaminated materials How to train personnel to prevent and control future spills. Note: Some spills require response efforts to begin within one hour. Having spill response items readily available speeds response efforts.
Spill Prevention Options BMP: Use large funnels in waste collection areas to avoid leaks and drips during fluid transfer. Funnels: Connect to drums help minimize spills Have lids with seals and gaskets to prevent fugitive emissions and leakage if the container tips
Spill Prevention Options BMP: Equip containers with fast-latch lids in Satellite Accumulation Areas. Latching lids: Have easy-to-open latches to encourage proper waste collection Can aid in waste segregation when marked with name of waste stream
Spill Prevention Options BMP: Mark storm drains. Stenciling or otherwise marking storm drains increases public awareness Consider working with local Boy Scout Troops and other community youth groups for assistance in marking drains
Spill Response Options BMP: Stock spill kits in spill-prone areas and check them regularly to ensure they are ready for use. Keep PPE, response equipment and materials readily accessible for fast cleanup Clearly mark the location of spill kits Post instructions to remind responders of spill response procedures Kits stocked in overpacks and salvage drums provide responders with disposal containers for spill related wastes
Spill Response Options BMP: Know which absorbents to use Universal Absorbents Will absorb any liquid Have a variety of bases and fillers Choose polypropylene or vermiculite for corrosives Choose cellulose for water, coolants and solvents Common colors are gray, blue, yellow, pink and green Oil Only Absorbents Absorb oils while repelling water Works on hydrocarbon, plant, animal and synthetic based oils Float, even if fully saturated with oils Common colors are white and brown
Spill Response Options BMP: Know which absorbents to use (cont.) Socks and Booms Contain and absorb spills Catch leaks that run down the sides of machines or countertops Mat Pads Soak up spills on countertops and floors Work quickly like a paper towel Pillows Soak up larger volume spills Catch persistent leaks Neutralizers Used sparingly, usually for small spills Are often chemical specific
Spill Prevention Options BMP: Be prepared for spills in battery charging and storage areas Spill kits should include chemically resistant absorbents and PPE Neutralizers are convenient for small spills and can help make response safer. Kits can also help you comply with OSHA regulations for spill preparedness in battery storage areas.
Spill Prevention Options BMP: Be prepared for specialty spills, like mercury. Because of it s specific gravity, regular absorbents don t fare well with mercury Specially designed spill kits help capture mercury droplets and harmful vapors
Spill Response Options BMP: Include tools and patch and repair items in spill kits Fast setting putties quickly patch leaky pipes, containers and valves Storing plugs, patches, gaskets and other repair tools with spill response items helps to stop the source of a leak or spill
Spill Response Options BMP: Train responders on proper spill diking techniques to help prevent spills from spreading and reaching drains or waters. Self-sealing dikes contain spills on hard surfaces and can be reused Hay bales, sand bags and fire hoses can also be used to quickly dam a spill
Spill Response Options BMP: Use drain covers to protect drains during fluid transfers or to quickly cover drains in the event of a spill. Drain covers should overlap drains by at least 3 In a pinch, a heavy-duty garbage bag filled with water and tied off can help to block a drain
Spill Response Options BMP: Prevent illicit discharges with pipe plugs or drain shut-off valves. When installing shut-off valves is not possible, plugs can prevent spills from entering waters Containment and absorbent booms can provide an additional line of defense beyond the plug
Spill Response Options BMP: In the event of a spill reaching navigable waters, containment booms can be used to collect floating particulate or liquids and contain the spill. Select float height and skirt length to match water conditions Be sure to stock sufficient anchors, rope and other needed tools with the booms