Marvel Industrial Coatings Blog

We are the premier provider of Polyurea Spray-On Liner Systems, Industrial Protective Coatings, Spray Foam Solutions, and Industry-leading Technical Support. Providing top notch training and first-class technical support, our team has you covered from Start to Finish.

Connect with an Expert

What Are the Requirements of a Secondary Containment System for the Oil Industry?

← Back to List
Secondary containment systems are essential for anyone who works in the oil industry. These systems are an added barrier to protect from any hazard spills, the type of spills that can danger the environment.

But are you aware of the requirements needed for a secondary containment system? And if you are, do you know why polyurea coatings should be used to meet these requirements? Read on.

SPCC Rules on Secondary Containment Systems


Work for an oil company? Then you probably already know about the EPA's Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) rule. Published in 1973, the rule was created as a way to prevent any illegal discharges of oil into the environment. It requires all facility owners that have more than 1,300 aboveground oil storage compacity or 42,000 gallons of underground oil storage capacity to have a plan that addresses how they will prevent oil spills. Not only do facilities need to show preparedness but must have the ability to respond to these discharges if the processes put in place fail.

One of the practices oil companies need to put in place is secondary containment measures. According to the SPCC regulation, "secondary containment is required for all facilities with bulk storage containers, large or small, manned or unmanned, and for facilities with bulk storage containers that also have oil-filled equipment."

According to the EPA, the secondary containment system needs to fit the following requirements:

  • It must be impervious and free of any cracks or gaps

  • Must be designed to quickly and easily remove spilled or leaking liquid

  • Must be able to contain "at least 10 percent of the total volume of the primary containers or 100 percent of the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater."

  • Must prevent precipitation from entering

  • Can remove the spilled oil in a timely manner to prevent an overflow


How a Polyurea Coating is Your Best Bet


Knowing what the requirements, you may be wondering how a polyurea coating fits into the secondary containment system. By spraying the coating on your containment system, you add a leakproof barrier to help contain any accidental spills or leaks. It is waterproof, highly resistant to chemicals, and can get into the little cracks and crevices that may form after years of protection.

And unlike rubber or paint, polyurea coatings are meant to last. Rubber and paint linings only last for a few years. In addition, rubber or paint not only absorbs the harsh materials, but it could release these toxic chemicals, causing contamination.

Another benefit of polyurea coatings is it's light and flexible. That means changes in temperature won't affect the coating. It can constrict in the cold winter months and expand in the sweltering summer days.

Let Marvel Industrial Coatings Help You Protect the Environment


If you are in the oil industry and need an added boost to your secondary containment system, then look no further. Contact Marvel Industrial Coatings today for more information.