Spill Containment Berms

Why use a Spill Containment Berm?

Until and unless there are significant breakthroughs in the field of space travel, this planet is the only home we have. We must take care of it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in 1970 to do just that. It has the power to issue regulations, and the ability to enforce them through the use of fines, sanctions, and other measures. One of those regulations is an oil spill prevention program called the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC). This set of rules requires you and your business to take certain steps to prevent any hazardous chemicals that you are working with from flowing directly on the ground and into the subsequent waterway. That is where spill containment berms enter the picture.

What is a Spill Containment Berm?

A spill containment berm is a device used to prevent hazardous chemicals from spilling everywhere and possibly polluting the environment. They can be made of different materials and come in many sizes, but the standard berm resembles a sandbox without the sand. It is usually a square or rectangular box with walls that rise a few feet off the ground. The idea is to place this berm in areas where a spill is most likely to occur (underneath oil drums, larger equipment, large oil tanks and oil tankers), with the box being able to capture and contain any spills.

What Size Spill Containment Berm Should You Use?

The container or equipment must fit entirely inside the oil spill containment berm. Secondly, regulation 40 CRF 264.175 requires you to be able to “contain 10% of the volume of the containers, or the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater.” For example, if you have two 55-gallon oil drums, the total number of gallons is 110. You would be required to have secondary containment for 55 gallons since the largest container has 55 gallons.  55 gallons is of course greater than 10% of the two containers. The thinking behind this regulation accounts for the unlikelihood of both containers leaking at the same time.

What Kind of Options Do You Have When Ordering a Spill Containment Berm?

You have several options to suit your needs when looking at spill containment berms. The five main things to examine are the type of spill berms, material, size, and whether you need a ground mat or track mat.

·       Spill Berm Material

• • Spill containment berms are typically made with chemical resistant fabrics, aluminum, foam or an air frame support system.
  • Specialized materials are also available for different types of chemicals, extreme hot or cold temperatures, and other environmental conditions.

·       Size

• • Spill Containment Berms are available in virtually any size you would need. Sizes range from drums to tanker trucks. Custom sizes are also available. Contact us to discuss your spill containment needs.

·       Ground Mats for spill berms

• • Ground mats are placed under the spill berm on the ground as an additional layer of protection for the floor of the berm. If you are placing the berm on an even surface like dirt or gravel, it is wise to purchase a ground mat to prevent rocks or sticks from poking through the floor of the spill containment berm. If the containment berm is being used on concrete or asphalt a ground mat is usually unnecessary.

·       Track Mats

• • A track mat is heavy rubber material that is placed on the top side of the floor of the spill containment berm. If you are driving vehicles or heavy equipment in and out the spill containment berm regularly, purchasing this option would be a sound investment because it would add a layer of protection to the floor of the berm.

Spill containment berms serve a crucial role in various industries, helping to prevent and manage spills of hazardous materials, chemicals, and other liquids. They are essential for maintaining safety, protecting the environment, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Here are the basic uses of spill containment berms in a business casual tone:

1. **Containment of Chemical Spills:** Spill containment berms are primarily used to contain accidental chemical spills. They create a barrier around the spill area, preventing the spread of hazardous substances and reducing the risk of contamination.
2. **Secondary Containment:** Many industries are required by regulations to have secondary containment systems in place. Berms act as secondary containment barriers, providing an additional layer of protection in case primary storage containers fail or leak.
3. **Temporary Storage:** Berms are often used as temporary storage solutions for drums, tanks, or equipment that may contain liquids. They help prevent leaks and drips from reaching the ground or causing environmental harm.
4. **Stormwater Management:** Berms can be used to control stormwater runoff, particularly in outdoor industrial settings. They can divert rainwater away from potentially contaminated areas, reducing the risk of pollutants entering storm drains or natural water bodies.
5. **Maintenance Activities:** During maintenance and repair operations, berms can be placed around the work area to contain fluids such as oil, hydraulic fluid, or coolant, preventing them from spreading and causing environmental damage.
6. **Vehicle and Equipment Washdown:** Berms are valuable for containing runoff and wastewater generated during vehicle or equipment washdown procedures, ensuring that contaminants are captured and properly disposed of.
7. **Emergency Response:** Spill containment berms are a critical component of emergency response plans. They can be quickly deployed to contain spills and prevent them from spreading further, minimizing the impact and facilitating cleanup.
8. **Portable Solutions:** Many spill containment berms are designed to be portable and easy to set up, making them ideal for use in remote locations or during transportation of hazardous materials.
9. **Protection of Sensitive Areas:** Berms can be strategically placed around environmentally sensitive areas, such as water sources, to protect them from potential contamination in case of a spill.
10. **Compliance with Regulations:** Using spill containment berms is often a regulatory requirement for businesses handling hazardous materials. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid fines and penalties.

Incorporating spill containment berms into your business operations is not only a responsible environmental choice but also a practical measure to reduce risks and potential liabilities associated with chemical spills and leaks. It’s important to choose the right type and size of berms for your specific needs and ensure they are properly maintained and inspected for effectiveness.

Conclusion

When it comes to working with hazardous chemicals, one-word springs to mind: protection. Investing in a spill containment berm can protect the environment as well as your business from EPA-issued fines and sanctions. Do the right thing and protect yourself today with a spill containment berm from Ready Containment.