Containment pads take plenty of planning and careful installation, but you’ll only need to do minimal maintenance on a monthly basis to keep your pads in good shape. Secondary spill protection maintenance should be integrated into tank and storage container routines so that problems are caught early when they’re easy to fix. Epoxy and clay coatings require far more attention and maintenance than geomembrane liners, so this guide will cover how to maintain lined containment pads rather than the other types.
Take Care of Containers First
Maintaining storage tanks and containers is the first step in protecting your containment pads from damage. By preventing leaks and failures of the primary containers, you reduce the stress on the secondary containment pad substantially. Above ground storage tanks need a monthly inspection for signs of external rust, lost rivets, markings from leaks, and bulging at seams. Below ground containers need attention on a monthly basis as well, but they should also have constant monitoring with sensors and alarms since they’re not visible to the eye. Test these sensors every three months to make sure you don’t miss any spill events.
Rely on Air Lance and Vacuum Testing
Chemical resistant liners like ArmorPro will last for years, but annual non-destructive testing is the best way to ensure there’s still a watertight seam along all the edges and corners. You have two main options for testing these kinds of membranes after installation and seam welding to form a custom containment pad.
- Vacuum testing: A large rectangular vacuum plate is positioned over a section of the seam that has been covered with soapy water. Applying a vacuum to the seam will reveal any leaks as bubbles rising through the soap suds.
- Air lance testing: The air lance uses a similar premise with an opposite approach. A long nozzle shoots a jet of air at the seam and reveals any leaks or weaknesses if the material rises up in a tube shape along the seam’s edge.
Examine Emergency Supplies Annually
Aside from the secondary containment pads you install and build, you also need to maintain the emergency spill response kits for employees. Hazardous material suits and other personal protection equipment have expiration dates and need replacement every few years. Check the expiration dates on everything in your emergency spill kit at least once a year and invest in replacements as needed.
Keep Records of Inspections and Repairs
When dealing with accidental discharges and spills, EPA inspections may rely on your record-keeping efforts to determine if you were following their regulations or not. These inspection and repair records need to go in your Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan for convenient access whenever needed. Ensure that all team members responsible for inspecting and maintaining the containment pads know the standards for record-keeping.
Remove Vegetation and Debris
Don’t let any stray grass, weeds, and other plants start growing in the containment pad area around your storage tanks. This is especially important for outdoor and uncovered containment areas that can collect both rainwater and wind-spread seeds. Large debris can increase the amount of displacement occurring within a containment pad, reducing its total volume in case of a spill.
