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Secondary Containment Regulations For The EPA

Storage tanks use secondary containment systems to prevent petroleum products and chemicals from discharging into the environment in the event of a leak. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates secondary containment systems for aboveground and underground storage.

  1. Regulations

    • EPA requirements for secondary containment appear in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), contained in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 264. Subpart I covers portable storage containers, including drums, while Subpart J covers stationary storage containers, including tanks.

    Drums and Tanks

    • The EPA defines containment rules for storage areas where portable containers of hazardous materials are kept. Stationary storage tanks must be designed to prevent hazardous materials from entering the soil or water. These tanks also must be double walled or equipped with an external liner, a vault or other approved device.

    Containment Designs

    • Containment systems must be made from materials that are compatible with the substances they hold, both chemically and in terms of weight and volume. Containers must be designed to be monitored and cleaned. Containment rules affect storage owned by state and local governments, private individuals and companies.

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