Secondary Containment Systems for Tanks

Secondary containment systems must also be in place for tanks that are holding hazardous waste. These systems must be designed, installed, and operated in a way that prevents the transfer of wastes from the tank into the surrounding soil or sources of water. Examples of secondary containment systems for tanks include the following:

• An impermeable external liner that surrounds the tank
• An underground vault (usually built with concrete floors and walls and an impermeable cover)
• A double-walled tank with a leak detection monitoring system installed between the walls

Most pipes, tubes, joints, and valves that are part of the storage system must also have a secondary containment system. Certain equipment is exempt from the requirement for secondary containment.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.