Odorant Tank Secondary Containment: Planning Factors
Updated: Sep 7
Secondary containment can limit the spread of an odorant release when its capacity, materials, drainage, penetrations, weather exposure, and operating controls are suitable for the site. This article reviews planning factors; it does not determine regulatory applicability or containment design.
Understanding Secondary Containment
Secondary containment is intended to collect or limit the spread of a release from primary equipment. Its effectiveness depends on usable capacity, chemical compatibility, construction, penetrations, drainage, weather allowance, inspection, maintenance, and site operating controls. It cannot prevent every release or environmental consequence.
Why Consider Secondary Containment?
Including containment during initial design may reduce later modification work. Requirements vary by product, container, facility, jurisdiction, permits, and discharge pathway, so the responsible party should document the site-specific applicability and design basis.
Types of Secondary Containment
There are several types of secondary containment systems, including double-walled tanks and piping, lined earthen dikes, and concrete or metal enclosures. The choice of system depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of the installation and regulatory guidelines.
Outdoor Secondary Containment
Outdoor containment planning should address the applicable release volume, precipitation or snow allowance, controlled drainage, inspection access, penetrations, and disposal or testing requirements established for the site. Do not apply 40 CFR §264.193 as a universal odorant-tank rule; that provision addresses hazardous-waste tank systems. Use qualified environmental review, current product information, and applicable permits or requirements.
Burgess Pipeline Services can support a defined containment-planning, inspection, or field-documentation scope. The owner and responsible design or environmental professionals remain responsible for applicability, capacity, compatibility, drainage, and acceptance.
Related Reading
Project Support
Need help planning odorant handling, temporary containment, inspections, or operating records? Review BPS pipeline operations support for a project-specific scope.
