Our guide to secondary containment liners

Depending on your company’s industry, you may be required to use secondary containers in addition to your primary tanks. Secondary containers serve as extra protection against hazardous leaks and spills. They often sit under a primary tank to trap potential leaks from flooding into the environment. For example, oilfield and pesticide containers are required by law to be fortified by secondary containers.

If your business deals with potentially harmful chemicals, you need durable liners to reinforce both your primary and secondary containers. Liners can be crucial in the event that both containers crack or become corroded over time.

Why are secondary containment liners important?

Your company may need to store strong chemicals for business purposes, but those chemicals can harm the environment if they are not stored responsibly. Secondary containers can help add that extra layer of protection. However, by itself, a secondary container may not efficiently prevent leaks. Liners can be important because they can: 

1. Effectively seal contaminants from the environment — If a leak or crack occurs in your secondary container, the stored chemicals, acids and toxins can infiltrate nearby soil. If these compounds make contact with certain bodies of water, the local drinking water could become contaminated. This can especially occur if the secondary container is placed underground. Thankfully, liners can completely seal the sides of the secondary container and reduce the likelihood of environmental contamination.
   
2. Increase the longevity of the secondary container — If certain chemicals come into direct contact with a container, they can react with the material and cause instant corrosion. Over time, this reactivity can weaken the container and increase the likelihood of it developing cracks. With a liner in place, however, the stored liquid does not come into contact with the container at all. Your container can therefore last longer with less of a need for maintenance.
   
3. Protect against environmental changes — Rain, flooding, and erosion can alter the contaminants in a secondary container and damage the container’s structure. This can be especially true if your company is located in a hurricane- or tornado-prone zone. Liners are often chemical resistant and can withstand both high and freezing temperatures. As a result, the chemicals are more likely to be stored safely over time, even as the environment changes. 

Witt Lining Systems can help you find the right secondary containment liner for your business

Using secondary containers responsibly can be essential to both the environment and your reputation. But did you know that secondary containment liners can add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind? Reach out to us today and take the first step toward getting the flexible drop-in liner solutions you need.