Across industrial sites, power plants, and mining operations, protecting soil and groundwater from chemical or fuel leaks is a critical responsibility. A single spill can cause long-term environmental damage, expensive remediation, and regulatory penalties.
That’s why more companies are turning to Secondary containment liners, engineered barriers that prevent leaks from storage tanks, refueling areas, or chemical handling zones from reaching the soil or groundwater beneath.
SAI is a specialist in designing and installing geomembrane containment systems that provide dependable, long-term protection against spills and seepage, helping industries stay compliant, sustainable, and safe.
Understanding Secondary Containment
In simple terms, secondary containment is a protective system designed to capture and control any accidental release from a primary storage unit, such as a fuel tank or chemical vessel.
This “second line of defense” ensures that even if a leak occurs, the material remains fully contained within a lined and sealed area, never reaching the ground or nearby water sources.
For example, a secondary containment system might include:
- A reinforced concrete or earthen berm
- A geomembrane liner to create a fully impermeable base and walls
- And a drainage and monitoring system to quickly detect and manage spills
How Liners Protect Groundwater
The core of an effective containment system is the geomembrane liner. These liners, typically made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene), act as a durable, chemical-resistant barrier that prevents hazardous liquids from migrating into the subsurface.
By isolating the stored materials from the surrounding environment, liners:
- Block chemical infiltration that can contaminate groundwater aquifers
- Prevent corrosion or erosion of containment structures
- Simplify cleanup after minor spills, reducing maintenance costs
- And extend the lifespan of the facility by minimizing environmental risk
As a certified contractor, SAI follows strict QA/QC protocols, including seam testing, vacuum inspections, and field verification, to guarantee liner integrity from day one.
Compliance and Responsibility
Regulatory agencies such as the EPA (under 40 CFR 112 for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans) and state environmental departments require secondary containment for many storage operations.
Beyond compliance, these systems represent a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship, demonstrating that an organization prioritizes safe, sustainable operations.
By incorporating geomembrane liners into containment systems, companies meet and often exceed these regulatory standards while protecting valuable natural resources.
Real-World Applications
Secondary containment systems are used wherever chemicals, fuels, or process liquids are stored or transferred. Common applications include:
- Refueling areas and above-ground storage tanks
- Chemical manufacturing plants
- Power generation facilities
- Mining operations and processing plants
- Agricultural and fertilizer storage sites
Protecting What’s Beneath Us
Groundwater is one of our most valuable and vulnerable natural resources. SAI believes that protecting it isn’t just a regulatory requirement, but a responsibility.
Through careful design, material expertise, and certified installation, we deliver secondary containment systems that stand up to time, stress, and exposure, keeping industries operational and the environment safe.
Contact us to learn more about our containment liner systems and how SAI can help safeguard your site from leaks and contamination.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of a secondary containment liner?
A secondary containment liner prevents spills and leaks from fuel or chemical storage areas from reaching the soil or groundwater, providing an added layer of environmental protection. - What materials are commonly used for containment liners?
Most systems use HDPE or LLDPE geomembranes for their chemical resistance, durability, and impermeability. In some cases, GCLs (Geosynthetic Clay Liners) are added for enhanced protection. - Are secondary containment liners required by law?
Yes. Regulations such as the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule require secondary containment for many types of storage and refueling systems. - How long do containment liners last?
With proper installation and maintenance, HDPE liners can perform for 20–30 years or longer, even under constant exposure to sunlight and chemicals. - Who can install secondary containment systems?
SAI provides complete design, material selection, and certified installation services for containment systems across industrial, mining, and energy sectors.
