Secondary Containment: How to Calculate Capacity for SPCC Compliance and Environmental Protection
Secondary spill containment is essential in protecting the environment and industrial operations. Whether you’re handling oil, chemicals, or wastewater, having the proper containment system in place at the correct size, is not just best practice, it’s required by law.
At SafeRack, we understand how essential compliance is to your bottom line and environmental responsibilities. That’s why we help facility managers, engineers, and EHS professionals simplify capacity calculations with tools and guidance rooted in decades of bulk fluid handling expertise.
What is Secondary Spill Containment?
Secondary containment refers to a structure such as a berm, dike, or tray designed to capture spills or leaks from a primary container, tank, or transfer area. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring any unexpected discharge doesn’t reach soil or waterways.
Under the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations, secondary containment must be able to hold:
- 100% of the volume of the largest container in the area, plus
- An additional 10% to account for precipitation or surge capacity
This requirement applies to industries including oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial waste management. Non-compliance can lead to steep fines, shutdowns, and long-term reputational damage.
Operational Safety
Effective secondary containment contributes directly to a safer, more efficient workplace. By capturing spills at the source, these systems help prevent slip hazards, chemical exposure, and fire risks—reducing the chance of injury and protecting frontline workers. Containment also keeps critical areas like loading zones, walkways, and transfer stations clear of obstructions, allowing operations to continue with minimal disruption. Facilities that prioritize well-designed containment solutions not only align with OSHA safety standards but also experience fewer shutdowns, maintenance delays, and emergency response events, supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term productivity.
Why Use a Spill Containment Calculator?
Accurately sizing your secondary containment isn’t just about passing inspections. It ensures that in the event of a spill, your facility avoids environmental harm, operational delays, and regulatory exposure.
A spill containment calculator simplifies the process of determining the appropriate containment volume. It takes the guesswork out of complex math and ensures you’re meeting EPA expectations with every system you install.
Spill Containment Solutions
Drum & IBC Spill Containment
Interior and exterior SPCC compliant and EPA approved spill pallets
Truck Spill Containment
SPCC & EPA Compliant Truck Spill Containment Solutions
Containment Berms
Spill containment berms for industrial needs such as fueling stations, chemical storage, and mobile containment
Railcar Track Pans
SPCC & EPA Compliant Track pans for capturing hazardous spills from railroad tankers and railcars
How to Use a Spill Containment Calculator
A reliable containment calculator makes it easy to determine the required volume of your berm, sump, or containment pad. Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Measure the Primary Container
Gather accurate dimensions—length, width, and height—of your tank or tote. Know the volume in gallons or liters.
2. Add 10% Freeboard
SPCC guidelines require additional capacity beyond the largest container to accommodate rainfall or foam expansion in a spill scenario.
3. Convert Units
For example, a 5,000-gallon tank would require 5,500 gallons of containment. This translates to roughly 735 cubic feet.
4. Factor in Space Constraints
Divide the total volume by your intended berm height to determine the footprint required. SafeRack’s team can assist with site evaluations to ensure your system fits within operational constraints.
For example:
If you have a 5,000-gallon tanker truck requiring secondary containment:
- Add 10% freeboard volume (5,500 gallons)
- Convert gallons to cubic feet ( cubic feet)
- Divide by berm wall height (e.g., square feet of area)
- Select a berm size that fits within your workspace dimensions
Custom Secondary Spill Containment Solutions for Non-Standard Applications
Not every facility can rely on standard containment products. Space limitations, uneven surfaces, or unique storage arrangements often call for custom-designed systems.
SafeRack supports these challenges by offering:
- On-site safety assessments to identify containment requirements
- Custom-built containment berms and accessories
- Technical drawings and 3D modeling via our proprietary configurator
- Installation consultation to ensure compliance from the ground up
Compliance Isn’t Optional—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
With multiple federal regulations in play including SPCC, EPA 40 CFR Part 112, and state-level mandates, it’s important to take a proactive approach to secondary containment. Our team can help you:
- Ensure seamless integration with bulk loading and unloading zones
- Understand how SPCC applies to your operation
- Calculate appropriate containment volumes
- Design containment layouts for new or existing facilities
Why SafeRack?
SafeRack isn’t just a containment product provider. We’re a full-service partner in safety, compliance, and efficiency. Our approach goes beyond equipment—we engage early, assess thoroughly, and support you through implementation.
From custom containment berms to full-scale loading platforms, SafeRack solutions are built to reduce risk, minimize downtime, and simplify compliance.
Get Started with Confidence
Need help determining your secondary containment needs? Start with a free consultation or site survey from the SafeRack team. We’ll help you assess risk, calculate capacity, and develop a containment strategy that fits your facility—and satisfies regulators.
