Different regulations could apply to this situation depending on what kind of containers are being used, what is in them, and where they are stored.
Under 40 CFR 264/265.193(a), hazardous waste tank systems must have secondary containment and leak detection before being placed in service.
The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules in 40 CFR part 112 require secondary containment for facilities handling oil.
Storm water regulations in 40 CFR part 122 call for “structural and non-structural” storm water control measures.
=Risk management rules in 40 CFR part 68 call for “passive mitigation” to capture or control substances upon loss of containment and minimize exposure of the public or the environment.
Used oil rules in 40 CFR part 279 require secondary containment for certain used oil handling activities.
Toxic substance regulations in 40 CFR part 761 require secondary containment for certain PCB wastes.
Pesticide storage containment regulations at 40 CFR 165.85 require secondary containment for pesticide containers.
OSHA, too, mentions leaking containers and spill containment in several regulations, including, but not limited to, the:
You may also wish to check for any further secondary containment requirements with:
- Your building inspector;
- Your state fire marshal or local fire department;
- Your insurance company;
- Your state environmental agency, which may have more stringent requirements for secondary containment; and
- Your permit and permitting agency, which may call for secondary containment.