What is secondary containment?

Secondary containment refers to a system specifically engineered to prevent pollutants or hazardous substances from escaping into the surrounding environment in the event of a leak or spill from the primary containment system, which is typically the tank itself. This layer of protection serves as a critical safety measure in the management of underground storage tanks (USTs), as it ensures that any leaks are contained and do not pose a risk to soil, groundwater, or public health.

By utilizing physical barriers such as double-walled tanks, containment basins, or impermeable liners, secondary containment systems effectively contain potential leaks, thereby minimizing environmental impact and facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements. This containment approach is a vital component of best practices in UST management, aimed at safeguarding human health and the environment.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe secondary containment. Technologies for leak detection focus primarily on identifying leaks rather than preventing them from escaping. Increasing tank capacity pertains to altering tank design or installation, which is unrelated to the concept of secondary containment. Maintenance services may involve inspecting and repairing tanks but do not define containment systems themselves.