Secondary containment solutions are becoming a priority for aboveground tank operators seeking to meet environmental regulations, reduce operational risks, and extend the lifespan of their facilities. During NISTM 2026, Tim Rich, president of Specified Containment Solutions, explained how combining polyurea liners, tank pads, and containment systems can help prevent spills and corrosion problems at energy and industrial terminals.
Currently, storage facilities face increased demands related to environmental protection, spill control, and regulatory compliance. EPA regulations and SPCC measures are leading many companies to review the containment infrastructure of aboveground tanks.
In this scenario, containment solutions have ceased to be seen as a secondary component and have become an essential part of the operational strategy of terminals, refineries, and industrial plants.
During the interview conducted at NISTM 2026, Tim Rich noted that many facilities still operate without adequate containment systems or need to modernize older structures to align with current standards.
The executive explained that the main objective of these systems is to prevent hydrocarbons, solvents, or other fluids from reaching the ground in the event of leaks or spills. According to Rich, the industry is shifting toward more preventative approaches due to increased environmental regulations and the potential economic impact of operational failures.
Likewise, the growth of expansion projects in storage terminals is generating new needs related to structural integrity, containment capacity and adaptation of existing infrastructure.
Specified Containment Solutions works with polyurea membrane-based solutions and textile systems designed for industrial and energy applications. The company presents itself as a comprehensive provider that combines design, manufacturing, and technical support for secondary containment projects.
One of the products highlighted during the discussion was the Poly Liner system, a polyurea membrane applied to a textile backing. Tim Rich explained that this type of solution aims to create a resistant barrier capable of containing fluids and preventing soil contamination.
The performance of the liner depends on various technical factors. These include chemical resistance, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, and the material's ability to withstand the harsh operating conditions found in oil and gas facilities and industrial infrastructure.
In addition to liners, the company develops tank pads designed to raise tanks above the surface. While it may seem like a simple modification, Rich explained that this system plays an important role in preventing corrosion.
When tanks are placed directly on the ground, moisture and rainwater accumulation can accelerate the deterioration of the metal base. Raising the tank a few centimeters reduces contact with standing water and improves drainage around the structure.
The system also promotes gravity flow within certain operational lines. This allows for optimized handling of hydrocarbons and other fluids stored at industrial terminals.
One of the more technical aspects of the interview was related to the design considerations that must be analyzed before implementing containment solutions.
Tim Rich explained that storage volume is one of the first critical factors. Systems must be designed considering the total capacity of the tanks and scenarios associated with rainfall or rainwater accumulation.
These measures are part of the SPCC guidelines used to minimize environmental risks and ensure that facilities can safely contain spills.
The integrity of the liner also plays a central role. The materials used must withstand constant exposure to the elements and maintain stability against various chemical compounds. This is especially important in terminals handling hydrocarbons, solvents, or highly chemically aggressive industrial products.
Likewise, the design must be adaptable to maintenance processes and potential future expansions. Many facilities incorporate new tanks over time, which necessitates modifications to existing containment systems.
According to Rich, one of the most frequent challenges occurs when companies need to cut liners to expand operational areas or integrate new structures. In these cases, the quality of the repair and adaptation process is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the containment.
During the conversation, Tim Rich identified tank maintenance as one of the main causes of damage to containment systems.
Welding operations often generate sparks that can puncture field-installed liners. While this damage may initially seem minor, even a small puncture can compromise the performance of the entire containment barrier.
To address these types of situations, Specified Containment Solutions offers on-site repair kits. The goal is to reduce downtime and facilitate maintenance without requiring a complete system replacement.
The executive also noted that many operational failures occur during expansion processes or structural modifications within terminals. As facilities grow, the complexity of integrating new components without affecting the continuity of secondary containment increases.
This point reflects one of the current challenges in the energy sector: keeping older facilities operational while incorporating new regulatory requirements and additional storage capacities.
One of the most consistent messages from the interview was the relationship between containment solutions and regulatory compliance.
Rich explained that many terminals are looking to implement membrane systems due to requirements associated with EPA regulations and SPCC measures. In numerous cases, companies need to upgrade existing infrastructure to align with stricter environmental standards.
Within this context, polyurea membranes are gaining ground as an alternative to modernize storage areas and reinforce secondary protection systems.
Specified Containment Solutions believes that this type of technology represents an evolution within the containment liner market due to its strength and adaptability for complex industrial applications.
Likewise, the company seeks to differentiate itself through a comprehensive supplier approach. Tim Rich stated that the company supports operators and engineering teams from the design stage through implementation and subsequent technical support.
The model includes product specification, technical assistance, QA/QC, and adaptation of solutions according to the needs of each installation.
The growth of environmental regulations and the need to protect critical infrastructure are accelerating the adoption of containment solutions in industrial and energy terminals.
The combination of liners, tank pads, and secondary containment systems developed by Specified Containment Solutions is helping operators reduce risks related to spills, corrosion, and structural deterioration in aboveground tanks.
During NISTM 2026, Tim Rich made it clear that the market is moving towards preventative strategies where environmental protection and operational integrity are integrated as part of the same industrial priority.
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Source: Inspenet.
