The most basic precaution against oil spills is the presence of secondary containment equipment in the form of an earthen berm, also known as a berm, earthwork, or dike, which is situated between the facility’s operations and its surrounding environment. When a spill does occur, a properly-constructed berm can help contain the spread of oil and minimize the damage it causes.
There are many different types of berms, from solid earthworks to permeable berms made from layers of different sized rocks or gravel. Regardless of the material used, the construction of the berm is the most important consideration. The berm must be built to a certain height and dimensions to be effective, and it must be built with the right materials in the right way to ensure it will perform its job effectively.
The right primary containment equipment is crucial to the success of any oil and gas production facility.
Primary containment equipment is the first line of defense against oil spills, and it can also be a safety precaution against gas leaks. It must be capable of effectively containing spills and leaks, and it must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of the oil and gas production facility while also being safe for personnel.
There are different types of primary containment equipment, but the most common are fabricated steel tanks and cement-lined tanks. Fabricated steel tanks are formed from steel plate and fitted with a steel or plastic cover, so they are easy to install and can be
Our Editor’s Best Secondary Containment Equipment Reviews
- Drive-Over Foam Wall Design: Built for easy vehicle and equipment access. Flexible foam walls automatically rise back after trucks, trailers, or machinery roll in and out—no manual adjustment required.
- Heavy-Duty Containment Berm: Engineered with durable, chemical-resistant geomembrane for long-term use in oilfields, construction sites, and industrial zones.
- Fast Deployment, Easy Storage: Lightweight and portable for quick setup at remote job sites. Folds down compactly for efficient transport and storage.
- Leak & Spill Protection: Meets EPA SPCC and containment regulations for fuel, oil, coolant, and hazardous fluid spills. Ideal for use with generators, frac tanks, and maintenance stations.
- Multiple Sizes Available: From compact equipment to large tankers—select the perfect berm size for your secondary containment needs.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-density polyethylene with lead-free protectant, this oil drum containment pallet has excellent chemical resistance and impact durability for long life
- No leaks, no worries: The seamless construction of this spill containment pallet eliminates leaks to protect against unwanted spills and help avoid potential fines
- Removable Top Grates and Forklift Pockets: The top grates of this spill platform are removable for easy cleaning, while forklift pockets make relocation easy
- Versatile: This spill containment pallet is available with or without a drain and is made in high-visibility yellow or black to help hide dirt and grime
- Made in the USA: With an impressive 4,000 lbs. load capacity and 66-gallon sump this spill containment pallet securely contains leaks from chemical storage drums
- Reinforced Sidewalls with Removable Brackets – Quick to assemble and break down for efficient transport and storage.
- Chemical-Resistant Liner – Engineered with rugged geomembrane materials that withstand harsh oils, fuels, and industrial fluids.
- Multiple Sizes Available – Fits everything from small utility equipment to large frac tanks and trucks.
- Provides a comparable puncture rating to industry standard 40 mil at a very reduced weight - the average weight of a 12' x 50' x 1' L-Bracket berm is 72 lbs.
- Meets EPA SPCC Regulations – Designed for environmental compliance in oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Reinforced Sidewalls with Removable Brackets – Quick to assemble and break down for efficient transport and storage.
- Chemical-Resistant Liner – Engineered with rugged geomembrane materials that withstand harsh oils, fuels, and industrial fluids.
- Multiple Sizes Available – Fits everything from small utility equipment to large frac tanks and trucks.
- Provides a comparable puncture rating to industry standard 40 mil at a very reduced weight - the average weight of a 12' x 50' x 1' L-Bracket berm is 72 lbs.
- Meets EPA SPCC Regulations – Designed for environmental compliance in oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Superior Spill Protection: Provides a robust barrier to contain leaks, drips, and spills, ideal for drums, tanks, and machinery.
- Durable & Chemical-Resistant: Built from high-quality, chemical-resistant materials for long-lasting performance in industrial settings.
- Easy to Deploy: Lightweight and stackable design allows for quick setup and hassle-free storage when not in use.
- Regulatory Compliant: Meets industry standards for secondary spill containment, ensuring workplace safety and environmental protection.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for warehouses, workshops, and maintenance areas, offering reliable containment for a variety of liquid substances.
- Reinforced Sidewalls with Removable Brackets – Quick to assemble and break down for efficient transport and storage.
- Chemical-Resistant Liner – Engineered with rugged geomembrane materials that withstand harsh oils, fuels, and industrial fluids.
- Multiple Sizes Available – Fits everything from small utility equipment to large frac tanks and trucks.
- Provides a comparable puncture rating to industry standard 40 mil at a very reduced weight - the average weight of a 12' x 50' x 1' L-Bracket berm is 72 lbs.
- Meets EPA SPCC Regulations – Designed for environmental compliance in oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Drive-Over Foam Wall Design: Built for easy vehicle and equipment access. Flexible foam walls automatically rise back after trucks, trailers, or machinery roll in and out—no manual adjustment required.
- Heavy-Duty Containment Berm: Engineered with durable, chemical-resistant geomembrane for long-term use in oilfields, construction sites, and industrial zones.
- Fast Deployment, Easy Storage: Lightweight and portable for quick setup at remote job sites. Folds down compactly for efficient transport and storage.
- Leak & Spill Protection: Meets EPA SPCC and containment regulations for fuel, oil, coolant, and hazardous fluid spills. Ideal for use with generators, frac tanks, and maintenance stations.
- Multiple Sizes Available: From compact equipment to large tankers—select the perfect berm size for your secondary containment needs.
- Reinforced Sidewalls with Removable Brackets – Quick to assemble and break down for efficient transport and storage.
- Chemical-Resistant Liner – Engineered with rugged geomembrane materials that withstand harsh oils, fuels, and industrial fluids.
- Multiple Sizes Available – Fits everything from small utility equipment to large frac tanks and trucks.
- Provides a comparable puncture rating to industry standard 40 mil at a very reduced weight - the average weight of a 12' x 50' x 1' L-Bracket berm is 72 lbs.
- Meets EPA SPCC Regulations – Designed for environmental compliance in oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Reinforced Sidewalls with Removable Brackets – Quick to assemble and break down for efficient transport and storage.
- Chemical-Resistant Liner – Engineered with rugged geomembrane materials that withstand harsh oils, fuels, and industrial fluids.
- Multiple Sizes Available – Fits everything from small utility equipment to large frac tanks and trucks.
- Provides a comparable puncture rating to industry standard 40 mil at a very reduced weight - the average weight of a 12' x 50' x 1' L-Bracket berm is 72 lbs.
- Meets EPA SPCC Regulations – Designed for environmental compliance in oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Drive-Over Foam Wall Design: Built for easy vehicle and equipment access. Flexible foam walls automatically rise back after trucks, trailers, or machinery roll in and out—no manual adjustment required.
- Heavy-Duty Containment Berm: Engineered with durable, chemical-resistant geomembrane for long-term use in oilfields, construction sites, and industrial zones.
- Fast Deployment, Easy Storage: Lightweight and portable for quick setup at remote job sites. Folds down compactly for efficient transport and storage.
- Leak & Spill Protection: Meets EPA SPCC and containment regulations for fuel, oil, coolant, and hazardous fluid spills. Ideal for use with generators, frac tanks, and maintenance stations.
- Multiple Sizes Available: From compact equipment to large tankers—select the perfect berm size for your secondary containment needs.
Best Secondary Containment Equipment Buying Guide
Before choosing the best secondary containment equipment you should consider following options:
1. Water-based containment systems: Water-based secondary containment systems are either tank-based or wet-well based.
Water-based tank-based systems are suitable for liquids with a high percentage of oil. For example, in the case of drilling muds. The tank is filled with water and floats on top of the oil/water layer.
The secondary tank can be made of steel, plastic or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). This type of secondary containment can be used in almost all types of industries. Advantages:
Less expensive than other types of secondary containment.
Suitable for solids and liquids.
Suitable for hazardous environments.
Disadvantages:
High maintenance costs.
The secondary tank needs to be emptied periodically.
Complicated and costly piping.
Less suitable for use in areas where the climate is warm.
Water-based wet-well containment systems are suitable for liquids with a low percentage of oil. For example, drilling muds, fresh water and chemicals.
Wet-wells can be made of steel, plastic or GRP. Suitable for all types of industries. Advantages:
Suitable for all types of liquids.
Suitable for all kinds of environments.
Suitable for all kinds of liquids.
Disadvantages:
High maintenance costs.
Complicated and costly piping.
2. Dry-based containment systems: Dry-based secondary containment systems are suitable for liquids with a high percentage of oil. For example, drilling muds.
The secondary tank is made of steel and is filled with sand or gravel. Advantages:
Suitable for solids and liquids.
Suitable for all types of environments.
Disadvantages:
Complicated and costly piping.
High maintenance costs.
Suitable only for liquids with a low percentage of oil.
3. Hybrid containment systems: These are the most suitable type of secondary containment systems. They combine the advantages of both water-based and dry-based systems.
The simplest type of hybrid containment system is the combination of a water-based tank and a dry-based tank. However, it is possible to have more complex hybrid containment systems, with multiple tanks and different liquids.
What else you should know about secondary containment equipment
1. What is secondary containment equipment?
Secondary containment equipment is used to protect the environment from spills or leaks of hazardous materials. This equipment includes containment booms, dikes, berms, and other barriers.
2. What are the benefits of using secondary containment equipment?
Some benefits of using secondary containment equipment are that it can help to prevent or reduce environmental contamination, it can help to keep products from being lost or damaged, and it can help to reduce the risk of injuries.
3. What are the different types of secondary containment equipment?
There are many different types of secondary containment equipment, but some of the most common include:
-Dikes
-Berms
-Retention ponds
-Secondary containment sumps
-Double-walled tanks
-Secondary containment vessels
4. What are the key features of secondary containment equipment?
Some key features of secondary containment equipment include:
-The ability to contain and/or collect spills
-The ability to be easily cleaned
-The ability to be easily accessed for maintenance
-The ability to be durable and weather resistant
5. How do I select the right secondary containment equipment for my needs?
There are a few factors to consider when selecting secondary containment equipment:
-The type of product being stored
-The size of the containers being stored
-The number of containers being stored
-The environment the equipment will be used in
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best secondary containment equipment. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best secondary containment equipment will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.