Hazardous waste storage areas need secondary containment that can hold a spill from the largest container or 10% of the total volume, whichever is greater. This calculator does the comparison for you and converts to practical dimensions so you can size your containment correctly.
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40 CFR 264.175 (permitted TSDF facilities): Secondary containment must hold the volume of the largest container plus 10% of the aggregate volume of all containers. The system must be free of cracks or gaps, sufficiently impervious to contain leaks, and have sufficient capacity.
40 CFR 262.17 (large quantity generators): Containment for satellite and central accumulation areas follows similar sizing rules. The containment system must be capable of collecting and holding spills.
Many states enforce stricter requirements. For example, some require 110% of the largest container regardless of total volume. Always check your state regulations. For oil storage (non-hazardous waste), SPCC containment rules under 40 CFR 112 apply instead.
Learn more about SPCC containment requirements for oil storage.
