Secondary Containment Using Muscle Walls & Geomembrane Liner
Many industries that handle hazardous materials or any liquid that pollutes the environment rely on secondary containment solutions. One effective method of containing pollutants is with muscle walls wrapped in geomembrane liners. This secondary exclosure can prevent leakage, protect the environment, and keep the worksite in line with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s legal requirements. Let’s explore what you need to know about secondary containment barriers made from muscle walls and geomembrane liner.
Muscle Walls
Muscle walls are plastic barriers that can be quickly and easily installed and are useful in many applications. They are also an excellent way to create a secondary containment barrier. They slide and lock into each other and can be weighed down by onsite materials. These barriers can be quickly constructed and wrapped in geomembrane liners, providing a seal that can hold in liquid pollutants. Due to their simple construction, they make for a faster workflow that is beneficial to the project’s labor budget. On top of this, they are an affordable option for secondary containment.
Legal Requirements & Regulations
Not only is secondary containment of pollutants an ethical concern, but it is also a legal requirement. The Environmental Protection Agency sets different regulations for worksites, including the need to ensure nothing harmful is released into the environment. Keep in mind there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The Environmental Protection Agency requires different strengths and thicknesses for the geomembrane liners that are used to cover muscle walls. There are different liner requirements for the different types of chemicals and pollutants being contained. Some substances can quickly deteriorate the geomembrane liner and flammable substances require a more fire-resistant liner. By following legal requirements and regulations, you can make a safer workplace and a healthier environment while avoiding hefty fines.
Geomembrane Condition
For secondary containment measures to be successful, the geomembrane liner needs to remain intact. Just a few tears or punctures can jeopardize the integrity of the entire containment wall. The geomembrane liner must be installed correctly, strong enough to endure damage during installation and be repaired immediately when damage occurs. Small issues can quickly grow into large ones, as weather and sunlight will accelerate any damage in the liner. For this reason, frequent inspection is essential, especially before operations involving hazardous liquids. Any issues with the geomembrane liner must be remedied before working operations continue.
Secondary Containment Solutions
IWT Cargo-Guard offers the highest quality custom-made geomembrane liners and Muscle Wall. We carry various types of geomembrane liners that are made for the specific needs of your project, including:
- LLDPE – Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
- HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
- GCL – Geosynthetic Clay Liner
- PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
- Suntech PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
- Woven Coated Reinforced Polyethylene – RPE
- DURA-SKRIM® String Reinforced Polyethylene – RPE
- Polypropylene – PP Reinforced and Unreinforced
- Absolute Barrier™
- Seaman XR-5™ – Ethylene Inter-Polymer Alloy
- Ultratech Liner
- EPT XTRM PLY®
- Vapor Block®
From solid and liquid waste containment to vapor barriers, we will work with you every step of the way to find the perfect solution for your containment needs. If you’re interested in learning more about the geomembrane liners we can provide information and advice for your next project.
Founded with the purpose of developing products to protect our environment, IWT Cargo Guard’s mission is to provide the most cost-effective products for your project. By quickly analyzing the products and services required for the project, we become an extension of your estimating department. Contact us today to discuss your project and how we can work together to protect and strengthen our environment.
