Containment Sumps in Winter

Written by: Brian Pottebaum, Director of Training Services

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for many industries -- and the petroleum marketers’ industry is no exception.

Winter is extremely hard on spill buckets and containment sumps. Because these containment areas are placed underground with the access lids at surface level, there is more potential for runoff water to collect. Aside from the regular traffic over the tank field, the winter season also presents more opportunity for damage from shovels, plows, and excessive pavement salt.

These containment areas must be inspected and cleaned prior to the first big freeze, spill buckets being at least once a month. As the snow and ice melt, water can find its way into these containment areas. If the water freezes in sumps or the interstice of double wall piping, it can cause the material to split, crack, and tear. The extent of the damage can go unseen until the ice thaws and liquid is removed.

If water should freeze in the containment areas before you can get it removed, do not chip the ice out to empty the containment. This is one of the most common ways to damage the containment walls and equipment. Applying heat or solvents to the area is also not advised. Heating a sump can cause stress to piping and non-metallic fittings and can cause a safety hazard from product fumes. Solvents may be incompatible with the containment and components in the sump, therefore causing degradation and premature structural failure.

Preventing water from entering containment sumps is very important. If there is a large amount of water entering your sumps, contact your licensed installer for tips on how to remove and prevent the entrance of water. Once the water is frozen, it can be impossible to remove it during winter, and you may need to wait for warmer weather.

Spill buckets also run the risk of having their lids damaged by snowplows. A plow can even damage an entire spill bucket and render it non-compliant if struck in just the right way. The tank field needs to be cleared carefully and with caution. If you hire out for snow removal, be sure to stress the importance of minding the spill bucket and sump lids.