Secondary containment basins

Plastic containment basins: collect a leak before it spreads

A containment basin is placed beneath a tank or container to temporarily collect liquid in the event of a leak. It provides secondary containment: it does not prevent the main tank from leaking, but helps limit the spread.

Choose this solution when your installation requires separate containment that is accessible for inspection and compatible with the liquid. The basins offered are made of high-density polyethylene in one piece, without a drain. They are designed for temporary containment, not to remain filled like a storage tank.

To identify your project requirements, see our tank solutions for industrial, agricultural and food applications.

Choose according to the container and installation

The choice depends on more than the basin’s stated capacity. We also check the inside dimensions, the space occupied by the container and access to equipment.

A basin that is wide enough at the top does not guarantee that the tank or its support fits at the bottom. Sloping walls reduce the available space at the base. Compare the usable dimensions with those of the entire assembly, rather than relying only on outside dimensions.

For totes: small leaks or full containment?

For 275 US gallon totes, choose the 333 US gallon containment pallet when you need to collect the entire contents. Its capacity provides more than 20% additional volume and exceeds the 110% threshold where that threshold applies to your installation.

The 66 US gallon spill pallet is intended to collect drips and small spills. It cannot contain the entire contents of a 275 US gallon tote. Load capacity and liquid compatibility must also be checked.

Check the actual available volume

The basin capacity and the containment volume available after installation are not necessarily identical. The tank, its support or other components may occupy part of the volume.

Before ordering, specify:

• The number of containers and their capacity.
• The dimensions of the entire assembly, including supports.
• The liquid to be contained and operating conditions.
• The containment requirements specific to your installation.

We help you select the basin using this information. Requirements applicable to your site must be validated with the person responsible for your installation.

Chemical compatibility and operating limits

A plastic basin is not automatically suitable for every chemical. We check the liquid, its concentration, temperature and specific gravity before recommending the material.

Our chemical resistance chart (French) and specific gravity guide (French) provide reference information. Chemical resistance and the ability to support the liquid’s weight are separate criteria.

The basins in this range are intended for above-ground use and temporary containment. For permanent storage, choose a closed-top vertical tank or a closed-top rectangular tank suited to the liquid and available space.

Plan for space, placement and maintenance

A separate basin generally occupies more floor space than a double-wall tank. In the event of a spill, the valve on the tank inside the basin may become submerged, making intervention more difficult.

The basin walls may prevent the tank from being placed directly using forklift forks. In that case, plan suitable lifting equipment to lower the empty tank into the basin from above without damaging it.

The basin must rest on a firm, level surface that is smooth enough to avoid pressure points beneath its base. See our inspection, installation and use guidance (French).

Allow access to detect a leak, remove the liquid and clean the basin. Water or residue already present reduces the free volume available for containment.

Frequently asked questions

Can liquid be stored permanently in the basin?

No. These basins temporarily contain leaks. For continuous storage, choose a tank designed for that purpose.

Is a basin with the same capacity as the tank sufficient?

Not necessarily. We must check the actual available volume after installation and your site’s containment requirements.

Does the basin have a drain?

No. Plan liquid recovery and cleaning without creating an outlet that would compromise containment.