What is the purpose of a secondary containment system for fuel oil tanks?

The primary purpose of a secondary containment system for fuel oil tanks is to catch leaks or spills. This type of system acts as an additional barrier to prevent environmental contamination by containing any discharges that may occur from the primary tank. In the event of a leak, the secondary system is designed to hold the leaking fuel until it can be properly dealt with, thereby protecting groundwater and surrounding ecosystems from hazardous substances.

While reducing noise, allowing for expansion, and improving aesthetics may be important considerations in fuel tank installation and design, they do not address the critical safety and environmental concerns related to fuel spills. The implementation of secondary containment systems is a key measure in spill prevention and is often mandated by regulations to ensure protection against accidental releases of fuel into the environment.