Oil spill cleanup and response costs can range from thousands of dollars for minor incidents to billions for catastrophic events, according to federal transportation safety data. Beyond the financial toll, oil spills contaminate soil and water, harm wildlife and can result in severe penalties for noncompliance with EPA regulations. A properly designed oil containment system prevents these worst-case scenarios. Whether you manage…

Oil is critical for arc suppression, insulation and cooling, all of which are necessary for the operation of transformer substations. However, it poses the risks of leaks, which, if not properly managed, can be harmful to humans and the environment. While it is essential to develop protocols for the adequate management of leaks should they occur, it’s also necessary to…

Oil, both petroleum and nonpetroleum, is a significant part of our daily lives. We rely on it for everything from heating our homes to fueling our cars. However, as helpful as it is for maintaining high living standards, oil spills pose a danger to public and ecological health. Oil spills are common occurrences resulting from the deliberate or accidental release…

As some of the cleanest natural resources on the planet, solar energy and wind power offer significant benefits, from reducing air pollution to decreasing operational costs. Unlike power sources such as coal and natural gas, solar and wind power emit little or no carbon dioxide, one of the most prevalent and harmful greenhouse gases. Despite these advantages, solar and wind…

Transformers transfer energy from one circuit to another and are integral to many companies' power supply. They also allow businesses using power distribution systems to adjust the voltage to their ideal levels. Transformers use oil to insulate and cool their electrical components and add protection from the elements. If the oil leaks, the transformer's efficiency will decrease. When these leaks…

A comprehensive stormwater pollution prevention plan, also called a stormwater pollution control plan, is essential for meeting Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Your facility must strategically protect our nation's waterways and minimize adverse environmental effects. Review this guide to learn everything you should include in an effective SWPPP and get valuable advice for developing your facility's plan. What Is a Stormwater…

If your facility stores a lot of oil, you likely must meet the demands of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule. Calculating secondary containment is essential to staying compliant and mitigating environmental harm, but oil berm capacity depends on many factors. Thankfully, with the right information, you can determine how much secondary containment you need to comply and prevent a…

Substations are essential components of the power grid that allow the safe distribution of power to homes and businesses. However, since they hold so much combustible equipment, they can be grounds for catastrophic electrical fires. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives while minimizing damage to your equipment and the surrounding environment. At the same time, taking…

Spills are always a risk when managing, transporting or working with oil. Having robust prevention and mitigation plans is the best way to preserve the environment, protect military personnel and meet regulations. The Importance of Oil Containment Systems for the Military Oil containment for military applications requires first anticipating all possibilities for leaks and spills. Note where and how your…

As the winter months continue, extreme temperatures can increase oil's viscosity and thickness. During an oil spill, the freezing conditions may damage pipelines and surrounding environments. When you have a proactive solution, you can contain the oil and perform a quicker recovery. Why You Need Oil Spill Containment in Cold Weather During colder seasons, soil swelling and upward movement can…