What is Secondary Containment, and Why Does It Matter?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In industries like oil and gas, construction, and chemical processing, managing spills isn’t just a recommendation—it’s critical. One containment failure can mean regulatory violations, environmental damage, operational delays, and steep remediation costs. That’s why secondary containment is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

At VZT Solutions, we don’t just offer secondary containment—we manufacture high-performance, custom containment systems engineered to meet the demands of real-world operations. With decades of combined experience and multiple patents, we’ve become a trusted name in secondary containment solutions across the oilfield and beyond.

What is Secondary Containment?

Secondary containment refers to any system designed to prevent a leak or spill from escaping the primary container—whether that’s a tank, pipe, or other vessel. It’s the crucial backup layer that protects people, the environment, and your bottom line.

Common Types of Secondary Containment:

• Rigid containment systems (like PermaShield or Quickshield™): Permanent, heavy-duty options for long-term use.
• Flexible containment systems (like  PortaShield™ and LocationShield that are both patented): Ideal for portable or short-term applications.
• Industrial Protective coatings and liners: Applied directly to surfaces like concrete or steel to create a chemical-resistant barrier.

At VZT Solutions, all containment systems are manufactured in the USA near Fort Worth, Texas—giving us complete control over quality, material selection, and custom specifications.

Why Secondary Containment Matters

1. Environmental Protection

Spills don’t disappear—they soak into the ground, contaminating water sources, soil, and surrounding ecosystems. Effective secondary containment captures leaks before they spread, reducing the risk of environmental harm.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Compliance isn’t optional. Regulatory bodies like the EPA and OSHA require secondary containment under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule. Failure to comply can result in:

• Costly fines
• Legal consequences
• Cleanup and remediation expenses

With VZT Solutions, you get containment systems engineered to meet or exceed regulatory requirements—backed by proven performance in the field.

3. Operational Efficiency

Containment failures don’t just cost money—they cause downtime. The right containment solution helps you:

• Avoid delays from unexpected spills
• Reduce labor and remediation costs
• Keep your team and equipment safe

Smart containment is an investment in uptime, safety, and efficiency.

Why Material Choice Matters

Many providers rely on black plastic liners that tear easily and degrade in harsh conditions. At VZT Solutions, we use advanced polyurea materials for our portable and permanent containment systems.

Why polyurea?

• Superior chemical resistance to hydrocarbons and harsh fluids
• Exceptional durability in extreme weather
• Drive-over performance for high-traffic operations
• Long-term cost savings due to reduced repair and replacement needs

From coatings to full containment systems, our materials are engineered to last.

Custom Containment Built for Your Site

No two job sites are the same—so why settle for off-the-shelf containment?

Because we manufacture everything in-house, we offer unmatched flexibility in:

• Size, shape, and wall height
• Material thickness and reinforcement
• Weather-specific customization
• Specialized coatings and compatibility options

Whether you’re protecting a well pad, a frac site, or an entire tank battery, we tailor containment to your specific needs.

The VZT Solutions Difference

VZT Solutions was built on the legacy of two containment pioneers—VZ Environmental and TitanLiner. Today, we carry that legacy forward with:

• More than 30 years of combined oilfield containment experience
• U.S.-based manufacturing with full quality control
• A patented product line built to solve real-world challenges
• Deep customer relationships and industry trust

Our clients—ranging from ExxonMobil to General Dynamics—choose us not just for our products, but for our proven performance, responsiveness, and service.

Ready to Strengthen Your Spill Containment Strategy?

Secondary containment is a critical safeguard for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and operational success. At VZT Solutions, we make it easy to get the right system in place—custom-built, field-tested, and made in the USA.

Let us help you design a solution that protects your site, your team, and your bottom line.