Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the liners last?
The liners have up to a 20-year material warranty for most fertilizer and petroleum products. This is the longest warranty in the industry; and these liners, under normal conditions, can last much longer.
Will sunlight damage the liners? Do the liners need to be covered?
The liners are all U.V. protected and will not break down from the sunlight. J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc.'s liners do not need to be covered with aggregate. However, some rock cover does help in protecting the liner from foot traffic on the liner, as well as flying debris and the like.
What about rust on the steel?
The galvanized steel walls have approximately three times the galvanization as grain bin steel. Galvanization is applied at the level of G115, which is 1.15 ounces per square yard of surface area. This high degree of galvanization will virtually stop rust for many years. Factory tests have shown that red rust does not normally appear for about 17 years, and then will only appear as small specks that can be removed with light brushing. A rust preventative paint can be applied to the rust spots to extend the life of the steel for many more years of service.
Are these systems EPA approved?
The galvanized steel systems are acceptable for use as secondary containment of petroleum products; the EPA does not specifically approve or disapprove any one type of containment system. Our galvanized steel system has been approved by all state fire marshals that have reviewed our system.
Has the Department of Agriculture approved the galvanized steel system?
To the best of our knowledge, the steel system is approved in every state except South Dakota for secondary containment of fertilizer. (The state of South Dakota has some unique rules for fertilizer secondary containment. It is the only state that requires a double liner with a leak detection system.)
Is the galvanized steel system engineered?
Yes. If you have special circumstances, we have direct access to professional engineers who can design a system to meet your specific requirements.
How long does it take to install a steel system? Can I do the installation myself?
Most systems will take two people about two days to set up. The larger containment systems may take three days or more depending on how much help you have. About 70% of the systems we sell are installed by the owners. Most of the tools needed are already in your workshop, and a complete installation manual is included with every system.
Do I have to use steel for the walls?
No. Many people use a liner within an earthen walled system. Others have built concrete walls with an earthen floor and liner. Synthetic liners will not crack, so there is not a possibility of leaks. However, solid concrete walls can develop cracks and are more prone to leaking. Geosynthetic liners are virtually maintenance-free, while concrete walls require annual upkeep.
Do you have installation crews?
Yes. We have three crews that install liner and secondary containment installations. We also can send a trained technician to your site to supervise your own laborers using your equipment. The technician will give advice and provide necessary help during the installation.
I need drawings. Can you supply them?
We can supply you with drawings for your files or for your regulatory agency that might need drawings for their files.
How big of a system do I need?
Every state has different rules about how much containment volume you need for fertilizer. For petroleum, the generally accepted volume needed is 110% of the largest tank; and additional volume for the displacement that the other tanks take up within the containment system. This is the guideline from the National Fire Protection Association, the guideline fire marshals and insurance companies use. J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc. can calculate the volume or secondary containment size needed. Simply give us a call and tell us the volume of the largest tank, the diameters of the other tanks in the containment, and the maximum area available (L' x W') for containment use.
What does a system cost?
Without knowing what shape the system will be, what type of system you want, and how much space you have available, we cannot give an accurate cost assement. Normally, the higher the system walls, the higher the cost per cubic foot of containment volume, because the steel gets thicker and the posts go deeper in the ground. J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc. provides free price quotes that we can fax, mail or email to you, normally within 48 hours.
We also recommend that you contact your county National Resource Conservation Service office to inquire about any possible EQIP funds available as a cost share for secondary containment.
What shapes do you have?
We have rectangles, ovals, squares and round galvanized steel systems. Four heights are available, 15", 21", 33" and 44"; 12" tall walls are available on special request. Our round systems and the round ends of an oval system start with a diameter of 15-feet, and expand in 3-foot increments. Earthen systems can be designed to any shape. Wooden systems and designs for concrete are also available. (Wood is not legal for fuel storage.)
What type of liner is recommended for liquid fertilizer?
45 mil Fertoguard Liner (polypropylene). Our Fertoguard liner has a 20-year material warranty. No other liner company will offer a warranty like this.
What type of liner is recommended for petroleum products?
36 mil JaGuard Liner (polyethylene). Our JaGuard liner has a 20-year material warranty. No other liner company will offer a warranty like this.
How do you prepare the ground where the containment will sit?
The subgrade should be compacted and smooth. Make sure there are no tree roots or sharp objects protruding to puncture the liner. You can also put down 2 or 3 inches of sand to make the subgrade workable and smoother. We recommend removing any rocks larger than 1/4-inch.
How do you get rainwater out of the containment system?
Install a sump pump in one corner of the containment system. Then, when preparing the subgrade make a gradual slope to one corner of the containment system so the water can pool and the sump can remove the water.
How deep do the post holes need to be for the steel system?
The holes should be approximately 5-feet deep. We also have zero ground disturbance posts available that sit on the ground and attach to the steel panels of the containment system.