Understanding Canadian and U.S. Requirements for Spill Containment

Spill containment is more than just good practice—it’s a regulatory necessity. Whether you operate in Canada or the U.S., ensuring you have the right spill containment solutions in place is essential to staying compliant with federal and provincial/state laws.

At West Coast Spill Supplies, we understand the challenges that companies face when dealing with hazardous materials. With regulations that vary by region, our goal is to make sure your business stays compliant while protecting the environment. In this post, we’ll dive into the basics of key requirements for spill containment in Canada and the U.S., particularly for businesses nearest to us in British Columbia, Alberta, and Washington State, and show how our products can help you meet these regulations effortlessly.

Spill Containment in Canada: A Breakdown for BC and Alberta Businesses

In Canada, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) mandates spill containment for businesses handling hazardous materials, including oil and chemicals. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) enforces these rules, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.

Key Regulations:

• Secondary Containment: Canadian law requires secondary containment systems that can hold at least 110% of the largest container’s volume. This applies across industries, from manufacturing and transportation to oil and gas.
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA): If you’re moving hazardous materials, spill containment systems are mandatory to prevent leaks during transportation.
• Provincial Regulations: In British Columbia and Alberta, provincial laws—like the Environmental Management Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA)—require spill prevention plans and regular inspections of containment systems.

Whether you're operating a facility in BC or managing oilfields in Alberta, understanding and adhering to these regulations is vital to avoid fines, protect your workers, and safeguard the environment.

Spill Containment in the United States: What You Need to Know

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a central role in regulating spill containment, particularly under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule. This rule applies to any facility that stores oil or hazardous materials in quantities that could potentially harm waterways.

Key Regulations:

• SPCC Rule: If your facility stores more than 1,320 gallons of oil, you are required to have a spill prevention plan in place, which includes secondary containment systems to prevent spills from reaching waterways.
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): This law governs the handling and storage of hazardous waste. Secondary containment solutions—like spill trays, berms, and liners—are essential for ensuring that hazardous materials don’t seep into the ground or water.
• NPDES Permits: Facilities that risk polluting waterways must implement spill containment strategies as part of their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).

Washington State is particularly strict, with regulations that often go beyond federal requirements. If you operate here, staying compliant means having robust spill containment systems in place to prevent any environmental damage.

How West Coast Spill Supplies Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant

At West Coast Spill Supplies, we offer a full range of spill containment solutions that meet the requirements in both Canada and the U.S. Whether you need products for industrial facilities, transportation, or field operations, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how our products can help:

1. Spill Berms

Our spill berms are ideal for secondary containment and can hold up to 110% of the largest container’s volume, making them perfect for compliance with both SPCC rules in the U.S. and CEPA in Canada. They are durable, portable, and easy to set up—ensuring quick deployment during an emergency.

2. Spill Containment Trays

If you’re dealing with small-scale hazardous material handling, our spill containment trays offer a simple, compliant solution. Made from chemical-resistant materials, they ensure that even minor spills don’t seep into the ground, helping you meet provincial and state regulations.

3. Absorbent Pads and Booms

Our absorbent pads and booms are perfect for containing oil, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. They provide a critical first line of defense in spill response, allowing your team to act quickly and prevent further environmental contamination.

4. Spill Kits

Every business that handles hazardous materials should have a comprehensive spill kit on hand. Our spill kits come in a variety of sizes and include everything you need for fast and effective spill containment—we even provide specialized spill kits for the forestry industry. These are particularly important for businesses in BC, Alberta, and Washington, where rapid spill response can mean the difference between compliance and costly fines. We can even design custom spill kits for the specific needs of your operations or facility.

Why Compliance Matters

Regulations around spill containment aren’t just about avoiding fines—they’re about protecting our environment and ensuring worker safety. Whether you're in Washington, Alberta, or BC, having the right spill containment solutions in place can help you:

• Avoid Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties from federal and provincial/state authorities.
• Safeguard the Environment: Proper containment ensures that hazardous substances don’t contaminate local water sources or ecosystems.
• Protect Your Business Reputation: Maintaining compliance with spill containment regulations shows that your company is responsible and environmentally conscious, which can improve customer trust and loyalty.

Get the Right Containment Solutions Today

No matter your industry or location, West Coast Spill Supplies has the products and expertise you need to meet Canadian and U.S. spill containment requirements. Our team is always available to help you choose the right solutions for your business.

Ready to protect your business and the environment? Explore our full range of spill containment products and let us help you stay compliant.

West Coast Spill Supplies is committed to keeping your business compliant, safe, and sustainable. Reach out to our team today for expert advice, quote requests, and spill containment products!