On September 22, 2009, installation of secondary oil containment began in Moses Lake, Washington. There were two transformers needing oil containment, each one independent to the other.
Upon completion of initial site verification to ensure that pad and containment dimensions conformed with the original design, the installation of the Sorbweb system could begin.
The first sand layer is installed followed by a layer of non woven geotextiles along the slopes and banks. A double layer of impermeable liner is installed to seal around the perimeter.
The impermeable liner is also installed around all concrete pads and intrusions with the use of plastic strapping and concrete anchor nails.
The first layer of the liner is sealed at all seams and corners allowing the oilmat to be installed and sealed to it. Loose copolymer is added at all edges of oilmat to maximize sealing.
The top layer of the liner is now lowered and sealed onto the top of the oilmat. Additionally any conduits and intrusions are also fully sealed.
The adsorbent layer can now be installed followed by the first layer of woven geotextiles, and the second sand layer.
The second layer of woven geotextile can now be installed allowing the addition of the fire quenching stone.
The final step prior to the containment being completely filled, is the sealing around the strapping and intrusions. This prevents any oil from escaping around the pads in the event of a catastrophic failure.
In conclusion, this project went smoothly and both containments were completed in four days. It was warm and sunny for the full duration of the project. Upon completion, the client was happy with the system.
- Maurice Quesnelle
