Temporary Transformer + Oil Containment 1

[mbk2k3]

I know the answer to this is very subjective, depending on locales, local ministry/inspection guidelines, etc, but I wanted the general group's thoughts on this scenario:

If I have an oil-filled transformer with 700 gallons of non-PCB mineral oil, installed outdoors, but its only a temporary unit for a rental project: does it still require spill containment systems?

The local electrical code where the project is located in doesn't address temporary installations like this.

I've asked the transformer rental company, and they've said that they've never seen spill containment systems for their rented transformers.

Any thoughts?

 

[RRaghunath]

I think the code asking for oil containment facility is based on the fire risk when oil of more than certain quantity (Is it 2000 liters?) is stored in a place.
Risk is same whether the facility is temporary or permanent.
Now, it s for the management and the insurance company to assess the risk level based on the probable loss of lives or/and property and make appropriate decision.

Rompicherla Raghunath

 

[dauwerda]

Oil Containment is required by the Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)as part of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule (SPCC). The full text of the rule can be found here:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-i...;tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40cfr112_main_02.tpl

Its sole purpose is to prevent oil from finding its way into navigable waterways (ditches, streams, rivers, etc). The EPA has published an in depth guidance document for this, which can be found here:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-04/documents/spcc_guidance_fulltext_2014.pdf

In general, secondary containment for transformers is not strictly required if other measures are taken (this would all be documented in the SPCC plan which is required). Basically it requires that you have some sort of plan in place to clean up the oil if a spill does happen. See excerpt below:

"(2) Alternative Requirements to General Secondary Containment. If secondary containment is not provided for qualified oil-filled operational equipment pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, the owner or operator of a facility with qualified oil-filled operational equipment must:
(i) Establish and document the facility procedures for inspections or a monitoring program to detect equipment failure and/or a discharge; and
(ii) Unless you have submitted a response plan under §112.20, provide in your Plan the following:
(A) An oil spill contingency plan following the provisions of part 109 of this chapter.
(B) A written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials required to expeditiously control and remove any quantity of oil discharged that may be harmful."

I should mention, the SPCC Rule is only required it the total (above ground) oil at the site/facility is greater than 1,320 US Gallons. If total oil is less than this than there are no specific requirements that must be followed.

 

[tinfoil]

OP did not specify locale.
All of the answers given were for USA.

Setting aside legal/regulatory requirements, your company would still be on the hook for all cleanup and remediation in the event of a spill.
The utility next to ours just had a spill, and it cost them about $600k for the cleanup, and there may still be fines levied.

mbk2k3, where is this project located?