Final answer:
Spill containment structures, or spill buckets, must comply with the SPCC Rule, requiring secondary containment systems to prevent oil spills from reaching navigable waters. These structures use materials like high-density polyethylene or steel that are capable of containing released oil and must be maintained properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
At a spill containment structure or spill bucket, certain requirements must be met as part of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule. This federal regulation is aimed at preventing oil pollution by mandating facilities that handle large quantities of oil to have a written spill containment plan in place. Such facilities include those storing more than 1,320 gallons of fuel above ground or more than 42,000 gallons below ground. Secondary Containment systems are essential and mandated at oil storage facilities to contain any potential spills and prevent them from entering navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, which would be harmful to the environment.
During an oil spill, oil release containment strategies are crucial. Since oil is less dense than water, it floats on the surface and may require cleanup operations such as skimmer ships, controlled burning, dispersants, and bioremediation. Key components at these spill containment systems may include high-density polyethylene containers, steel cylindrical containers, and materials designed to control and mitigate spillage efficiently.
Spill buckets should be designed to capture any released substances and prevent environmental contamination. They are usually constructed of materials resistant to the oils and other chemicals they are meant to contain, and must be maintained properly to ensure functionality in the event of a spill.