FAQ

O-SCP is a ground-based secondary containment system for parking, refueling and handling machinery, tanks and other equipment containing oil, diesel, hydraulic fluids or other pollutants. The system is designed to prevent spills from spreading into soil and water, particularly at worksites where permanent concrete structures or traditional bunding solutions are impractical.

O-SCP should primarily be understood as a secondary containment system rather than a traditional oil separator under EN 858 standards. Its primary function is to prevent spill dispersion through containment, retention and controlled rainwater management. Ekokvalitet also describes O-SCP as a function-based protection system rather than a conventional oil separator according to EN 858.

O-SCP is designed for spill risks related to diesel, oil, hydraulic fluids, waste oil and other pollutants commonly associated with machinery, refueling, portable tanks and construction activities. Light liquids floating on water are retained within the system, while heavier contaminants may sink through collected water and remain contained within the basin.

The system is designed to allow precipitation to drain while retaining oil and other light liquids. The purpose is to maintain containment capacity during rainfall and reduce the risk of secondary containment systems filling with water and losing functionality.

A simple plastic liner may function as temporary ground protection, but often lacks defined containment volume, inspectability and controlled rainwater management. Water may also accumulate beneath the surface and slowly evaporate, potentially eliminating containment capacity entirely. O-SCP is instead designed as a secondary containment system with defined collection volume, water level management and improved inspectability.

Yes. The system is particularly relevant where machinery is parked, refueled, washed or operated in areas where spill risks exist. The important factor is that the spill-risk activity itself takes place on top of the protected surface.

Yes. O-SCP can be used as a ground-based secondary containment system beneath portable tanks, fuel storage units and similar equipment, particularly where local regulations, environmental risks or water protection requirements call for additional protection.

This depends on the system dimensions, configuration and installation. An O-SCP measuring 8 × 5 m has a documented retention capacity of up to approximately 2,500 litres, although users can generally estimate around 65 litres per square metre. Exact sizing should always be based on the specific tank, handled volume and site-specific risk conditions.

Yes. During dry conditions, for example directly after installation or after extended periods without rainfall, the water-based separation effect is not yet active because contaminants may pass beneath the separation wall. During this phase, O-SCP instead functions as a sealed containment surface for oil and diesel spills. It is therefore important that any spills are identified and remediated at an early stage, and more frequent inspection routines are recommended under dry conditions.

If the groundwater level rises above the bottom level of the O-SCP, the system’s sealing performance can be visually checked by comparing the water level inside and outside the containment area. This can be facilitated using an inspection pipe. A difference in water level indicates that the system remains sealed and is functioning as intended.

O-SCP should be installed where the spill risk actually occurs: beneath refuelling areas, machinery parking zones, portable tanks, or other equipment containing oil, diesel or other pollutants. The installation should be planned so that water can leave the system and be drained away without risking the spread of contaminants.

The base should be level within a few centimetres ( < ~5 cm ) and sufficiently stable for the system to function as intended. An incorrectly prepared base may affect water levels, containment capacity and drainage performance. It is therefore important that the installation follows the installation instructions.

Yes. The system is designed for use beneath heavy machinery and vehicles, among other applications. It is therefore important that the fill material used inside O-SCP is not only permeable, but also load-bearing.

The fill material should be permeable so that water and any spilled liquids can move downward through the system. At the same time, it must be capable of supporting the expected loads from machinery, vehicles or tanks. The selected material should be documented as part of the installation records.

Yes. O-SCP can be excavated, relocated and reinstalled. This reversibility is particularly important for temporary or semi-permanent worksites, as it allows a high level of environmental protection without permanent land development or extensive ground disturbance.

Yes. This is one of the product’s primary intended applications. Ekokvalitet considers O-SCP particularly relevant for temporary and semi-permanent operations where permanent containment structures may be impractical or disproportionate.

Yes, provided that the use is properly planned. The system may be used beneath machinery being washed in the field in order to reduce the risk of dirt, oil residues or contaminated water spreading into the surrounding ground. For more extensive or routine washing activities, additional requirements relating to monitoring, sampling or water management may apply.

The system is designed to manage precipitation while maintaining a controlled water level. However, it is important during installation to ensure that the drainage side is positioned so that water can still leave the system even if the surrounding ground becomes waterlogged.

Spills should be handled in accordance with the site’s spill response procedures. Contaminated fill material should be removed and replaced without delay. The product is a preventive protection measure, but it does not replace the need for inspections, spill response equipment and clearly documented operational routines.

No. The municipal responses should not be interpreted as formal approvals. However, the survey indicates that a clear majority of municipalities that responded are positive or open to the solution under the right conditions. The compilation is indicative and non-binding.

Yes, but the assessment must be based on local protection regulations, protection zone classification, environmental risk profile and handled volumes. Within water protection areas, higher requirements are often placed on secondary containment, documentation, inspectability and demonstrated performance.

Normally not. O-SCP is generally considered a ground-based and reversible environmental protection measure rather than a building or permanent structure. However, planning permission or notification requirements may become relevant in cases involving fixed roof structures, larger permanent installations, designated development areas or where the installation significantly alters land use. Ekokvalitet assesses that O-SCP does not normally require planning permission.

Not generally. There is normally no overarching requirement for a sampling chamber or continuous water sampling solely because O-SCP is used as secondary containment. Sampling may, however, become relevant in sensitive water protection areas, permanent installations, higher-risk operations or where water is actively discharged to a receiving water body or sewer system.

Not normally when O-SCP is used as a closed secondary containment system without active discharge to a public surface water or foul sewer network. BS EN 858 primarily applies to conventional oil separator systems where water is discharged to drainage infrastructure. O-SCP should instead be regarded as a preventative containment measure rather than a traditional oil separator. However, if water from O-SCP is actively discharged to a drainage or sewer network, requirements for BS EN 858-compliant oil separation may become relevant.

O-SCP is designed to function as a secondary containment system. Ekokvalitet assesses that the product can meet the functional requirements commonly associated with secondary containment, as it is impermeable, provides containment capacity and is designed to prevent pollutant spread even during rainfall. The responses in the municipal survey presented on the “Compliance & Data” page generally support a similar interpretation.

No, not generally. Environmental regulation is largely function-based and technology-neutral. The key requirement is that the protective function can be demonstrated and inspected. Ekokvalitet emphasises that environmental legislation primarily establishes performance requirements rather than prescribing specific technical materials or construction methods.

Authorities may require additional or alternative protective measures where justified by the environmental risk profile, site conditions and applicable legal requirements. However, requirements should not normally be based solely on standard practice or preference for a predetermined technical solution. In particularly sensitive environmental situations, stricter requirements may still be justified.

It means that the same solution may be assessed differently depending on factors such as protection zone classification, ground conditions, handled volumes, operational duration and proximity to water. It is therefore important that the operator can demonstrate how O-SCP is intended to function at the specific site in question.

Under environmental law, the operator is legally responsible for ensuring that the activity complies with applicable environmental requirements. This means that the user must be able to demonstrate that installation, operation, inspection and site procedures are sufficient in relation to the environmental risk profile of the specific location.

The operator should be able to provide a product description, installation instructions, site layout drawing, risk assessment, sizing documentation, self-inspection routines, spill response procedures, and documentation describing how precipitation and collected spills are managed.

Yes. In practice, even a simple risk assessment is often highly valuable. It should describe what substances are handled, where O-SCP is installed, what spill risks exist, how close the operation is to sensitive areas, and how monitoring and spill remediation will be carried out.

Verification can be carried out through visual inspection, inspection after rainfall, confirmation of maintained water levels, inspection of fill material, and documented monitoring routines. If required, inspection pipes, level monitoring or sampling access points may also be used to strengthen traceability and control.

An inspection pipe is a simple control point that can be installed to visually verify the water level within the system. It may be relevant if the local authority requests clearer verification that the system remains intact, since retained water would otherwise drain away if leakage or damage were present, or if O-SCP is used within environmentally sensitive areas.

No, not for rainwater. The system manages precipitation through its design. In the event of a spill, contaminated material should be removed and managed according to the site’s established procedures. If larger quantities of oil or pollutants are collected, they must be handled as waste in accordance with applicable regulations.

Inspection intervals should be adapted to the site’s risk profile, operational use and local requirements. More frequent inspections are recommended in sensitive environments, areas with higher spill risk, or groundwater protection zones. Inspections after heavy rainfall and after incidents are particularly important.

Yes, particularly when O-SCP is used in environmentally sensitive areas or where authorities require documented self-monitoring. Documentation may include inspection dates, visual condition, spills, corrective actions, replacement of fill material, and water level observations.

A spill response procedure should describe how spills are identified, who is responsible, how operations are stopped, how contaminated material is removed, how waste is managed, and how the incident is documented. Spill response equipment should be available on site if required by the local authority or site operator.

In such cases, the operator should provide clear documentation describing the product’s functionality, installation method, risk assessment and inspection routines. Where relevant, reference may also be made to the municipal survey, Ekokvalitet’s third-party assessment, and the generally function-based approach found within environmental regulation.

Not always. O-SCP is a secondary containment system and is not designed to achieve the same standards as, for example, permanent fuel stations or fully engineered industrial facilities. Depending on the site and risk profile, additional measures may still be necessary, such as signage, spill response equipment, stricter operational routines, or enhanced monitoring within groundwater protection areas.

The product can be used both temporarily and semi-permanently depending on operational needs. One of its main strengths is that it is reversible: it can be installed, removed and reused at other locations.