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Sales agents in all markets should be aware of another sales opportunity for Polywater's versatile FST Foam Duct Sealant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has its SPCC Regulation (Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure), which aims to reduce oil pollution in navigable U.S. waters from spills at certain oil storage facilities. Their definition of oil is broad, from coconuts to crude. The regulation states that non-transportation-related oil storage facilities with aboveground storage capacity >1,320 gallons, or underground storage >42,000 gallons, must prepare and implement a plan to prevent any discharge of oil into U.S. lakes, rivers, streams, or coastal areas. Page 3 of the guide (linked above) lists affected facilities, which includes many of the customers you may already call on: industrials, construction sites, substations, airports, etc. The photo at left is, in fact, of oil storage tanks at a substation. FST has already been sold specifically for the purpose of preventing oil seepage into conduits in response to the SPCC regulation. Polywater has done limited in-house testing on the effects of a narrow range of oil types on FST Foam. As expected, the results indicate a negligible effect on the foam. We believe that FST Foam can play an effective role in blocking such spills from escaping containment through conduit systems or other small apertures, especially on a short-term basis. However, the SPCC covers a wide range of oils, most of which we have not tested. More specific testing may be required to satisfy the needs of any particular facility. We recommend that reps inquire at such locations about their response to the SPCC and planned steps to mitigate leakage in the event of a spill. Be familiar with the 6-page EPA guidebook, and be prepared to discuss the role FST can play in preventing a spill from escalating to an environmental and financial disaster. Ask about the unique conditions and concerns relative to each facility. Remember that Polywater may be willing to perform laboratory testing to meet specific standards, material compatibility, or performance measures. |
