The storage of water-polluting substances is an important aspect in many industrial and commercial areas. Safety aspects are particularly important for fire-fighting foam concentrates. The introduction of the new generation of fire-fighting foams, which are fluorine-free and easily biodegradable, presents new challenges and opportunities with regard to the storage and transportation of these substances.
Double-walled tanks and water-polluting substances of WGK 1:
According to the German Water Resources Act (WHG), different safety precautions are provided for substances hazardous to water, which also take regional peculiarities into account. In addition to the classification into water hazard classes (WGK), legal aspects such as earthquake zones and drinking water protection areas also play a decisive role. For substances in WGK 1, which are considered to be slightly hazardous to water, double-walled tanks are generally not required. This also applies to new generation fire foam agents, which do not contain fluorine and are easily biodegradable. However, local conditions such as location in earthquake zones or drinking water protection areas may make additional safety precautions necessary.
In earthquake zones, stricter building regulations for tanks may apply to ensure increased stability and resistance to earthquakes. This may include the requirement for additional double walls or other earthquake safety measures.
Drinking water protection areas pose a particular challenge, as particularly high requirements apply here to the protection of groundwater. The use of tanks in drinking water protection areas may be subject to strict regulations to prevent contamination of drinking water. This may require additional measures such as special sealing or distances from water resources.
In flood plains, enhanced tank building regulations may apply to ensure increased resilience to flood events. This may include the installation of high-level tanks or special safety measures such as automatic shut-off systems to prevent contamination of the environment in the event of a flood.
The importance of the new generation of fire-fighting foams:
The development of fluorine-free fire-fighting foams has led to the need to reconsider the classification of future storage tanks. As these new agents are readily biodegradable and pose no risk to water bodies, single-walled tanks can be considered for their storage. This offers storage facility operators new opportunities and can lead to cost savings without compromising safety.
The role of the ZÜS:
For system operators who have specific questions on this topic or need a legally compliant answer, the ZÜS (Approved Inspection Body) is always available. One example of this is TÜ-Service Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG, which offers expertise and advice on issues relating to the storage of substances hazardous to water. The ZÜS can help plant operators to correctly interpret and implement the requirements and regulations for the storage of new-generation fire-fighting foams.
Conclusion:
The discussion about the necessity of double-walled tanks for water-polluting substances of WGK 1, especially in the context of new generation fire-fighting foams, shows the importance of a differentiated consideration of the properties and risks of individual substances. The development towards more environmentally friendly alternatives opens up new perspectives for the storage and transportation of these substances and requires an adaptation of the applicable regulations and standards, whereby the ZÜS is available as a competent contact partner.
