COMANCO Supports Containment for Industrial Wood Treating Operations with HDPE Liner System
Industrial wood-treating operations pose a unique environmental challenge that is often underestimated during early site development. Facilities that manufacture utility poles and marine pilings rely on pressure-treatment processes that use preservatives and chemicals to extend product life. Without proper containment systems in place, there is a real risk that these materials will impact the surrounding soil and groundwater.
If containment is not designed and installed correctly from the start, operators may face long-term regulatory issues, environmental remediation costs, and operational disruptions. Agencies expect these facilities to meet strict environmental standards, and failure to do so can result in significant liability. For manufacturers supporting critical infrastructure such as power distribution and marine construction, reliability and compliance are not optional.
Navigating Challenges in Containment Installation
Constructing containment systems in an active or developing industrial site requires careful coordination. In this case, the project involved installing a liner system that would integrate with a future building structure. That introduces challenges that go beyond standard liner deployment.
One of the primary risks is achieving a secure tie-in between the geomembrane system and structural elements like concrete walls and columns. These transitions are often weak points if not executed properly. Poor tie-ins can lead to infiltration, system failure, or costly repairs after the facility is operational.
Sequencing also plays a major role. With the project currently over 50% complete and requiring a second mobilization, coordination among trades becomes critical. Crews must return to extend containment systems onto a pad expansion and adjacent ditch areas while maintaining consistency with the original installation. Matching elevations, ensuring proper overlap, and maintaining material integrity are all essential to long-term performance.
Installing Durable Liner Systems
Experienced contractors approach these challenges with a focus on preparation, material selection, and installation precision.
Textured high-density polyethylene geomembranes are commonly used in industrial containment because they provide both chemical resistance and interface friction. In this project, a 40 mil textured HDPE liner was paired with a 450 mil double-sided composite to create a robust barrier system. These materials are designed to work together to manage potential exposure to treated wood byproducts and process fluids.
Equally important is the integration of embed systems. Embeds create a secure mechanical connection between the liner and concrete structures, preventing movement and maintaining a continuous barrier. Proper installation requires precise placement, clean surfaces, and careful welding to ensure a leak-resistant seal.
Quality control is another critical component. Seam testing, visual inspections, and consistent installation practices help verify that the system performs as intended. In complex areas such as wall transitions and column penetrations, attention to detail is what separates a reliable system from one that may fail over time.
COMANCO’s Installation Approach
On this project, COMANCO supplied and installed approximately 18,000 SF of 40 mil textured HDPE geomembrane, over 18,000 SF of 450 mil double-sided composite, and over 1,000 SF of embed strips. The work is being led in the field by Superintendent Carlos Garcia and Leadman Amancio Chavez, with a focus on maintaining quality through each phase of installation.
A key aspect of this project has been the tie-in work around the future building structure. Crews worked carefully to integrate the liner system with embed strips installed along concrete walls. In addition, stainless steel batten bar was installed at four structural columns to provide a secure mechanical connection. These details are critical for maintaining system integrity at transition points.
The project also includes a second mobilization to complete liner and composite installation on an expanded pad area and two ditch sections. Returning to a partially completed system requires consistent execution to ensure that new work integrates seamlessly with the existing installation. This includes maintaining proper welding procedures, verifying subgrade conditions, and ensuring that all materials perform as a unified system.
Throughout the process, safety and quality remain the priority. Each phase of work is executed with attention to site conditions, material handling, and installation standards that support long-term performance.
Building for Long-Term Environmental Protection
Containment systems in industrial facilities are not just a construction requirement. They are a critical line of defense for protecting surrounding environments and supporting regulatory compliance.
This project demonstrates the importance of proper planning, material selection, and execution in real-world conditions. By focusing on details such as embed integration, phased installation, and quality control, containment systems can perform reliably for the life of the facility.
For operations involved in treated wood manufacturing and similar industrial processes, investing in proper containment from the beginning helps avoid costly issues later. Doing the work right the first time supports both environmental protection and operational success.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
Proper containment systems are critical for protecting soil and groundwater in industrial environments. This project highlights the importance of precise installation, especially when integrating liner systems with structural elements and phased construction. With the right materials and experienced crews, containment systems can perform reliably for the life of the facility.
Contact COMANCO to discuss how our team can support your next containment project.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐 www.comanco.com