Containment mat system

A method for installing a containment system, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of mats to be assembled into the containment system, at least a first mat and a second mat of the plurality of mats comprising:
• a first check extending from a top surface along a first edge of each of the first mat and second mat,
• a first shoulder extending into a bottom surface along the first edge of each of the first mat and second mat,
• a second check extending from the bottom surface along a second edge of each of the first mat and second mat, and
• a second shoulder extending into the top surface along the second edge of each of the first mat and second mat;
• positioning the first mat adjacent to the second mat such that the first edge of the first mat abuts the second edge of the second mat, and the first check, first shoulder, second check, and second shoulder align to form a lap joint between the first mat and the second mat;
• placing a geotextile across the lap joint between the first mat and the second mat;
• and
• applying a coating over the geotextile and at least a portion of the top surface of each of the first mat and second mat.