Read about SPCC in the TD2 Fall Newsletter : In recent newsletters, we have talked a lot about water issues - first storm water, then flooding, and now in terms of preventing pollution to navigable waters. In our area with its many agricultural and industrial operations with bulk oil storage, preventing oil spills and having a response plan in place is a mandated activity called a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC). SPCC Plans are the preventive measures assuring a spill from an above ground storage tank is contained and countermeasures established to keep oil spills from reaching navigable waters or the adjoining shoreline. So in other words, if you have the capacity to store 1,320 gallons or more of bulk oil on site, you must have a workable plan specifying exactly what to do when a spill occurs.
Does This Regulation Apply To Me?
Owners and operators of facilities with Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST) capable of storing more than 1,320 gallons of oil must have and implement a SPCC Plan. An owner or operator may also “self-certify” their SPCC Plan if their facility has less than 10,000 gallons of total storage with no significant oil spills over the past three years. All other sites are required to have certification by a registered professional engineer.
Covered facilities/operations include:
- Onshore and off shore oil well drilling facilities.
- Onshore and offshore oil production facilities (including separators and storage facilities).
- Oil refining or storage facilities.
- Industrial, commercial, agricultural, or public facilities using or storing oil.
- Certain waste treatment facilities.
- Loading racks, transfer hoses, loading arms, and other equipment.
- Vehicles (e.g. tank trucks) and railroad cars used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility.
- Pipeline systems used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility.
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