SPILL PREVENTION PLAN (SPCC)

Congress passed the Clean Water Act and required the EPA to promulgate regulations for Oil Spill Plans and Responses. The EPA regulations are found in 40 CFR 112

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I have to do a Spill Prevention Plan?
If you have a total of 1,320 gallons of oil (fluids, fuels, lubricants) in your facility you must have a SPCC plan.

2. What are materials are counted?
All materials in bulk storage containers at 55 gallons or greater must be counted. The types of products that are to be included are all oils. This oil includes edible and non edible types. For instance, mineral oil, vegetable, animal fats, as well as petroleum products and materials made from crude oil. A complete list can be found at website http://www.uscg.mil/vrp/faq/oil.shtml.

3. Can I do my own SPCC Plan?
The Spill Prevention plan has a specific format that must be signed by a Professional Engineer.

4. How much time do you have to complete the SPCC Plan for your facility?
The requirement for SPCC was first required in 1974 and requirements were modified by 1993 and lately modified again in 2002. If you have 1,320 gallons then the plan should have been completed four months after the date of your accumulation of 1,320 gallons of oil. If you had a SPCC before 2002 then you have until February 16, 2007 to modify the plan with the new requirements of the EPA. You then have until August 16, 2007 to implement the new requirements.

5. Do I need a SPCC plan if my tanks are in containment or are double-walled tanks?
Yes, the SPCC plan is required, regardless of manmade features to prevent releases from escaping the location.

6. Containers that must be counted.
Transformers, Oil/Water Separators, Food Grease Bins, Automotive Lifts, Elevators, Other on-site machinery reservoirs, tanks, containers, totes.

7. How often must the plan be reviewed?
Every year the responsible official must review the document for operational and equipment changes that have occurred in the past year. Changes that require a professional engineer's review must be referred to the Engineer. Professional Engineers must review the document every five years as a minimum.

8. What would it cost me to complete the SPCC Plan?
We can usually conduct the SPCC for $2,500 per location.

Accident Prevention, Safety Compliance and Risk Management