The Oil Program conducted a statistical survey of
approximately 30,000 oil storage facilities across the
nation. Combining the survey results with county census data
will enable EPA to identify the types and characteristics of
oil storage facilities most likely to be located in poor or
minority areas.
OERR developed a full survey questionnaire, distributed it
to recipient facilities nationwide, completed the survey, and
has begun analysis of survey data linked to census data.
Through this effort the Oil Pollution Program will
characterize the number and types of facilities located near
minority and low-income communities.
During 1996, once EPA has better information from the
survey about the types of facilities that may be located in
areas of environmental justice concern, OERR began evaluating
those high-risk facilities already classified by the Agency
as potentially posing "significant and substantial
harm" to the environment. OERR will also develop an
education and outreach strategy addressing Oil Pollution Act
activities and regulatory requirements focused on minority
and low income communities affected by oil facilities. OERR
has created an Oil Spill Program Home page which includes
survey data analysis.
| 1/95 |
Analyzed and completed pilot phase
of survey. |
| 3/95 |
Developed full survey questionnaire.
|
| 4/95 |
Distributed full survey
questionnaire. |
| 11/95 |
Completed survey and began analysis.
|
| Ray Worley |
(703) 603-8724 |
During the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 1994 and the
first quarter of Fiscal Year 1995, the Spill Prevention
Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) program conducted 19 SPCC
inspections in areas with environmental justice concerns. Of
the 19 inspections, 4 were conducted as part of consolidated
multi-media inspections.
The SPCC program will conduct 200 inspections by the end
of FY96, and a portion of these facilities will be located in
environmental justice areas. Those areas specifically
targeted include: the South Bronx, New York; Barceloneta, and
Manati, Puerto Rico; and environmental justice areas located
in Long Island, New York. The SPCC program will also
participate in at least 12 consolidated multi-media
inspections. During the first quarter of FY96, the SPCC
program conducted inspections in Bronx, New York. In
addition, the SPCC program will attempt to initiate the use
of GPS to identify latitude and longitude information for
facilities which are inspected in FY96. However, this task is
dependent on equipment purchases and GPS capabilities of the
START contract. Latitude and longitude information will aid
in determining which facilities are in environmental justice
areas.
During FY96, SPCC inspections will be conducted at
petroleum refineries which have not been inspected since FY93
(unless specifically requested through referral from other
programs). Appropriate enforcement action will be taken
against refineries which are uncooperative in addressing
major oil pollution prevention or spill violations. It is
expected that the SPCC program will meet or exceed the OSWER
Environmental Justice Draft Final Report's figure of 30% for
inspections conducted in environmental justice areas.
From January 1, 1995, through March 31, 1996, Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) inspections were
conducted in environmental justice areas to determine
facility compliance with the Oil Pollution Prevention
regulation - 40 CFR Part 112. Sixty-two (62) facility
inspections and forty-four (44) SPCC plan reviews were
conducted. This represents 33.5% of all Region 2 SPCC
compliance inspections targeted environmental justice areas.
Eleven (11) of these facility inspections and two (2) of the
SPCC plan reviews were conducted during consolidated
multi-media inspections with other Regional programs.
| 1/95 to 4/96 |
62 SPCC Facility Inspections and 44
SPCC plan reviews conducted. |
| Bruce Sprague |
(908) 321-6656 |
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