Learn the Issues
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SPCC requirements for transfer areas associated with exempt USTs
Gas stations typically are not subject to the SPCC Rule because completely buried storage tanks subject to 40 CFR Part 280 or 281 are exempt per §112.1(d)(4). However, a gas station would be subject to the SPCC Rule if it has more than 1,320 gallons of oil in aggregate above…
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Who is regulated by the SPCC Rule?
Before a facility is subject to the SPCC Rule, it must meet three criteria: 1) it must be non-transportation-related; 2) it must have an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons or a completely buried storage capacity greater than 42,000 gallons; and 3) there must be a reasonable expectation…
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Facility classification as "substantial harm facility"
How do I know if my facility may be classified as a substantial harm facility? The flowchart of criteria for substantial harm (see Attachment C-1, Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 112) shows the questions you must answer to determine if your facility can be classified as a substantial harm…
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What are the amended requirements for oil-filled operational equipment?
Instead of providing secondary containment for qualified oil-filled operational equipment, an owner or operator may prepare an oil spill contingency plan and a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials to quickly control and remove discharged oil. He/she must also have an inspection or monitoring program for the equipment to…
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What are the oil discharge reporting requirements in the SPCC Rule?
Any facility owner/operator who is subject to the SPCC Rule must comply with the reporting requirements found in §112.4. A discharge must be reported to the EPA Regional Administrator (RA) when there is a discharge of: More than 1,000 U.S. gallons of oil in a single discharge to navigable waters…
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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
This web site will educate the public about indoor environmental issues, including health risks and the means by which human exposures can be reduced.
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Secondary containment calculations in SPCC Plan
The SPCC regulations in 40 CFR §112.7(c) require facilities to provide appropriate containment or diversionary structures or equipment to prevent discharges as described in §112.1(b). Does a facility's SPCC Plan have to include calculations to demonstrate compliance with the §112.7(c) general secondary containment requirements? EPA does not require facilities to…
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How are animal fat and vegetable oil defined in the SPCC Rule?
Animal fat means a non-petroleum oil, fat, or grease of animal, fish, or marine mammal origin. Vegetable oil means a non-petroleum oil or fat of vegetable origin, including but not limited to oils and fats derived from plant seeds, nuts, fruits, and kernels.
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Do the changes in the 2006 Amendments apply to oil-filled manufacturing equipment?
No. The amendment does not change any requirements for oil-filled manufacturing equipment. Oil-filled manufacturing equipment remains subject to the SPCC requirements (including those for containment), but an owner/operator may determine that secondary containment is impracticable and comply with the alternative measures in section 112.7(d).
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PE certification and applying PE's seal
Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a Professional Engineer (PE) must certify a facility’s SPCC Plan. In order to certify an SPCC plan, must a PE apply his seal to the plan, or is the PE’s signature on a certification statement sufficient for SPCC purposes? For…
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Regulated facilities reasonably expected to discharge oil
How do I determine if my facility could reasonably discharge oil into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines? This determination is based solely upon a consideration of the geographical and locational aspects of the facility. The location of the facility must be considered in relation to streams, ponds and…
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Radon
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.
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What are the specifications for bulk storage secondary containment systems?
For purposes of the SPCC requirements, "secondary containment for bulk storage facilities must be constructed to at least provide for the capacity of the largest single tank with sufficient freeboard for precipitation. EPA believes that the proper standard of "sufficient freeboard" to contain precipitation is that amount necessary to contain…
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What is a complex?
Some facilities must meet the requirements of two or more federal agencies, because they engage in activities that fall under the jurisdiction of those agencies. These agencies include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Office of Pipeline Safety, and EPA. A 1971 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between…
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Qualifying criterion for qualified oil-filled operational equipment
What is the qualifying criterion for the option for qualified oil-filled operational equipment? Equipment is eligible if the facility did not discharge from any oil-filled operational equipment (1) more than 1,000 U.S. gallons of oil in a single discharge to navigable waters, or (2) discharge more than 42 U.S. gallons…
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What is a mobile refueler?
A mobile refueler is a bulk storage container onboard a vehicle or being towed that is designed or used solely to store and transport fuel for transfer into or from an aircraft, motor vehicle, locomotive, vessel, ground service equipment, or other oil storage container. Mobile refuelers may be found at…
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What are the FRP recordkeeping requirements?
What FRP recordkeeping requirements must I satisfy? You must maintain the response plan at your facility, along with plan updates reflecting material changes. You must also keep a log of response training drills and exercises. Records of inspections of response equipment must be kept for five years. If you determine…
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For SPCC training purposes, who is considered oil-handling personnel?
Pursuant to 112.7(f)(1), the owner or operator of a facility subject to the SPCC regulations must train oil-handling personnel in the operation and maintenance of equipment, discharge procedure protocols, applicable pollution control laws, rules and regulations, general facility operations and the contents of the facility SPCC Plan. For the purposes…
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Underground Storage Tanks in SPCC Plans
If a gas station that has less than 42,000 gallons completely buried oil storage capacity and no aboveground oil storage capacity installs a new aboveground tank with a capacity greater than 1,320 gallons, must the facility’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan address the underground storage tanks (USTs) in…
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Mixture with oil as an additive (e.g., oil-based paint)
SPCC applicability thresholds for aboveground and completely buried oil storage capacities are established in 40 CFR §112.1(d)(2). If a facility has a tank that contains a mixture with oil as an additive, such as oil-based paint, should the entire mixture be counted towards a facility’s threshold capacity? Yes; if a…