Oil Spill Prevention and Preparedness Regulations

  • Technical Alert: Failures of Overfill Prevention at Substantial Harm Oil Facilities

    EPA is issuing this Technical Alert to address the causes and contributing factors associated with significant oil discharge incidents in order to prevent their recurrence.

    Read the Alert

  • Prevention and Preparedness

    One of EPA’s top priorities is to prevent, prepare for, and respond to oil spills that occur in and around inland waters of the United States. EPA has regulatory programs that help facilities prevent and prepare for discharges of oil. 

  • Wildfire Guide for Tanks

    This guide is a resource for underground storage tank and oil aboveground storage tank owners and operators in the event of a wildfire.

    View the guide

EPA's oil spill prevention program includes the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule and the Facility Response Plan (FRP) rule. EPA is the lead federal response agency for oil spills occurring in inland waters. The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead response agency for spills in coastal waters and deepwater ports.

  • Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule

    Oil aboveground storage thanks

    The SPCC rule helps facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.

    Learn about SPCC

  • Facility Response Plan (FRP) Rule

    The FRP rule requires certain facilities to prepare and submit a response plan for a worst case oil discharge or threat of a discharge.

    Learn about FRP

  • Guidance and References

    Inspector maintaining record on clipboard in factory

    EPA provides guidance for the regulated community and regional inspectors.

    Explore guidance

  • Webinars and Training

    Webinars and training for oil spill prevention and preparedness programs.

    Explore training
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Last updated on April 15, 2025