SPCC Web™

Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure

Regulations

The purpose of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule is to help facility owners / operators of qualifying facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. This rule is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s oil spill prevention program and was published under the authority of Section 311(j)(1)(C) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) in 1974. The complete rule may be found at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 112


Which SPCC facilities remain subject to the November 10, 2010 compliance date?

Drilling, production or workover facilities, including a mobile or portable facility, located offshore or with an offshore component or an onshore facility that is required to have and submit Facility Response Plans (FRPs)…

Starting Operation on or before August 16, 2002

MUST - Maintain its existing SPCC Plan Amend and implement the amended SPCC Plan no later than November 10, 2010

Starting Operation after August 16, 2002 through November 10, 2010

MUST - Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan no later than November 10, 2011

Starting Operation after November 10, 2010 (excluding production facilities)

MUST - Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan before beginning operation

Production Facilities starting Operation after November 10, 2010

MUST - Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan within six months after beginning operations.

What types of facilities/operations are covered by the SPCC Rule?

A facility that stores, processes, refines, uses or consumes oil and is non-transportation-related is potentially subject to the SPCC rule. This applies not only to traditional petroleum based processing and storage facilities, but also Farms and Ranching Operations that store and use oil products including petroleum based products such as diesel and hydraulic fluids, but also animal and plant based oils. In general, the SPCC Rule does NOT apply to transportation related operations that move oil from one location to another as they are regulated by other state and federal programs.


Example business sectors commonly covered by the SPCC Rule include:

Oil Drilling

Fish Canneries

Oil Production

Power Transmission and Distribution

Oil Storage

Marinas

Refineries

Airports

Farms and Ranches

Power Generators

Animal, Seed, Vegetable Processing

Construction Sites

Example Facilities / Operations Commonly Covered by the SPCC Rule include:

  • Industrial, commercial, agricultural, or public facilities using or storing oil
  • Loading racks, transfer hoses, loading arms, and other equipment
  • Oil refining or storage facilities
  • Oil waste treatment facilities;
  • Onshore and offshore oil production facilities (including separators and storage facilities)
  • Onshore and offshore oil well drilling facilities / Platforms;
  • Pipeline / Distribution systems used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility
  • Vehicles (e.g. tank trucks) and railroad cars used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility

What types of facilities / operations are NOT generally covered by the SPCC Rule?

  • Interstate or inter-facility oil pipeline systems
  • Oil transported in vessels (e.g. ships, barges)
  • Oil transported between facilities by rail car or tanker truck

What “Types” of oil are covered under the SPCC Program?

Oil of any type (petroleum and non-petroleum based) and in any form is covered including, but not limited to: petroleum; fuel oil; sludge; oil refuse; oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil; fats, oils or greases of animal, fish, or marine mammal origin; vegetable oils, including oil from seeds, nuts, fruits, or kernels; and other oils and greases, including synthetic oils, hydraulic fluids and mineral oils.

MILK EXEMPTION! - On April 18, 2011, EPA published a final rule amending the SPCC regulations to exempt milk and milk product containers, associated piping and appurtenances. Milk containers and piping are subject to other regulations which EPA believes serve to prevent discharges of milk-related oils in quantities that are harmful.

Am I required to Submit my Plan to EPA?

NO, unless specifically requested by EPA or State Regulatory Authority. SPCC Plans should be physically maintained at any facility that is normally attended at least four hours per day or at the nearest field office if the facility is not staffed.

Do I actually need to print my Plan or can I simply pull up my plan on SPCC Web if someone from EPA or the State shows up to inspect my operation?

At this time SPCCWeb recommends that owners/operators keep a current physical hard copy on site. SPCCWeb makes it easier than ever to print and manage hardcopies. Interpretation of the definition of “Maintained” has not been issued by EPA. An official request to clarify this point has been made to EPA. An update to the website will be made based on their response. The bottom line – if you maintain a current hard copy of the Plan and periodically update logs / recordkeeping depending on the specifics of your plan, you are covered.