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  • How do the different parts of particulate matter (PM) fit together?

    The various parts of PM in the NEI are related as follows. PM10-FIL > PM25-FIL because PM10-FIL includes PM25-FIL PM25-PRI = PM25-FIL + PM-CON This equation only applies at the process level. Because some sources only can report PM2.5 (due to test method differences), this equation does not apply to…

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  • How does PM2.5 relate to PM species such as EC, OC, SO4, NO3, PMFINE, and DIESEL-PM25?

    Primary PM2.5 estimates are speciated into the five PM species in the NEI: elemental (black) carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), and the remainder of PM25-PRI (PMFINE). Diesel engine PM25-PRI and PM10 emissions are also labeled as DIESEL-PM25 and DIESEL-PM10 for mobile source diesel engines. For all…

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  • Are odors from the derailment site dangerous?

    As site work continues and waste is shipped off-site for disposal, there may be times where odors can be smelled. In general, many substances can cause odors in the outdoor air but not be at levels that can harm your health, but they can still affect your quality of life…

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  • What changes did EPA finalize to the SPCC Rule in December 2006?

    The revised rule modifies requirements for facilities with smaller oil storage capacity and specific types of oil-filled operating equipment. If a facility has 10,000 gallons or less in aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity and the facility meets the oil discharge history criteria, then an owner/operator of a facility may prepare…

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  • SPCC change in ownership

    If there is a change in ownership at a facility, can the facility operate under the same SPCC Plan without the certification from a professional engineer (PE)? If no change in procedures has been made, it may still be feasible to operate under the existing SPCC Plan. The information in…

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  • Liability of oil retailers at SPCC regulated farm

    If a farm is out of compliance of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations and is checked by EPA and/or has a spill, is the retailer that filled the tank liable? No, EPA considers the oil tank owner responsible for lack of compliance.

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  • What does an annual emissions value in the NEI represent (one year or multiple years)?

    The NEI provides total annual emissions for a single year.

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  • What is included in the emissions “Tiers”?

    The Tiers are assigned by a Source Classification Code (SCC), which has the most detail about the emissions processes that generate the emissions. The full list of SCCs, their associated Tiers, and the SCC descriptions is available online at https://sor-scc-api.epa.gov/sccwebservices/sccsearch/ .

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  • Where do the dust control trucks get their water that they spray on the road?

    The trucks get the water from the city water supply. It’s pumped into the truck from a fire hydrant on Taggart Road.

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  • PE certifying a technical amendment

    Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a Professional Engineer (PE) must certify all technical amendments to an existing SPCC Plan (§112.5(c)). When certifying a technical change to an existing SPCC Plan, does the PE have to inspect and certify the entire Plan or only the amended…

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  • What are the units of NEI emissions data?

    NEI emissions values represent total annual emissions for the inventory reporting year. Criteria air pollutants and precursors (CAPs) are reported in short tons per year , and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are reported in lbs per year .

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  • Is a PE required to review an SPCC Plan if it has not changed?

    Under the 2002 regulations, is a PE required to review the SPCC Plans at the end of a 5-year SPCC Plan cycle if no changes have occurred at the facilities? No. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to document the completion of a review and decide whether…

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  • PE certifying an SPCC plan in a different state

    Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) must review and certify an SPCC Plan for it to be effective to satisfy the requirements of Part 112 (§112.3(d)). When reviewing and certifying a facility’s SPCC Plan, must the PE be licensed in the…

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  • How did EPA amend the requirements for animal fats and vegetable oils in 2006?

    In December 2006, EPA removed the following SPCC requirements for the following specific types of animal fat and vegetable oil facilities: Requirements for onshore oil production facilities (Section 112.13) Requirements for onshore oil drilling and workover facilities (Section 112.14) Requirements for offshore oil drilling, production, or workover facilities (Section 112.15)…

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  • Rainwater in containment system of SPCC regulated farm

    What do I do with rainwater that accumulates in my containment system for a farm regulated by the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule? Check the rainwater for any oil, and if no oil is present, this can be released. If there is oil in the water, this water…

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