Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 76 - 90 of 106 results

  • SPCC Qualified Facilities Substantial Harm Criteria Certification

    Are SPCC qualified facilities required to complete and maintain a copy of the Certification of the Applicability of the Substantial Harm Criteria form located in Appendix C of 40 CFR Part 112? Yes, all SPCC regulated facilities, including qualified facilities, that do not meet the criteria of a substantial harm…

    • Last published:

  • What are soil sampling results compared to?

    Levels of contaminants in soils are compared to EPA regional screening levels and known typical concentration levels in soil. Screening levels are a tool that responders use to identify potential risks to human health and the environment and if there is a need for further investigation. Screening levels are health…

    • Last published:

  • What is the status of the soil sampling effort?

    As of early May 2023, 148 locations have been sampled. Each location includes a shallow sample (0-1 inch) and deeper sample (1-6 inches). The data were validated by experienced chemists to assess the quality of the preliminary data. During the data validation process, chemists check to see that the data…

    • Last published:

  • What chemicals did the soil sampling plan focus on?

    The soil sampling plan focused on determining if the area was impacted by soot and ash from the vent and burn and if the area was significantly impacted compared to areas not impacted by soot and ash. Samples were analyzed for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and dioxins (including furans). To…

    • Last published:

  • Why was the well water priority zone boundary extended?

    The priority zones are extended to reflect additional testing done by Columbiana County Health District and Norfolk Southern. The purpose of this extension is to ensure that drinking water supplies downstream to the Ohio River are monitored. The extension is not due to any additional environmental or health concerns. As…

    • Last published:

  • Can a containment wall be constructed out of concrete blocks?

    Yes. SPCC regulations do not mandate design specifications, rather, they are performance based. Therefore, a containment wall may be of any construction type, material, or design, assuming it meets the performance standards and requirements of Part 112. Regional offices can help determine whether individual containment equipment meets the performance standards…

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • Tier I qualified facility template use under Part 112

    In the 2008 Amendments to the SPCC Rule, EPA provided a template for the owner or operator of a Tier I qualified facility to create an SPCC Plan. Does EPA require a Tier I qualified facility to use the template in 40 CFR Part 112, Appendix G? Does EPA allow…

    • Last published:

  • Are facilities required to use the option for qualified oil-filled operational equipment?

    No. This is an alternative way to comply with the SPCC requirements. An owner or operator can choose to comply with the general requirements to provide secondary containment for each piece of oil-filled operational equipment.

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published:

  • Does a product or substance have to create a sheen to be subject to SPCC?

    The SPCC general applicability in 40 CFR §112.1(b) refers to a discharge of oil in quantities that may be harmful, as described in Part 110. Part 110 is often referred to as the sheen rule. Does a product or substance have to create a sheen to be subject to SPCC…

    • Last published:

  • 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.

    • Last published:

  • FRP certification for SPCC facilities

    Does a facility need to fill out Attachment C-II in 40 CFR Part 112, Appendix C if the facility is only subject to the SPCC regulations and is not subject to the Facility Response Plan (FRP) requirements? If the owner or operator of a facility determines that the facility is…

    • Last published:

  • 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…

    • Last published: