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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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  • Container capacity less than 55 gallons

    Do facilities need to consider containers that are less than 55 gallons for applicability under 40 CFR Part 112? No. The third column of page 47066 of the July 17, 2002 Preamble states that "You need only count containers of 55 gallons or greater in the calculation of the regulatory…

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  • Oil-filled equipment capacity

    When counting against the 1,320 aboveground storage capacity threshold, would operational storage of oil (such as in a hydraulic press) be used? Oil which is contained in equipment is required to be factored into the storage capacity for the facility even though the oil may be only used for ancillary…

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  • If your farm does not have fuel storage that will flow into US waters by a ditch, river, stream, or lake, do you have to prepare a SPCC Plan?

    No. EPA suggests you use a common sense approach. If one of your oil storage tanks leaks, and the spilled oil would not flow into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, you do not have to prepare a Plan. Remember that you still have the responsibility to clean up any spilled…

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  • Ground water pathways related to reasonably expected to discharge

    The SPCC Rule applies to facilities that could reasonably be expected to discharge into navigable waters (40 CFR §112.2(a)). Does a facility need to consider ground water pathways when determining if a discharge of oil could reasonably be expected to reach navigable waters? Owners and operators should consider whether on-site…

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  • SPCC responsibility for tanks on leased property

    What if I leased some parcels, and there are tanks already present? Am I responsible for these tanks? You could be. If you plan to use these tanks, make sure in your lease agreement, it states who is responsible for these tanks. If the lease does not state who is…

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  • How do I determine if my farm could reasonably discharge oil into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines?

    You can determine this by considering the geography and location of your farm relative to nearby navigable waters (such as streams, creeks and other waterways). You should consider if ditches, gullies, storm sewers or other drainage systems may transport an oil spill to nearby streams. Estimate the volume of oil…

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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…

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  • Do service tanks on service trucks or pickups count in the calculation of the total storage on the farm?

    Yes, you should include fuel tanks mounted on trailers, fuel trucks used exclusively on the farm and tanks in pickups toward the overall threshold of 1,320 gallons. Also, count 55-gallon drums, but don’t count any container smaller than that.

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  • Is my farm covered by SPCC?

    For updated information on the WRRDA changes to farm applicability see the new farm fact sheet (PDF) .

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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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  • Leasing out empty oil storage containers.

    A facility leases out empty stationary tanks to other facilities that use the tanks to store oil (e.g., gasoline). The stationary tanks are empty while at the initial facility and eventually leased to other customers to be reused for oil storage. Is the facility that leases out the empty tanks…

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  • When is a mobile refueler subject to SPCC requirements?

    According to a 1971 Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA regulates non-transportation-related facilities and DOT regulates transportation-related facilities: • Mobile refuelers that operate solely within the confines of a non-transportation-related facility subject to the SPCC rule must comply with the general…

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  • What milk and milk products are covered by the Milk and Milk Product Containers, Associated Piping and Appurtenances Exemption?

    The exemption will cover all containers, piping and appurtenances of milk and milk products. For example, milk products include cheeses, yogurts and ice cream. Additionally, transfers and milk handling associated with these containers and appurtenances are exempt from the SPCC requirements.

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  • 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…

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