Almost all facilities that store more than 1,320 gallons of petroleum products in above ground storage tanks (AST’s) and oil filled operating equipment or 42,000 gallons in underground storage tanks (UST’s) are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to have a Spill Prevention Controls and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan. These 6 routine requirements are important for maintaining a compliant SPCC:
1. Perform and document monthly inspections of all ASTs, oil filled operating equipment, piping, and containment structures to ensure there are no leaks or damage to the tanks, equipment, or structures.
Oil filled operating equipment includes stationary equipment that utilizes oil in the operation of the equipment. This includes hydraulic units, transformers, oil heaters, etc.
2. Annually train all oil handling personnel on the SPCC Plan and spill response procedures.
3. Lock all drainage and control valves and control who can unlock them.
4. Perform and document annual integrity testing for all tanks and oil filled operating equipment.
This can be accomplished via a visible inspection of all sides and supports for shop built tanks with a volume less than 30,000 gallons. For larger or field built tanks a visual inspection combined with another non-destructive test is required.
5. Properly report all spills that lead to a reportable discharge from the facility, 1,000 gallons or two discharges of 42 gallons in a 12 month period, per the federal requirements and usually more stringent at the state level.
6. Review, update, and recertify your SPCC Plan every 5 years. SPCC Plans are usually certified by a Professional Engineer (PE), though there are cases where facilities can self-certify their own SPCC Plan.
For more information or help in developing and certifying your facility’s SPCC Plan please contact Conversion Technology, Inc. at (770) 263-6330 or visit our website, www.conversiontechnology.com.
Useful Links:
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations