Most facilities we come across are lacking a simple, easy to use document that can keep them out of BIG trouble with the EPA, especially if a spill or leak occurs. This is called a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plans, and here we discuss what exactly they are, and whether or not you may need one.

Do you have some type of oil or petroleum product at your facility? Depending on what you do, the size of your facility, and the activities you perform there, you might have a little, or you might have a lot. In our initial contact, most have no idea exactly what an SPCC, or Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan entails.

A quick word on SPCC regulations…
Let’s clarify that this is not an SWPPP Plan. That’s short for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. They are not the same. They are not interchangeable. Having one does not cover the other.

SPCC stands for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure. Often times referred to as “spill plan” or “oil spill plan”.

These plans are required by Federal law that states that any “non-transportation facility”, with the “potential to discharge oil to waters of the U.S.”, and that stores oil or petroleum products on-site in excess of 1,320 gallons, must prepare and implement a plan meeting the requirements and intent of the regulation.

Potential to discharge oil to water of the U.S.?

1. That creek or river a mile away,
2. The bar ditch adjacent to your land,
3. An intermittent stream feeding a creek,
4.  The wetlands across the way
5. Any site has some possible link to connect eventually to the U. S. water

Stores oil or oil products on-site in excess of 1,320 gallons?

1. Does your facility have the capacity to store over 1,320 gallons of oil?
2. This must include all containers with a capacity of 55 gallons or more.
3. The total capacity will determine the proper Tier SPCC Plan.

What is considered Oil for by this regulation?

1. Produced oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil, waste oil, gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, lubricating oil, etc.
2. Antifreeze, grease and diesel exhaust fluids ARE NOT to be included.

Plan Implementation
Implement a plan that meets your requirement; adheres to the regulations and address the legal requirements.

Conclusion
The primary purpose of an SPCC plan is to help YOU prevent oil spills at your facility, from lightning strikes, accidents, equipment malfunction, vandalism, or more. Given the extremely high costs you’d incur if you did have a spill or discharge at your facility, this is the best insurance you could possibly have.