Proper implementation of SPCC Plans may significantly reduce environmental impacts in case of oil spills

In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation (40 CFR part 112), which includes requirements for specific facilities to prepare or amend, and implement Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans.

An SPCC construction plan must be prepared by all facilities subject to regulation. If you handle oil or oil products, you could be subject to the Spill Prevention Control and countermeasure (SPCC) regulations. These regulations are found in federal regulations (40 CFR Part 112) and require that certain procedures, methods and equipment be used to prevent and contain discharges of oil or petroleum products. This includes the development of an emergency action plan.

The SPCC regulations apply to non-transportation-related facilities that store oil or petroleum products in greater than threshold quantities. Facilities are regulated if, due to their location, a discharge could reasonably be expected to reach a waterway (including sewer pathways).

Spill prevention measures needed to include in a SPCC Plan

The following spill prevention measures should be implemented and included in a SPCC plan so that the plan works in an efficient manner:

• Use containers suitable for the oil stored. For example, use a container designed for flammable liquids to store gasoline;

• Identify contractors or other local personnel who can help you clean up an oil spill;

• Provide overfill prevention for your oil storage containers. You could use a high-level alarm, or audible vent, or establish a procedure to fill containers;

• Provide effective, sized secondary containment for bulk storage containers, such as a dike or a remote impoundment. The containment must be able to hold the full capacity of the container plus possible rainfall. The dike may be constructed of earth or concrete. A double-walled tankmay also suffice;

• Provide effective, general secondary containment to address the most likely discharge where you transfer oil to and from containers and for mobile refuelers, such as fuel nurse tanks mounted on trucks or trailers. For example, you may use sorbent materials, drip pans or curbing for these areas; and

• Periodically inspect and test pipes and containers. You should visually inspect aboveground pipes and inspect aboveground containers following industry standards. You must “leak test” buried pipes when they are installed or repaired. EPA recommends you keep a written record of your inspections.

Author Bio :

Preparing and proper implementation of SPCC Plans will significantly prevent oil spills from reaching nation's waters. It will also minimize human health and environmental impacts in case of the occurrence of such oil spills. At Quest Consultants, you will be provided with high quality SPCC service to develop and implement SPCC Plans as well as carry it out in an efficient and smooth manner. Visit our website to know more about SPCC plan, SPCC Plan requirement and SPCC regulations.