Preparation of SPCC plan for a small business facility

Any small business that maintains a total aboveground oil storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons, or a total undergrounds oil storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons, where there is a reasonable potential for a discharge to reach navigable waters is subject to SPCC regulatory requirements.

Aboveground storage containers with a capacity of 55-gallons or more are included in the aboveground capacity threshold calculation. Underground storage tanks regulated under 40 CFR 280 and 281 are not subject to the SPCC regulations.

A facility is subject to the SPCC regulations if it could be reasonably expected that oil discharged from the facility would reach navigable waters. This determination is based upon considerations of the geography and terrain (such as proximity to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, land contour, drainage patterns, and types of soil and rock). It should be noted that manmade features that act as secondary containment and that serve to restrain, hinder, contain, or otherwise prevent a discharge are excluded from consideration in this determination.

A small business facility must prepare a SPCC Plan if it has an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons where spilled oil may reasonably be expected to reach navigable waters. Only containers of oil with a capacity of 55-gallons or greater are counted toward this aggregate capacity threshold.

An SPCC plan is also required if a small business facility has a completely buried storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons of oil that may reasonably be expected to reach navigable waters if discharged. (Note this does not apply tounderground storage tanks regulated under 40 CFR 280 and 281).

The small business is required to prepare a SPCC Plan, and have the plan certified by a Registered Professional Engineer, or be selfcertified if it is a qualified facility.

The SPCC Plan must clearly address the following:

· Operating procedures to prevent oil spills;

· Control measures to prevent a spill from reaching navigable waters; and

· Countermeasures to contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that reaches navigable waters.

Author – Bio :

Although a SPCC plan must have the above information, each SPCC plan will be unique to the specific facility, operations, and location. Development of an SPCC Plan requires detailed knowledge of the facility, including the location and capacity of oil-based storage, and the potential effects an oil spill could have on the area environment and natural resources. Quest Consultants provides SPCC sevices to its clients and also assists them in better understanding of SPCC plan. Please visit http://www.questinc2.com/for more insights.