Strong SPCC plan can reduce the likelihood of occurrence of sudden oil spills

The term "SPCC Plan," as used in federal regulations under the Clean Water Act, stands for "Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan." An Oil SPCC plan is a plan prepared in accordance with good engineering practices to prevent and clean up spills from oil storage tanks. "Oil" as defined in the federal regulations includes petroleum oils such as gasoline, diesel and heating oil as well as non-petroleum oils such as animal or vegetable oils, synthetic oils, and mineral oils.

An SPCC plan lists the containment equipment and structures used to prevent spills from reaching ground water or surface water, and it identifies the inspection, monitoring and oil transfer procedures that will be followed to prevent a spill. The SPCC Plan applies to non-transportation-related onshore or offshore facilities engaged in drilling, producing, gathering, storing, processing, refining, transferring, distributing, using or consuming oil and oil products.

The federal SPCC plan requirements apply specifically to oil storage facilities with an aggregate storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons and where a discharge could reach a navigable water body, either directly or indirectly. Any oil storage container or tank that is 55 gallons or larger in size counts towards the total aggregate storage capacity. Most areas in Maine are considered locations where a discharge could reach navigable waters.

SPCC Plan Requirements

·         The SPCC Plan must fulfill all applicable requirements of 40 CFR 112.

·         Facilities must maintain a copy of the SPCC Plan onsite.

·         Facilities must implement the procedures outlined in the SPCC Plan.

·         The SPCC Plan must be reviewed and updated every 5 years.

Author-Bio

If a spill occurs, a well-developed Oil SPCC plan will identify whom to call, and will specify steps, or "countermeasures," to contain the spill and minimize environmental impacts. With strong SPCC plan in place, accidental oil spills are far less likely to occur. At Quest Consultants, you will be provided with complete SPCC services and training for development of well organized SPCC plan so that the danger caused by sudden oil spills to the environment can be prevented. For more details on this topic, visit http://www.questinc2.com/.