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SPCC Guide

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All sites storing over 1,320 gallons of “oils” either by aggregate (i.e. 24-55 gallon drums) or single tank capacity must comply with Federal US EPA regulations 40 CFR part 112 by November 10, 2010.

For small facilities including farms, the following may apply. A Professional Engineer may not be required in these cases:

Tier I & Tier II Requirements

If the facility has . . . 10,000 U.S. gallons or less aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity;
. . . and . . . Within any twelve-month period, three years prior to the Plan certification date, or since becoming subject to the SPCC rule if in operation for less than three years, there has been: No single discharge of oil to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines exceeding 1,000 U.S. gallons; and No two discharges of oil to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines each exceeding 42 U.S. gallons
and the facility has . . .
No individual aboveground oil containers greater than 5,000 U.S. gallons;	Any individual aboveground oil container greater than 5,000 U.S. gallons;
. . . then
TIER I: Complete and self-certify Plan template (Appendix G to 40 CFR parts 112) in lieu of a full PE-certified Plan. (PE = Professional Engineer)	TIER II: Prepare self-certified Plan in accordance with all applicable requirements of §112.7 and subparts B and C of the rule, in lieu of a PE-certified Plan. See Note 1 below

Highlights of key changes:

1. All underground tanks (USTs) that meet federal or state UST requirements are exempt from the new regulation.
2. Storage of containers less than 55 gallons is exempt from capacity calculations.
3. Only aboveground tanks with aggregate or single storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons are required to prepare SPCC Plan.
4. SPCC Plan review has been changed from every 3 years to every 5 years by owner/operator if no changes to spill potential of facility.
5. Tank & piping integrity testing in accordance with industry standards (every five-twenty years) and when repairs are done. Integrity testing must be accomplished by companies/individuals certified by STI or API beginning November 10, 2010. Vertical tanks isolated from the ground, horizontal tanks or double wall tanks not in contact with the ground may only require external/visual inspection, unless otherwise noted by engineer. Equivalent Environmental Protection is allowed.
6. All buried piping that is installed or replaced after 8-16-02, must have protective coating and wrapping and cathodic protection, or meet 40 CFR part 280 or a state program.
7. Overfill prevention systems & alarms must be installed in accordance with industry standards and Fire Codes. Overfill prevention must be inspected/tested in accordance with industry standards. Vent whistles can be used at smaller facilities where vent whistle can be heard during tank filling. Another equivalent method as allowed: If a facility operator/driver will check containers visual tank gauge prior to the unloading process and allow facility operator to check tank gauge during tank filling process at frequent intervals. Equivalent Environmental Protection is allowed.
8. Secondary containment systems or their equivalents are required for Bulk Tanks, Loading & Unloading Areas and Piping Systems and must be sufficiently impervious. Equivalent Environmental Protection is allowed.
9. Security Fencing and Area Security Lights are may be required. Equivalent Environmental Protection

Note 1
May prepare a Plan which includes PE-certified environmentally equivalent measures or impracticability determinations that would require PE certification for only the portions dealing with environmental equivalence and impracticability determinations. The remaining portions of the plan could be self-certified by the facility owner/operator.

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