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/.

Necessary components of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

The SWPPP must include the following components:

• A description of the construction activities and the potential for sediment and other pollutant discharges from the site.
• Maps showing the locations of all surface waters, including wetlands, stormwater ponds or basins within one mile of the site.
• Areas of the site that will drain to a public water the Department of Natural Resources has promulgated “work in water restrictions” for fish spawning timeframes.
• A determination whether surface waters within one mile of the site are special or impaired for one of the construction-related parameters and additional or enhanced BMPs that will be utilized to address the special or impaired waters.
• Stormwater pollution mitigation measures to be utilized as a result of an environmental review.
• Additional measures needed at the site to address karst or drinking water supply management areas.
• Training documentation for all individuals required to be trained in associated duties in regard to the SWPPP.
• A site map showing both the existing and final grades, including direction of flow and pre and post drainage area divides. The site map must also include locations of steep slopes, impervious surfaces, soil types, and pollutant-generating activities (building products, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, treatment chemicals, hazardous materials, solid waste, portable toilets, etc.).
• Estimated quantities of all erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs to be used for the life of the project.
• Stormwater design specifications and calculations for stormwater management systems, including the number of acres of existing and new impervious surfaces.

The following factors must be accounted for in design of BMPs to be used at the site:

• the amount, frequency, intensity and duration of precipitation.
• stormwater runoff and run-on and expected flow from impervious surfaces.
• slope lengths and steepness, the site location and drainage features.
• flow rate and volume of channelized flow.
• soil types.
• Timing of installation for all erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs and permanent stormwater management systems.
• Location and type of all permanent and temporary erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs to be installed at the site along with procedures to establish additional BMPs as necessary.
• A description of methods to be used for site dewatering and basin draining.
• Areas not to be disturbed on the site, including the location of buffer zones.
• Locations of areas to be phased to minimize duration of exposed soils.
• Methods to minimize soil compaction and preserve top soil at the site.
• Methods used to achieve final stabilization.Image Courtesy of Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

The NPDES permit requires that all erosion and sediment BMPS be clearly outlined in a site’s SWPPP. Changes made throughout construction should be documented in the SWPPP.

• Documentation why certain design requirements or SWPPP components are not feasible and the methods to be substituted as allowable by the permit.
• A maintenance plan for permanent stormwater treatment systems, including who will maintain the system.
• A description of pollution prevention measures for storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials, solid waste, concrete and equipment wash water, portable toilets, construction products and materials.
• Plans for proper use of sediment treatment chemicals (polymers, flocculants, etc.).
• A description of inspection and maintenance activities and record keeping.
• Procedures for terminating permit coverage.

Author – Bio

It is very important to understand the necessary components of SWPPP so as to prepare and implement an effective SWPPP plan. Quest Consultants & Associate’s SWPPP Professionals all have the expertise to assist clients in better understanding all aspects of SWPPP management through onsite training and education services. Please visit http://www.questinc2.com/for more complete details on SWPPP.

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.

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.