December 12, 2005—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed modifications and compliance extensions for the oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. EPA is proposing to streamline requirements for qualified facilities, qualified oil-filled operational equipment, and airport mobile refuelers. EPA is also proposing to extend the compliance deadline to October 31, 2007.
The SPCC rule applies to non-transportation-related facilities that meet an oil storage capacity threshold and that could reasonably be expected to discharge oil into navigable US waters. SPCC regulations require each owner or operator of such a facility to have a SPCC plan, certified by a professional engineer. The plan must address the facility’s design, operation, and maintenance procedures for preventing discharges as well as countermeasures to mitigate effects in case of discharge.
For more information on Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plans, visit EPA.
