The Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program (SPCC) and Farm Fuel Tanks

by Tom Karsky, Univeristy of Idaho Extension Safety Specialist

The Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program (SPCC) can have an effect on growers that store fuel and oil on the their facilities. This program is not new, it was part of the Clean Water Act of 1974 but the part that affects farmers and ranchers is now coming into effect. The goal of the program is to prevent oil from spilling into waters of the US and adjoining shorelines. A key element of this program requires an oil spill prevention program called an SPCC plan to be completed by May 10, 2013. Those that are affected by this requirement must meet the following conditions:

1. Store, transfer, use, or consume oil or oil products such as diesel fuel, gasoline, lube oil, hydraulic oil, adjuvant oil, crop oil, vegetable oil, or animal fat. AND

2. Store more than 1320 gallons in above ground containers (only 55 gallon drums or larger should be included in the total) or more than 42,000 gallons in below ground containers. AND

3. Oil could be expected to discharge into navigable waters of the US or adjoining shorelines (lakes, rivers, streams). The nature and flow properties combined with a rain event must be considered.

If the above conditions apply then the grower must determine what Tier they fall into. There are 3 Tiers that one can fall into. For those that fall into Tier 1 they can be self certified. The others need services from a professional engineer.

Tier I

· 10,000 gallons or less (total capacity)

· No container more than 5,000 gallons (55-5,000 OK)

· In the 3 years prior to self-certification has not had one spill more than 1,000 gallons or 2 spills exceeding 42 gallons within any 12 month period.

· These can be self certified on the EPA website. (see below)

Tier II

· 10,000 gallons of less (total capacity)

· Can have containers 5,001 to 10,000 gallons

· In the 3 years prior to self-certification has not had one spill more than 1,000 gallons or 2 spills exceeding 42 gallons within any 12 month period.

· Can use environmental equivalents or site-specific techniques that provide an equal level of environmental protection (dikes, secondary containment, etc). A professional engineer must verify that these are in accordance with good engineering practices.

Tier III

· 10,001 gallons or more (total capacity)

· A Tier III Plan must be prepared and certified by a professional engineer.

Information needed to prepare a plan includes the following:

· A diagram or map of the oil container storage of 55 gallons or greater including the container’s size, contents and location.

· Brief description of the procedures to be used to prevent oil spills.

· Brief description of measures installed to prevent oil from reaching water, such as dikes, secondary containment, double walled containers etc.

· Measures to be used to contain and clean up an oil spill.

· List of emergency contacts and emergency responders.

Producers may be eligible for assistance through NRCS and are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office for more information. The NRCS maintains a website regarding the program it is located at: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/news/newsreleases/spcc_program_032712.html

Information about the program and templates for filling out the plan can be found on the EPA web site at: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/spcc/spcc_ag.htm

A Guide that provides a comprehensive review of requirements related to small aboveground storage tanks, with specific examples can be found at: http://www.ppp.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP-73.pdf