SPCC, an acronym for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure, refers to a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent the discharge of oil and other hazardous substances into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The SPCC rule was developed to address the potential environmental and economic damages caused by spills and leaks from containers, tanks, and facilities storing petroleum products.
The main objective of SPCC is to ensure that facilities handling oil or other hazardous materials implement effective spill prevention and response measures. This includes the development and implementation of a spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plan (SPCC plan) specific to each facility's operations. The plan details various preventive measures, procedures, and protocols aimed at minimizing the risk of spills, leaks, and releases.
SPCC guidelines require facility owners to conduct regular inspections, perform appropriate maintenance on storage containers and associated equipment, and train employees on spill response techniques. Additionally, the regulations outline specific requirements for secondary containment, such as dikes, curbing, or double-walled tanks, to prevent spills from reaching navigable waters. The SPCC plan also includes emergency response protocols, such as spill notification procedures and containment and cleanup techniques.
Compliance with SPCC regulations is mandatory for facilities that store a certain quantity of oil or hazardous substances. Failure to comply with SPCC requirements can result in significant penalties, fines, and potential liability for damages caused by spills.
