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The goal of the Federal Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation in 40 CFR 112 is to prevent oil discharges from reaching navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines. The EPA requires that certain facilities develop and implement oil spill prevention, control, and countermeasure, or SPCC Plans. SPCC plans are a proactive approach to preventing oil spills and typically include items specifically addressed in the Rules.
For some facilities, the rules require that a Registered Professional Engineer certify that the SPCC plan has been prepared in accordance with good engineering practice including consideration of applicable industry standards.
Blue Ridge can help you determine if your facility is subject to the rules and can prepare your SPCC plan to meet the most current rules and industry standards.
Call us today for assistance!
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| Changes in the SPCC Rules |
There have been several revisions to the SPCC rules and multiple amendments made to those revisions over the years. There are many types of facilities that are subject to the rules so applying the rules can be tricky. Blue Ridge can evaluate and determine how the rules apply to your facility to ensure you are in compliance.
EPA published a final rule amending the SPCC Rule in the Federal Register on June 19, 2009. This action extended the dates for facilities to comply until November 10, 2010. These rules require the owners or operators of facilities storing more than 1,320 gallons of oil to amend their existing plans and complete any necessary facility upgrades and training by November 10, 2010.
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| How does the rule extension affect me? |
If your facility is subject the rule, then the following table explains compliance dates and SPCC plan requirements:
A facility starting operation...
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Must...
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On or before August 16, 2002
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Continue to maintain its existing SPCC Plan AND amend and implement a new plan to address the new rule no later than November 10, 2011.
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After August 16, 2002, through November 10, 2011
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Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan that meets the new rules no later than November 10, 2011.
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After November 10, 2010
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Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan that meets the new rules before beginning operations.
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Call us today and let Blue Ridge help you navigate these complex rules to ensure your facility is in full compliance!
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