What is an SPCC Plan and do you need one?

A spill control and countermeasures (SPCC) plan is a facility-specific, comprehensive plan that outlines both the containment and countermeasures implemented to prevent a spill from occurring. It also includes a series of response procedures in the event that a spill occurs. It addresses three areas:

1. Operating procedures that prevent spills
2. Control measures installed to prevent a spill from reaching the environment
3. Countermeasures to contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that reaches the environment

Driven by the EPA’s Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as amended by the Clean Water Act), this ruling is designed to prevent discharges of oil and oil-related materials from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines.

Before a facility is subject to the SPCC rule, it must meet three criteria:

1. Be non-transportation-related
2. Have an aggregate above-ground storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons or a completely buried storage capacity greater than 42,000 gallons
3. Have a reasonable expectation of a discharge into or upon waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines

Having an SPCC plan in place enables quick and effective response to protect the environment and support a safe and productive workplace for employees. In addition, it helps companies avoid the costly impact of non-compliance, including fines as high as $25,000 per day per violation (for more advice, see Top Tips for Preventing Chemical Spills in the Workplace).