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SPCC Requirements and Pollution Prevention Practices for Electrical Utilities
This guide will assist electrical utilities with the prevention and control of oil spills. Other guides have been developed to assist other industry sectors in the regulated community. This guide discusses the equipment and operating practices needed to meet the requirements of the Federal Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation found in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 112, which includes the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan requirements and the Facility Response Plan (FRP) requirements. The SPCC requirements are the focus of this guide; other guides are available for the facility response planning requirements (40 CFR 112.20 and 112.21) and general information on the Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation.
Recommended practices for pollution prevention and avoiding discharges of oil are also included in this guide. These practices may also assist facilities in achieving compliance with the SPCC requirements and reduce the possibility of product loss and a discharge.
Applicability of
the SPCC Requirements to Electrical Utilities
EPA's SPCC requirements (40 CFR Part 112.1 through 112.7)
apply to nontransportation-related facilities that could reasonably
be expected to discharge oil into or upon the navigable
waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines, and that have
(1) a total underground buried storage capacity of more than 42,000
gallons; or (2) a total aboveground oil storage capacity of
more than 1,320 gallons, or (3) an aboveground oil
storage capacity of more than 660 gallons in a single
container.
Some facilities may not be regulated if, due to their
location, they could not reasonably be expected to discharge oil into
navigable waters of the U.S. or adjoining shorelines. SPCC-regulated
facilities must also comply with other federal, state, or local laws,
some of which may be more stringent.
This guide is intended for SPCC-regulated facilities engaged
in the generation, transmission, and/or distribution of electric power,
and that use equipment (e.g., transformers and circuit breakers) which
contain dielectric fluid (mineral oil) for insulation, compressor oil,
and hydraulic oil. These facilities include power plants (including
hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities), substations, switching stations,
customer installations, test facilities, and equipment storage and maintenance
facilities.
Operations related to SPCC at these facilities include
the transfer of oil for maintenance activities, the storage of fuel
oil for powering generators during emergencies or for power plant startup,
and the storage of insulation (dielectric) oil in electrical equipment
(e.g., transformers, oil circuit breakers, capacitors, regulators).
Some facilities are moving towards using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
gas for insulating circuit breakers. These circuit breakers do not contain
oil for insulation purposes, but they do contain small amounts (e.g.,
two gallons) of compressor oil.
Many electrical utilities are subject to the SPCC regulation,
and some utilities may be subject to the Facility Response Plan (FRP)
requirements under 40 CFR 112.20 and 112.21 and associated appendices.
All owners or operators of SPCC-regulated facilities should determine
whether the facility poses a threat of substantial harm to the environment.
All facilities must document this determination by completing the "Certification
of the Applicability of the Substantial Harm Criteria Checklist,"
provided as Attachment C-II in Appendix C of 40 CFR 112. This certification
should be kept with the facility's SPCC Plan.
As outlined in 40 CFR 112.20(f)(1), a facility has the potential to cause substantial harm and, therefore, must prepare an FRP if:
- The facility transfers oil over water to or from vessels and has a total oil storage capacity, including both aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs), greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or
- The facility's total oil storage capacity, including both ASTs and USTs, is greater than or equal to one million gallons, and one of the following is true:
- The facility lacks secondary containment that is able to contain the capacity of the largest AST within each storage area plus freeboard to allow for precipitation;
- The facility is located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility could cause injury to an environmentally sensitive area;
- The facility is located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility would shut down a public drinking-water intake; or
- The facility has had a reportable spill greater than or equal to 10,000 gallons within the last five years.
The owner or operator of an SPCC-subject facility is required
to have a written site-specific spill prevention plan, which details
how a facility's operations comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 112.
Requirements for specific elements to be included in the SPCC Plan are
found in 40 CFR 112.7. The SPCC Plan must be reviewed and certified
by a Registered Professional Engineer who is familiar with SPCC and
has examined the facility. To be in compliance, the facility's SPCC
Plan must satisfy all of the applicable requirements for drainage, bulk
storage tanks (including oil-filled electrical equipment), tank car
and truck loading and unloading, transfer operations (intrafacility
piping), inspections and records, security, and training. Most importantly,
the facility must fully implement the SPCC Plan. Newly constructed facilities
and facilities that make modifications must prepare or revise their
SPCC Plan within six months. Modifications may include, for example,
changes in piping arrangements or installation or removal of tanks.
Secondary containment or diversionary structures must be in place to control oil-contaminated drainage (e.g., rainwater) or leaks around electrical equipment and associated pipelines, valves, and joints and storage tanks. For these purposes, facilities should use dikes, berms, curbing, culverts, gutters, trenches, retention ponds, weirs, booms, and other barriers as appropriate.
SPCC requirements are performance-based, which permits
facility owners and operators to substitute alternative forms of spill
containment if the substitute provides substantially equivalent protection
against discharges to navigable waters to that provided by the systems
listed in 40 CFR 112.7(c).
To safeguard against potential electrical hazards associated with standing
water in electrical yards, facilities should use a containment and diversionary
system which continuously directs water away from electrical equipment.
Culverts and retention ponds can satisfy the requirements for drainage
control and containment. Cable conduit ditches with trays which extend
above the surface can serve as part of a diversionary system as well.
In accordance with industry safety codes for the prevention of electrical
and fire hazards, electrical substations surround electrical equipment
with gravel beds, also known as "chipseal." The subgrade beneath
the gravel should be designed using good engineering practices to prevent
the migration of contaminants through the soil. These gravel beds also
aid in the retention of contaminants and help prevent spilled dielectric
fluid from spreading. Facilities should consider installing surface
drains beneath the gravel or use other methods for controlling drainage
(e.g., perimeter ditches and swales).
Diked Areas
Facilities most often use poured concrete walls or earthen
berms to contain drainage and provide secondary containment for storage
tanks and curbing and catchment basins for truck loading/unloading areas.
These contained areas are considered diked areas. Concrete and earthen
dike containment structures around storage tanks may accumulate significant
amounts of water. Drain lines, which must be watertight, are usually
installed through the dike walls and are used to drain accumulated stormwater
from the diked area. These lines should be fitted with valves or other
positive means of closure that are normally sealed closed and locked
to prevent any oil discharges from escaping the diked area. These valves
must be open-close manual valves; flapper valves are not acceptable.
These valves must be opened to drain rainwater and resealed following
drainage by trained and authorized facility personnel only. Adequate
records must be kept of such drainage events (i.e., date, time, personnel
names) and made part of the SPCC Plan. The accumulated rainwater must
be examined and determined to be free of oil contamination before diked
areas are drained. If any oil sheen or accumulation of oil is observed,
an alternate method of draining the diked area must be employed. The
contaminated water may be diverted to an onsite treatment plant or oil-water
separator; however, the adequacy of these systems is determined on a
case-by-case basis for each one's adherence to good engineering practices
and ability to retain a spill in the event of a system malfunction.
Another alternative is to pump out diked areas with a manual pump or
vacuum truck. Any oil-contaminated water must be transported to an appropriate
waste-handling facility for disposal or treated on site.
Undiked Areas
Other operating areas of an electrical utilities facility which are
not contained by dike walls are considered undiked areas. Drainage must
be controlled for these areas which may include electrical yards with
oil-filled electrical equipment and associated pipelines and valves,
truck loading and unloading areas, and drum storage areas. All undiked
areas can be designed to control drainage through a combination of curbing,
trenches, catchbasins, and oil-water separators as necessary to retain
a spill.
For example, some electrical yards are graded to drain to swales which
direct drainage to concrete retention ponds restrained by valves. Other
electrical yards may be designed with containment curbing which directs
drainage through drain inlets to underground piping systems which empty
to drainage retention structures. In either case, the contents of the
drainage retention structure must be examined for contamination prior
to discharge.
Facilities must document this examination noting the appearance of the
rainwater and the time of opening and closing of the valve associated
with the retention structure.
Other facilities may use a completely or partially buried oil-water
separator system equipped with an inlet valve and a weir and baffle
system, which directs the oil to one compartment and the water to another.
The oil-water separator must never automatically discharge treated water
to a sanitary sewer or anywhere outside a contained area.
Diversionary structures should be examined for their integrity and effectiveness.
If a paved area is improperly graded or if a curb is deteriorating,
contaminated water may escape from the facility. For this reason, a
professional engineer must certify your SPCC Plan to ensure that the
drainage system is adequately designed and properly maintained in accordance
with good engineering practices.
Whatever techniques are used, the facility's drainage systems should
be adequately engineered to prevent oil from reaching navigable waters
in the event of equipment failure or human error at the facility.
Tank Material
No tank or other equipment should be used for the storage of oil unless
its construction material is compatible with the material stored and
conditions of storage such as pressure, physical and chemical properties,
and temperatures.
It is recommended that the construction, materials, installation, and
use of tanks conform with relevant portions of industry standards, such
as American
Petroleum Institute (API), National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters
Laboratory (UL), or American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), which may be required in
the application of good engineering practices or by state or local regulations.
Secondary Containment
All equipment containing oil or oil-contaminated water must have secondary
containment for the entire contents of the largest single container
within the containment area, plus sufficient freeboard to allow for
precipitation. For electrical yards an alternative system could consist
of a complete drainage trench or culvert arranged so that a spill could
terminate and be safely confined in a catchment basin or retention pond.
The containment structure(s) must be sufficiently impervious to the
types of oil products stored at a facility. Diked areas should be free
of pooled oil; spills should be removed promptly.
The volume of freeboard should be based on regional rainfall
patterns. Facilities in states with large amounts of rainfall (e.g.,
Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico)
will require secondary containment to accommodate greater amounts of
water.
Precipitation data is available from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center
(NCDC). The NCDC can be reached by telephone at (828) 271-4800 and at
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/monitoring.html
on the worldwide
web.
The following table describes the most common secondary containment
systems for diked areas (e.g., storage tank areas).
Secondary Containment Systems | |
Type of System | Description |
Poured Concrete Walls | Poured concrete walls are strong, fairly watertight, and resistant
to petroleum penetration if adequately designed and maintained
according to good engineering practices. Limitations:
|
Containment Curbs | Containment curbs are similar to speed bumps and are often used
where vehicles need to access the containment area. Limitations:
|
Containment Pits/Trenches | Pits or trenches are belowgrade containment structures, which
may be covered with metal grates and lined with concrete.
Limitations:
|
Earthen Berms | Earthen berms containing clay or bentonite mixtures are commonly
used at very large oil storage facilities.
Limitations:
|
Concrete Block Walls | Concrete block walls are also commonly used for containment.
Limitations:
|
Tank Integrity - Inspections and Testing
Oil-filled electrical equipment and ASTs should be properly
maintained to prevent oil leaking from bolts, gaskets, rivets, seams,
and any other part of the tank. Personnel should note visible oil leaks
on an inspection form and report them to the person in charge of spill
prevention. Leaks should be repaired immediately. In some cases, the
product in the tank will require removal.
Oil leaks from compressors and other units are a common problem. Leaks
must be corrected immediately and the surfaces of containment areas
should be kept clean.
Electrical equipment can have low-level alarms or failure alarms installed
to detect leakage. Electrical equipment control cases can be equipped
with catchpans to prevent compressor oil from leaking into the electric
yard.
An area of concern for ASTs is tank bottom deterioration. Tank bottoms
may be subject to extensive corrosion, which may not be evident during
visual inspections. Measures must be taken to prevent this corrosion
based on the type of tank installation and tank foundation. Corrosion
protection can be provided by dielectric coatings and carefully engineered
cathodic protection. Some facilities have installed double-bottom tanks
to reduce the corrosion factor.
Corrosion of a tank's surface may also result in tank failure. Corrosion
that is concentrated in small areas of a tank's surface or "pitting"
creates a high potential for tank failure. If tanks are rusty, holes
may form causing the tank to leak. Tank supports and foundations should
also be inspected for cracks, crumbling, deterioration, and seepage.
ASTs should be subjected to periodic integrity testing. Some of the
accepted methods for testing are the following:
- X-ray or radiographic analysis measures wall thickness and detects cracks and crevices in metal.
- Ultrasonic analysis measures shell metal thickness.
- Hydrostatic testing shows leaks caused by pressure.
- Visual inspection detects some cracks, leaks, or holes.
- Magnetic flux eddy current test used in conjunction with ultrasonic analysis detects pitting.
Internal Heating Coils
Internal steam-heating coils are often used in fuel oil tanks to maintain
the oil in a fluid, less viscous state in cold weather. The deterioration
of the steam-heating coils from internal corrosion can result in product
leakage when oil drains through a corroded coil to discharge into a
nearby waterway. To control leakage through defective internal heating
coils, the following factors should be applied:
- The steam return or exhaust lines from internal heating coils that discharge into an open water course should be monitored for contamination or routed to a settling tank, skimmer, or other separation system to remove oil;
- Consider using external heating coils and insulating the sides of the tank if necessary. Because of the problems encountered with internal steam-heating coils, there has been a movement away from their use to more modern external heat-exchanger systems.
Fail-Safe Devices - Level
Gauging Systems and Alarms
When filling tanks or electrical equipment, facilities must take precautions
to ensure that the equipment is not overfilled.
When transferring insulating oil to electrical equipment, great care
must be exercised to ensure that an overfill does not occur. Some electrical
equipment can be equipped with high-level alarms (many are equipped
with low-level alarms to detect leakage). Facilities should ensure that
the capacities of the equipment are accurately accounted for, and transfers
should be continuously monitored.
For ASTs, level gauging systems must be selected in accordance with good engineering practices based on the size and complexity of operations at a facility. It is not adequate to only "stick" a tank. A second overfill protection measure should be used as a backup. Some trucks have automatic shutoff systems, which shut off the pump once the meter reaches the volume of product that has been determined to be a safe fill level (e.g., 90% of capacity). Larger tanks may be designed with gauges, high-level alarms, and high-high level alarms to satisfy this requirement. The following table provides examples of some acceptable systems.
Level Gauging Systems and Alarms | |
Type of System | Description |
Direct Sight Level Gauges | In the simplest case, the gauge is a small-diameter glass or
plastic tube vertically attached to two openings in the tank shell.
Liquid level in the tank is shown by the level in the tube. Another common sight level gauge is a float gauge. A float rides on top of the liquid in the tank and moves a marker attached to a cable or chain on the outside of the tank. The marker moves up or down with the product level in the tank. |
Digital Computers or Telepulse | Telepulse is a simple and accurate system for remote supervision of storage tank liquid levels and temperatures. The unit consists of a transmitter and receiver to relay and receive tank temperature and product level readings. Digital computers can be tied in to display data at more than one location. Portable fill alarm systems are also available that can be used while liquid cargoes are transferred from a storage container into a transportation vehicle. Many variations of these systems are in use. |
High Liquid Level Alarms | High liquid level alarms are usually tied into a float gauge or level gauging system. The alarms produce an audible or visual signal when the liquid level in the tank reaches a predetermined height. In older systems, a simple sound is produced by air motion; this is called an audible air vent. |
High Liquid Level Pump Cutoffs | This consists of a fill-level alarm connected to a pump control that automatically shuts down the pump when a preset liquid level is reached. This system eliminates the possibility of human failure and is effective at stopping overfilling of tanks. |
Direct Audible/Code Signal Communication | This system consists of communication between the tank gauger and pumping station and relies on human perception of liquid levels in the tanks and pumping rates to avoid overfilling tanks. Human error could cause a spill if the tank gauger or pumping station misreads an audible or code signal to start or stop pumping. Communication between the gauger and pump station is usually through two-way radio. |
Additional Safety Features | Relief valves and overflow lines are part of safety and level control systems on most petroleum storage tanks. Valves for pressure and vacuum relief will prevent tank damage but may result in a spill or discharge of liquid. Excess liquid may be allowed to flow into another tank through an overflow line. Vacuum vents prevent a tank from collapsing when liquid is pumped out of the tank. |
Underground Storage Tanks
When compared to ASTs, USTs have some advantages for storing petroleum
products, such as reduced vapor loss, increased safety, efficient land
use and greater security. The obvious disadvantages are undetected leaks
and higher corrosion factors for metal tanks. Fiberglass-reinforced
plastic tanks are commonly used for storing petroleum products underground.
They have a distinct advantage over metal tanks in being corrosion-free.
Corrosion-resistant coatings are also available.
Steel USTs should be protected from corrosion by coatings, cathodic
protection, or other effective methods compatible with local soil conditions.
Underground corrosion of metal surfaces is a direct result of an electric
current that is generated by the reaction between the metal surfaces
and chemicals present in the soil and water. The flow of current from
one portion of the tank to another causes metal ions to leave the surface
of the metal, creating pits. The rate of destruction of the metal is
directly related to soil moisture and chemical makeup.
All USTs should also be subjected to regular pressure testing and adequate
records must be kept of such tests. These records must be made part
of the SPCC Plan and kept for at least three years.
The Federal UST regulations found in 40 CFR Part 280 have technical
requirements consistent with the underlying regulatory purposes of the
SPCC program and are equally protective for purposes of preventing discharges
of oil into waters of the United States. These regulations contain provisions
for corrosion protection, leak detection, tank overfill and spill prevention
equipment, and tank tightness testing. Facilities should refer to the
full text of 40 CFR Part 280 when making determinations of compliance.
Partially Buried Storage
Tanks
Partially buried metallic storage tanks used for petroleum storage should
be avoided unless the buried section of the shell is adequately coated.
Partial burial in damp earth can cause rapid corrosion of metallic surfaces
due to water collecting at the soil surface. Protective corrosion-resistant
coatings and cathodic protection should be used to prevent corrosion.
Partially buried tanks are considered to be aboveground tanks and are
subject to the same requirements as other aboveground tanks under the
provisions of 40 CFR Part 112 due to their potential threat to surface
waters.
Portable Oil Storage Containers
Mobile or portable oil storage tanks (including trucks containing product), 55-gallon drums, and other small containers should be positioned or located so as to prevent spilled oil from reaching navigable waters. A secondary means of containment, such as dikes, basins, or spill pallets, must be provided. The containment area must hold the contents of the largest container stored in the area.
Many facilities keep drums and portable oil tanks inside
covered, contained warehouse storage areas. It is best to have a covered
area to reduce exposure to the elements so that the containers remain
in good condition and runoff is eliminated. These storage areas must
be located where they will not be subject to periodic flooding or washout.
Containment for drums and other small containers does not have to be
expensive. If there are a small number of drums, a facility may purchase
spill pallets or portable containment devices (e.g., overpack drums)
designed for drum containment.
Piping may be used at an electrical utility for removing
insulation oil from equipment which requires maintenance, for refilling
equipment, and/or for filling storage tanks.
Underground cables or partially underground cables (often housed in
a "cable tray") are insulated by mineral oil and can be a
source of an oil discharge due to a joint failure or other failure.
Careful monitoring and maintenance of the insulation are needed.
SPCC requires that the terminal connection at the transfer
point be capped or blank-flanged and marked as to origin for a pipeline
that is not in service or in standby service for an extended time. Aboveground
pipe supports should be designed and spaced in order to prevent sagging,
minimize abrasion and corrosion, and allow for expansion and contraction.
Buried piping must have a protective wrapping and coating,
and should be cathodically protected if used in corrosive soil conditions.
If any section of buried piping is exposed for any reason, it must be
examined for deterioration and corrosion and repaired, if necessary.
Obviously, buried piping cannot be visually examined and must be subjected
to periodic pressure testing, regardless of materials of construction.
Plastic or fiberglass-reinforced pipes do not require protective coatings
or cathodic protection.
Inspections of Aboveground
Pipes, Valves, and Pumps
All aboveground pipes and valves should be regularly examined on a scheduled
basis by operating personnel. Flange joints, expansion joints, valve
glands and bodies, and metal surfaces should be evaluated. Piping in
high spill probability areas should be periodically subjected to pressure
testing. Pipes, valves, and connecting joints should be free of leaks,
drips, and oil-saturated soil underneath. Defective or leaking equipment
should be replaced or repaired, and adequate records should be made
of such repairs. All records should be made part of the SPCC Plan and
kept for at least three years.
Pumps, valves, and gauges are covered under the same regulations as
piping. They must be regularly examined by facility personnel. They
should be free of leaks, drips, or any defects which could lead to a
spill. Soil underneath pumps, valves, and connections should be free
of oil stains or pooled oil. Flow valves must be periodically packed
with grease to prevent leakage, and gaskets must be replaced periodically.
Pumps require periodic rebuilding and connecting lines need to be resealed
to prevent leaks.
Warning Signs for Aboveground
Pipes
Drivers granted entry into a facility must be verbally cautioned or
warned by appropriate signs to assure that their vehicle, because of
its size, will not endanger aboveground piping or hosing. Tank truck
loading/unloading areas should have appropriate protection for aboveground
pipes (e.g., bumper poles) and adequate signs posted to warn drivers
of the presence of aboveground pipes in traffic areas.
Electrical
utilities may require the use of a tank car or truck for collecting
used insulation oil (loading) from holding tanks or for filling tanks
which store new insulation oil (unloading).
Electrical utilities may receive product from tanker trucks
which may have three 3,000-gallon compartments (sizes vary) or from
other smaller trucks.
DOT Procedures
Regardless of the types of tank cars or trucks servicing a facility,
all drivers must follow loading/ unloading procedures established by
the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR Parts 171, 173, 174,
177, and 179. Training programs should thoroughly address these requirements
and procedures should be incorporated into a Standard Operating Procedures
(SOP) manual for product transfer. Moreover, facilities should consider
ways to ensure that other commercial drivers or contractors are competent
in these procedures (e.g., issue driver certifications).
Secondary Containment
Due to their function, tank car and truck loading/ unloading areas have
a high probability for spills. Secondary containment systems must be
designed specifically for a facility's topography configuration and
the size of the tank car/truck loading or unloading at the site.
Loading/unloading areas typically are designed to permit vehicle access,
so the design must incorporate a secondary containment system. The most
common loading area containment system is a covered, curbed, and graded
area that drains to a sump. Drainage should flow into ponds, lagoons,
catchment basins, or treatment systems designed to retain oil or return
it to the facility. A system that incorporates good engineering practices
minimizes the volume of water, ice and snow that enters the containment
area.
The containment system must be designed to hold the maximum capacity
of the largest compartment of a tank car or truck loaded or unloaded
at the facility. If there are separate areas for different unloading
or loading operations, each area should be designed specifically to
hold the capacity of the largest carrier anticipated to conduct operations
in that area. An engineer must look at the entire facility as a unit
to determine the adequacy of the spill containment systems in place.
Warning or Barrier System
An interlocked warning light or physical barrier system (such as a brake-interlock
system), or warning signs should be provided in loading/unloading areas
to prevent a vehicle from leaving before being completely disconnected
from the fuel transfer lines.
Prior to filling and departure of a tank car or truck, the lowermost
drain and all outlets of such vehicles should be closely examined for
leakage. If necessary, valves should be tightened, adjusted, or replaced
to prevent leaking in transit.
Inspections are an important part of preventing spills due to equipment
or containment system failure. Adequate inspection and maintenance programs
are a critical component of a spill prevention program. Inspection and
maintenance records provide the only real evidence of compliance testing
of storage tanks, piping, level gauging systems, alarms and related
equipment.
Records of inspection procedures (including frequencies of inspections),
maintenance, and draining of diked areas should be included in the facility's
SPCC Plan.
Records of drainage of diked areas are important in determining a facility's
compliance, especially when drainage flows directly into a navigable
waterway and bypasses in-plant treatment systems.
The following table includes the types of records that should be maintained
at a facility. Such records must be kept for a minimum of three years.
Inspection and Maintenance Program Records | |
Aboveground Storage Tanks, Piping, and Other Oil-Filled Equipment |
|
Underground Storage Tanks and Piping |
|
Dikes, Berms, Secondary Containment Systems |
|
Security is critical to preventing accidental releases or vandalism by the public. The security measures required under SPCC are simple precautions that greatly reduce the risks of vandalism and undetected spills.
The perimeter of a facility should be protected with good
lighting, fencing, and locked gates. Motion detectors and video cameras
may be used for added security. Access to the facility should be restricted
during nonbusiness hours. Starter controls for fuel pumps should be
locked. Any valves that will allow the direct outflow of product are
also required to be locked (e.g., water draw-off, sampling, and sparge
valves). It is recommended that tanks and pipelines be labeled and kept
out of public access areas. Loading/ unloading connections and pipelines
should be capped or blank-flanged when they are not in service.
A large number of spills is caused by operator error;
therefore, training and briefings are important for the safe and proper
functioning of a facility. Training encourages up-to-date planning for
the control and response to a spill and an understanding of the facility's
spill prevention controls and SPCC Plan. Regular safety and spill prevention
briefings should be held to facilitate discussions of spill events or
failures, malfunctioning equipment, and recently developed precautionary
measures. Also, one person must be designated accountable for spill
prevention at the facility.
Owners and operators are responsible for
properly instructing drivers, tank gaugers, pumpers, and any other operating
personnel involved in oil operation systems in the operation and maintenance
of equipment to prevent the discharge of oil and applicable pollution
control laws, rules and regulations. All employees should be familiar
with the SPCC Plan and where it is kept or have a copy of the Plan available
for their use.
Records of employee training and spill prevention briefings for personnel
should be included in the SPCC Plan and kept for a minimum of three
years.
Facilities should consider current operations and how they can be improved to prevent spills and meet the regulatory requirements by conforming with good engineering practices. To this end, the questions and answers appearing below are based on practices observed at vehicle service facilities by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Some of the issues and practices discussed are best management practices (BMPs) and may be supplemental to the regulatory requirements. Others may be essential to achieving compliance with the SPCC requirements or state regulations.
Some facilities have simple systems in place, such as ditches completely surrounding the facility, that can hold all of the surface runoff from rain and oil that may spill. Others may have complex operations which continuously rely on equipment, such as oil-water separators, for preventing discharges while draining rainwater. Equipment should be closely monitored to ensure proper operation. Oil-water separators and outfalls should not automatically discharge to a waterway and should be equipped with block valves.
Make sure that all valves are working properly. Shutoff valves that do not work properly may result in spills.
How does the facility prevent pipeline ruptures?
Monitor pressure in piping systems, especially in the summer when temperatures may be high. Regulate pumping pressure so that the piping pressure does not exceed its pressure rating. Couplings and connections should have pressure ratings compatible with piping systems. Pressure-test piping before returning it to service and at regular intervals while in service.
How is equipment protected from vehicle impact?
All electrical equipment, tanks, pipelines, and cable trays should be protected by installing bumper poles and other physical barriers and warning signs, including signs identifying truck clearances.
Has your facility considered the possibility of lightning causing oil spills?
Lightning can strike transformers, tanks, and other equipment containing oil. When it does, it frequently results in a combination of fire and spilled oil. The chance of lightning striking equipment can be significantly decreased by proper lightning protection.
What is the facility's protocol for maintaining
equipment and correcting visible oil leaks?
Institute a regular preventive maintenance program to prevent leaks,
equipment malfunctions, and spills. Replace worn seals, fittings, and
other parts before they leak or break. Wastewater or stormwater treatment
system equipment, including oil-water separators, must be regularly
maintained to prevent clogging and other problems that may lead to equipment
failure.
Is the facility's training program adequate to maintain
personnel awareness of the spill prevention techniques described in
the SPCC Plan and correct operating procedures?
Owners or operators are responsible for instructing their personnel
in the operations and maintenance of equipment to prevent the discharges
of oil and applicable pollution control laws, rules, and regulations.
Refresher training should be conducted at regular intervals. Training
should include testing to ensure that personnel, especially new hires,
have an understanding of the concepts discussed.
Is spill control equipment strategically located and is
the storage area adequately stocked based on the facility's needs?
Keep spill kits containing absorbent pads, booms, disposal containers
or bags, an emergency response guidebook, and a fire extinguisher in
a cabinet or locker near the storage and loading/unloading areas. Regularly
inspect the cabinet where emergency spill response supplies are kept
to ensure the cabinet is properly stocked.
Does the facility have a spill response plan?
For those facilities not required to prepare a facility response plan
under 40 CFR Part 112.20, it is still recommended to develop a spill
response plan. Provide this plan to the fire department and local response
agencies. Have frequent drills and invite local responders to participate.
There are a variety of ways for a facility to be designed and constructed to achieve compliance with the SPCC requirements. Facilities may differ greatly in the types of diversionary structures and spill control equipment employed. Small facilities may utilize simple yet effective methods while large facilities may employ state-of-the-art technologies to treat contaminated drainage, achieve overfill protection on tanks and tank trucks, conduct integrity testing, provide facility security, and train employees. Facilities should also consult industry associations, which specifically identify technical and engineering standards for the design and construction of tanks and pipelines; cathodic protection of tanks and pipelines; AST tank bottom liners; tank inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction; tank cleaning; and tank overfill protection. These standards may assist the facility in identifying good engineering practices and achieving compliance with the SPCC requirements.
Summary of Common Industry Standards | |
Underwriters Laboratory
(UL) Standard 142
Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids |
This standard applies to steel atmospheric tanks intended for aboveground storage of noncorrosive, stable, flammable, and combustible liquids that have a specific gravity not exceeding that of water. The standard does not apply to API Standard 650, 12D, and 12F tanks. |
National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30A
Automotive and Marine Service Station Code, Chapters 1 and 2 |
This standard applies to automotive and marine service stations and to service stations located inside buildings (special enclosures). The code does not apply to service stations that dispense liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, or compressed natural gas as motor fuels. |
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code
30
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, Chapter Two |
This standard applies to all flammable and combustible liquids, including waste liquids (except those that are solid at 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above and those that are liquefied gases or cryogenic). Chapter Two, Tank Storage, applies to aboveground and indoor storage of liquids in fixed tanks and portable tanks with storage capacities of more than 660 gallons. |
American
Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 620
Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks |
This standard addresses large field-assembled storage tanks that have a single vertical axis of revolution and contain petroleum intermediates and finished products, as well as other liquid products handled and stored by the petroleum industry. |
API Standard 650
Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage |
This standard provides material, design, fabrication, erection, and testing requirements for vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, closed- and open-top, welded steel storage tanks in various sizes and capacities. |
API Recommended Practice 651
Cathodic Protection of ASTs |
This recommended practice describes the corrosion problems characteristic in steel ASTs and associated piping systems and provides a general description of the two methods used to provide cathodic protection. |
API Recommended Practice 652 Lining AST Tank Bottoms | This recommended practice describes the procedures for achieving effective corrosion control in ASTs by application of tank bottom linings to existing and new storage tanks. |
API Standard 653
Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction |
This standard pertains to carbon and low alloy steel tanks built in conformance with API Standard 650 or 12C and provides criteria for the maintenance, inspection, repair, alteration, relocation and reconstruction of welded or riveted, nonrefrigerated, atmospheric pressure ASTs after they have been placed in service. |
API Recommended Practice 920
Prevention of Brittle Fracture |
This recommended practice addresses toughness levels for pressure vessels to prevent failure by brittle fracture. |
API Standard 2015
Safe Entry and Cleaning of Tank |
This standard provides guidelines for the development of safety practices for planning, managing, and conducting work in atmospheric and low pressure storage tanks. |
API Recommended Practice 2350
Overfill Protection for Petroleum Tanks |
This recommended practice provides guidelines for establishing operating procedures and for selecting equipment to assist in the reduction of overfills. |
API Standard 2610
Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Inspection of Terminal and Tank Facilities |
This standard compiles various standards, specifications, and recommended practices developed by API and other entities for managing terminals and tanks. |
Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge Regina Starkey of U.S. EPA Region III for
her valuable assistance in the preparation of this guide. The following
publications also provided valuable assistance:
USDA REA, 1993. Design Guide for Oil Spill Prevention and Control
at Substations, Bulletin 1724-302.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995. SPCC/OPA Manual.
U.S. EPA Region VIII, Ecosystem Protection and Remediation Preparedness
Team. Denver, Colorado.