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Animal Fats and Vegetable Oils

EPA 550-F-07-002
March 2007

In December 2006, EPA amended the SPCC rule to streamline some of the requirements for the regulated community. Animal fats and vegetable oils remain subject to the SPCC rule. Facilities with animal fats and vegetable oils that are subject to the rule must comply with specific requirements listed in section 112.12 as well as all other general rule requirements.

How did EPA amend the requirements for animal fats and vegetable oils?

In December 2006, EPA removed the following SPCC requirements for the following specific types of animal fat and vegetable oil facilities:

• Requirements for onshore oil production facilities (Section 112.13)
• Requirements for onshore oil drilling and workover facilities (Section 112.14)
• Requirements for offshore oil drilling, production, or workover facilities (Section 112.15)

These requirements were removed because they are not appropriate for facilities that handle animal fats and vegetable oils. However, other requirements for facilities that store and handle animal fats and vegetable oils remain in effect (section 112.12).

What provisions still apply to facilities with animal fats and vegetable oils?

Owners/operators of facilities that store or handle animal fats and vegetable oils and meet the SPCC rule applicability criteria (section 112.1) must prepare and implement an SPCC Plan that complies with the general rule requirements and the rule requirements specific to animal fats and vegetable oils listed in section 112.12.

How are “animal fat” and “vegetable oil” defined in the SPCC rule?

Animal fat means a non-petroleum oil, fat, or grease of animal, fish, or marine mammal origin. Vegetableoil means a non-petroleum oil or fat of vegetable origin, including but not limited to oils and fats derived from plant seeds, nuts, fruits, and kernels.

Does EPA plan to make additional changes to the rule?

EPA is considering additional streamlined and tailored regulatory modifications or guidance for certain types of facilities and equipment, which may include options for facilities handling animal fats and vegetable oils.

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For More Information

Read the SPCC rule amendment (71 FR 77266, December 26, 2006)
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/

Review the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation (40 CFR part 112)
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/

Visit the EPA Emergency Management Web site
http://www.epa.gov/emergencies

Call the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center
(800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810
TDD (800) 553-7672 or (703) 412-3323
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/contacts/infocenter

To Report an Oil or Chemical Spill

Call the National Response Center
(800) 424-8802 or (202) 267-2675
TDD (202) 267-4477