How do I know if I need an SPCC Plan in New Jersey?

The federal SPCC rule generally applies to non-transportation-related facilities with more than 1,320 gallons of aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity, or more than 42,000 gallons in nonexempt completely buried storage, when a discharge could reasonably reach navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The answer depends on your facility, what types of oil you handle, which containers count, and where a spill could go. RMA can help review these factors and determine whether a plan is required.

What types of oil count toward SPCC requirements?

More than most people expect. SPCC can cover diesel fuel, gasoline, heating oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil, lubricants, used oil, synthetic oil, vegetable oil, animal fats, and other qualifying oils. Oil contained in certain operating equipment, including transformers and industrial hydraulic systems, can also count. We recommend looking at your complete oil inventory rather than counting only large fuel tanks.

What's the difference between Tier I, Tier II, and PE-certified SPCC Plans?

Tier I and Tier II are categories of qualified facilities that may use federal self-certification provisions. Tier I facilities have no more than 10,000 gallons of aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity and no individual aboveground oil container larger than 5,000 gallons. Tier II facilities also have no more than 10,000 gallons but have at least one container larger than 5,000 gallons. Both must satisfy the applicable spill history requirements. Facilities that do not qualify for self-certification generally need a PE-certified SPCC Plan.

Does my New Jersey SPCC Plan need a Professional Engineer?

Not always. If your facility qualifies as Tier I or Tier II under the federal rules, its owner or operator may be eligible to self-certify, subject to applicable state requirements. If your facility doesn't qualify, the plan generally needs certification by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in New Jersey. RMA can help determine which approach applies and coordinate engineering certification when necessary.

Can I prepare my own SPCC Plan in New Jersey?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Qualifying Tier I and Tier II facilities can use federal self-certification provisions, provided the required conditions are met. The owner or operator remains responsible for making sure the plan is complete and properly implemented. However, preparing a plan involves more than listing your tanks. It can require evaluating spill pathways, containment, inspection procedures, emergency response, and training requirements. Some facilities handle that internally. Others prefer professional help.

Do I need to submit my SPCC Plan to NJDEP or EPA?

Generally, no. A federal SPCC Plan must be prepared, certified as required, implemented, and maintained at the facility, but it is not normally submitted to EPA or NJDEP for routine approval. EPA can request the plan, and certain discharges can trigger reporting requirements. New Jersey's separate DPCC and DCR plans are different: facilities subject to those state requirements must submit them to NJDEP. RMA can help identify which program applies before you start preparing documents.

Is an SPCC Plan the same thing as a New Jersey DPCC Plan?

No. An SPCC Plan is required under federal EPA oil spill prevention regulations in 40 CFR Part 112. New Jersey's Discharge Prevention, Containment, and Countermeasure (DPCC) and Discharge Cleanup and Removal (DCR) plans are separate requirements under N.J.A.C. 7:1E for certain major facilities. In general, major-facility thresholds include 20,000 gallons or more of non-petroleum hazardous substances or 200,000 gallons or more of regulated hazardous substances of all kinds. Not every business that needs a federal SPCC Plan needs a New Jersey DPCC/DCR Plan. A federal SPCC Plan does not automatically replace any applicable state plan.

How much does an SPCC Plan cost in New Jersey?

Most SPCC Plan projects at RMA fall between $3,500 and $8,000, although the actual cost depends on the scope. A small, straightforward self-certified plan typically requires less work than a large PE-certified plan with multiple tanks, containment structures, and complex operations. You can use the free SPCC Pricing Calculator on this page for an instant estimate without entering your contact information.

How long does it take to get an SPCC Plan?

It depends on the facility and how much work is required. A smaller facility with accurate tank records and a straightforward layout may be able to complete the process within a few weeks. Larger sites, more complicated containment evaluations, or projects requiring engineering coordination can take longer. Unlike an NJPDES permit, a normal federal SPCC Plan doesn't require waiting for routine agency approval. We'll discuss a realistic schedule before work begins.

Can RMA prepare an SPCC Plan remotely for my New Jersey facility?

Sometimes, yes. Remote SPCC Plan development can work well for facilities with straightforward layouts, reliable oil storage records, photographs, existing drawings, and enough information to verify site conditions. Other facilities benefit from or require a physical site visit. We'll help evaluate whether a remote approach is appropriate and whether the applicable certification requirements can be satisfied. For qualified self-certified facilities, the owner or operator must still personally visit and examine the facility as part of certification.

What happens after my SPCC Plan is completed?

The plan needs to become part of your facility's regular operations. That can include inspections, testing, maintaining containment systems, employee training and annual briefings, updating emergency information, and documenting the activities required by your plan. You also need to keep the plan accurate as your facility changes and complete the required five-year review. RMA can help establish these procedures and provide ongoing support.

Does an SPCC Plan expire after five years?

No. An SPCC Plan does not simply expire or require a new application every five years. Federal SPCC regulations require a documented review and evaluation at least once every five years. That review determines whether changes or improvements are necessary. A facility may also need to amend its plan sooner when operational changes materially affect its potential for an oil discharge. You don't necessarily need an entirely new plan every five years, but you do need to complete and document the review.

What if my New Jersey facility needs an SPCC Plan but doesn't have one?

The best next step is to determine exactly what applies and address the missing requirements promptly. That typically begins with reviewing your oil storage inventory, facility conditions, and potential discharge pathways, followed by preparing and implementing the appropriate plan. Not knowing the requirement existed doesn't automatically excuse noncompliance, but getting a complete and functional SPCC program in place is an important corrective step. If you've already received a notice of violation or are involved in an enforcement matter, you may also need legal guidance.

What happens if my facility has an oil spill?

Start with the emergency procedures in your plan. Protect people, stop the release when it is safe, and keep oil out of drains and waterways where possible. Reporting obligations depend on the discharge and applicable state and federal rules. New Jersey has a 24-hour NJDEP hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337); call 911 first for a life-threatening emergency. Certain oil discharges also require federal notification, including to the National Response Center. Your plan should identify the correct reporting contacts and procedures for your facility; do not assume a spill is too small to report.

How does RMA help New Jersey facilities with SPCC compliance?

We help facilities determine whether SPCC regulations apply, assess oil storage and containment, prepare new plans, update existing ones, coordinate PE certification, and establish the procedures needed for implementation. We can also assist with employee training, five-year reviews, ongoing compliance evaluations, and other environmental programs. Whether you need one plan or support across several New Jersey facilities, we can help define the scope and get the work done.

How do I get started?

Tell us a little about your facility, where it's located, what kinds of oil you store, and what you're trying to accomplish. If you already have an SPCC Plan, it's helpful to let us know when it was last reviewed or updated. If you're starting from scratch, that's fine too. From there, we'll help determine what applies, what information we'll need, and what the next steps would look like.

New Jersey SPCC Plans & Compliance Services

Know Where You Stand

SPCC plans are often only one piece of a facility’s environmental responsibilities. An environmental audit can help identify other requirements that may apply based on your operations, materials, waste streams, storage, and permits.

RMA can review your New Jersey facility, identify potential compliance gaps, and help you prioritize what needs attention. Audits can be focused on a specific concern or cover your overall environmental program.

Learn More About Audits

Does Your Facility Also Need Stormwater Permit Coverage?

Facilities that store or handle oil outdoors may have industrial stormwater responsibilities in addition to federal SPCC requirements.

New Jersey regulates industrial stormwater discharges through its NJPDES program, including the Basic Industrial Stormwater General Permit (5G2), industry-specific general permits, and individual permits.

The right permit depends on what your facility does, whether industrial materials are exposed to stormwater, and the type of discharge involved.

RMA can help determine which requirements apply, prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SPPPs), assist with permit applications, and manage ongoing inspections, monitoring, training, and reporting requirements.

Explore New Jersey Stormwater Services

Get Your Tier II Reporting Handled

Facilities that store certain hazardous chemicals above applicable thresholds may be required to submit annual emergency and hazardous chemical inventory information. These requirements are separate from your SPCC plan but often affect the same industrial facilities.

RMA can review your chemical inventory, determine what appears to be reportable, organize the information needed for filing, and help complete your annual reporting.

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Figure Out Your TRI Reporting

TRI reporting can apply to certain facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use listed chemicals above applicable thresholds. Determining whether you need to report usually requires looking closely at your operations, chemical usage, and employee count.

RMA can help evaluate TRI applicability, perform the calculations needed to support your determination, and prepare the required annual reports when reporting applies.

Learn More About TRI Reporting

Environmental Training Your Employees Can Actually Use

A written plan only works if the people responsible for carrying it out understand what they need to do. Training may cover inspections, spill response, sampling, waste handling, recordkeeping, and other facility-specific responsibilities.

RMA develops and provides environmental training based on your actual operations and requirements, so employees understand both what is expected and how those requirements apply to their day-to-day work.

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An Environmental Department Without Hiring One

For many facilities, obtaining one plan or permit is only the beginning. Environmental compliance can involve inspections, sampling, reports, plan updates, annual filings, employee training, and responding when operations change.

RMA can provide ongoing environmental support for New Jersey facilities, including stormwater compliance and other environmental programs, giving your team a resource to turn to throughout the year.

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New Jersey SPCC Plans & Oil Spill Compliance Help

Your Complete Guide to SPCC Requirements in New Jersey

Your Complete Guide to SPCC Requirements in New Jersey

Understanding Your New Jersey SPCC Plan Options

Tier I SPCC Plans

Tier II SPCC Plans

PE-Certified SPCC Plans

New Jersey-Specific Considerations

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in New Jersey?

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in New Jersey?

How We Help With New Jersey SPCC Plans & Compliance

Determine What You Need

Evaluate Your Facility

Review Spill Risks & Containment

Prepare Your SPCC Plan

Coordinate Certification & Training

Stay Compliant Long-Term

Additional New Jersey SPCC Plan Information

Everything You Need to Know About SPCC Plans

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in 2026? (Estimator & Video Guide)

Different types of SPCC Plans EXPLAINED

What's It Like to Hire an SPCC Plan Consultant?

Can I Get My SPCC Plan Updated? Maybe!

Can I Get an SPCC Plan Online?

Top SPCC Plan Violations & Fines Explained!

Talk to a New Jersey SPCC Expert

Additional New Jersey SPCC Plan Resources

SPCC Basics

Types of SPCC Plans

Remote / Online SPCC Plan Development

Insider Guides

SPCC Training

Industry, Equipment, Materials, & State-Specific Guides

Common New Jersey SPCC Questions

Environmental Audits

NJPDES & Stormwater Permitting

Tier II Community Right-to-Know Reporting

Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting

Environmental Training

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