How do I know if I need an SPCC Plan in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania 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 in Pennsylvania. RMA can help determine which approach applies and coordinate engineering certification when necessary.

Can I prepare my own SPCC Plan in Pennsylvania?

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 PA DEP or EPA?

Generally, no. A federal SPCC Plan normally needs to be prepared, certified as required, implemented, and maintained at the facility. It isn't typically submitted for routine EPA or PA DEP approval. However, EPA can request it, certain spill events can trigger reporting obligations, and separate Pennsylvania programs may require submissions. For example, some regulated aboveground storage tank facilities must submit a Pennsylvania Spill Prevention Response Plan.

Is an SPCC Plan the same thing as a Pennsylvania PPC Plan?

No. Although they can address some of the same spill risks, they come from different regulatory requirements. An SPCC Plan is a federal oil spill prevention document under 40 CFR Part 112. A Pennsylvania Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) Plan addresses pollution prevention and emergency preparedness requirements that may apply under Pennsylvania regulations, permits, or specific facility activities. Some businesses need both. An existing PPC Plan doesn't automatically satisfy federal SPCC requirements, and an SPCC Plan doesn't automatically satisfy every Pennsylvania PPC requirement.

How much does an SPCC Plan cost in Pennsylvania?

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 NPDES 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 Pennsylvania 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.

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 Pennsylvania 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?

Your first steps should follow the emergency procedures in your plan and prioritize protecting people, stopping or containing the release when safe, and preventing oil from reaching waterways. Reporting obligations depend on the circumstances, including where the oil goes and whether it triggers applicable federal or Pennsylvania reporting requirements. Some spills must be reported immediately. Facilities should not assume that a small release is automatically exempt from reporting. Your SPCC Plan should clearly identify the appropriate response procedures and reporting contacts for your operation.

How does RMA help Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania SPCC Plans & Compliance Services

Know Where You Stand

Stormwater is 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 Pennsylvania 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.

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Does Your Facility Also Need Stormwater Permit Coverage?

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

Pennsylvania's PAG-03 General Permit applies to many industrial facilities with stormwater discharges associated with regulated activities. RMA helps determine whether coverage is required, prepare applications and PPC Plans, and manage ongoing sampling, reporting, and compliance needs.

Explore Pennsylvania 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 stormwater permit 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.

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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 stormwater 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 the 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 Pennsylvania facilities, including stormwater compliance and other environmental programs, giving your team a resource to turn to throughout the year.

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Pennsylvania SPCC Plans & Oil Spill Compliance Help

Your Complete Guide to SPCC Requirements in Pennsylvania

Your Complete Guide to SPCC Requirements in Pennsylvania

Understanding Your Pennsylvania SPCC Plan Options

Tier I SPCC Plans

Tier II SPCC Plans

PE-Certified SPCC Plans

Pennsylvania-Specific Considerations

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in Pennsylvania?

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in Pennsylvania?

How We Help With Pennsylvania SPCC Compliance

Determine What You Need

Evaluate Your Facility

Review Spill Risks & Containment

Prepare Your SPCC Plan

Coordinate Certification & Training

Stay Compliant Long-Term

Additional Pennsylvania SPCC 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 Pennsylvania SPCC Expert

Additional Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania SPCC Questions

Environmental Audits

Pennsylvania NPDES & Stormwater Permits

Tier II Community Right-to-Know Reporting

Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting

Environmental Training

Full Environmental Programs

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