Are Online SPCC Plans Legit? What You Need to Know

Can a Remotely-Developed SPCC Plan Hold Up to EPA Standards?

In today’s digital world, just about everything can be done online—including developing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans virtually. But can an online SPCC plan really meet EPA requirements? Are these remote services as effective as traditional in-person consulting?

The short answer: Yes, online SPCC plans can be completely legitimate, provided they follow EPA regulations and are developed by qualified environmental professionals. But before you choose an online SPCC provider (like us here at RMA - reach out!), it’s important to understand how these plans work, their advantages, and potential pitfalls.

How Do Online SPCC Plans Work?

Traditionally, SPCC plans were developed through on-site assessments, where an environmental consultant would visit a facility, evaluate oil storage practices, and draft a site-specific plan. Remote SPCC plan development takes a different approach, utilizing digital tools such as online data collection forms, facility photos, videos, and virtual consultations to gather the necessary information.

A professional environmental consultant then reviews this data and creates a custom SPCC plan that meets EPA requirements. The process is streamlined, eliminating the need for travel while still ensuring compliance. Want to learn more? Check out our full post on exactly how the process works here!

Are Online SPCC Plans EPA-Compliant?

An SPCC plan, whether developed remotely or in person, must comply with the EPA’s regulations under 40 CFR 112. To be considered legitimate, an online SPCC plan must:

• Be facility-specific – A generic template won’t cut it. The plan must reflect the actual oil storage, spill prevention measures, and site conditions of the facility.

• Include all required elements – This includes spill prevention measures, secondary containment, facility diagrams, spill response procedures, and training requirements.

• Use precise regulatory language – A compliant SPCC plan must reference the applicable regulations, including 40 CFR 112, and incorporate technical language that aligns with EPA expectations. The plan should clearly define oil storage thresholds, spill containment requirements, and compliance obligations to avoid misinterpretation.

If these conditions are met, an online SPCC plan is just as valid as one developed through an on-site visit. Not sure if your facility meets these requirements? Contact us for a free consultation!

Advantages of Getting an SPCC Plan Online

For many facilities, choosing an online SPCC plan offers several key benefits:

• Cost Savings – Without the need for on-site travel, online plans are often more affordable than traditional SPCC consulting services.

• Faster Turnaround – Remote SPCC plans can typically be completed quicker since they eliminate scheduling delays associated with travel and site visits.

• Convenience – Facility owners and managers can submit information on their own schedule, rather than coordinating a site visit.

• Great for Simple Facilities – Tier I and straightforward Tier II facilities with minimal oil storage can often get a fully compliant SPCC plan remotely with no issues.

Looking for a cost-effective, efficient SPCC solution? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

When Online SPCC Plans May Not Be the Best Fit

We wrote an entire article on figuring out if an online SPCC plan is a good fit for your business here. For now, here's the short version: while online SPCC plans work well for many facilities, there are situations where an in-person assessment might be the better option.

Facilities with:

• Complex oil storage arrangements

• Uncertain secondary containment capabilities

• Large oil storage volumes requiring detailed engineering assessments

…may benefit from an on-site visit to ensure all regulatory requirements are met. Not sure if a remote SPCC plan is right for you? Contact us for a personalized recommendation.

Choosing a Reliable Online SPCC Provider

Not all online SPCC services are created equal. To ensure your plan is legitimate, look for a provider that:

• Uses qualified environmental professionals – Make sure the company has experienced consultants who understand EPA regulations.

• Asks for detailed facility information – If the process seems too simple or generic, it might not be a compliant plan.

• Provides ongoing support – A good provider will answer questions, offer revisions, and guide you through compliance steps even after you receive your plan.

The Verdict: Are Online SPCC Plans Legit?

Yes—when developed properly, online SPCC plans are a legitimate, cost-effective, and compliant solution for many facilities. They offer a faster, more convenient way to meet EPA requirements, provided they are created by experienced professionals who take the time to understand your facility’s specific needs.

If you’re considering an online SPCC plan, the key is choosing a provider that prioritizes compliance and customization. Need help with your SPCC plan? Contact us today, and let’s get started!