We discuss Self Certified Tier II SPCC Plans.
We get a lot of folks asking us about environmental compliance matters, particularly SPCC regulations. I'm hoping facility owners and environmental managers across the US are learning what they are, evaluating their needs, and searching for more information, instead of getting in trouble by the USEPA and racing to catch up.
We're absolutely adamant that if you need one, you have one. And it's a great thing that people are actively trying to learn and educate themselves on these crucial regulations. They're a solid piece of insurance in case something bad happens on-site, and can help prevent injury to your staff and the local environment. Having a good one can turn a potential disaster into an easily manageable problem.
Types of SPCC Plans
As you may know, there are three types of plans you can use (for most facilities, there are other options out there but let's stick with the basics).
What are Tier II Self Certified SPCC Plans?
A Tier II or Self Certified Plan is meant for small to medium-sized facilities with a modest amount of oil containers on site. The specifics of it are:
- You need to have at least 1,320 gallons of oil. This qualifies you for a plan, and includes any oil container over 55-gallons above ground with oil in them. If you don't have 1,320 gallons, you don't need a plan.
- You can't have more than 10,000-gallons of oil on site. Over 10,000-gallons means you need a PE Certified Full Plan.
- You have an oil tank larger than 5,000-gallons on site. This is the only difference between a Tier I and Tier II Plan. You must have a tank with at least 5,000-gallons of oil in it.
- No discharges of oil to navigable waters in the past 3 years. Specifically, a single discharge of over 1,000-gallons, or two discharges each of 42-gallons or more over the last 12 months. This does not include releases related to natural disasters, acts of war, or terrorism.
- Remember, oil only! Oil, gas, diesel, etc. Don't count antifreeze or diesel exhaust fluid, two common things included incorrectly.
So a Tier II Plan, also known as the Self Certified Plan, is for a facility with no oil spills in the last 3 years, with at least 1,320-gallons of oil products on-site, an oil tank equal to or larger than 5,000-gallons, and total oil storage under 10,000-gallons.
If you think you might need an SPCC Plan, don't delay. Learn what you might need, take inventory of your oil on-site, and get in compliance. If you don't, it's only a matter of time until the USEPA comes knocking on your door. To learn more, feel free to shoot us an email at info@rmagreen.com, click here to contact us, or give us a call anytime at 888-RMA-0230 to learn how we can help.
