How to Get an SPCC Plan in North Carolina: A Guide for Businesses

Looking for the best way to get an SPCC Plan in North Carolina? You’re not alone!

Managing oil storage at your facility can be daunting, especially when it comes to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans. If you're in North Carolina, you might wonder if you need an SPCC plan and how to ensure it meets EPA standards.

SPCC planning is more than just paperwork—it's a legal requirement. A poorly crafted plan can lead to EPA penalties, but navigating these rules doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re a small business qualifying for a Tier I plan or a larger operation requiring Tier II or PE-certified plans, this guide has you covered.

We’ll break down the SPCC process, explore online SPCC development, and help you decide if hiring a professional is the right choice. Let’s make SPCC planning manageable.

What Type of SPCC Plan Do You Need in NC?

The first step in getting an SPCC plan is determining the type of plan your facility requires. There are three types of SPCC plans, and depending on your oil storage and facility details, you'll fall into one of these three groups. If you aren't sure what type of plan you need, learn about the difference between SPCC plan types here or contact us for a consultation.

If you have less complex oil storage and qualify for a Tier I plan, you might be able to create your SPCC plan on your own. However, you’ll need to be extremely careful—this is a legal document for the EPA, and an insufficient plan could result in hefty fines.

SPCC plans involve more than just listing your tanks. You’ll need to include:

• Facility details and contact information
• Key personnel and their spill response roles
• Comprehensive tank data (capacity, contents, locations)
• Maps of your facility and oil storage areas
• Secondary containment features and spill containment calculations
• Site-specific prevention measures and emergency protocols
• Cleanup vendors and spill reporting information
• Inspection forms, schedules, and documentation
• And more!

It’s a lot, right? If this feels daunting, reach out to us. We’ll make the process painless and handle everything for you.

How Most North Carolina Businesses Get SPCC Plans: Work With an Expert

So, if developing an SPCC plan is difficult (and maybe even impossible) to do on your own, how do you get a plan? For most North Carolina businesses, hiring an environmental consultant is the best approach to developing an SPCC plan. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Initial Consultation: The consultant evaluates your facility to determine the type of SPCC plan you need (Tier I, Tier II, or PE-certified) and gathers critical information about your oil storage.
2. Site Assessment: If required, the consultant will visit your facility to inspect oil storage areas, secondary containment features, and other essential components. This step ensures the plan accurately reflects your site.
3. Plan Development: Using the gathered data, the consultant prepares a detailed SPCC plan. This includes mapping your facility, documenting tank details, calculating containment capacity, and developing site-specific spill prevention and response measures.
4. Review and Finalization: The completed plan is reviewed with you to ensure accuracy and compliance before it’s finalized.

Hiring an expert saves you time, ensures compliance, and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

How Long Does It Take to Get an SPCC Plan?

The timeline for developing an SPCC plan depends on the size and complexity of your facility.

• Simpler Facilities (Tier I Plans): These can be completed within a few weeks to a few months, depending - though typically on the shorter end if you opt for virtual development services (more on that below!).
• More Complex Facilities (Tier II or PE-Certified Plans): These may take one to three months or longer, depending on the level of detail required and your facility's details.

Planning ahead is key. Don’t wait until the last minute to get started!

How Much Does an SPCC Plan Cost in North Carolina?

The cost of an SPCC plan varies based on your facility's needs:

• Tier I Plans: These are the most affordable, with costs typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Tier II Plans: These require more detail and range from $2,000 to $4,000.
• PE-Certified Plans: These are the most comprehensive and can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your site.

While the upfront cost might seem significant, a properly prepared SPCC plan is a valuable investment in compliance, avoiding fines, and protecting the environment. If you're looking for a more realistic number for your particular operation, reach out to us to get a custom quote!

Can You Get an SPCC Plan Online in North Carolina?

In some cases, yes! For facilities with simpler oil storage setups, we offer virtual SPCC plan development services. Through a combination of forms, photos, videos, and virtual site tours, we may be able to gather all the necessary information and create a compliant SPCC plan, totally remotely.

This option is often faster and more cost-effective than the traditional on-site method, but it's usually only a good option for Tier I plans or for businesses that need multiple plans for similar facilities. If you think virtual SPCC development might work for you, contact us to learn more.

Why Most North Carolina Businesses Hire an Expert

For the majority of facilities in North Carolina, hiring a professional to create your SPCC plan is the best choice. A professionally prepared plan doesn’t just ensure compliance—it gives you peace of mind.

With years of experience working across North Carolina, from Asheville to Wilmington, we here at RMA understand the unique challenges businesses face. Whether you need a Tier I, Tier II, or PE-certified plan, we’ll handle the entire process for you, from initial assessments to final documentation, SPCC training, and beyond!

Ready to Protect Your Business and the North Carolina Environment?

Creating an SPCC plan is a vital step for any business storing oil in North Carolina. While small facilities with Tier I requirements might manage on their own, most companies benefit from hiring an expert. This is especially true for Tier II or PE-certified plans, where the stakes are higher, and the requirements more complex.

If you need an SPCC plan in North Carolina, don’t take chances. Reach out to us today, and let’s get started on ensuring your business stays compliant while protecting our state’s natural beauty.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation!