Self-Certified SPCC Plans

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans: What You Need to Know

SPCC Plans are essential—but often overlooked—components of environmental compliance in the petroleum marketing industry. These plans are required for fuel (i.e., oil) stored in Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) greater than 1,320-gallons (aggregate or single). At their core, SPCC Plans outline site-specific strategies for preventing spills, controlling potential hazards, and implementing countermeasures in the event of a spill.

Regulatory Oversight

SPCC Plans are mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), eCFR :: 40 CFR Part 112 -- Oil Pollution Prevention. While inspectors from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division may verify the existence of a plan, enforcement and inspection authority (in Oklahoma) ultimately falls under the EPA’s jurisdiction.

Who Can Prepare an SPCC Plan?

Most SPCC Plans must be prepared and certified by a licensed professional engineer. If you need assistance finding one, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to share contact information for an engineer I trust and recommend.

Self-Certification Option

If your facility has less than 10,000 gallons of total aboveground storage capacity, you may qualify to self-certify your SPCC Plan. The EPA offers a helpful template: sample_autoservice_spcc_plan.docx.

Keeping Your Plan Current

SPCC Plans are considered “evergreen” documents. They must be reviewed and updated at least once every five years—or sooner if there are changes to your facility that could affect spill risk or response.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Having a well-prepared SPCC Plan ensures you're ready for the worst-case scenario—and helps protect your business, your community, and the environment.