What is required of facilities that store more than 1,320 gallons of oil?

Facilities that store more than 1,320 gallons of oil are required to prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan. This requirement is established under the Clean Water Act to prevent oil spills from reaching navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The SPCC plan outlines the measures that the facility will take to prevent spilled oil from causing harm, including routine inspections, employee training, and maintenance of equipment. It is a proactive step to protect the environment and public health, ensuring that facilities have procedures in place for spill prevention and response in the event of an oil release.

While a Hazardous Waste Management Plan is essential for facilities managing hazardous waste, it does not apply specifically to the storage of oil unless the oil itself is classified as hazardous. Reporting to the National Response Center is necessary for specific incidents but is not a preventative measure linked directly to the oil storage threshold. Switching to renewable energy sources, although beneficial for environmental sustainability, is not a regulatory requirement tied to oil storage volumes.