Ask the Expert, Q&A, Special Topics in Environmental Management

SPCC: Trucking Terminal

Q. Does a trucking terminal need an SPCC plan?

A. Although the SPCC regulations are geared to non-transportation-related facilities, in the transportation sector, SPCC rules also apply to many terminals and maintenance facilities, depending on their location and the amount of oil stored on site. A trucking terminal is subject to the rule if it meets at least one of the following capacity thresholds and could reasonably be expected to discharge oil to U.S. navigable waters or adjoining shorelines:

  • Aboveground oil storage capacity greater than 1,320 U.S. gallons (containers with a storage capacity less than 55 U.S. gallons do not count toward the total); OR
  • Completely buried oil storage capacity greater than 42,000 U.S. gallons

However, it is important to note that facilities regulated under underground storage tank (UST) rules found at 40 CFR 280 and 40 CFR 281 are not subject to the SPCC Rule unless they meet the aboveground storage threshold. This includes most transportation facilities with underground diesel fuel tanks.

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