If your farm was in operation before August 16, 2002, and you do not already have a SPCC plan, you must prepare one now. Do not wait until May 10, 2013!
If SPCC rules are new to you, here are 6 tips for SPCC compliance from EPA.
- Use containers suitable for the oil stored. For example, use a container designed for flammable liquids to store gasoline.
- Identify contractors or other local personnel who can help you clean up an oil spill.
- Provide overfill prevention for your oil storage containers. You could use a high-level alarm, an audible vent, or establish a procedure to fill containers.
- Provide effective, sized secondary containment for bulk storage containers, such as a dike or a remote impoundment. The containment must be able to hold the full capacity of the container plus possible rainfall. The dike may be constructed of earth or concrete. A double-walled tank may also suffice.
- Provide effective, general secondary containment to address the most likely discharge where you transfer oil to and from containers and for mobile refuelers, such as fuel nurse tanks mounted on trucks or trailers. For example, you may use sorbent materials, drip pans or curbing for these areas.
- Periodically inspect and test pipes and containers. You should visually inspect aboveground pipes and inspect aboveground containers following industry standards. You must "leak test" buried pipes when they are installed or repaired. EPA recommends you keep a written record of your inspections.
EPA’s SPCC regulation affects over 630,000 facilities. Is yours one? Download your EHS Essentials Kit—SPCC Plan Compliance now for all the tools you need to be in compliance. Download Now
FAQs: SPCC and Milk
In April 2011, EPA finalized an exemption of milk and milk product containers, associated piping, and appurtenances. Here are a few frequently asked questions from EPA on the milk exemption.
Are all milk farms and milk producers exempt?
The exemption is for all milk and milk product containers, piping and appurtenances, but does not exempt containers that store other oils, such as petroleum oil at dairies, milk producers and milk product manufacturing facilities. These facilities do not have to account for, or address the exempt milk and milk products containers in their SPCC plans. As a result of this exemption, some facilities may either not be subject to the SPCC rule or eligible for streamlined requirements as qualified facilities.
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What milk and milk products are covered by the exemption?
The exemption covers all containers, piping and appurtenances of milk and milk products. For example, milk products include cheeses, yogurts, and ice cream. Additionally, transfers and milk handling associated with these containers and appurtenances are exempt from the SPCC requirements.
Does this rulemaking address only milk and milk products?
Yes. This rulemaking does not exempt any other nonpetroleum or petroleum-based oil from SPCC requirements. EPA developed this rule for milk and milk products because they are subject to certain specific construction and sanitation standards and requirements that also serve to prevent discharges to waters of the United States.
Be certain your SPCC plan is compliant with EHS Essentials Kit–SPCC Plan Compliance. This kit covers all the latest regulation changes with expert analysis, important FAQs, and comprehensive checklists. Create or update your SPCC plan with confidence. A sample plan will guide you in the development of a finished, usable document to achieve and sustain compliance.
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Looks like there are no SPCC requirements in the event milk is purposely spilled (i.e., discarded).