Q. What is considered “oil?” I have had some conversations with the EPA that the Coast Guard’s list of regulated oils is broad, including automotive gas, hexane, mineral spirits, jet fuel, etc.
|
A. SPCC regulations interpret oil very broadly. Under SPCC regulations, “Oil” means oil of any kind or in any form, including, but not limited to: fats, oils, or greases of animal, fish, or marine mammal origin; vegetable oils, including oils from seeds, nuts, fruits, or kernels; and, other oils and greases, including petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, synthetic oils, mineral oils, oil refuse, or oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) maintains a separate list of substances it considers oil for its regulatory purposes. The list is available on the USCG Web site and may be used as a guide when determining if a particular substance is an oil. Please note that for purposes of EPA’s regulations, the USCG list is not comprehensive and does not include all oils that are subject to SPCC regulations.
Hexane, jet fuel, and mineral oil all are considered “oil” under the SPCC regulations.