Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Do I need a NPDES permit if my stormwater exposure is only in the parking lot? It may depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, the proximity of the parking lot to surface waters; the size of the parking lot; and the type of parking lot surface. A possible option that may apply […]
Now, the interest in Florida is high because it is the first time EPA has taken over a water quality standards-setting process from a state. Stakeholders are wondering if this precedent will be repeated in other regions of the country. EPA’s Action In November 2010, EPA issued new numeric water quality criteria for phosphorus and […]
These new threats are so widespread that EPA has released a strategy to place more emphasis on protecting healthy waters. And, existing resources may have to be spread even thinner to meet standards. According to EPA, sources of stress vary regionally, but mainly comprise agriculture; stormwater runoff; habitat, hydrology and landscape modification; invasive species; the […]
Permit coverage must be obtained by either the facility owner or the operator. These are frequently the same. However, if they are different, the responsibility to obtain coverage falls on the one who has day-to-day operational control at the facility. So if the owner does not have operational control, the operator bears the responsibility to […]
Step 1 The first step is performance-based. This means you have to acquire and maintain the equipment needed to prevent oil spills. In the context of the rule, managers have flexibility in selecting the type of prevention equipment that works best at the best price and ease of operation and maintenance for their specific facilities. […]
SWIMS is an easy acronym you can use for SPCC training to help your workers remember what to do after a spill has occurred: Stop the leak. (e.g., shut the valve, shut off ventilation, shut off all ignition sources in the immediate area) Warn others. Call spill response coordinator, supervisor, and first responders. Isolate the […]
Here’s a checklist to get you started on developing an SPCC training program that works. Are employees familiar with spill prevention procedures? Are employees familiar with spill prevention/control equipment used at the facility? Does your facility have written procedures for inspecting/testing oil spill containment systems? Have appropriate personnel been properly instructed in the operation and […]
My facility is required to have a SPCC plan. I am a P.E. and was wondering if I can write and certify my plan. If you are licensed as a professional engineer, you may write and certify your facility’s SPCC plan. You do not need to be certified in the state in which the facility […]
Equipment that met EPA’s definition of a mobile refueler were exempted from the sized-secondary containment requirements applicable to other types of oil-bearing equipment such as bulk storage containers or tank batteries. However, if you are a qualifying mobile refueler, you are still required to meet general secondary containment requirements. A few definitions you should know: […]
Here are several points you should think about to determine if your facility is subject to the SPCC program: First, the program applies to capacity, not the actual amount oil stored. Second, in calculating capacity, count only containers with storage capacity equal to or greater than 55 U.S. gallons. Third, oil-filled equipment also counts in […]