Substation SPCC Training

Spill Prevention, Control,

& Countermeasure

Why is a SPCC plan needed & what purpose does it serve?

1. It is required by the EPA if a facility can "reasonable be expected to discharge harmful amounts of oil into navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines".

2. The purpose of a SPCC Plan is to reduce the potential for the release of oil to the environment and to ensure effective response to reduce any damage in the event of a spill. Technically a plan is designed to prevent oil discharges from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines as required by 40 CFR 112 – Oil pollution Prevention, EPA.

SPCC?

Substation SPCC Training

Accidents or emergencies involving oil

Fines & Penalties

1. Risk of fire and explosion

2. Threats to human health

3. Damage to surface and ground water quality

4. Harm to marine and aquatic ecosystems

5. Damage to property

6. Adverse economic impacts due to losses in tourism, fisheries and natural resources

What type of Oil is regulated under SPCC (40 CFR 112)?

History

The fine for failing to notify the appropriate Federal agency of a discharge is a maximum of $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization.

The penalties for violations have a maximum of $250,000 and 15 years in prison. Civil penalties are $25,000 for each day of violation or $1,000 per barrel of oil discharged.

Fuel Oil, Motor Oil, Mineral Oil, Gasoline, Hydraulic Fluid, Animal Oils, Vegetable Oils, & Oils mixed with wastes.

In 1972 Congress passed the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, this was amended in 1977 as Clean Water Act. Between 1991 and 1999 new rules and laws were proposed in regards to a complete SPCC plan & in 2002 the new SPCC rules were adopted by the EPA.

Any Oil storage container 55 gallons or greater including but not limited to:

Later in 2006 rules were added that covered self certifying facilities in addition to the requirements for oil operating or contained equipment & secondary containment. It became mandatory for a facility falling under the requirements set forth to have an SPCC plan in place by November 10th, 2010.

(Title 40, Part 112)

Questions?

1. Bulk storage - Tanks, Drums, Containers, etc.

2. Operational Equipment - Transformers, switches, LTC's, etc.

3. Any Empty container 55 gallons or greater.

Definitions

Potential Spills

Qualified?

• Damage to or release from oil delivery equipment during the loading or unloading of oils.
• Above ground tank failure or leaking drums & containers.
• Overfill at fill a port, or spillage during transfer.
• Leaking pipes or pumps.
• Leaking equipments such as transformers, breakers, capacitors, etc.

Special rules for self-certification apply to “Qualified Facilities”:

Tier I: Less than 5,000 gallons of storage and no single discharge 1,000 gallons or more OR 2 discharges greater than 42 gallons in any 12 month period for the past three years.

Tier II: Less than 10,000 gallons storage and no single discharge 1,000 gallons or more OR 2 discharges greater than 42 gallons in any 12 month period for the past three years.

Equipment inspections

Plan & Response

Discharge:

Is defined as including, but not limited to, any leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying or dumping of oil.

Spill Response

Harmful Quantity:

Any amount of oil that violates water quality standards, causes a film, sheen, or discoloration of the surface of water, or Causes a sludge to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines.

1. Inspections shall be conducted & documented by trained personnel monthly for:

- Above ground storage tanks

- Bulk storage containers

(55 gallon or larger)

-Underground storage tanks

- Transformers

- Electrical Switches

2. Inside each control house will be a copy of the SPCC plan and an inspection form.

3. The Inspection form needs to be signed each month and kept on file for at least 5 years.

Navigable Water:

Includes but not limited to: all interstate waters and wetlands, intrastate rivers, streams, mudflats, wetlands, wet meadows, play lakes, natural ponds, any water used for recreation, commerce or other purposes including fishing or industrial use.

1. Wear proper PPE.

2. Isolate area to protect people

3. Identify source of the spill

4. Identify material & quantity

5. Attempt to safely stop the release of oil, and protect receptors.

6.If possible & safe shut down equipment or divert the spill.

Call SCADA as soon as possible if a spill or release has occurred.

There are additional emergency phone numbers listed in the plan on page 6 - if calling 911 be sure to alert dispatch that a Hazmat team will be needed.