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APPENDIX B
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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'17T.- 40 CFR Part 112
Oil Pollution Prevention and Response;
Non-Transportation-Related Onshore and
Offshore Facilities; Final Rule
47711)
47042 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADDRESSES:The official record for this A.Statutory Authority
AGENCY rulemaking is located in the Superfund B.Background of This Rulemaking
Docket at 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, III.Summary of Major Rule Provisions
40 CFR Part 112 Crystal Gateway 1,Arlington,Virginia IV.Discussion of Issues
22202,Suite 105.The docket numbers A.Reorganization of the Rule
[FRL-7241-5] B.Plain Language Format
for the final rule are SPCC-1P,SPCC- C."Should to Shall to Must"Clarification
RIN 2050-AC62 2P,and SPCC-7.The record supporting
this rulemaking is contained in the D.Professional Engineers(PEs)
Oil Pollution Prevention and 1.State Registration
Response; Non-Transportation-Related Superfund Docket and is available for 2.PEs Employed by the Facility
Onshore and Offshore Facilities inspection by appointment only,
3.Completion of Testing
between the hours of 9 a.m.and 4 p.m., 4.Site Visits
AGENCY:Environmental Protection Monday through Friday,excluding legal E.Electrical Facilities and Other
Agency(EPA). holidays.You may make an Operational Users of Oil
ACTION:Final rule. appointment to review the docket by F.Discretionary Provisions
calling 703-603-9232.You may copy a G.Design Capabilities of Drainage Systems,
SUMMARY:The Environmental Protection maximum of 100 pages from any Other than Production Facilities
Agency(EPA or the Agency or we)is regulatory docket at no cost.If the H.Compliance Costs
amending the Oil Pollution Prevention number of pages exceeds 100,however, I.Contingency Planning and Notification
regulation promulgated under the we will chargeyou$0.15 for each page 1.Reproposal
authority of the Clean Water Act.Thisg P g K.Industry Standards
after 100.The docket will mail copies of V.Section by Section Analysis(Includes:
rule includes requirements for Spill materials to you if you are outside of the Background,Comments,and Response to
Prevention,Control,and Washington,DC metropolitan area. Comments)
Countermeasure(SPCC)Plans,and for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VI.Summary of Supporting Analyses
Facility Response Plans(FRPs).The Hugo Paul Fleischman,Oil Program A.Executive Order 12866-OMB Review
final rule includes new subparts Center U.S.Environmental Protection B.Executive Order 12898—Environmental
,
outlining the requirements for various Agency,at 703-603-8769 Justice
classes of oil;revises the applicability of (lerschman.hugo@cpa.gov);or the C.Executive Order 13045—Children's
the regulation;amends the requirements RCRA/Superfund Hotline at 800-424— Health
for completing SPCC Plans;and makes 9346(in the Washington,DC D.Executive Order 13175—Consultation
other modifications.The final rule also and Coordination with Indian Tribal
metropolitan area, 703-412—
contains a number of provisions Governments
designed to decrease regulatory burden 9810)(epohotline@boh.com).The E.Executive Order 13132—Federalism
• Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 13211—Energy F.Executive Order Effects
on facility owners or operators subject
to the rule,while preserving (TDD)Hotline number is 800-553-7672 G.Regulatory Flexibility Act
environmental protection.We expect (in the Washington,DC metropolitan H.Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
that today's rule will reduce the area,703-412-3323).You may wish to I.Paperwork Reduction Act
visit the Oil Program's Internet site at J.National Technology Transfer and
paperwork burden associated with
SPCC requirements by approximately r^'11"1'QPo.gov/oilspill. Advancement Act
K.Congressional Review Act
40%.We have also made the regulation SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:The
easier to understand and use. contents of this preamble are as follows: I.Entities Affected by This Rule
DATES:This rule is effective August 16, I.Entities Affected by This Rule Entities Potentially Regulated by this Rule
2002. 11.Introduction Include:
CATEGORY NAICS Codes
Crop and Animal Production 111-112.
Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction 211111.
Coal Mining, Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying 2121/2123/213114/213116.
Electric Power Generation,Transmission,and Distribution 2211.
Heavy Construction 234.
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing 324.
Other Manufacturing 31-33.
Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals 42271.
Gasoline Stations/Automotive Rental and Leasing 4471/5321.
Heating Oil Dealers 454311.
Transportation(including Pipelines),Warehousing,and Marinas 482-486/488112-48819/4883/48849/
492-493/71393.
Elementary and Secondary Schools,Colleges 6111-6113.
Hospitals/Nursing and Residential Care Facilities 622-623.
"NAICS"refers to the North for readers regarding entities likely to be the criteria in§§112.1 and 112.20 of
American Industry Classification regulated by this action.It lists the types title 40 of the Code of Federal
System,a method of classifying various of entities of which we are now aware Regulations and of today's rule,which
facilities.The NAICS was adopted by that could potentially be regulated by explain the applicability of the rule.If
• the United States,Canada,and Mexico this action.Other types of entities not you have questions regarding the
on January 1,7997 to replace the listed in the table could also be applicability of this action to a
Standard Industrial Classification(SIC) regulated.To determine whether your particular entity,consult the person
code.This table is not intended to be facility could be regulated by this listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
exhaustive,but rather provides a guide action,you should carefully examine CONTACT section.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47043
• II.Introduction rulemaking affects SPCC and FRP 112.21.We have finalized the proposed
requirements.The SPCC requirements 1993 prevention requirements,with
A. Statutory Authority
were originally promulgated on modifications,in this rule.
Section 311(j)(1)(C)of the Clean Water December 11, 1973 (38 FR 34164),under In 1996,EPA completed a survey and
Act(CWA or Act),33 U.S.C. 1251, the authority of section 311(j)(1)(C) of analysis of SPCC facilities.The survey
requires the President to issue the Act.The regulation established spill was designed to ensure that data on the
regulations establishing procedures, prevention procedures,methods,and sampled facilities could be statistically
methods,equipment,and other equipment requirements for non- extrapolated to the nation as a whole for
requirements to prevent discharges of transportation-related onshore and all facilities regulated by EPA's SPCC
oil from vessels and facilities and to offshore facilities with aboveground regulation.We used the results of that
contain such discharges.The President storage capacity greater than 1,320 survey and analysis to develop a
has delegated the authority to regulate gallons(or greater than 660 gallons in a proposed rule affecting SPCC facilities
non-transportation-related onshore single container),or completely buried on December 2, 1997.62 FR 63812.The
facilities under section 311(j)(1)(C)of oil storage capacity greater than 42,000 survey and analytical results are part of
the Act to the U.S.Environmental gallons.Regulated facilities were also the administrative record for this
Protection Agency.Executive Order limited to those that,because of their rulemaking.
12777,section 2(b)(1),(56 FR 54757, location could reasonably be expected The purpose of the 1997 proposal was
October 22,1991),superseding to discharge oil in harmful quantities to reduce the information collection
Executive Order 11735,38 FR 21243.By into the navigable waters of the United burden imposed by the prevention
this same Executive Order,the President States or adjoining shorelines. requirements in the SPCC rule and the
has delegated similar authority over We have amended the SPCC FRP rule without creating an adverse
transportation-related onshore facilities, requirements a number of times,and impact on public health or the
deepwater ports,and vessels to the U.S. those amendments are described in an environment.We also proposed changes
Department of Transportation(DOT), October 22, 1991 Federal Register in information collection requirements
and authority over other offshore proposed rule. 56 FR 54612.In the for facility response plans,but have
facilities,including associated October 1991 document,in addition to withdrawn them in this rulemaking.
pipelines,to the U.S.Department of the the description of past amendments, Those changes would have affected the
Interior(DOI).A Memorandum of EPA proposed new revisions that calculation of storage capacity at certain
Understanding(MOU)among EPA,DOI, involved changes in the applicability of facilities for response plan purposes. 62
and DOT effective February 3, 1994,has the regulation and the required FR 63816.However,see new
redelegated the responsibility to procedures for the completion of SPCC §112.1W)(6).The 1997 SPCC proposals,
• regulate certain offshore facilities Plans,as well as the addition of a as modified,are finalized in this rule.
located in and along the Great Lakes, facility notification provision.The On April 8, 1999,we proposed
rivers,coastal wetlands,and the Gulf proposed rule also reflected changes in revision to facility response plan
Coast barrier islands from DOI to EPA. the jurisdiction of section 311 of the Act requirements.64 FR 17227.The main
See Executive Order 12777,section 2(i) made by amendments to the Act in 1977 purpose of the proposal was to provide
regarding authority to redelegate.The and 1978.We have finalized some of a more specific methodology for
MOU is included as Appendix B to 40 those proposed revisions,with planning response resources that can be
CFR part 112.An MOU between the modifications,in this rule. used by an owner or operator of a
Secretary of Transportation and the EPA On February 17,1993,we again facility that handles,stores,or
Administrator,dated November 24, proposed clarifications of and technical transports animal fats and vegetable
1971 (36 FR 24080),established the changes to the SPCC rule.We also oils.We finalized that proposal on June
definitions of non-transportation-related proposed facility response planning 30, 2000.65 FR 40776.The final rule
and transportation-related facilities.The requirements to implement the Oil included four new definitions that are
definitions from the 1971 MOU are Pollution Act of 1990(OPA). 58 FR applicable to all of part 112.
included as Appendix A to 40 CFR part 8824.The proposed changes to the III.Summary Major Rule Provisions
112. SPCC rule included clarifications of of 1
B.Background of This Rulemaking certain requirements,response plans for For your convenience,we have
facilities without secondary developed a table showing a summary
Part 112 of 40 CFR outlines the containment,prevention training,and of the major revisions in this rule.The
requirements for both the prevention of methods of determining whether a tank table does not always use exact rule
and the response to oil spills.The would be subject to brittle fracture.We text,but summarizes rule provisions.
prevention aspect of the rule requires promulgated the facility response For exact rule text,see 40 CFR part 112
preparation and implementation of Spill planning requirements of the 1993 (2000)for text of the current rule;for
Prevention,Control,and proposal on July 1, 1994,(59 FR 34070), exact text of the revised rule,see the
Countermeasure(SPCC)Plans.This and they are codified at 40 CFR 112.20— nile text following this preamble.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
Section 112.1:General Applicability
0
47044 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.1(b): Explains that the SPCC rule applies §112.1(b): Explains that the SPCC rule ap- §112.1(b): The revised rule clarifies that
to owners or operators of facilities that drill, plies to owners or operators of facilities that users of oil are also subject to the rule. It
produce,gather, store, process, refine,trans- drill, produce,gather, store, process, refine, also expands the scope of the rule to con-
fer, distribute, or consume oil and oil prod- transfer, distribute, use, or consume oil and form with the expanded jurisdiction in the
ucts, and might reasonably be expected to oil products, and might reasonably be ex- amended Clean Water Act.
discharge oil in harmful quantities into or pected to discharge oil in quantities that
upon navigable waters of the United States may be harmful into or upon navigable wa-
or adjoining shorelines. ters of the United States or adjoining shore-
lines, or waters of the contiguous zone, or
in connection with activities under the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act or Deepwater
Pod Act, or affecting certain natural re-
sources.
§112.1(d)(2)(i): Section 112.1(d)(2) exempts §112.1(d)(2)(i): Section 112.1(d)(2) exempts §112.1(d)(2)(i):The revised rule provides that
from the rule a facility which meets both cri- from the rule a facility which meets both cri- completely buried tanks subject to all of the
teria specified in §112.1(dX2Xi) and (ii). The feria specified in §112.1(d)(2)(i) and (ii). technical requirements of parts 280 or 281
first criterion, found in §112.1(d)(2)(i) is: the The first criterion, §112.1(d)(2)(i) is: the do not count in the calculation of the 42,000
completely buried storage capacity of the fa- completely buried storage capacity of the gallon threshold. It also clarifies that perma-
cility is 42,000 gallons or less of oil. The facility is 42,000 gallons or less of oil. For nently closed tanks do not count in the cal-
threshold applies to storage capacity con- purposes of this exemption, the completely culation of that threshold. The threshold
tained in operating equipment as well as to buried storage capacity of a facility does continues to apply to storage capacity con-
storage capacity contained in tanks. not include the capacity of completely bur- tained in operating equipment as well as to
fed tanks, as defined in §112.2, that are storage capacity contained in tanks.
currently subject to all of the technical re-
quirements of 40 CFR part 280 or all of the
technical requirements of a State program
approved under 40 CFR part 281. Also, the
completely buried storage capacity of a fa-
cility does not include the capacity of com-
pletely buried tanks that are "permanently
• closed," as defined in §112.2. The thresh-
old applies to storage capacity contained in
operating equipment as well as to storage
capacity contained in tanks.
§112.1(d)(2)(ii): The second criterion, found in §112.1(d)(2)(ii): The second criterion found in §112.1(dx2)(ii): The revised rule raises the
§112.1(d)(2)(ii) is: the storage capacity, §112.1(d)(2)(ii) is: the aboveground storage threshold for aboveground storage capacity
which is not buried, of the facility is 1,320 capacity of the facility is 1,320 gallons or by eliminating the provision that triggers the
gallons or less of oil, provided that no single less of oil. For purposes of this exemption, requirement to prepare and implement an
container has a storage capacity of greater only containers of oil with a capacity of 55 SPCC Plan if any single container has a
than 660 gallons. The threshold applies to gallons or greater are counted. The above- capacity greater than 660 gallons. It main-
storage capacity contained in operating ground storage capacity of a facility does tains the greater than 1,320 gallon thresh-
equipment as well as to storage capacity in not include the capacity of containers that old. The revised rule also establishes a de
containers. are "permanently closed," as defined in minimis container capacity size to calculate
112.2. The threshold applies to storage ca- aboveground storage capacity. Only con-
pacity contained in operating equipment as tainers with a capacity of 55 gallons or
well as to storage capacity in containers. greater are counted in the calculation of
aboveground storage capacity. The revised
rule clarifies that permanently closed con-
tainers do not count in the calculation of
aboveground storage capacity. The thresh-
old continues to apply to storage capacity
contained in operating equipment as well as
to storage capacity in containers.
§112.1(d)(4): No counterpart in current rule §112.1(d)(4): Exempts from the SPCC re- §112.1(d)(4):Completely buried storage tanks
quirements completely buried storage subject to all of the technical requirements
tanks,as defined in§112.2,as well as con- of 40 CFR part 280 or a State program ap-
nected underground piping, underground proved under 40 CFR part 281 are no
ancillary equipment, and containment sys- longer required to comply with SPCC provi-
tems,when such tanks are subject to all of sions, except for the facility diagram. EPA
the technical requirements of 40 CFR part estimates that under this new rule, most
280 or a State program approved under 40 gasoline service stations will drop out of the
CFR part 281, except that such tanks must SPCC program.
be marked on the facility diagram as re-
quired by §112.7(a)(3), if the facility is oth-
erwise subject to this part.
§112.1(d)(5):No counterpart in current rule §112.1(d)(5): The revised rule exempts con- §112.1(d)(5): In response to comments, EPA
• tainers with a storage capacity of less than has established a minimum size container
55 gallons of oil from all SPCC require- for purposes of the regulatory threshold.
ments. Containers with a storage capacity of less
than 55 gallons of oil are exempt from all
SPCC requirements.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47045
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.1(d)(6):No counterpart in current rule .. §112.1(d)(6): Exempts any facility or part §112.1(d)(6): A facility or part thereof used
thereof from the rule, if used exclusively for exclusively for wastewater treatment will no
wastewater treatment and not used to meet longer be subject to prevention planning un-
any other requirement of part 112.The pro- less it is used to meet part 112 require-
duction, recovery, or recycling of oil is not ments.
wastewater treatment for purposes of this
paragraph.
§112.1(f):No counterpart in current rule §112.1(f): Notwithstanding any regulatory ex- §112.1(f): This amendment gives the Re-
emptions, the Regional Administrator may gional Administrator authority to require
require that the owner or operator of any fa- preparation of an entire SPCC plan, or ap-
cility subject to EPA jurisdiction under sec- plicable part, by an owner or operator of a
lion 311Q) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), facility exempted from SPCC requirements
prepare and implement an SPCC Plan, or when it becomes necessary to achieve the
any applicable part, to carry out the pur- purposes of the CWA. This authority will be
poses of the CWA. The rule includes notice exercised on a case-by-case basis. The de-
and appeal provisions. cision to require a Plan could be based on
the presence of environmental concerns not
adequately addressed under other regula-
tions, or other relevant environmental fac-
tors,for example,discharge history.
Section 112.2—Definitions
§112.2—definition of facility: No counterpart in §112.2—definition of facility "Facility" is de- §112.2—definition of facility:The revised rule
current rule. fined as any mobile or fixed,onshore or off- clarifies that a facility may be as small as a
shore building, structure, installation, equip- piece of equipment, for example, a tank, or
ment, pipe, or pipeline used in oil well drill- as large as a military base.
ing operations,oil production,oil refining,oil
storage, oil gathering, oil transfer, oil dis-
tribution, and waste treatment, or in which
• oil is used. . .
Section 112.3: Requirement to prepare and implement Spill Prevention,Control,and Countermeasure Plan
§112.3(a):An owner or operator of an onshore §112.3(a): An owner or operator (O/O)of an §112.3(a): For those facilities already in oper-
or offshore facility in operation on or before onshore or offshore facility in operation on ation on the effective date of the rule, an
January 10, 1974, that has had a discharge or before August 16, 2002, that has had a owner or operator of a facility subject to the
to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, discharge as described in §112.1(b), or, rule must prepare an SPCC Plan within the
or, due to its location, could reasonably be due to its location, could reasonably be ex- current time frame of six months. He may
expected to have a discharge to navigable pected to have a discharge as described in take up to an additional six months to im-
waters or adjoining shorelines, must prepare §112.1(b), must prepare a written Plan in plement the Plan. The revised rule extends
and fully implement an SPCC Plan, in writing accordance with §112.7 and any other ap- this same time frame to amendments nec-
and in accordance with §112.7. The owner plicable section within 6 months of the ef- essary to bring the Plan into compliance
or operator must prepare the Plan within 6 fective date of the rule, and implement it as with rule revisions. An owner or operator of
months, and fully implement it as soon as soon as possible,but not later than within 1 a facility becoming operational after August
possible,but not later than within 1 year. year of the effective date of the rule.The O/ 16, 2002 through August 18, 2003 must
O of facility that becomes operational after prepare and implement a Plan not later
August 16, 2002 through August 18, 2003 than August 18,2003.
must prepare and implement a Plan not
later than August 18,2003.
§112.3(b): The owner or operator of an on- §112.3(b): The owner or operator of an on- §112.3(b): The owner or operator of a facility
shore and offshore facility that becomes shore or offshore facility that becomes that becomes operational after August 18,
operational after January 10, 1974, and that operational after August 18, 2003, and 2003 must now prepare and implement an
has had a discharge to navigable waters or could reasonably be expected to have a SPCC Plan before beginning operations.
adjoining shorelines, or could reasonably be discharge as described in §112.1(b), from The time frame in the current rule is up to 6
expected to have a discharge to navigable that facility,must prepare and implement an months for Plan preparation and up to 6
waters or adjoining shorelines, must prepare SPCC Plan before beginning operations. months more for Plan implementation.
an SPCC Plan. Unless the owner or operator
is granted an extension of time to prepare
and implement the Plan by the Regional Ad-
ministrator,he must prepare the Plan within 6
months and fully implement it as son as pos-
sible,but not later than within 1 year.
•
47046 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.3(d): No SPCC Plan is effective to satisfy §112.3(d): No SPCC Plan is effective to sat- §112.3(d):The revised rule adds specificity to
the requirements of the SPCC rule unless it isfy the requirements of the SPCC rule un- the PE's attestation. The specificity includes
has been reviewed and certified by a Reg- less it has been reviewed and certified by a a requirement that the PE consider applica-
istered Professional Engineer (PE). By PE.By means of this certification the PE at- ble industry standards and certify that the
means of this certification the PE, having ex- tests that: (i)he is familiar with the require- Plan is prepared in accordance with part
amined the facility and being familiar with the ments of the SPCC rule: (ii)he or his agent 112 requirements. Presently, the PE must
provisions of the SPCC rule, attests that the has visited and examined the facility; (iii) attest only that the Plan has been prepared
SPCC Plan has been prepared in accord- the Plan has been prepared in accordance in accordance with good engineering prac-
ance with good engineering practices. The with good engineering practice, including lice.The revised rule allows an agent of the
PE's certification does not relieve the owner consideration of applicable industry stand- PE to visit and examine the facility in place
or operator of an onshore or offshore facility ards, and with the requirements of the of the PE, but the PE must review the
of his duty to prepare and fully implement the SPCC rule; (iv) procedures for required in- agent's work,and certify the Plan.
Plan in accordance with all applicable re- spections and testing have been estab-
quirements. lished;and, (v)the Plan is adequate for the
facility. The PE's certification does not re-
lieve the owner or operator of an onshore
or offshore facility of his duty to prepare
and fully implement the Plan in accordance
with all applicable requirements.
§112.3(e):An owner or operator of a facility for §112.3(e): An owner or operator of a facility §112.3(e): The revised rule requires the facil-
which an SPCC Plan is required must main- for which an SPCC Plan is required must ity owner or operator to maintain a copy of
fain a complete copy of the Plan at the facil- maintain a complete copy of the Plan at the the Plan at the facility if it is attended at
ity if the facility is attended as least 8 hours facility if the facility is attended at least 4 least 4 hours a day, in contrast to the cur-
per day,or at the nearest field office if the fa- hours per day, or at the nearest field office rent requirement to maintain it at the facility
cility is not so attended, and must make the if the facility is not so attended, and must if it is attended at least B hours a day.
Plan available to the Regional Administrator make the Plan available to the Regional
for on-site review during normal working Administrator for on-site review during nor-
hours. mal working hours.
§112.3(f): The Regional Administrator may au- §112.3(f): The Regional Administrator may §112.3(f):The revised rule provides for exten-
thorize an extension of time for the prepara- authorize an extension of time for the prep- sion for amendments of the Plan,as well as
lion and implementation of an SPCC Plan, aration and implementation of an SPCC the entire Plan.
when he finds that the owner or operator Plan, or any amendment thereto, when he
cannot comply with all SPCC requirements finds that the owner or operator cannot
as a result of either nonavailability of quali- comply with all SPCC requirements as a re-
lied personnel, or delays in construction or suit of either nonavailability of qualified per-
equipment delivery beyond his control and sonnet, or delays in construction or equip-
without his fault, or the fault of his agents or ment delivery beyond his control and with-
employees. The rule also specifies what the out his fault, or the fault of his agents or
letter requesting an extension must contain. employees.The rule also specifies what the
letter requesting an extension must contain.
Section 112.4:Amendment of Spill Prevention,Control,and Countermeasures Plan by Regional Administrator
§112.4(a): Whenever an SPCC facility has: (1) §112.4(a): Whenever an SPCC facility has: §112.4(a): We have revised the geographic
discharged more than 1,000 U.S. gallons of (1) discharged more than 1,000 U.S. gal- scope of the rule in accordance with the
oil into or upon the navigable waters of the Ions of oil in a single discharge as de- CWA amendments, by using the phase
United States or adjoining shorelines in a sin- scribed in §112.1(b), or (2) discharged "discharge as described in §112.1(b)." We
gle discharge to navigable waters or adjoin- more than 42 U.S. gallons of oil, as de- also raised the threshold for reporting two
ing shorelines, or (2) discharged oil in harm- scribed in §112.1(b), in each of 2 dis- discharges as described in §112.1(b), from
ful quantities, as defined in 40 CFR part 110, charge, within any 12-month period, the a "reportable" quantity under the Clean
into or upon the navigable waters of the owner or operator of the facility must submit Water Act, to a threshold of more than 42
United States or adjoining shorelines in each to the RA,within 60 days from the time the U.S. gallons, or 1 barrel, in each of those
of 2 discharges to navigable waters or adjoin- facility becomes subject to this section, 8 discharges. The 1,000 gallon threshold for
ing shorelines, reportable under section different items of information, plus addi- a single discharge as described in
311(b)(5)of the Clean Water Act, within any tional information pertinent to the Plan if the §112.1(b)remains unchanged. We also re-
12-month period, the owner or operator of RA requests it. duced the amount of information that must
the facility must submit to the Regional Ad- minimally be submitted to the RA.
ministrator(RA),within 60 days from the time
the facility becomes subject to this section,
10 different items of information, plus addi-
tional information pertinent to the Plan if the
RA requests it.
§112.4(b): Section 112.4 does not apply until §112.4(b): Section 112.4 does not apply until §112.4(b): Section 112.3 in the revised rule
the expiration of the time permitted for the the expiration of the time permitted for the allows more time for some facilities for
preparation and implementation of the Plan preparation and implementation of the Plan preparation and implementation of a Plan,
under§112.3. under§112.3. or any amendments thereto, than in the
• 1991 proposed rule. Therefore, the imple-
mentation of the requirements of§112.4 is
postponed until the new time frames in
§112.3 have passed.
•
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47047
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.4(c):The owner or operator is required to §112.4(c): The owner or operator is required §112.4(c): The revised rule changes the re-
provide the same information he provided to to provide the same information he pro- quirement from notification to the State
EPA,under§112.4(a),to the State agency in vided to EPA, under§112.4(a),to the State agency in charge of water pollution control
charge of water pollution control activities in agency in charge of oil pollution control ac- activities to notification to the State agency
and for the State in which the facility is to- tivities in the State in which the facility is lo- in charge of oil pollution control activities.
sated at the same time he provides it to EPA. cated at the same time he provides it to There may be more than one such agency
After receiving that information, the State EPA. After receiving that information, the in some States.
agency may conduct a review and make rec- State agency or agencies may conduct a
ommendations to the Regional Administrator review and make recommendations to the
as to further procedures,methods,equipment Regional Administrator as to further proce-
and other requirements for equipment nec- dures, methods, equipment and other re-
essary to prevent and to contain discharges quirements for equipment necessary to pre-
of oil from the facility. vent and to contain discharges of oil from
the facility.
§112.4(d):This section allows the Regional Ad- §112.4(d): This section allows the Regional §112.4(d): The revised rule provides that the
ministrator to require a facility owner or oper- Administrator to require a facility owner or Regional Administrator may require Plan
ator to amend his Plan after review of mate- operator to amend his Plan after review of amendment after on-site review of the Plan.
vials the owner or operator submits under materials the owner or operator submits
§112.4(a)and(c). under §112.4 (a) and (c), or after on-site
review of the Plan.
Section 112.5:Amendment of Spill Prevention,Control,and Countermeasures Plan by owners or operators
§112.5(b): This section requires an owner or ≤§112.5(b):This section requires an owner or §112.5(b): The revised rule changes the pe-
operator to review his Plan at least every 3 operator to review his Plan at least every 5 hod of review for SPCC Plans from 3 to 5
years from the date a facility becomes sub- years from the date a facility becomes sub- years. It also requires documentation of
ject to the SPCC rule. As a result of this re- ject to the SPCC rule; or for an existing fa- completion of the review and evaluation.
view and evaluation, the owner or operator cility, 5 years from the date the last review
must amend the SPCC Plan within 6 months was required under this part. The owner or
of the review to include more effective pre- operator must amend the SPCC Plan within
. vention and control technology if: (1) Such 6 months of the review to include more ef-
technology will significantly reduce the likeli- fective prevention and control technology if:
hood of a discharge to navigable waters or (1)Such technology will significantly reduce
adjoining shorelines from the facility; and (2) the likelihood of a discharge as described in
if such technology has been field-proven at §112.1(b) from the facility; and (2) if such
the time of the review. technology has been field-proven at the
time of the review. Implementation of
amendments is required within 6 months
following amendment. The owner or oper-
ator must document completion of the re-
view and evaluation, and must sign a state-
ment as to whether he will amend the Plan,
either at the beginning or end of the Plan or
in a log or an appendix to the Plan.The fol-
lowing will suffice,"I have completed review
and evaluation of the SPCC Plan for(name
of facility) on (date), and will (will not)
amend the Plan as a result."
§112.5(c): This section requires that a Profes- §112.5(c):This section requires that a Profes- §112.5(c): The revised rule clarifies that a
sional Engineer certify any amendments to sional Engineer certify any technical Professional Engineer must certify only
an SPCC Plan. amendments to an SPCC Plan. technical amendments. PE certification is
not required for non-technical amendments,
like changes to phone numbers, names,
etc.
Section 112.7: Spill Prevention,Control,and Countermeasure Plan general requirements.We have reorganized§112.7 of the current regulation
into§§112.7, 112.8, 112.9, 112.10, 112.11, 112,12, 112.13, 112.14,and 112.15 of the final rule based on facility type and type of oil,
SI
47048 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.7:This section specifies that a Plan must §112.7: This section specifies that a Plan §112.7: The revised rule allows differing for-
be prepared in accordance with good engi- must be prepared in accordance with good mats for the Plan,other than the one format
neering practices, and have the full approval engineering practices, and have the full ap- now specified. While you may use the for-
of management at a level with authority to proval of management at a level with au- mat specified in the rule,you may also use
commit the necessary resources. The SPCC thority to commit the necessary resources. other formats, such as State plans, Inte-
Plan must follow the sequence specified in The SPCC Plan must follow the sequence grated Contingency Plans, and any other
the rule, and include a discussion of the fa- specified in the rule, and include a discus- formats acceptable to the Regional Admin-
dilly's conformance with the requirements of sion of the facility's conformance with the istrator. If you use another format,you must
the rule. requirements of the rule. If you do not fol- cross-reference its provisions to the require-
low the sequence specified in the rule, you ment listed in the SPCC rule. Also, if you
must prepare an equivalent prevention Plan use another format, you must ensure that
acceptable to the Regional Administrator the format includes all applicable SPCC re-
that meets all applicable requirements, and quirements, or you must supplement that
you must supplement it with section cross- format to include all applicable SPCC re-
referencing the location of requirements list- quirements.
ed in the SPCC rule to the equivalent re-
quirements in the other prevention plan.
§112.7(a)(2):No counterpart in current rule §112.7(a)(2): This provision explicitly allows §112.7(ax2):The revised rule explicitly allows
deviations from most of the rule's sub- deviations from most of the rule's sub-
stantive requirements(except for secondary stantive requirements(except for secondary
containment requirements), provided that containment requirements), provided that
you explain your reasons for nonconform- you explain your reasons for nonconform-
ance with the requirement, and provide ance with the requirement, and provide
equivalent environmental protection with an equivalent environmental protection with an
alternate measure. If the Regional Adminis- alternate measure. If the Regional Adminis-
trator determines that the alternate measure trator determines that the alternate measure
described in your Plan does not provide described in your Plan does not provide
equivalent protection, he may require that equivalent protection, he may require that
you amend the Plan. you amend your Plan.
§112.7(a)(3):No counterpart in current rule §112.7(ax3): This section requires a facility §112.7(a)(3): The facility diagram must in-
• owner or operator to describe the physical dude completely buried tanks exempted
layout of the facility and include a facility from other SPCC requirements.
diagram in the Plan.
§112.7(c):This section is the general provision §112.7(c): This section is the general provi- §112.7(c): The revised rule maintains the cur-
requiring secondary containment. sion requiring secondary containment. rent standard that dikes,berms,or retaining
walls must be "sufficiently impervious" to
contain oil. We withdrew the proposed
standard that such secondary containment
must be impermeable for 72 hours.
§112.7(d): When it is not practicable to install §112.7(d): When it is not practicable to install §112.7(d): The revised rule adds new require-
secondary containment at your facility, this secondary containment at your facility, this ments for periodic integrity testing of con-
section requires that you explain why and section requires that you explain why and tainers, and periodic integrity and leak test-
provide a strong oil spill contingency plan in provide a strong oil spill contingency plan in ing of valves and piping. We clarify that if
your SPCC Plan. The contingency plan must your SPCC Plan. The contingency plan you have submitted a facility response plan
follow the provisions of 40 CFR part 109. must follow the provisions of 40 CFR part under §112.20 for a facility, you need not
You must also provide in your SPCC Plan a 109. You must also provide in your SPCC provide for that facility either a contingency
written commitment to manpower,equipment Plan a written commitment to manpower, plan following the provisions of part 109,
and materials required to expeditiously con- equipment and materials required to expe- nor a written commitment of manpower,
trol and remove any harmful quantity of oil ditiously control and remove any quantity of equipment, and materials required to expe-
discharged. oil discharged that may be harmful;conduct ditiously control and remove any quantity of
periodic integrity testing of the containers; oil discharged that may be harmful.
and, conduct periodic integrity and leak
testing of the valves and piping.
§112.7(e)(8): This section requires that the §112.7(e): This section requires that the §112.7(e): The revised rule allows use of
owner or operator conduct required inspec- owner or operator conduct required inspec- usual and customary business records to
tions in accordance with written procedures lions and tests in accordance with written serve as a record of tests or inspections,in-
developed for the facility. The owner or oper- procedures developed by him or by the cer- stead of keeping duplicate records. It also
ator must maintain these written procedures tifying engineer for the facility.The owner or allows the owner or operator to keep those
and a record of inspections, signed by the operator must maintain these written proce- records as an appendix to the Plan, or in a
appropriate supervisor or inspector,as part of dures and a record of inspections and tests, separate log,etc.,with the Plan,rather than
the SPCC Plan, and maintain them for a pe- signed by the appropriate supervisor or in- requiring that those records be a part of the
hod of 3 years. spedor, with the SPCC Plan, and maintain Plan. The rule also acknowledges that the
them for a period of 3 years. Records of in- certifying engineer, as well as the owner or
spections and tests kept pursuant to usual operator, has a role in the development of
and customary business practices are suffi- inspection procedures.
cient for purposes of the rule.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47049
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES—Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.7(ex10):The owner or operator of a facil- §112.7(f): The owner or operator of a facility, §112.7(I): The revised rule mandates training
ity is responsible for properly instructing per- at a minimum, must train oil-handling per- only for oil-handling employees, instead of
sonnet in the operation and maintenance of sonnet in the operation and maintenance of all employees. It specifies additional topics
equipment to prevent the discharges of oil equipment to prevent the discharge of oil; for the training of these employees. It also
and applicable pollution control laws, rules, discharge procedure protocols; applicable specifies that discharge prevention briefings
and regulations. An owner or operator must pollution control laws, rules, and regula- must be conducted at least once a year,in-
designate a person at each facility who is ac- bons; general facility operations; and, the stead of at "intervals frequent enough to
countable for oil discharge prevention and contents of the facility Plan. An owner or assure adequate understanding of the
who reports to facility management. An operator must designate a person at each SPCC Plan for that facility."
owner or operator must schedule and con- facility who is accountable for oil discharge
dud discharge prevention briefings for oper- prevention and who reports to facility man-
ating personnel at intervals frequent enough agement. An owner or operator must
to assure adequate understanding of the schedule and conduct discharge prevention
SPCC Plan for that facility. Such briefings briefings for oil-handling personnel at least
must highlight and describe known dis- once a year to assure adequate under-
charges to navigable waters or adjoining standing of the SPCC Plan for that facility.
shorelines,or failures, malfunctioning compo- Such briefings must highlight and describe
nents, and recently developed precautionary known discharges as described in
measures. §112.1(6), or failures, malfunctioning com-
ponents, and recently developed pre-
cautionary measures.
§112.7(i): No counterpart in current rule §112/(i): This section requires evaluation for §112.7(i):The brittle fracture requirement was
field-constructed aboveground containers triggered by the Ashland Oil tank collapse
undergoing repair,alteration,reconstruction, in 1988 due to brittle fracture.
or change in service that might affect the
risk of a discharge or failure due to fracture
or other catastrophe. It also requires such
evaluation when there has actually been a
discharge or failure due to brittle fracture or
• other catastrophe.
Section 112.8:Requirements for onshore facilities(excluding production facilities).
§112.7(e)(2)(iii): This section establishes sub- §112.8(c)(3): This section establishes sub- §112.8(c)(3): The revised rule allows records
stantive requirements for stormwater drain- stantive requirements for stormwater drain- required by NPDES permit regulations to
age from diked areas, and recordkeeping re- age from diked areas, and recordkeeping record stormwater bypass events to be
quirements for stormwater bypass events. requirements for stormwater bypass events. used for SPCC purposes in lieu of events
The revised rule provides that records re- records specifically prepared for purpose.
quired under permits issued in accordance
with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimi-
nation Systems (NPDES) rules are suffi-
cient for recording stormwater bypass
events.
§112.7(eX2)(vi): This provision requires that §112.8(c)(6): The revised rule requires that §112.8(c)(6): The revised rule requires that
aboveground containers be subject to peri- aboveground containers be tested for integ- an owner or operator test aboveground
odic integrity testing,taking into account tank rity on a regular schedule, and when mate- containers for integrity on a regular sched-
design (floating roof, etc.) and using such rial repairs are done. The frequently and ule, and when material repairs are done.
techniques as hydrostatic testing, visual in- type of testing must take into account con- The rationale for adding a testing require-
spection,or a system of non-destructive shell tainer size and design (floating roof, skid- ment when material repairs are done is that
thickness testing. The owner or operator mounted, elevated, partially buried, for ex- material repairs might increase the potential
must keep comparison records where appro- ample). The owner or operator must cam- for oil discharges. Usual and customary
priate, and must include tank supports and bine visual inspection with another testing business records may be used for the pur-
foundations in these inspections. In addition, technique such as hydrostatic testing, radio- pose of integrity testing, instead of records
operating personnel must frequently inspect graphic testing, ultrasonic testing, acoustic specifically created for this purpose.
the outside of the container for signs of dete- emissions testing, or other system of non-
rioration, leaks, or accumulation of oil inside destructive shell testing.The owner or oper-
diked areas. ator must keep comparison records and
must include tank supports and foundations
in these inspections. In addition, operating
personnel must frequently inspect the out-
side of the container for signs of deteriora-
tion, leaks, or accumulation of oil inside
diked areas. Records of inspections and
tests kept pursuant to usual and customary
business practices are sufficient for pur-
•
poses of the rule.
47050 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• SUMMARY OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE CURRENT SPCC RULES Continued
Current SPCC rule Revised SPCC rule Comment
§112.7(e)(3)0): This section requires that bur- §112.8(d)(1):This section requires that buried §112.8(dx1): The revised rule requires that
ied piping installations have protective wrap- piping that is installed or replaced on or all buried piping that is installed or replaced
ping and coating and cathodic protection, if after August 16,2002 must have protective on or after August 16.2002 must have pro-
soil conditions warrant. wrapping and coating and cathodic protec- tective wrapping and coating and cathodic
tion, or otherwise satisfy the corrosion pro- protection, or otherwise satisfy the corro-
tection provisions for piping in 40 CFR part sion protection provisions for piping in 40
280 or a State program approved under 40 CFR part 280 or a State program approved
CFR part 281. under 40 CFR part 281, for all soil condi-
tions.
Section 112.9:Requirements for onshore oil production facilities.
§112.7(ex5)(ii): This section provides require- §112.9(b)(1): This section provides require- §112.9(b)(1): The revised rule provides that
ments for stormwater drainage events. ments for stormwater drainage events. records required by NPDES permit regula-
tions are allowable to record stormwater by-
pass events for SPCC purposes in lieu of
records specifically generated for that pur-
pose.
§112.7(e)(5)(iii)(B): This section requires sec- §112.9(c)(2): This section requires secondary §112.9(c)(2): The revised rule clarifies that
ondary containment for onshore production containment for onshore production facilities. the secondary containment must include
facilities. sufficient freeboard to contain precipitation.
IV.Discussion of Issues definitions,and general requirements rule and the equivalent requirements in
Below is a discussion of the major for all facilities.Subparts B and C your Plan.To assist you in preparing
issues for which we solicited comments outline the requirements for different this cross-reference,the following table
in the 1991, 1993,and 1997 proposals. types of facilities storing and using lists each requirement in the revised
different types of oils.Subpart B is for rule,provides the corresponding
We also discuss the use of industry
facilities storing or using petroleum oils paragraph of the current rule,and leaves
standards to comply with the rule.
• Following these issues,we discuss the or other non-petroleum oils,except a space where you can show the
revisions to each section and the major those oils covered by subpart C.Subpart location of the provision in your Plan.
C is for facilities storing or using animal We have put this rule,including the
comments received,as well as responses
to those comments.A detailed Response fats and oils and greases,or fish and table below,on our website for your
marine mammal oils;and,oils of convenience.You may download it for
to Comments document addressing all
comments is also part of this rulemaking seeds,nuts,fruits,and vegetable origin, dkernels. Subpart oils from ywww eour s a gov/o lse.See our lillb site at
and may be found in the administrative p e g p
record for this rule. D is for response requirements. Under the revised rule,§112.7 sets
If you have already prepared an SPCC out the general requirements for SPCC
A.Reorganization of the Rule Plan,you were required to follow the Plans for all facilities and all types of
Background sequence of§112.7 of the current rule, oil. Sections 112.8 to 112.11 set out the
prior to today's revisions.Today,we are SPCC Plan requirements for petroleum
In 1991,EPA proposed to reorganize reorganizing that portion of the rule into oil and for non-petroleum oils other
the SPCC rule based on facility type. §§112.7 through 112.15,based on than animal fats and vegetable oils.
The purpose of that proposed facility type and type of oil.Under the Sections 112.12 to 112.15 set out the
reorganization was to clarify SPCC Plan introduction to§112.7 of today's rule,if SPCC Plan requirements for animal fats
requirements for different types of your Plan does not follow the revised and oils and greases,and fish and
facilities.In this rulemaking,we are sequence,you must supplement it with marine mammal oils;and for oils of
dividing the rule into subparts.Subpart a section cross-referencing the location vegetable origin,including oils from
A consists of an applicability section, of requirements listed in the revised seeds,nuts,fruits,and kernels.
Revised rule Current rule Description of rule Page
§112.7 §112.7 General requirements for SPCC Plans for all facilities and all oil
types-
§112.7(a) . §112.7 General requirements; discussion of facility's conformance with
rule requirements; deviations from Plan requirements: facility
characteristics that must be described in the Plan; spill report-
ing information in the Plan;emergency procedures.
§112.7(b) §112.7(b) Fault analysis
§112.7(c) §112.7(c) Secondary containment
§112.7(d) §112.7(d) Contingency planning
§112.7(e) §112.7(e)(8) Inspections,tests,and records
§112.7(f) §112.7(e)(10) Employee training and discharge prevention procedures
• §112.7(g) §112.7(e)(9) Security(excluding oil production facilities)
§112.7(h) §112.7(ex4) Loading/unloading(excluding offshore facilities)
§112.7(i) n/a Brittle fracture evaluation requirements
§112.7(j) §112.7(e) Conformance with State requirements
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47051
11. Revised rule Current rule Description of rule Page
§112.8§112.12 §112 7(e)(1) Requirements for onshore facilities (excluding production facili-
ties).
§112.8(a),§112.12(a) n/a General and specific requirements
§112.8(b), §112.12(b) §112.7(e)(1) Facility drainage
§112.8(c),§112.12(c) §112.7(e)(2) Bulk storage containers
§112.8(d), §112.12(d) §112.7(e)(3) Facility transfer operations,pumping,and facility process
§112.9,§112.13 §112.7(ex5) Requirements for onshore production facilities
§112.9(a),§112.13(a) n/a General and specific requirements
§112.9(b),§112.13(b) §112.7(e)(5O) Oil production facility drainage
§112.9(c),§112.13(c) §112.7(e)(5)(iii) Oil production facility bulk storage containers
§112.9(d),§112.13(d) §112.7(ex5)(iv) Facility transfer operations,oil production facility
§112.10,§112.14 §112.7(e)(6) Requirements for onshore oil drilling and workover facilities
§112.10(a), §112.14(a) n/a General and specific requirements
§112.10(b),§112.14(b) §112.7(e)(6)(i) Mobile facilities
§112.10(c),§112.14(c) §112.7(e)(6)(ii) Secondary containment—catchment basins or diversion struc-
tures.
§112.10(d),§112.14(d) §112.7(e)(6)(iii) Blowout prevention(BOP).
§112.11,§112.15 §112.7(e)(7) Requirements for offshore oil drilling, production, or workover fa-
cilities.
§112.11(a),§112.15(a) n/a General and specific requirements
§112.11(b),§112.15(b) §112 7(e)(7)(ii) Facility drainage
§112.11(c),§112.15(c) §112.7(e)(7)(iii) Sump systems
§112.11(d),§112.15(d) §112.7(e)(7)(iv) Discharge prevention systems for separators and treaters
§112.11(e),§112.15(e) §I12.7(e)(7)(v) Atmospheric storage or surge containers;alarms
§112.11(0,§112.15(f) §112.7(e)(7)(vi) Pressure containers;alarm systems
§112.11(g),§112.15(g) §112.7(e)(7)(vii) Corrosion protection
§112.11(h), §112.15(h) §112.7(e)(7)(viii) Pollution prevention system procedures
§112.11(i), §112.15(i) §112.7(e)(7)(ix) Pollution prevention systems;testing and inspection
§112.11(j),§112.15(j) §112.7(e)(7)(x) Surface and subsurface well shut-in valves and devices
§112.11(k),§112.15(k) §112.7(e)(7)(xi) Blowout prevention
§112.11(l),§112.15(l) §112.7(e)(7)(xiv) Manifolds
§112.11(m),§112.15(m) §112.7(e)(7)(xv) Flowlines, pressure sensing devices
• §112.11(n),§112.15(n) §112.7(e)(7)(xvi) Piping; corrosion protection
§112.11(o),§112.15(o) §112.7(e)(7)(xvii) Sub-marine piping;environmental stresses
§112.11(p),§112.15(p) §112.7(e)(7)(xviii) Inspections of sub-marine piping
In 1995,Congress enacted the Edible FR 17227,April 8,1999.If after C. "Should to Shall to Must"
Oil Regulatory Reform Act(EORRA),33 considering these comments,there is Clarification
U.S.C. 2720.That statute mandates that adequate justification for differentiation Background
most Federal agencies differentiate among the requirements for those
between and establish separate classes facilities,we will propose rule changes. EPA has always considered that
for various types of oils,specifically: §112.3 of the SPCC rule requires that
animal fats and oils and greases,and B.Plain Language Format
fish and marine mammal oils;oils of SPCC Plans be prepared in accordance
We have rewritten the SPCC rule in a with§112.7,which in turn requires that
vegetable origin;petroleum oils,and
plain language format to make it clearer Plans be prepared in accordance with
other non-petroleum oils and greases.In
differentiating between these classes of and easier to use.A plain language good engineering practice.However,
oils,Federal agencies are directed to
format includes maximum use of the clarification of the current rule is
consider differences in the physical, active voice;short,clear sentences;and, necessary because of confusion on the
chemical,biological,and other in this rule,a summary table of the part of some facility owners or operators
properties,and in the environmental major regulatory changes.This format is who have interpreted the current rule's
effects,of the classes.In response to part of the Agency's ongoing efforts in use of the words"should"and
EORRA,as noted above,we have regulatory reinvention.While we have "guidelines"in§112.7 as an indication
divided the requirements of the rule by made substantive changes in some that compliance with the applicable
subparts for facilities storing or using provisions,the plain language changes provisions of the rule is optional.The
the various classes of oils listed in that are only editorial.The plain language rule used the words"should"and
act. format used in today's rule may appear "guidelines"to provide flexibility for
Because at the present time EPA has different from other rules,but it facilities with unique circumstances.
not proposed differentiated SPCC establishes binding,enforceable legal Those circumstances might be such that
requirements for public notice and requirements. mandated regulatory provisions would
comment,the requirements for facilities In this preamble,as in the rule text, not be in accord with good engineering
storing or using all classes of oil will we often use the pronoun"he"as a practice.Therefore,the rule gave
remain the same.However,we have generic term. "He"does not necessarily facilities the opportunity to provide
. published an advance notice of mean a man;it may be a woman,or in alternative methods that achieve
proposed rulemaking seeking comments some cases,a business organization equivalent environmental protection,or
on how we might differentiate among when referring to an owner or operator. to show that the provisions were
the requirements for the facilities inapplicable based on specific
storing or using various classes of oil. 64 circumstances.
47052 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• In 1991,we proposed to clarify that mandatory and what is discretionary. hardship for small production facilities.
misunderstanding by generally Instead,some recommendations are As noted above,EPA has always
substituting"shall"in place of discussed in the preamble to this interpreted the"shoulds"as"musts."
"should"throughout the reorganized document,while others can be found in Further,when a particular requirement
rule.In today's final rule,we have separate guidance documents or policy is not feasible for a particular facility,
editorially changed"shall"to"must"in statements.When the rule or preamble under§112.7(a)(2)that facility may
furtherance of the Agency's"plain is silent,or no published guidance or explain the reasons for nonconformance
language"objectives.The"shall"to policy documents exist,we will with the requirement,and provide
"must"is not a substantive change,but generally use industry standards as alternate measures that achieve
merely an editorial change.Nor will the guidance for rule compliance. equivalent environmental protection.
change add to the information collection PE certification.While we generally D.Professional Engineers(PEs)
burden.We have always included agree that certification by a PE should
requirements prefaced by"should"in show that all necessary equipment and Background.In the preamble to the
the information collection burden for planning are in place,we reserve the 1991 proposal(56 FR 54618),EPA
the rule.We will continue to provide right to make a determination that posed several questions to commenters
flexibility for an owner or operator who additional measures may be necessary regarding how PEs could help to
can explain his reasons for to comply with the rule.EPA made it implement the SPCC Plan.An owner or
nonconformance with rule clear in proposed§112.3(d),which is operator of a facility is required to
requirements,and can provide alternate finalized today,that a PE certification secure the certification of a PE on an
measures from those specified in the does not relieve the owner or operator SPCC Plan,and on technical
rule,which achieve equivalent of the duty to prepare and fully amendments to the Plan.By means of
environmental protection.Section implement an SPCC Plan in accordance this certification,the PE attests that the
112.7(a)(2)will provide such flexibility. with the rule's requirements. Plan or the amendment has been
In the exercise of our authority to Substantive change.We disagree that prepared in accordance with good
inspect facilities and SPCC Plans,we the change is either substantive or engineering practice.
reserve the right to find that such contrary to legislative intent.Section 1.State Registration
alternate methods do not provide 311(j)(1)(C)of the Act authorizes the
equivalent environmental protection.In President and,through delegation,EPA, Background.We solicited comments
such cases,we would require the owner to establish"procedures,methods,and on the advantages and disadvantages
or operator of the facility to amend the equipment and other requirements for associated with the PE being registered
SPCC Plan to provide equivalent equipment to prevent discharges of oil in the State in which the facility is
environmental protection. and hazardous substances from vessels located.EPA noted that"a requirement
Comments. Guidance. Several• and from onshore facilities and offshore that a PE be licensed in the State in
commenters supported the proposed facilities,and to contain such which the facility is located would
change.One asked that discretionary discharges."That authority is ample to allow the State licensing board to more
provisions might be better placed in a provide the basis for a mandatory SPCC easily address the actions of the PE
separate guidance document. Several rule,that is,a rule that establishes under its jurisdiction,and that the PE
commenters were concerned that there "requirements* * * to prevent may have greater familiarity with the
are no guidance documents outlining discharges." State and local requirements related to
equivalency as provided in proposed We also disagree that the proposed the facility under review."56 FR 54619.
§112.7(a)(2)and that it may be rule failed to provide proper notice and Comments.Favorable comments.
impossible to prove equivalency to EPA. comment.The preamble to the 1991 Several commenters supported a
PE certification.Other commenters proposed rule fully explained the requirement that the PE be registered in
suggested that if the Professional rationale for the proposed change(56 FR the State in which the facility is located.
Engineer(PE)certified the Plan as 54620,October 22,1991),and numerous The rationales often expressed were
adequate for the facility,then the commenters responded.Furthermore, that:(1)Letting any PE certify any SPCC
mandated requirements were we have always interpreted and Plan effectively removed the PE from
unnecessary,as he would have enforced our rules as mandatory the supervision of the State board;and,
determined that all appropriate requirements. (2)familiarity with the State and local
equipment and planning is in place. EPA recognizes,however,that this requirements related to the facility as
Substantive change.Some clarification may result in certain well as the State itself are essential for
commenters argued that the proposal owners or operators of regulated viable SPCC Plans.One commenter
was a substantive change,contrary to facilities recognizing for the first time suggested that when an out-of-State PE
legislative intent,and that we failed to that they have been and are subject to prepares the Plan,the Plan should bear
give opportunity for proper notice and various provisions of part 112.Such the seal of the PE who prepared the Plan
comment,as required by the owners and operators should,of course, along with the seal of a PE registered in
Administrative Procedure Act. take all necessary steps to come into the State in which the facility is located,
Small production facilities.One compliance with this part as soon as assuring that the proposed Plan
commenter suggested that the possible.In exercising its prosecutorial conforms to any additional State
clarification should not apply to small discretion,the Agency always takes into requirements.
production facilities,defined as those account the good faith and efforts to Opposing comments.Opposing
with less than 3000 barrels of storage comply of an owner or operator who has commenters argued that:(1)A State
capacity,because those facilities would been in noncompliance with applicable licensing board will address the actions
suffer severe hardship as a result. laws and regulations when deciding of an engineer regardless of the
Response to comments. Guidance. whether or not to take an enforcement engineer's location when he applies his
• EPA agrees with the comment that action. seal;(2)suggestions that the potential
recommendations have no place in this Small production facilities.We liability of the engineer might be limited
rule because we do not wish to confuse disagree that the"should"to"must" if the engineer holds an out-of-State
the regulated public as to what is change will generally pose a severe license are specious;(3)SPCC Plan
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47053
preparation is a Federal activity, Plans,EPA noted that some the proposal to require the PE to
therefore,it is unnecessary to have State organizations objected to the proposals disclose his relationship to the facility
registration;and,(4)such a requirement as"challenging the integrity of owner,the facility improvements
would reduce the available pool of professional engineers."56 FR 54619. owner,or the facility landowner.Such
qualified PEs.One commenter We also pointed out that some disclosure would add no environmental
volunteered that the proposal was professional organizations believe that protection to the SPCC certification
"superfluous"because the practice of such requirements"would impose process.Administrative action to correct
engineering in a State without being substantial costs without enhancing the abuses would be a better approach.We
professionally registered in that State is integrity of the certification process."56 believe that most PEs,whether
unlawful in most States. FR 54619. independent or employees of a facility,
Response to comments.We agree with Comments.Favorable comments. being professionals,will uphold the
commenters that it is unnecessary that Several commenters supported a integrity of their profession and only
the PE be registered or licensed in the requirement that the PE not be an certify Plans that meet regulatory
State in which the facility is located employee of the facility or not have a requirements.We also agree that an in-
because any abuses will be corrected by direct financial interest in it.The house PE maybe the person most
the licensing jurisdiction.We also agree rationales most often asserted were:(1) familiar with the facility.EPA believes
that such a requirement might A Plan would better satisfy regulatory that a restriction of in-house PE
unnecessarily reduce the availability of objectives and better serve the public; certification might place an undue and
PEs and increase the cost of certification (2)the Plan would be less subject to unnecessary financial burden on owners
without any tangible benefits.The compromise by other factors;(3)Plan or operators of facilities by forcing them
professional liability of a PE would certification is less likely to be a coerced to hire an outside engineer.
likely be unaffected by the place of his or superficial effort,and undue 3.Completion of Testing
registration.When State law precludes a economic and moral pressures would be
PE from applying his seal if he is not avoided;(4)more cooperative efforts Background.The Agency proposed
licensed in that State,the question of among regulatory bodies,engineers,and that the PE must attest that required
State registration becomes moot. the facility would be possible;(5)more testing has been completed and the Plan
However,that is not the case in every economic and effective Plan meets the requirements of the regulation
State. development is assured;and,(6)more for the facility.This proposal was
We also disagree that if a PE is not competent and more professional Plan advanced to"promote the Agency's
licensed in the State,he will be development is guaranteed. intent in the original promulgation of
unfamiliar with State and local Opposing comments.Opposing §112.3(d)that SPCC Plans be certified
requirements for the facility.Any PE commenters asserted that:(1)Such a by a Registered Professional Engineer
• may become familiar with both Federal proposal would limit the availability of exercising independent judgment."56
and State and local requirements for a PEs,leading to delays in Plan FR 54619.These new requirements were
facility.Therefore,to require that the PE certification; (2)administrative action to to be met when a new Plan is prepared
be registered in the State in which the correct abuses would be a better after promulgation of the rule,or when
facility is located would impose approach;and,(3)such an approach an existing Plan is amended,under
unnecessary financial burdens on the insults the ethical integrity of PE.One §112.5.
facility and would challenge the commenter suggested that"to suppose a Comments.Favorable comments.One
integrity of the PE.Such a requirement facility employee would break the law commenter supported a requirement
would also reduce the pool of PEs and jeopardize his license to practice that the PE attest to the completion of
available for facilities. his profession and do it more willingly testing and that the Plan meets
2.PEs Employed by the Facility than an"independent"engineer has no regulatory requirements.
basis in fact';(4)an in-house PE may be Opposing comments. Some opposing
Background.EPA asked whether the the person most familiar with the commenters believed that the PE should
rule should specify that the PE not be facility;(5)the proposal would place an "enumerate all the inspections and tests
an employee of the facility or have any undue and unnecessary financial that have been completed,plus those
other direct financial interest in the burden on the owner or operator of a that should be completed before the
facility.This request for comment had facility by forcing him to hire an outside facility commences operations and
its origin in a U.S.General Accounting engineer;and,(6)it is uncertain those that should be undertaken
Office(GAO)report issued on February whether an independent PE can afford periodically after it commences
22,1989,"Inland Oil Spills:Stronger the insurance necessary to certify his operations."Others believed that
Regulation and Enforcement Needed to work given that the liability incurred completion of required testing is the
Avoid Future Incidents"(GAO/RCED— might run into the millions of dollars. responsibility of the operator and not
89-65)."The GAO report recommended Compromise position.One the PE.Another commenter believed
that EPA evaluate the advantages and commenter suggested that a compromise such a requirement would be
disadvantages of requiring facilities to position might be that the PE who impossible,because"required testing
obtain certifications from independent certifies the Plan would be required to may take up to a year to complete."
engineers.EPA noted that"not having disclose in the Plan certification his Response to comments.EPA agrees
the PE otherwise associated with the relationship to the facility owner,the that the PE is not responsible for
facility may avoid any potential facility improvements owner,and the certifying that all required testing has
conflicts of interest or appearance of facility landowner. been completed.Rather,such
conflicts of interest that could arise from Response to comments.We agree that responsibility belongs to the owner or
allowing an employee of a regulated a proposal to restrict certification by a operator of the facility.Testing may be
party to certify a SPCC Plan."56 FR PE employed by a facility or having a ongoing long after the Plan is certified.
• 54619.On the other hand,for both the financial interest in it would limit the The PE is responsible for certifying that
issues of whether to require State availability of PEs,possibly leading to the Plan is adequate and meets all
registration and whether to allow PEs delays in Plan certification.Therefore, regulatory requirements,including
employed by the facility to certify SPCC we will not adopt it.Nor do we favor enumeration of all tests that have been
47054 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
completed,plus those that should be nature,certification is impractical.One particular equipment,and the integrity
completed before the facility commenter asked for clarification that of containment at the facility.Therefore,
commences operations and those that the certification of an existing Plan is even if a PE has inspected many
should be undertaken periodically after sufficient until the Plan update is facilities of a particular type,that fact
it commences operations.Therefore,we required.Another suggested that the does not eliminate the need for a site
are changing the proposed requirement rule should only require that the PE be visit at each facility.After the site visit,
to a requirement in which the PE attests familiar with the operation and design the PE will have to devise appropriate
that the procedures for required of the type of facility,and that he would inspection and testing standards based
inspections and testing have been have visited and examined one or more on the facility's unique characteristics.
established,and the Plan is adequate for facilities of this type. E.Electrical Facilities and Other
the facility. See the discussion of Response to comments.In general. Operational Users of Oil
§112.3(d),below. EPA agrees that the rule should not
4.Site Visits necessarily require a site visit by a Background.In 1991,we proposed
certifying PE,but we believe that a site that certain facilities having equipment
Background.We stated that EPA visit should occur before the PE certifies containing oil that is used for
"believes the current regulatory the Plan.We have modified proposed operational purposes,such as electrical
language(e.g.,requiring the engineer to §112.3(d)(ii)to reflect this position.The transformers,would not have to comply
examine the facility)clearly requires the PE's agent may perform the visit.We with secondary containment
certifying Engineer to visit the facility agree that customary engineering requirements and certain other
prior to certifying the SPCC Plan."We practice allows someone under the PE's provisions proposed in§§112.8(c)and
added that the proposed change employ such as an engineering 112.9(d)because such facilities are not
"clarifies this requirement by specifying technician,technologist,graduate bulk storage facilities.EPA asked for
that the Professional Engineer must be engineer,or other qualified person to comment on this and also asked
physically present to examine the prepare preliminary reports,studies, commenters to identify other possible
facility."56 FR 54619. and evaluations after visiting the site. operational uses of oil,other than
Comments.Favorable comments. Then the PE could legitimately certify electrical transformers,that may not
Many commenters favored the the Plan.Nevertheless,in all cases the currently use secondary containment as
requirement that the PE make a site visit PE must ensure that his certification a common industry practice and that
prior to certifying a Plan.Those represents an exercise of good should not be subject to bulk storage
commenters called such a visit engineering judgment.If that requires a provisions. 56 FR 54623.
"absolutely necessary."Some argued personal site visit,the PE must visit the Comments. Use of oil.Numerous
that a generic plan prepared by an facility himself before certifying the commenters,especially in the electric
engineer who has never seen the facility Plan, utility industry,asserted that EPA has
is unacceptable. Particular cases.EPA agrees that a PE no jurisdiction to regulate the
Opposing comments.Opposing site visit requirement might be operational use of oil generally,or
commenters asserted that such visits impractical at electrical substations,due specifically in electrical transformers,
only involve additional costs and to their large number.However,the PE substations,and other equipment.Some
duplication of efforts without any need not go.One of his agents may go, manufacturers of other products agreed.
tangible benefits.Many opposing and he may review the agent's work.We They argued that the legislative history
commenters argued that customary disagree with commenters who believe of the Act showed no Congressional
engineering practice includes the use of that a site visit is unnecessary at small intent for such regulation.However,
engineering technicians,technologists, facilities and temporary storage many commenters asked EPA
graduate engineers,and others to facilities.Site visits are necessary for specifically to clarify this jurisdictional
prepare preliminary reports,studies, those facilities to ensure Plan adequacy issue.
and evaluations.After preparation of and to prevent discharges. Response to comments. Use of oil.We
these documents,the PE would then EPA has interpreted the current rule disagree that operational equipment is
perform a careful review of all pertinent language to contain a requirement that not subject to the SPCC rule.We have
material and then sign and seal the the PE examine the facility.Because of amended§112.1(b)to clarify that using
appropriate plans and drawings.Other the uncertainty concerning the nature of oil,for example operationally,may
commenters argued that such a this requirement,however,we will not subject a facility to SPCC jurisdiction as
requirement would be impractical, require documentation of a site visit by long as the other applicability criteria
particularly at electrical substations, a PE or his agent until after the effective apply,for example,oil storage capacity,
due to their large number. date of this rule.We disagree that the or location.Such a facility might
Particular cases.One commenter rule should only require that the PE be reasonably be expected to discharge oil
urged that small facilities be exempted familiar with the operation and design as described in §112.1(b).Therefore,the
from the site visit requirement where"a of the type of facility.We also disagree prevention of discharges from such
determination is made that sufficient that merely because the PE has visited facility falls within the scope of the
documentation of site characteristics is and examined one or more facilities of statute.
available for plan certification."That a particular type that no site visit is However,we have distinguished the
commenter noted that in many necessary.A facility may have bulk storage of oil from the operational
instances sufficient information is individual characteristics that differ use of oil.We define"bulk storage
available from topographic maps,aerial from those of its type in general,and a container"in the final rule to mean any
photographs,soil surveys,hydrologic site visit by a PE or agent may be container used to store oil.The storage
studies,engineering and construction necessary to detect those characteristics of oil may be prior to use,while being
reports,and local operating personnel to and accommodate them in the Plan. used,or prior to further distribution in
eliminate the need for site visits prior to Such individual characteristics include commerce.For clarity,we have
certification.Another commenter urged geographic conditions,possible flow specifically excluded oil-filled
an exemption for temporary storage paths,facility design and construction, electrical,operating,or manufacturing
facilities because given their emergency type of containers,product stored, equipment from the definition.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47055
• Facilities that use oil operationally damage to underground piping." Other factors.One commenter
include electrical substations,facilities Individual proposals will be discussed suggested that other factors such as
containing electrical transformers,and under their relevant sections in this proximity to navigable waters or
certain hydraulic or manufacturing preamble.Large facilities were defined environmentally sensitive areas,as well
equipment.The requirements for bulk for this purpose as facilities with more as the use of good engineering practices
storage containers may not always apply than 42,000 gallons of SPCC-regulated should be considered in the regulation
to these facilities since the primary storage capacity.Conversely,we asked of facilities.The commenter argues that
purpose of this equipment is not the whether such provisions should be these factors might avoid overburdening
storage of oil in bulk.Facilities with discretionary for smaller facilities.The a large facility with a low potential for
equipment containing oil for ancillary rationale expressed in the question was impact on a navigable water or
purposes are not required to provide the EPA believes that"larger volumes of oil exempting a small facility with a high
secondary containment required for stored at a facility increase the chances potential for impact on a navigable
bulk storage facilities(§112.8(0)and of a spill occurring,and that spills from water.
onshore production facilities large-capacity facilities may be greater Discretionary provisions.Favorable
(§112.9(c)),nor implement the other in magnitude than those from smaller commenters.Numerous commenters
provisions of§112.8(c)or§112.9(c). facilities,thus posing a greater potential favored discretionary provisions in the
Oil-filled equipment must meet other threat to the waters of the United interest of maintaining flexibility in the
SPCC requirements,for example,the States." program,noting that what may be
general requirements of this part, EPA also requested comments on two appropriate for one facility may not be
including§112.7(c),to provide other practices it proposed as appropriate for another.Some
appropriate containment and/or recommendations,but did not include commenters favored applying
diversionary structures to prevent in rule text.Those practices were: (1) discretionary provisions to small
discharged oil from reaching a navigable "That owners and operators of facilities facilities only,leaving the provisions as
watercourse.The general requirement affix a signed and dated statement to the requirements for larger facilities.
for secondary containment,which can SPCC Plan indicating that the revision Discretionary provisions. Opposing
be provided by various means including has taken place and whether or not commenters.Some commenters argued
drainage systems,spill diversion ponds, amendment of the Plan is required;" that discretionary provisions are
etc.,will provide for safety and also and,(2)"That owners and operators of inappropriate in a rule as a matter of
meet the needs of section 311(j)(1)(C)of onshore facilities other than production principle because they complicate
the CWA.EPA will continue to evaluate facilities state the design capabilities of mandatory rule documents and
whether the general secondary enforcement,and they confuse the
their drainage system in the SPCC Plan
containment requirements found in if the system is relied upon to control regulated community.Yet others urged
• §112.7(c)should be modified for small that such provisions were unnecessary
spills or leaks."Concerning the first
electrical and other types of equipment in any case because they believe that no
which use oil for operating purposes. Practice,see also the discussion under risks exist for which the discretionary
§112.5(b)of today's rule.The rationale
We intend to publish a notice asking for for these recommendations was that provisions were proposed.
additional data and comment on this Response to comments.We will
issue. "these provisions may not for all discuss specific comments under the
In addition,a facility may deviate facilities achieve the standard of discussion of specific sections.See
from most SPCC requirements,if the provisions based on good engineering section 1V.G of today's preamble for a
owner or operator explains his reasons practice,which is the basic standard of discussion of the"Design Capabilities of
for nonconformance and provides the regulation.EPA,however believes Drainage Systems,other than
equivalent environmental protection by that implementation of these provisions Production Facilities."Our general
some other means.See§112.7(a)(2).See at most facilities would contribute to the discussion follows.
also§112.7(d). facilities'overall effort to prevent oil Large or small facility regulation,in
discharge and to mitigate those spills general.We have decided not to
F.Discretionary Provisions that may occur."The Agency also asked regulate facilities differently based
Background.In the preamble to the whether some of these provisions merely on storage capacity,provided
1991 proposal (at 56 FR 54616),we should be mandatory. that the capacity is above the regulatory
asked for comments as to whether the Comments.Large or small facility threshold of over 1,320 gallons.This
provisions proposed as regulation,in general.EPA received a decision is based on environmental
recommendations in rule text should be number of comments on this issue, reasons.Small discharges of oil that
made requirements.We then noted that some directed towards regulation of reach the environment can cause
we were"particularly interested in larger and smaller facilities in general, significant harm.Sensitive
receiving comments and information on and others toward specific provisions environments,such as areas with
the advisability of establishing"certain proposed.Some commenters believed diverse and/or protected flora and
provisions as"requirements for large that larger facilities could better bear the fauna,are vulnerable to small spills.
facilities,but as recommendations for costs of regulation than smaller EPA noted in a recent denial of a
small facilities."These provisions were: facilities,some of which were petition for rulemaking:"Small spills of
(1)Proposed §112.8(d)(4)—"that financially marginal and might go out of petroleum and vegetable oils and animal
facilities have all buried piping tested business as a result of environmental fats can cause significant environmental
for integrity and leaks annually or have regulation. damage.Real-world examples of oil
buried piping monitored monthly in Storage capacity level.Commenters spills demonstrate that spills of
accordance with the provisions of 40 suggested different storage capacity petroleum oils and vegetable oils and
CFR part 280."We also recommended levels at which to differentiate large animal fats do occur and produce
• that records of testing or monitoring be from small facilities.Those suggestions deleterious environmental effects.In
kept for five years.;and,(2)proposed ranged from 10,000 to 100,000 gallons some cases,small spills of vegetable oils
§112.8(d)(5)—"tbat facilities post in storage capacity.Many,however, can produce more environmental harm
vehicle weight restrictions to prevent supported the 42,000-gallon level. than numerous large spills of petroleum
47056 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• oils."62 FR 54508,54530,October 20, production facilities describe the design current rule will incur minimal
1997.Describing the outcome of one capabilities of their drainage systems in additional cost due to the revisions in
small spill of 400 gallons of rapeseed oil the SPCC Plan if the system is relied this rule. Many of the provisions we
into Vancouver Harbor,we noted that" upon to control spills or leaks. 56 FR proposed in 1991 that commenters
* * * 88 oiled birds of 14 species were 54616,October 22,1991.See also believed were too costly were not
recovered after the spill,and half of section IV.F of today's preamble for a finalized in this rule.In addition,in
them were dead.Oiled birds usually are discussion of other"Discretionary today's rule,we have provided
not recovered for 3 days after a spill, Provisions." flexibility in several ways.Many of the
when they become weakened enough to Comments.Favorable comments. provisions we proposed in 1991 that
be captured.Of the survivors,half died Commenters favoring such a commenters believed were too costly
during treatment.The number of requirement asserted that such a were not finalized in this rule. In
casualties from the rapeseed oil spills description would help identify all addition,in the deviation provision,
was probably higher than the number of paths of escape for discharges at a §112.7(a)(2),we permit you to
birds recovered,because heavily oiled facility,assess the spill retention substitute alternate measures that
birds sink and dying or dead birds are capacity of the facility's containment provide equivalent environmental
captured quickly by raptors and system,and identify the risks to the protection if you can explain a reason
scavengers."62 FR 54525. public of a discharge.Those for nonconformance with the prescribed
A small discharge may also cause commenters generally believed that the requirement.We also rely on the use of
harm to human health or life through Professional Engineer should develop industry standards in many provisions,
threat of fire or explosion,or short-or the description for the Plan. rather than mandating any particular
long-term exposure to toxic Opposing comments.Commenters procedure,or any particular monitoring
components. opposing making the recommendation a or inspection schedule.We assume that
Other factors.Finally,EPA notes that requirement argued that it was most facilities follow industry
the rule affords flexibility to an owner unnecessary because the rules already standards,and therefore will not incur
or operator of a facility to design a Plan require certain descriptions of design additional costs for many provisions
based on his specific circumstances.It capabilities of drainage systems.They where they do.We recognize,however,
allows him to choose methods that best asserted that such a requirement would that to the extent any facility does not
protect the environment.It permits be redundant in that if a drainage follow current industry standards,it
deviations from most of the mandatory system is relied upon to control spills or might incur additional costs.
substantive requirements of the rule leaks,then it must have design Furthermore,we are finalizing other
when the facility owner or operator can capabilities to control such spills or provisions in this rule which will
demonstrate a reason for leaks. reduce burden in other ways and will
• nonconformance,and can provide Response to comments.The question exempt certain facilities from having to
equivalent environmental protection by of description of the design capabilities prepare an SPCC or FRP Plan.EPA has
other means.Consequently,both small of drainage systems for onshore also prepared an assessment of the costs
and large facilities have the opportunity facilities other than production facilities of rule compliance,which is discussed
to reduce costs by alternative methods is adequately covered by rules in part VI.F(Regulatory Flexibility Act)
if they can maintain environmental pertaining to drainage. See,for example, of this preamble,and we have included
protection.Because smaller facilities §§112.7(a)(3)and(4), 112.7(6),112.8(b), the specific comments related to costs
may require less complex plans than and 112.10k).Therefore,we will not and our responses in relevant sections
larger ones,their costs may be less. promulgate any additional requirements of this preamble.
Discretionary provisions.We agree on this subject.These provisions
that discretionary provisions have no generally require that a facility owner or 1. Contingency Planning and
place in this rule because we do not operator design the facility drainage Notification
wish to confuse the regulated system to prevent discharges,or if Background.We requested comments
community and complicate enforcement prevention fails,to contain the in the 1991 preamble on spill
by blurring what is mandatory and what discharge within the facility. contingency planning needs(at 56 FR
is discretionary.We will provide 54615)and on proposed facility
guidance or policy statements on H.Compliance Costs notification requirements(at 56 FR
various issues,as necessary,that will Background.We provided an 54614).You will find a detailed
incorporate some or al]of these extensive discussion of the costs and discussion of contingency requirements
recommendations.In the absence of benefits of the proposed 1991 rule.56 and facility notification requirements
such guidance or policy statements,you FR 54628-54629,October 22,1991.We (§112.7(d)and proposed§112.1(e))in
should look to current industry requested comments in the 1991 Section V of today's preamble.On those
standards for guidance on technical preamble concerning the new subjects,we briefly summarize the
issues.See also our discussion of compliance costs associated with the comments and our responses below.
industry standards and good proposed rule. Comments. Contingency planning.
engineering practice under section IV.K Comments.EPA received numerous Many commenters supported the 1991
of today's preamble and under comments on this issue.The proposal,Opposing commenters
§112.3(d)in section V of today's overwhelming majority of commenters suggested that such planning should be
preamble. asserted that the proposed rule would discretionary because not all facilities
G. Capabilities of Drainage impose costs that few could bear.Many need such planning,or that facilities be
C.Design esig, CapOtheabilities
Production ra argued that such costs were unnecessary allowed to use contingency plans
Sor should be applied to large facilities prepared for other purposes.Others
Facilities only. thought the proposal was premature as
• Background.In the 1991 preamble, Response to comments.EPA we had not at the time finalized
we asked for comments on,but did not considered cost factors in finalizing the response planning requirements in
propose,a provision that owners or requirements in this rule.We believe §112.20.Some said that contingency
operators of onshore facilities other than that facilities in compliance with the planning was not practicable because
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47057
• the costs are too high,but these implementation of the Facility Response of substantial harm and/or significant
commenters did not provide specific Plan(FRP)rule alone requires us to and substantial harm facilities need to
cost estimates. solicit additional comments concerning comply with the FRP requirements in 40
Notification.A number of the SPCC proposals. CFR 112.20-21.
commenters favored the proposal, Response:Additional comments or K.Industry Standards
including some industry commenters. repropose!.We believe it is unnecessary
Most industry commenters opposed the to repropose the 1991 and 1993 Throughout the rule we generally
proposal either in part or in its entirety. proposals because of mere passage of allow for the application of industry
Commenters who opposed the proposal time.We received numerous comments standards where the standards are both
in its entirety asserted that it was on every side of most issues.In specific and objective,and their
unnecessary,largely because they developing this final rule,we have application may reduce the risk of
believed the information sought might considered changes that have taken discharges to and impacts to the
be better obtained from other sources, place in the oil industry,industry environment.We recognize that as
such as State sources or SARA Title III standards,and regulations that may technology advances,specific standards
reports. affect the SPCC rule.We have also change.By referencing industry
Response to comments.Contingency considered changes in the various standards throughout the preamble,we
planning.Contingency planning is industries which comprise the universe anticipate that the underlying
necessary whenever you determine that of SPCC facilities which have occurred requirements of the rule itself will
a secondary containment system for any since our original proposals.We change as new technology comes into
part of the facility that might be the encourage the use of industry standards use without the need for further
cause of a discharge as described in to implement the rule,without amendments.We believe that industry
§112.1(b)is not practicable.This incorporating any particular standard standards today represent good
requirement applies whether the facility into the rule,thereby averting possible engineering practice and generally are
is manned or unmanned,urban or rural, obsolescence of those standards.We environmentally protective.However,as
and for large and small facilities. used the results of our 1995 SPCC under the current rule,if an industry
Because we have not finalized either the facility survey to develop our 1997 standard changes in a way that would
1991 or 1993 contingency plan proposed rule.These results are also increase the risk of a discharge as
proposals,there are no new costs. We part of the administrative record for this described in§112.1(b),EPA will apply
note that we finalized response rulemaking.We considered all the and enforce standards and practices that
planning requirements in 1994. comments we received in 1997,even if protect the environment,rather than the
Contingency plans prepared for other they dealt with issues proposed in 1991 less protective industry standard.
purposes are acceptable for SPCC or 1993.We have also considered and Under the terms of this rule,when
• purposes if they satisfy all SPCC responded to all of the comments there is no specific and objective
requirements. received in 1991 and 1993 in their industry standard that applies to your
Notification. Withdrawal of proposal. respective Comment Response facility(for example,whether there is
We have decided to withdraw the Documents or in the preamble to today's no standard or a standard 01at uses the
proposed facility notification final rule. terms"as appropriate,""often,"
requirement because we are still Personnel changes.In developing this "periodically,"and so forth),you
considering issues associated with final rule,as noted above,we have should instead follow any specific and
establishing a paper versus electronic considered changes that have taken objective manufacturer's instructions for
notification system,including issues place in the oil industry,industry the use and maintenance or installation
related to providing electronic standards,and regulations that may of the equipment,appurtenance,or
signatures on the notification.Should affect the SPCC rule.For the past 26 container.If there is neither a specific
the Agency in the future decide to move years,owners and operators of regulated and objective industry standard nor a
forward with a facility notification facilities have been responsible for specific and objective manufacturer's
requirement,we will repropose such training their personnel in applicable instruction that applies,then it is the
requirement. regulations,such as 40 CFR part 112. duty of the PE under§112.3(d)to
J.Reproposal Such responsibility is in effect now,and establish such specific and objective
will continue under the revised rule. standards for the facility and,under
Background:In the 1997 proposal,we New companies and new personnel of §112.3(d),he must document these
stated that we would finalize the 1991 those companies are on notice as to standards in the Plan.If the PE requires
and 1993 proposals without seeking applicable rules and proposals.They the use of a specific standard for
additional comments on those have also had the opportunity to implementation of the Plan,the owner
proposals. comment on the 1997 proposal. or operator must also reference that
Comments:Some commenters Furthermore,we have considered cost standard in the Plan.
suggested that we repropose the 1991 implications for all three proposals Throughout this preamble,we list
proposal"so that the public can view which we are finalizing today. industry standards that may assist an
the proposed changes in a Response plan requirements.We have owner or operator to comply with
comprehensive manner."Other no plans to require SPCC facilities for particular rules.The list of those
commenters suggested that the time that which secondary containment is not standards is merely for your
has elapsed,the changes in operational practicable to develop response plans. information.They may or may not apply
procedures of the oil and gas industry However,we have withdrawn §112.7(d) to your facility,but we believe that their
which have improved the degree of as proposed in 1993.Only a inclusion is helpful because they
environmental protection,and the new contingency plan following the generally are applicable to the topic
information EPA obtained from its tank provisions of 40 CFR part 109 and referenced.The decision in every case
• survey,justified repropose).Others compliance with other provisions of as to the applicability of any industry
cited changes in oil industry personnel §112.7(d)is necessary when secondary standard will be one for the PE.
as a reason to repropose the rule.Some containment is impracticable.Only For your convenience,we are
commenters believed that the onshore facilities that meet the criteria including a list of organizations below
47058 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• that may be helpful in the identification
and explanation of industry standards.
Name Address Phone# Web Site/E-mail
American National Standards Institute 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 212-642-4900 www.ansi.org
(ANSI). 10036. 212-398-0023 ansionline@ansi.org
fax.
American Petroleum Institute(API) 1220 L Street, NW Washington, DC 202-682-8000 www.apiorg
20005. 202-682-8232 standards@api.org
fax. standards2@apkorg
American Society of Mechanical Engi- Three Park Avenue New York, NY 800-843-2763 www.asme.org
neers(ASME). 10016-5990. 973-882-1717 infocentral@asme.org
fax.
American Society for Nondestructive PO Box 28518, 1711 Adingate Lane 800-222-2768 www.asnt.org
Testing(ASNT). Columbus,OH 43228-0518. 614-274-6899
fax
American Society for Testing and Mate- 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West 610-832-9585 wwwastm.org
rials(ASTM). Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. 610-832-9555 webmastr@astm.org.
fax.
Building Officials and Code Administra- 4051 West Flossmoor Road Country 708-799-2300.. www.bocatorg
tors(BOCA)International. Club Hills, IL 60478. 708-799-4981 webmaster@bocai.org.
fax.
International Code Council(ICC) 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 708 Falls 703-931-4533 www.intfcode.org
Church,VA 22041. 703-379-1546 staff@inticode.org.
fax.
International Conference of Building Offi- 5360 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 888-699—0541 www.icbo.org
vials(ICBO). 90601-2298. 888-329-4220
fax.
International Fire Code Institute(IFCI) 5360 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 562-699—0124 www.ifci.org
90601-2298. 562-699-8031 webmaster@icbo.org
fax.
Manufacturers Standardization Society 127 Park Street, N.E. Vienna, VA 703-281-6613 www.mss-hq.com
of The Valve and Fittings Industry Inc. 22180-4602. 703-281-6671 info@mss-hg.com
(MSS). fax.
• National Association of Corrosion Engi- 1440 South Creek Drive Houston, TX 281-228-6200 www.nace.org
neers(NACE). 77084. 281-228-6300
fax
National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park PO Box 9101 617-770-3000 www.nfpa.org
(NFPA). Quincy, MA 02269-9101. 617-770-0700 hazchem@nfpa.org
fax.
Petroleum Equipment Institute(PEI) P.O. Box 2380 Tulsa,OK 74101-2380 918-494-9696 www.pei.org
918-491-9895 Pei@peinet.org.
fax.
Southern Building Code Congress Inter- 900 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 205-591-1853 www.sbcci.org
national(SBCCI). 35213-1206. 205-591-0775 info@sbcci.org
fax.
Southwest Research Institute(SwRI) P.O. Box Drawer 28510 San Antonio, 210-684-5111 www.swri.org
TX 78228—0510. action67@swri.org
Steel Tank Institute(STI) 570 Oakwood Road Lake Zurich, IL 847-438-8265.. www.steettank.com
60047. 847-438-8766 ankiefer@steeltank.com
fax.
Underwriters Laboratories(UL) 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL 847-272-8800 www.uf.com
60062-2096. 847-272-8129 norhbrook@ul.com
fax.
Western Fire Chiefs Association(WFCA) 300 N. Main St. #25 Fallbrook, CA 760-723-6911 www.wfca.com
92028. 760-723-6912 wfcadmin@wfca.com
fax.
V.Section by Section Analysis Section 112.1(a)(1)—General shorelines.The final rule extends the
(Includes:Background,Comments,and Applicability of the Rule geographic scope of EPA's authority
Response to Comments) Background.We have redesignated beyond discharges to navigable waters
Subpart A—Applicability,definitions, §112.1(a)as§112.1(a)(1)due to the and adjoining shorelines to include a
and general requirements for all addition of a new paragraph (a)(2).In discharge into or upon the waters of the
facilities 1991,we proposed changes in§112.1(a) contiguous zone,or in connection with
to conform to the 1977 CWA activities under the Outer Continental
Background.In the reformatted rule, amendments.Those amendments Shelf Lands Act or the Deepwater Port
subpart A defines the applicability of extended the geographic scope of EPA's Act of 1974,or that may affect natural
• part 112,provides definitions applicable authority under CWA section 311. resources belonging to,appertaining to,
to all subparts,and prescribes general Formerly the geographic scope of the or under the exclusive management
requirements that are applicable to all rule extended only to navigable waters authority of the United States(including
facilities subject to part 112. of the United States and adjoining resources under the Magnuson Fishery
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47059
• Conservation and Management Act). Section 112.1(6)—Facilities Covered by the President(and EPA,through
Hereinafter,a discharge as described the Rule—Non-Transportation-Related delegation in Executive Order 12777,56
above in quantities that may be harmful Facilities FR 54757,October 22,1991)to issue
is also referred to as"a discharge as Background.We have redesignated regulations consistent with the National
described in§112.1(b)." this section to add four new paragraphs. Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Comments.Geographic scope of rule. This section describes generally the type Contingency Plan,and consistent with
One commenter wrote to support the of facilities which are subject to the maritime safety and with marine and
geographic extension of the rule,noting SPCC rule. navigation laws,which establish
that the extended definition"will allow In 1991,EPA proposed changes in "procedures,methods,and equipment
for more clarity in determining which §112.1(b)to reflect changes in the and other requirements for equipment to
facilities are subject to SPCC geographic scope of EPA's authority prevent discharges of oil and hazardous
requirements." under CWA section 311,as described in substances from vessels and from
Natural resources.Anotheronshore and offshore facilities,and to
commenter was concerned that the the discussion under§112.7(a)(1).EPA contain such discharges."This language
extension of the rule to facilities with also proposed to change the phrase
"harmful uantities"to" uantities that authorizes the President to issue oil
the potential to affect natural resources may be harmful,as described in part spill prevention rules which pertain to
"would bring under the scope of 40 CFR Y onshore facilities and offshore facilities
112 a significant number of operating 110."Amendments to the CWA also
g P g and not just"equipment."
facilities which did not previously reflected the broadening of quantities In order to fulfill the statutory
re quire SPCC plans."Still another that may be harmful to include those
q not only harmful to the"public health mandate,it is necessary to regulate the
commenter proposed limiting the scope p facilities from which discharges
of natural resource jurisdiction under or welfare,"but also to the environment. emanate.Moreover,although the term
the rule to resources under the Comments.Facilities.Several "facility"is not defined in the statute,
commenters argued that EPA
Magnuson Fishery and Conservation g both"onshore facility"and "offshore
Act to avoid"another unnecessary jurisdiction,under statutory authority, facility"are defined terms in CWA
workload on the judicial system over does not extend to facilities,merely to section 311.They have also been
the years." requirements for oil spill prevention
defined terms in the SPCC rule since its
Response to comments.Geographic and containment equipment.The inception in 1974.In the 1991 proposal,
of scoperule.EPA believes that the commenters'argument noted that the
statute doesn't mentionjurisdictional EPA lment thea definition of"facility"
geographic extension of the rule to agree to implement CWA.That definition
with statutory amendments is the criteria relating to proximity to water or was based on a Memorandum of
proper course,and has finalized the rule oil storage capacity,only EPA rules do. Understanding(MOU)between the
• Therefore,the commenters argued,if
as proposed. ''g Secretary of Transportation and the EPA
Natural resources.Limiting the scope EPA is successful in its assertion of Administrator dated November 24,1971
of natural resource jurisdiction under facility regulation,then every pipe, (36 FR 24080).The MOU,which has
the rule to natural resources under the valve,meter,and flange on the wellsite been published as Appendix A to part
Magnuson Fishery Conservation and along with tubing and casing in the 112 since December 11, 1973 (38 FR
Management Act would be inconsistent hole,stock tanks,drainage ditches,and 34164,34170),defines in detail what
with this statutory language.We also roads are all subject to EPA jurisdiction constitutes a facility.Thus,there has
believe that few,if any new facilities, and specifications. More importantly, long been a common understanding of
will be subject to the rule because of its they argued,every facility,in every the term.That understanding has been
extension to facilities with the potential industry,which at some time or other reinforced by frequent use of the term in
to affect certain natural resources.We handles oil or hazardous substances context within the SPCC rule since it
believe that most affected facilities are could be subject to EPA rules became effective in 1974.To promote
either already subject to the rule,or not concerning its spill prevention and clarity and to maintain all definitions in
subject to our jurisdiction due to a containment procedures,methods,or one place,the proposed definition has
Memorandum of Understanding equipment. been finalized in this rulemaking.
between EPA,the U.S.Department of Use of oil.Numerous commenters, While section 311(j)(1)(C)of the Act
Transportation(DOT),and the U.S. especially in the electric utility may not explicitly mention
Department of the Interior(DOI),which industry,asserted that EPA has no jurisdictional criteria,section 311(b)of
assigns jurisdiction over most of those jurisdiction to regulate the operational the Act does.Section 311(b)establishes
facilities to DOT or DOI.See 40 CFR use of oil generally,or specifically in as the policy of the United States that
part 112,Appendix B. electrical transformers,substations,and there shall be"no discharges of oil or
Editorial changes and clarifications. other equipment. Some manufacturers hazardous substances into or upon the
While revisions to the rule published of other products agreed.They argued navigable waters of the United States,
today are not retroactive,any violation that the legislative history of the Act adjoining shorelines,or into or upon the
of the current rule which occurs before showed no Congressional intent for waters of the contiguous zone,or in
the effective date of today's rule is such regulation.However,many connection with activities under the
subject to enforcement and penalties. commenters asked EPA specifically to Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or
Section 112.1(a)(2)—Number and clarify this jurisdictional issue. the Deepwater Port Act of 1974,or
Distance to navigable waters.Two which may affect natural resources
Gender commenters proposed that we exempt belonging to,appertaining to,or under
Background.We added a new from the rule facilities more than one the exclusive management authority of
§112.1(a)(2)to make clear that words in mile from surface waters or those the United States(including resources
the singular include the plural,and located outside the coastal zone. under the Magnuson Fishery
• words in the masculine include the Response to Comments:Facilities.We Conservation and Management Act)."
feminine,and vice versa.This disagree that our authority does not Thus,the location or"jurisdictional"
amendment is for clarification purposes extend to facilities.Section 311(j)(1)(C) criteria contained in§112.1(6)are
only. of the statute authorizes and requires appropriate for inclusion in the rule.
47060 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
isUse of oil.We disagree that of discharge in quantities that may be are required to be drained and,while
operational equipment is not subject to harmful from the facility.A facility that awaiting temporary closure,are no
the SPCC rule.We have amended is more than one mile from navigable threat to the environment through oil
§112.1(b)to clarify that using oil,for waters might well fit within that spills.Another commenter urged that
example operationally,may subject a standard.For example,piping or temporary storage facilities should be
facility to SPCC jurisdiction as long as drainage from that facility might lead exempted from the SPCC rule,and
the other applicability criteria apply,for directly to navigable water.If handled under the Facility Response
example,oil storage capacity,or discharged oil may reach or does reach Plan(FRP)rules,found at 40 CFR
location.Such a facility might navigable waters,adjoining shorelines, 112.20-21.A third commenter argued
reasonably be expected to discharge oil or protected resources,the distance that frac tanks,used to store oil for the
as described in§112.1(b).Therefore,the which the discharged oil travels is short periods of time while maintenance
prevention of discharges from such irrelevant. or workover operations are underway,
facility falls within the scope of the Editorial changes and clarifications. should be exempted from the rule
statute. In the proposed rule,this paragraph was because their use is of short duration
However,we have distinguished the designated as§§112.1(b)and and does not necessarily increase the
bulk storage of oil from the operational 112.1(b)(1).We have combined the potential for discharge.Another
use of oil.We define"bulk storage paragraphs and added two new commenter stated that it would be
container"in the final rule to mean any paragraphs.The new paragraphs impractical to maintain an up-to-date
container used to store oil.The storage describe the types of containers subject SPCC Plan for temporary storage at
of oil may be prior to use,while being to the rule,which in addition to the two remote parts of a large mining operation.
used,or prior to further distribution in paragraphs we already proposed,better Response to comments.If a tank is not
commerce.For clarity,we have describe those containers.We also permanently closed,it is still available
specifically excluded oil-filled changed plural references in the for storage and the possibility of a
electrical,operating,or manufacturing proposal to singular throughout the discharge as described in§112.1(b),
equipment from the definition. section. remains.Nor does a short time period of
Facilities that use oil operationally storage eliminate the possibility of such
include electrical substations,facilities Section 112.1(b)(1)—Aboveground a discharge.Therefore,a prevention
containing electrical transformers,and Storage Containers plan is necessary.A tank closed for a
certain hydraulic or manufacturing Background.We added this paragraph temporary period of time may contain
equipment.The requirements for bulk to clarify that aboveground storage oil mixed with sludge or residues of
storage containers may not always apply containers are a subset of the containers product which could be discharged.
to these facilities since the primary subject to the rule.In 1991,we noted Discharges from these facilities could
iiipurpose of this equipment is not the storage of oil in bulk.Facilities with that containers used for standby storage, cause severe environmental damage
temporary storage,or containers that are during such temporary storage and are
equipment containing oil for ancillary not permanently closed,are subject to therefore subject to the rule.As to the
purposes are not required to provide the the rule.We also noted that bunkered argument that it is impractical to
secondary containment required for tanks and partially buried tanks are maintain an up-to-date Plan for
bulk storage facilities(§112.8(c))and subject to the rule.The inclusion of this temporary facilities at remote parts of
onshore production facilities paragraph and paragraph (b)(2),which mining sites,we disagree.Plans for such
(§112.9(c)),nor implement the other refers to completely buried tanks, storage are analogous to or may be Plans
provisions of§112.8(c)or§112.9(c). completes the universe of containers for mobile facilities,which may be
Oil-filled equipment must meet other subject to the rule. general Plans,but still provide
SPCC requirements,for example,the environmental protection against a
general requirements of this part, Section 112.1(b)(2)—Completely Buried discharge as described in§112.1W).
including§112.7(c),to provide Tanks Editorial changes and clarifications.
appropriate containment and/or Background.We added this paragraph In the proposed rule,this paragraph was
diversionary structures to prevent to clarify that completely buried tanks designated as§112.1(b)(2).We have
discharged oil from reaching a navigable are a subset of the containers subject to redesignated it as§112.1(b)(3).
watercourse.The general requirement the rule.See also the discussion under Section 112.1(6)(4)—Bunkered,Partially
for secondary containment,which can §112.1(13)(1). Buried,and Vaulted Tanks
be provided by various means including
drainage systems,spill diversion ponds. Section 112.1(6)(3)—Standby, Background.In 1991,we proposed to
etc.,will provide for safety and also the Temporary,or Seasonal Storage clarify that bunkered tanks,partially
needs of section 311(0(1)(C)of the Facilities buried tanks,and tanks in subterranean
CWA. Background.We proposed in 1991 to vaults are considered aboveground
In addition,a facility may deviate clarify that tanks used for standby, tanks for purposes of the SPCC rule.The
from any inappropriate SPCC temporary,or seasonal storage,or that tanks or containers in these facilities are
requirements,if the owner or operator are not otherwise permanently closed, a subset of the facilities described in
explains his reasons for are subject to the SPCC rule.The §112.1(6)(1).The Agency explained that
nonconformance and provides Agency noted that such tanks are not compared to completely buried tanks,
equivalent environmental protection by permanently closed and can reasonably discharges from these tanks are more
some other means.See§112.7(a)(2).See be expected to experience a discharge as likely to enter surface waters regulated
also§112.7(d). described in§112.1(b).56 FR 54617. under the CWA. 56 FR 54626.
Distance to navigable waters.We do The facilities described in§112.1(6)(3) Comments.Partially buried and
not believe that any rule which exempts are a subset of the facilities described in bunkered tanks.A commenter suggested
. facilities beyond any particular distance §112.1(b)(1)and(b)(2). that partially buried and bunkered tanks
meets the intent of the statute.The Comments.One commenter asserted should be considered underground
locational standard in the rule is that temporarily closed tanks should be storage tanks(USTs)and regulated
whether there is a reasonable possibility exempted from the rules because they under that program because ten percent
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47061
• or more of the product is below grade form(item 12)contains information on March 11,1996,because it no longer
either in the tank or in the pipeline.The regarding corrosion protection for steel accurately reflected the penalties
commenter argued that tanks in tanks and steel piping which would be provided for under section 311(b)of the
compliance with the UST program, relevant for SPCC purposes.Other items Act,as amended by OPA.61 FR 9646.
found at 40 CFR part 280,would not on the form may also be relevant for Therefore,we have reserved§112.6 for
pose a significant threat to the SPCC purposes.We are,however, future use.
environment.In fact,the commenter excluding from the rule completely Comments.One commenter suggested
argued,they might be less likely to buried storage tanks(including that Federal agencies are subject to civil
cause a spill than one in compliance connected underground piping, penalties which are imposed under the
with the SPCC rule.The commenter underground ancillary equipment,and CWA—including fines.
further argued that dual regulation containment systems)that are currently Response to comments.EPA disagrees
would be unnecessarily burdensome subject to all of the technical that Federal agencies are subject to
without providing any additional requirements of 40 CFR part 280 or 281. penalties or fines under the CWA
environmental protection. See§112.1(d)(4). because the Federal government is not
Vaulted tanks.Several commenters Vaulted tanks.Vaulted tanks are a"person"under sections 311(a)(7)or
asserted that since vaulted tanks are generally excluded from the scope of 40 502 of the CWA.Only"persons"
already regulated by fire and safety CFR part 280.The definition of (including owners or operators and
authorities,they should not be regulated "underground storage tank"at 40 CFR persons in charge)are subject to such
under the SPCC program.Others argued 280.12(i)excludes from its scope a penalties.Therefore,although Federal
that vaulted tanks meeting the technical "storage tank situated in an agencies must comply with
requirements of 40 CFR part 280,or underground area (such as a basement, requirements of a CWA section 311 rule
which have engineering controls cellar,mineworking,drift,shaft,or in accordance with CWA section 313,
designed to contain product released tunnel)if the storage tank is situated they are not subject to civil or criminal
from failure or overfill,should likewise upon or above the surface of the floor." penalties or fines. See U.S.Department
be exempted from the SPCC rule.These These tanks might reasonably of Energy v.Ohio,503 U.S.607,618
commenters asserted that a discharge experience a discharge as described in (1992) (because the CWA does not
from such tanks would not reach water. §112.1(b).Therefore,it is reasonable define"person"to include the United
Response to comments.Partially that they be within the scope of part States,the civil penalty provisions are
buried and bunkered tanks.We disagree 112.Merely because these tanks are the not applicable).
that partially buried tanks and bunkered subject of local fire and safety Section 712.1(dJ—Exemptions From
tanks should be considered completely regulations does not guarantee that there
buried tanks,and therefore excluded will be adequate environmental Applicability
• from SPCC provisions.The rules differ protection to prevent a discharge as Section 1121/d)/7)—Exemptions Based
in important aspects.Tanks which are described in§112.1(b),because that is on Jurisdiction
partially underground pose a risk of a not the purpose of those regulations. Section 112.7/d)(1)(i)—Exemptions
discharge as described in§112.1(b), Such codes may provide lesser Based on Location
which could have an adverse impact on protection than part 112.For example,
navigable water,adjoining shorelines,or NFPA 30:2-3.4.3(b)specifically Background.In 1991,we described
affected resources.Some tanks that are indicates that a dike need only provide the facilities,equipment,and operations
not completely buried contain containment for the largest tank,while that are exempt from the SPCC rule
engineering controls designed to part 112 requires freeboard for because they are not subject to the
prevent discharges.However,such precipitation. jurisdiction of EPA under section
controls may fail due to human or Editorial changes and clarifications. 311(j)(1)(C)of the Act.These facilities
mechanical error and cause severe In the proposed rule,this paragraph was include those which,due to their
environmental damage.Such tanks may designated as§112.1(b)(3).We have location,could not be reasonably
suffer damage caused by differential redesignated it as§112.1(b)(4).Section expected to have a discharge as
corrosion of buried and non-buried 172.1(6)(3)of the proposed rule uses the described in§112.1(b).
surfaces greater than completely buried term "aboveground storage containers," In making the determination of
tanks,which could cause a discharge as in place of"aboveground storage tanks." whether there is a reasonable possibility
described in§112.1W). See 56 FR 54630.We continue to use of a discharge as described in§112.1(13),
Such tanks are also not subject to "containers"in the final rule.We we proposed that you may consider
secondary containment requirements deleted the word "subterranean,"which only the geographical and locational
under part 280 or a State program modified vaulted tanks in the proposed aspects of the facility(such as proximity
approved under 40 CFR part 281.There rule,because vaulted tanks are to navigable waters or adjoining
may also be accidents during loading or considered aboveground tanks under shorelines,land contour,drainage,etc.).
unloading operations,or overfills this rule whether they are subterranean We proposed that you could not
resulting in a discharge to navigable or not. consider manmade structures such as
waters and adjoining shorelines. dikes,equipment,or other structures
Furthermore,a failure of such a tank Section 772.7(c)—Federal Agencies— which may serve to restrain,hinder,or
(caused by accident or vandalism) Applicability of Rule otherwise contain a discharge as
would be more likely to cause a Background.In 1991,we republished described in§112.1(b),in making that
discharge as described in§112.1(b).We the already existing provisions of same determination.
will,however,accept UST program §112.1(c),which provide that agencies, Comments.Geographic scope of rule.
forms,e.g.,the Notification for departments,and instrumentalities of One commenter agreed that the
Underground Storage Tanks,EPA Form the Federal government are subject to extension of the geographic scope of the
• 753O-1,or approved State program the rule to the same extent as any rule will allow for more clarity in
equivalents,insofar as such forms person,except for the provisions determining which facilities are subject
contains information relevant to the relating to civil penalties.The provision to SPCC requirements.The commenter
SPCC program.For example,the UST relating to civil penalties was rescinded added that the inclusion of natural
47062 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• resources sets the stage for the the United States.Once a prohibited reasonably be expected to have a
implementation of Natural Resource discharge of oil occurs and affects such discharge as described in§112.1(b)."
Damage Assessments,as required by the natural resources,the NRDA provisions The proposed phrase in the last
Oil Pollution Act of 1990. of OPA sections 1002(6)(2)(A)and 1006 sentence of the paragraph which read,
Manmade structures.Other apply.The National Oceanographic and "* * * which may serve to restrain,
commenters argued that EPA should Atmospheric Administration has hinder,contain,or otherwise prevent a
modify its rules to provide that a facility promulgated a set of regulations which discharge of oil from reaching navigable
with no reasonable possibility of govern the process for conducting waters of the United States or adjoining
discharge because of some combination NRDAs under the OPA. 15 CFR part shorelines. * * *"becomes"* * *
of natural and manmade features,which 990. which may serve to restrain,hinder,
are present for operational rather than Manmade structures.To allow contain,or otherwise prevent a
pollution prevention purposes,should consideration of manmade structures discharge as described in§112.1(b)."
be excluded from the scope of the rule. (such as dikes,equipment,or other
Another commenter urged that the rule structures)to relieve a facility from Section 1]2.1(d)(I)In)—Exemptions
allow consideration of manmade being subject to the rule would defeat its Based on Function—DOT
structures where the structures are preventive purpose.Because manmade Background.In 1991,we republished,
inherent in the design of the facility and structures may fail,thus putting the without substantive change,the current
serve functional and operational environment at risk in the event of a exemption for equipment or operations
purposes distinct from the containment discharge,there is an unacceptable risk of vessels or transportation-related
of oil spills. in using such structures to justify onshore and offshore facilities that are
Groundwater.Another commenter relieving a facility from the burden of subject to the authority and control of
argued that Congress intended for EPA preparing a prevention plan.Secondary the U.S.Department of Transportation
to develop SPCC requirements that containment structures should be part of (DOT).While we received no comments
prevent releases to groundwater,in the prevention plan. on the proposal,we believe that this
addition to requirements that prevent Groundwater.EPA agrees with the provision merits a few words to clarify
releases to navigable water.At a commenter that groundwater underlying the understanding of the regulated
minimum,that commenter argued, a facility that is directly connected community.The Executive Order(EO)
§112.1(d)(1)(i)should contain language hydrologically to navigable waters could implementing the Act assigns regulatory
stating that clear hydrologic connections trigger the requirement to produce an jurisdiction to three Federal agencies
between groundwater underlying a SPCC Plan based on geographic or based on the function of facilities.
facility and navigable waters require a locational aspects of the facility. See the Section 2(b)(1)of EO 12777(56 FR
facility to develop and implement an discussion below for tanks regulated 54757,October 22,1991)delegates to
• SPCC Plan.Yet another commenter,in under 40 CFR part 280 or under a State the Administrator of EPA authority in
opposing exemption of USTs from the program approved under 40 CFR part section 311(j)(1)(C)relating to the
SPCC program noted that groundwater 281. establishment of procedures,methods,
eventually becomes surface water.The EPA does not agree with the and equipment,and other requirements
commenter added that,hydrologically, commenter that 40 CFR part 280 and a for equipment to prevent and to contain
oil released into underground waters State program approved under 40 CFR discharges of oil and hazardous
may migrate to surface water within part 281 (the rules governing most substances from non-transportation-
minutes or months.The commenter completely buried tanks)lack adequate related onshore facilities.Section 2(b)(2)
argued that in the absence of emergency emergency response provisions for of the EO delegates similar authority to
response provisions,some USTs could regulated tanks and piping. 40 CFR part contain discharges of oil and hazardous
damage the nation's ground and surface 280 and State programs approved under substances from vessels and
water resources. 40 CFR part 281 require corrective transportation-related onshore facilities
Response to comments. Geographic action,reporting,and recordkeeping and deepwater ports to the Secretary of
scope of rule.We also believe that few, requirements for any release from Transportation.Section 2(b)(3)of the EO
if any,new facilities will be subject to regulated tanks and piping.Also,40 delegates similar authority for offshore
the rule because of its extension to CFR parts 280 and 281 require various facilities,including associated
facilities with the potential to affect measures intended to prevent pipelines,other than deepwater ports,to
certain natural resources.We believe contamination that could result from the Secretary of the Interior.A
that most affected facilities are either releases from regulated tanks and Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)
already subject to the rule,or not subject piping.Although groundwater among EPA,DOT,and the U.S.
to our jurisdiction due to a underlying a facility may eventually Department of the Interior(DOI),found
Memorandum of Understanding connect hydrologically to navigable at Appendix B to part 112,redelegated
between EPA,the U.S.Department of waters,the requirements of 40 CFR part from DOI to EPA the responsibility for
Transportation (DOT),and the U.S. 280 and State programs approved under non-transportation-related offshore
Department of the Interior(DOI),which 40 CFR part 281 are intended to address facilities located landward of the
assigns jurisdiction over most of those the prevention of releases from coastline.Similarly the MOU
facilities to DOT or DOI.See 40 CFR underground storage tanks that might redelegated from DOI to DOT the
part 112,Appendix B. have an impact on groundwater and to responsibility for transportation-related
We have amended this provision to be require rapid response and corrective offshore facilities,including pipelines,
consistent with the revised statutory action at such sites if they compromise landward of the coastline.
language found in sections 311(b)(1)and groundwater quality. In 1993,we proposed a definition for
(c)(1)(A)of the CWA.This rule focuses Editorial changes and clarifications. the term"complex,"which is a facility
on preventing discharges to navigable The proposed phrase in the first possessing a combination of
• waters,adjoining shorelines,the sentence which read,"* *could not transportation-related and non-
exclusive economic zone,and natural reasonably be expected to discharge oil transportation-related components that
resources belonging to,appertaining to, as described in§112.1(b)(1)of this is subject to the jurisdiction of more
or under the exclusive jurisdiction of part,"becomes"* * * could not than one Federal agency under section
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47063
• 311(j)of the Clean Water Act.We Otherwise,if you engage in activities revision corrects an incorrect citation to
published that definition on July 1, subjecting your facility to the the 1971 MOU between EPA and DOT.
1994.59 FR 34097.A commenter on the jurisdiction of two agencies,your Section ll2.](d)(])(iii)—Exemptions
definition of"breakout tank" (see also facility would be subject to the more Based on Function—DOT and t OI
io
discussion below on"breakout tank") stringent of rules if there were to be a
asked for guidance as to which agency, conflict or an inconsistency in those Background.We have added a new
DOT or EPA,regulates such tanks. rules.For example,a facility with paragraph to the applicability section of
Because of confusion in the regulated breakout tanks used solely to relieve the rule to note the jurisdictional
community over which Federal agencies surges in a pipeline,and not having changes resulting from an MOU
have jurisdiction in complexes,we another non-transportation-related between DOT,DOI,and EPA
discuss the issue below. activity or component,would not be redelegating certain functions.The
Complexes."Complex"is defined at required to have an SPCC Plan. MOU was published on July 1,1994 (at
§112.2 as a"facility possessing a Which activity would be subject to 59 FR 34102).The addition of this
combination of transportation-related DOT jurisdiction and which activity paragraph is not a substantive change in
and non-transportation-related which would be subject to EPA the rules,but merely an editorial
components that is subject to the jurisdiction is defined by the MOU in revision to mark the jurisdiction of the
jurisdiction of more than one Federal Appendix A to part 112.The definitions respective agencies in this rule.It
agency under section 311(j)of the Clean in the MOU are keyed to the delegations complements the other paragraphs in
Water Act."The jurisdiction over a of authority in EO 12777. §112.1(d)(1)that describe facilities
component of a complex is determined Because regulatory jurisdiction is which are not subject to EPA
by the activity occurring at that jurisdiction.Due to the MOU,the
predicated upon the owner's or
component.An activity might at one referenced facilities,equipment,and
operator's activities at the facility,an
time subject a facility to one agency's owner or operator might have questions operations of DOT and DOI in
jurisdiction,and a different activity at concerning that jurisdiction at his §112.1(d)(1)(iii),like the facilities,
the same facility using the same equipment,and operations described in
structure or equipment mi ht subject facility.To clarify regulatory §112.1(d (1 r and(ii),are not subject
g 1 jurisdiction,in Februar 2000 EPA ad ) ) ( ) I
jurisdiction under section
gpyrnuma
agency. described how the two agencies would 311(j)(1)(C)of the Act.They are not
Equipment,operations,and facilities work together to bring their respective subject to EPA jurisdiction either
are subject to DOT jurisdiction when because of their location,in the case of
they are engaged in activities subject to regulations into alignment and, DOI facilities,or because of their
DOT jurisdiction.If those facilities are ultimately,to eliminate overlapping activities,which are strictly
also engaged in activities subject to EPA•
jurisdiction over tanks when possible. transportation-related,in the case of
Recently,DOT informed EPA of a
jurisdiction,such activities would DOT facilities.
subject the equipment,operation,or voluntary initiative to collect EO 12777(56 FR 54757,October 22,
facility to EPA jurisdiction.An example information from industry on breakout 1991)delegates to DOI,DOT,and EPA
of an activity subject to EPA jurisdiction tanks,beginning in December 2001.In various responsibilities identified in
would be the loading or unloading of oil anticipation of receiving the new tank section 311(j)of the CWA.Sections
into a tank truck or railcar.Under an information,DOT is considering 2(b)(3),2(d)(3),and 2(e)(3)of EO 12777
MOU between EPA and DOT(See updating the National Pipeline Mapping assigned to DOI spill prevention and
Appendix A of part 112),transportation- System (NPMS)data standards to reflect control,contingency planning,and
related activities regulated by DOT and the guidelines for tank data equipment inspection activities
non-transportation-related activities submissions.Operators'data associated with offshore facilities.
regulated by EPA are defined.The MOU submissions will include the location of Section 311(a)(11)of the CWA defines
provides that highway vehicles and each tank farm with breakout tanks, the term"offshore facility"to include
railroad cars which are used for the information about each tank,and facilities of any kind located in,on,or
transport of oil in interstate or intrastate information about the accuracy of the under navigable waters of the United
commerce and the equipment and data.The data will be depicted as a States. By using this definition,the
appurtenances related thereto,and geospatial location in a digital file or a traditional DOI role of regulating
equipment used for the fueling of point located on a USGS 1:24,000 facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf
locomotive units,as well as the rights- topographic quad map. was expanded by EO 12777 to include
of-way on which they operate,are In addition to upgrading the NPMS, inland lakes,rivers,streams,and any
considered transportation-related DOT is training its inspectors in tank other inland waters.
activities,subject to DOT jurisdiction. inspection.In the President's Fiscal Under section 2(i)of EO 12777,DOI
Another example of activities that Year 2002 budget request,DOT redelegated,and EPA and DOT
might be considered a complex and expressed its intent to make tanks a accepted,the functions vested in DOI by
therefore subject to both sets of rules is priority in its compliance program, sections 2(b)(3),2(d)(3),and 2(e)(3)of
that of a breakout tank which is used for particularly where the tanks are in the EO.DOI redelegated to EPA the
both transportation and non- sensitive areas.DOT and EPA have responsibility for non-transportation-
transportation purposes.It is the activity agreed to provide cross-training of their related offshore facilities located
to which the tank is put that determines respective personnel.As the two landward of the coastline.To DOT,DOI
jurisdiction.If you are an owner or agencies proceed with tank oversight redelegated responsibility for
operator of a complex,while you may plans,the goal is to ensure that every transportation-related facilities,
not choose which agency will regulate tank is regulated and no tank is subject including pipelines,located landward
your facility,you may choose not to to overlapping regulations from two of the coastline.DOT retained
• engage in activities which would subject agencies. jurisdiction for deepwater ports and the
your facility to the jurisdiction of a Editorial changes and clarifications. associated seaward pipelines.DOI
particular agency if you do not wish to "EPA Administrator"becomes retained jurisdiction over facilities,
comply with that agency's rules. "Administrator of EPA"Another including pipelines,located seaward of
47064 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• the coastline,except for deepwater ports systems that are part of a wastewater piping,underground ancillary
and associated seaward pipelines.For treatment facility regulated under equipment,and containment system.
purposes of the MOU,the term section 307(6)or 402 of the Clean Water Therefore,any of these tank systems
"coastline"means"the line of ordinary Act;equipment or machinery that may be potentially subject to the SPCC
low water along that portion of the coast contains regulated substances for program.
which is in direct contact with the open operational purposes such as hydraulic Definitions.EPA proposed to define
sea and the line marking the seaward lift tanks and electrical equipment an UST as any tank which is completely
limit of inland waters." tanks;and,UST systems whose capacity covered with earth.Part 280 includes a
Section 112.1(0112)—Other Exemptions is 110 gallons or less.Also,part 280 broader definition of underground
does not provide for regulation of USTs storage tanks,and includes partially
Section 112.1(d)(2)(i)—Completely storing animal fats and vegetable oils. buried and bunkered tanks.Partially
Buried Storage Tanks Currently Subject All of these facilities remain potentially buried tanks and bunkered tanks are
to all of the Technical Requirements of subject to the SPCC program. excluded from the definition of
40 CFR PART 280 or State Programs Tanks deferred from compliance with "completely buried tank"in part 112,
Approved under 40 CFR PART 281 part 280 rules.Other facilities with and are considered aboveground storage
Background.Part 280 and approved storage capacity subject to part 280 are tanks(ASTs)for purposes of the rule,as
State programs.In 1991,we proposed to deferred from current compliance with are tanks in vaults.These tanks are not
most of the technical requirements of included in today's exemption because
exempt from the underground storage
capacity of facilities in the SPCC rule that part,including:wastewater compared to completely buried tanks,
the storage capacity of buried treatment tank systems;any UST partially buried and bunkered tanks are
underground storage tanks(USTs) systems containing radioactive material more likely to cause a discharge as
currently subject to all of the technical that are regulated under the Atomic described in§112.1(b).
requirements 40 CFR part 280.We Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et Although most USTs will be exempt
ofproposed this change as§]12.1(d)(2)(i) seq.);any UST system that is part of an from the SPCC rule(see the above
in 1991.We did not at the time include emergency generator system at a nuclear discussion on§112.1(d)(4)),a facility
approved State programs in the proposal he Nuclearwer c rRegulatoryation tCommission y regulated by it must prepare a fact have ility SPCC Plan.Ifpt USTs for
h
because in 1991 few if any States had under 10 CFR part 50,Appendix A; part of your facility is subject to the
such programs.In 40 CFR part 281 airport hydrant fuel distribution rule,you must mark the location and
(published on September 23, 1988 at 53 systems;UST systems with field- contents of all containers,including
FR 37212),EPA established regulations constructed tanks;and,any UST system exempt and non-exempt USTs,on the
whereby a State could receive EPA that stores fuel solely for use by an facility diagram.40 CFR 112.1(d)(4).
• approval for its State program to operate emergency power generator.All of these The rationale for this requirement is to
in lieu of the Federal program.In order facilities remain potentially subject to help response personnel to easily
to obtain EPA program approval under the SPCC program. identify dangers from either fire or
part 281,a State program must Tanks excluded from part 280 UST explosion,or physical impediments
demonstrate that its requirements are no definition.Excluded from the definition during spill response activities.In
less stringent than the corresponding of"underground storage tank"or addition,facility diagrams may be
Federal regulations set forth in part 280, "UST"in part 280 are a: (1)Farm or referred to in the event of design
and that it provides adequate residential tank of 1,100 gallons or less modifications.56 FR 54626.
enforcement of these requirements. capacity used for storing motor fuel for Capacity calculations.To calculate
Thus,we have decided to exempt also noncommercial purposes;(2)tank used the 42,000-gallon threshold which
the storage capacity of USTs subject to for storing heating oil for consumptive subjects a facility operating a
all of the technical requirements of State use on the premises where stored; (3) completely buried tank to the SPCC
UST programs which EPA has septic tank; (4)pipeline facility rule,you may exclude the storage
approved.By January 2000,EPA had (including gathering lines)regulated capacity of any completely buried tank
approved 27 State programs,plus under: (a)the Natural Gas Pipeline currently subject to all of the technical
programs in the District of Columbia Safety Act of 1968(49 U.S.C.App. 1671, requirements of 40 CFR part 280 or of
and Puerto Rico.The rationale for et seq.),(b)the Hazardous Liquid an approved State program under 40
exempting the storage capacity of these Pipeline Safety Act of 1979(49 U.S.C. CFR part 281.Thus we expect you will
facilities from the SPCC regime is App.2001,et seq.),or(c)which is an count few completely buried tanks
because 40 CFR part 280 and the intrastate pipeline facility regulated containing petroleum products in that
approved State programs under 40 CFR under State law comparable to the calculation.You must count the
part 281 provide comparable provisions of the Natural Gas Pipeline capacity of completely buried tanks
environmental protection for the Safety Act of 1968 or the Hazardous containing products which are not
purpose of preventing discharges as Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979;(5) regulated under part 280 or an approved
described in§112.1(b). surface impoundment,pit,pond,or State program under part 281,or which
Facilities with storage capacity not lagoon;(6)storm-water or wastewater are not currently subject to all of its
subject to part 280 or deferred from its collection system;(7)flow-through technical requirements.
provisions. process tank;(8)liquid trap or Permanently closed tanks.In 1991,
Storage capacity not subject to part associated gathering lines directly EPA proposed that the underground
280.Some UST facilities have storage related to oil or gas production and storage capacity of a facility does not
capacity that is not subject to part 280, gathering operations;or,(9)storage tank include the capacity of underground
for example:any UST system holding situated in an underground area(such tanks that are"permanently closed"as
hazardous wastes listed or identified as a basement,cellar,mineworking, defined in§112.2. Under today's rule,
• under Subtitle C of the Solid Waste drift,shaft,or tunnel)if the storage tank you may exclude the capacity of tanks
Disposal Act,or a mixture of such is situated upon or above the surface of that are permanently closed,as defined
hazardous wastes and other regulated the floor.An UST system includes the in §112.2,in completely buried tank
substances;wastewater treatment tank tank itself,connected underground capacity calculations.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47065
• Comments.Completely buried storage protection to the SPCC program.While requirements(found at 40 CFR 280.61),
tanks.Favorable comments. not all aspects of the programs are an owner or operator must take
Commenters overwhelmingly favored identical,the UST program ensures immediate action to prevent further
eliminating dual regulation of ASTs and protection against discharges as release of the regulated substance and
USTs.Most agreed that the UST described in§112.1(b),and protection must identify and mitigate fire,
program provides protection of the environment.Therefore,dual explosion,and vapor hazards.
comparable to the SPCC program. regulation is unnecessary.In response to Reporting and recordkeeping.In
Several argued that all USTs as defined commenters asserting that UST rules addition to the reporting requirements
in part 280,which includes partially lack provisions concerning contingency mentioned above,there are numerous
buried and bunkered tanks,should be planning;emergency response;certain reporting and recordkeeping
exempted.Others argued that tanks recordkeeping requirements;and other requirements in the rules governing
deferred under the UST program should alleged deficiencies,we disagree.The underground storage tanks.Among
be exempted from the SPCC program. UST rules have numerous safeguards these are:corrective action plans;
Another commenter suggested that addressing the commenter's issues. documentation of corrosion protection
piping connecting exempted USTs to Partially buried tanks and bunkered equipment;documentation of UST
regulated ASTs should be exempted tanks.We disagree that partially buried system repairs;and,information
from the SPCC rules.The commenter tanks and bunkered tanks should be concerning recent compliance with
added that if such piping is subject to considered completely buried tanks, release detection requirements.Thus,
leak detection requirements for USTs and therefore excluded from SPCC the UST rules have significant reporting
under 40 CFR part 280,then it should provisions.Such tanks may suffer and recordkeeping requirements,
remain exclusively under UST rules and damage caused by differential corrosion including specific requirements related
be exempted from SPCC rules. of buried and non-buried surfaces to spills and overfills.
Opposing comments. Several greater than completely buried tanks, Transportation rules.In addition to
commenters,however,opposed the which could cause a discharge as the EPA UST rules,the U.S.Department
proposed exemption of USTs from the described in§112.1(b).Such tanks are of Transportation has hazardous
SPCC program.Those commenters also not subject to secondary material regulations related to driver
argued that the SPCC rules are not containment requirements under part training,emergency preparation,and
duplicative.They asserted that UST 280 or a State program approved under incident reporting and emergency
rules lack provisions concerning 40 CFR part 281.There may also be response.Training regulations,for
contingency planning;emergency accidents during loading or unloading example,can be found at 49 CFR part
response;periodic training of personnel operations,or overfills resulting in a 172,and loading and unloading
to deal with emergencies;maintenance discharge to navigable waters and regulations can be found at 49 CFR
• of records regarding inspections and adjoining shorelines.Furthermore,a 177.834 and 49 CFR 177.837.These
tests;maintenance of records regarding failure of such a tank(caused by regulations apply,for example,to truck
discharges to navigable waters or accident or vandalism)would be more drivers delivering gasoline or diesel fuel
adjoining shorelines;diking of fuel likely to cause a discharge as described to gas stations with underground storage
transfer areas;fuel transfer area in§112.1(b). tanks.
operational procedures;illumination of Contingency planning.While it is true Section 112.1(f).Finally,as a
fuel transfer areas;stormwater drainage that UST rules do not require safeguard,today's rule(see§112.1(f)in
system design;posting of vehicle weight contingency planning,spills and today's preamble)provides the Regional
restrictions in areas where there is overfills of USTs resulting in a Administrator with the authority to
underground piping and/or design of discharge to the environment are much require any facility subject to EPA
underground piping to withstand less likely as a result of those rules.An jurisdiction under section 311 of the
vehicular loadings;a requirement for an owner or operator of an underground CWA,regardless of threshold or other
application of"good engineering storage tank subject to 40 CFR part 280 regulatory exemption,to prepare and
practice,"in other words,no or a State program approved under 40 implement an SPCC Plan when
requirements that the design and CFR part 281 was required to install necessary to further the purposes of the
construction of a UST system be spill and overfill prevention equipment Act.
overseen by a Professional Engineer;a no later than December 22,1998.40 Regulatory jurisdiction.To eliminate
requirement that management sign the CFR 280.20 and 280.21.The use of this any possible confusion over regulatory
Plan;and,"other topics enumerated in equipment will greatly reduce the jurisdiction,we explain in this
40 CFR 112.7."One commenter noted likelihood of both small and large preamble(see the above background
that since groundwater becomes surface releases or discharges of petroleum to discussion)which containers in a
water eventually,whether within the environment through surface spills facility are subject to 40 CFR part 280
minutes or months,the absence of or overfilling underground storage or a State program approved under 40
emergency provisions in the UST tanks.In addition,the UST rules place CFR part 281 and which are subject to
program might cause environmental a general responsibility on the owner or part 112.
problems.Another commenter argued operator to ensure that discharges due to Piping, ancillary equipment,and
that the new regulatory scheme would spilling and overfilling do not occur. containment systems.EPA has modified
be confusing because a facility might See 40 CFR 280.30. the scope of the proposed exemption for
have some containers subject to SPCC Emergency response and release completely buried tanks(which are
and some that are not,as well as reporting.The UST rules also have excluded from the scope of the SPCC
containers that may be subject to State several requirements related to rule if they are subject to all of the
regulation. emergency response and release or technical requirements of 40 CFR part
Response to comments. Completely discharge reporting.The UST rules 280 or a State program approved under
buried storage tanks.As we noted generally require that releases of 40 CFR part 281)by clarifying that the
•
above,in the discussion of regulated substances be reported to the exemption includes the connected
§112.1(d)(1)(i),the UST program implementing agency within 24 hours. underground piping,underground
provides comparable environmental As part of the initial response ancillary equipment,and containment
47066 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• systems,in addition to the tank itself. 62 FR 63813.We noted that we were Response to comments.Minimum
This modification is consistent with the considering eliminating the provision in container size.In response to comments,
definition of underground storage tank the current rule that requires a facility we are introducing a minimum
system found at 40 CFR 280.12.In having an aboveground container in container size.The 55 gallon container
addition,this clarification is responsive excess of 660 gallons to prepare an is the most widely used commercial
to the comment which asked that the SPCC Plan,as long as the total bulk container,and these containers are
piping be included in the exemption. aboveground capacity of the facility easily counted.Containers below 55
Deferred tanks.We disagree that we remained at 1,320 gallons or less.The gallons in capacity are typically end-use
should not regulate tanks which are effect of such a change would be to raise consumer containers.Fifty-five gallon
deferred from compliance with any of the threshold for regulation to an containers are also the lowest size bulk
the technical requirements of 40 CFR aboveground storage capacity greater container that can be handled by a
part 280 or a State program approved than 1,320 gallons. human.Containers above that size
under 40 CFR part 281.These are In 1991,EPA also proposed that the typically require equipment for
containers from which a discharge as aboveground storage capacity of a movement and handling.We considered
described in§112.1(b)may occur,and facility does not include the capacity of a minimum container size of one barrel.
thus are properly subject to the SPCC aboveground storage containers that are However,a barrel or 42 gallons is a
rule. Furthermore,if they were not "permanently closed"as defined in common volumetric measurement size
regulated by SPCC rules,they may,in §112.2. for oil,but is not a common container
some instances,not be regulated at all. Comments.Minimum size container. size.Therefore,it would not be
Effect on Facility Response Plan Numerous commenters suggested a de appropriate to institute a 42 gallon
facilities.The exemption for completely minimis size for containers to be used minimum container size.
buried tanks subject to all the technical for AST capacity calculations.Most of You need only count containers of 55
requirements of 40 CFR part 280 or a the suggestions came in the context of gallons or greater in the calculation of
State program approved under 40 CFR the discussion of the proposed the regulatory threshold.You need not
part 281 applies to the calculation of definition of"bulk storage tank." count containers,like pints,quarts,and
storage capacity both for SPCC purposes Suggestions for a minimum size ranged small pails,which have a storage
and for Facility Response Plan(FRP) from over 55 gallons to 25,000 gallons. capacity of less than 55 gallons.Some
purposes because the exemption applies The bulk of the commenters favored SPCC facilities might therefore drop out
to all of part 112.Therefore,a few FRP either a greater than 55-gallon number, of the regulated universe of facilities.
facilities with large capacity completely or a greater than 660-gallon figure. You should note,however,that EPA
buried tanks subject to 40 CFR part 280 Regulatory thresholds.Higher retains authority to require any facility
or a State program approved under 40 threshold.Commenters offered subject to its jurisdiction under section
• CFR part 281 might no longer be numerous threshold levels in both 1991 311(j)of the CWA to prepare and
required to have FRPs.Calculations for and 1997.Suggestions for the regulatory implement an SPCC Plan,or applicable
planning levels for worst case threshold in 1991 ranged from greater part,to carry out the purposes of the
discharges will also be affected. than 1,320 gallons to 120,000 gallons. Act.
However,the Regional Administrator Many commenters,particularly utilities, While some commenters had
retains authority to require the owner or favored thresholds in the 10,000— suggested a higher threshold level,we
operator of any non-transportation- 42,000-gallon range.In 1997,when EPA believe that inclusion of containers of
related onshore facility to prepare and suggested it might consider a greater 55 gallons or greater within the
submit a FRP after considering the than 1,320-gallon threshold,many calculation for the regulatory threshold
factors listed in§112.20(1)(2).See commenters favored that suggestion. is necessary to ensure environmental
§112.20(b)(1). Others urged thresholds ranging up to protection.If we finalized a higher
Editorial changes and clarifications. 15,000 gallons. minimum size,the result in some cases
"Underground storage tanks"becomes Lower threshold.A few commenters would be large amounts of aggregate
"completely buried storage tanks."The suggested lowering the threshold. capacity that would not be counted for
phrase"does not include"becomes Commenters suggested threshold levels SPCC purposes,and would therefore be
"excludes."We have amended the rule of 110 and 250 gallons.The general unregulated,posing a threat to the
to clarify that facilities must be subject rationale for these suggestions was that environment.We believe that it is not
to"all of"the technical requirements of oil spills causing even a sheen can be necessary to apply SPCC or FRP rules
40 CFR part 280 or of a State program devastating.Therefore,these requiring measures like secondary
approved under 40 CFR part 281 to commenters reasoned that sheens from containment,inspections,or integrity
qualify for the SPCC exemption.If a home heating oil tanks of 110 gallons, testing,to containers smaller than 55
facility is subject to some,but not all of i.e.,two 55-gallon drums,are every bit gallons storing oil because a discharge
the UST requirements,it may be subject as important as sheens from crude oil from these containers generally poses a
to the SPCC rule.Facilities in this tanks.An advocate for a lower threshold smaller risk to the environment.
category include those which are noted that manufacturers now sell, Furthermore,compliance with the rules
excluded from UST requirements,or market,and produce fuel containers of for these containers could be extremely
deferred from compliance with some or 650 gallons designed to avoid burdensome for an owner or operator
all of those requirements. compliance with the rule,whether the and could upset manufacturing
Section 112.1(d)(2)(iiJ—AST Threshold, site is adjacent to navigable waterways operations,while providing little or no
or not.The commenter added that most significant increase in protection of
Minimum Container Size,Permanently manufacturers market or sell a"listed" human health or the environment.Many
Closed Tanks tank of 250 gallons,and that under of these smaller containers are
Background.Regulatory thresholds.In current rules,five of these tanks would constantly being emptied,replaced,and
• the 1997 preamble,we asked for not subject a facility to the SPCC rule, relocated so that serious corrosion will
comment as to whether any change in yet the risk would be nearly identical to likely soon be detected and undetected
the level of storage capacity which one larger tank of 1,250 gallons leaks become highly unlikely.While we
subjects a facility to this rule is justified. depending upon the design of the tank. realize that small discharges may harm
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47067
• the environment,depending on where §112.1(b).We encourage those facilities specifically to the facilities subject to
and when the discharge occurs,we exempted from today's rule to maintain MMS requirements.Until October 22,
believe that this measure will allow SPCC Plans. Likewise,we encourage 1991,the date of the 1991 proposed
facilities to concentrate on the facilities becoming operable in the rule,responsibility for the establishment
prevention and containment of future with storage or use capacity of procedures,methods,and equipment
discharges of oil from those sources below the regulatory threshold to and other requirements for equipment to
most likely to present a more significant develop Plans.We believe that SPCC prevent and to contain discharges of oil
risk to human health and the Plans have utility and benefit for both from offshore facilities,including
environment. the facility and the environment.But, associated pipelines,other than
Effect on Facility Response Plan we will no longer by regulation require deepwater ports subject to the
facilities.The exemption for containers Plans from exempted facilities. Deepwater Ports Act,was delegated to
of less than 55 gallons applies to the While we believe that the Federal oil EPA.Under EO 12777(56 FR 54747,
calculations of storage capacity both for program is best focused on larger risks, October 22,1991),responsibility for the
SPCC purposes and for FRP purposes State,local,or tribal governments may establishment of procedures,methods,
because the exemption applies to all of still decide that smaller facilities and equipment and other requirements
part 112.Therefore,a few FRP facilities warrant regulation under their own for equipment to prevent and to contain
might no longer be required to have authorities.In accord with this discharges of oil from offshore facilities,
FRPs.The calculations for planning philosophy,we note that this Federal including associated pipelines,other
levels for worst case discharges would exemption may not relieve all exempted than deepwater ports subject to the
also be affected. facilities from Plan requirements Deepwater Ports Act,was redelegated to
Regulatory thresholds.We have because some States,local,or tribal the U.S.Department of the Interior
decided to raise the current regulatory governments may still require such (DOI).These facilities are generally
threshold,as discussed in the 1997 facilities to have Plans.While we are offshore oil production or exploration
preamble,to an aggregate threshold of aware that some States,local,or tribal facilities.
over 1,320 gallons.We believe that governments have laws or policies
raising the regulatory threshold is allowing them to set requirements no In 1994,in another Memorandum of
justified because our Survey of Oil more stringent than Federal Understanding(MOU)found in
Storage Facilities(published in July requirements,we encourage States, Appendix B of part 112,EPA,DOI,and
1996,and available on our Web site at local,or tribal governments to maintain DOT redelegated the responsibility to
www.epa.govioilspill)points to the or lower regulatory thresholds to regulate non-transportation-related
conclusion that several facility include facilities no longer covered by offshore facilities located in and along
characteristics can affect the chances of Federal rules where their own laws or the Great Lakes,rivers,coastal wetlands,
• a discharge.First,the Survey showed policies allow.We believe that CWA and the Gulf Coast barrier islands from
that as the total storage capacity section 311(o)authorizes States to DOI to EPA.
increases,so does the propensity to establish their own oil spill prevention Because of the redelegation of
discharge,the severity of the discharge, programs which can be more stringent responsibility,some DOI facilities again
and the costs of cleanup.Likewise,the than EPA's program. became subject to the jurisdiction of
Survey also pointed out that as the Regulatory safeguard.When a EPA under section 311(j)(1)(C)of the
number of tanks increases,so does the particular facility that is below today's Act.We added a reference to the MOU
propensity to discharge,the severity of threshold becomes a hazard to the in the rule.
the discharge,and the costs of cleanup. environment because of its practices,or
Finally,the Survey showed that as when needed for other reasons to carry Comments.Most commenters favored
annual throughput increases,so does out the Clean Water Act,the Regional the proposed exemption because they
the propensity to discharge,the severity Administrator may,under a new rule believed that MMS orders,notices,and
of the discharge,and,to a lesser extent, provision,require that facility to regulations require oil spill prevention
the costs of the cleanup. prepare and implement an SPCC Plan. and contingency planning equivalent to
The threshold change will have See§112.1(f).This provision acts as a the environmental protection
several benefits.The threshold increase safeguard to an environmental threat envisioned by EPA's rules.Two
will result in a substantial reduction in from any exempted facility. commenters,both States,opposed the
information collection associated with Editorial changes and clarifications. proposal.One was concerned with
the rule overall.Some smaller facilities The reference to"underground storage MMS' "historic treatment of identified
will no longer have to bear the costs of tanks"was deleted because it is violations."The other suggested that the
an SPCC Plan.EPA will be better able unnecessary.A reference to the more stringent of EPA or MMS
to focus its regulatory oversight on exemption of certain"completely regulations apply.
facilities that pose a greater likelihood buried"storage tanks from the rules is
of a discharge as described in§112.1(b), Ri ned ouse to comments.osaWe have
g contained in§172.1(d)(4). retained our original proposal,except
and a greater potential for injury to the Section 112.1(d)(3)—Minerals for the editorial revision,because we
environment if a discharge as described
in §112.1(b)results. Management Service Facilities believe that MMS will provide
We raise the regulatory threshold Background.In 1991,EPA proposed equivalent environmental protection for
realizing that discharges as described in to exempt from the SPCC rule facilities the facilities under its jurisdiction.
§112.1(6)from small facilities may be subject to Minerals Management Service MMS regulations require adequate spill
harmful,depending on the surrounding (MMS)Operating Orders,notices,and prevention,control,and
environment.Among the factors regulations.The rationale for the 1991
countermeasures that are directed more
remaining to mitigate any potential proposal was to avoid redundancy in specifically to the facilities subject to
• disasters are that small facilities no regulation,based on EPA's analysis that MMS requirements.
longer required to have SPCC Plans are MMS Operating Orders require adequate Editorial changes and clarifications.
still liable for cleanup costs and spill prevention,control,and The term"Operating Orders"becomes
damages from discharges as described in countermeasures that are directed more "regulations."
47068 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Section 112.1(d14)—Completely Buried should be exempted from the rule,if "petroleum,oil,nonbiodegradable
Storage Tanks used exclusively for wastewater cutting oil,or products of mineral oil
Background.This paragraph is a treatment and not used to meet any origin in amounts that will cause
companion paragraph to§112.1(d)(2)(i) other requirement of part 112.We have interference or pass through.40 CFR
for purposes of SPCC exemption.As in therefore amended the rule to reflect 403.5(b)(6).EPA believes that the GPR
§112.1(d)(2)(i),
of we have also exempted that agreement.No longer subject to the and the more specific categorical
connected underground piping, rule would be wastewater treatment pretreatment standards,some of which
underground ancillary equipment,and facilities or parts thereof such as allow indirect dischargers to adopt a
containment systems subject to all of the treatment systems at POTWs and BMP as an alternative way to meet
technical requirements of 280 or a industrial facilities treating oily pretreatment standards,will work to
paState program approved under 40 CFR wastewater. prevent the discharge of oil from
part 281.We also added a clause noting Many of these wastewater treatment wastewater treatment systems into
that exempted tanks facilities or parts thereof are subject to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines
markedthese o the tdt ksmust bes NPDES or state-equivalent permitting by way of a POTW.
provided §112.7(a)(3),facility if diagram facility requirements that involve operating and However,if a wastewater facility or
is otherwise i in subject to the See the maintaining the facility to prevent part thereof is used for the purpose of
is other i above concerning o this part. discharges.40 CFR 122.41(e).The storing oil,then there is no exemption,
d discussion
u s i3 n2)(o NPDES or state-equivalent process and its capacity must be counted as part
ensures review and approval of the of the storage capacity of the facility.
Editorial changes and clarifications. facility's:plans and specifications; Any oil storage capacity associated with
"Underground storage tanks"becomes operation/maintenance manuals and or incidental to these wastewater
"completely buried storage tanks."We procedures;and,Stormwater Pollution treatment facilities or parts thereof
also reference 40 CFR part 281. Prevention Plans,which may include continues to be subject to part 112.At
Section 112.1(d)(5)—Minimum Size Best Management Practice Plans(BMP). permitted wastewater treatment
Exemption Many affected facilities are subject to facilities,storage capacity includes bulk
a BMP prepared under an NPDES storage containers,hydraulic equipment
Background.This is a new section we permit.Some of those plans provide associated with the treatment process,
added in response to comments protections equivalent to SPCC Plans. containers used to store oil which feed
pertaining to the regulatory threshold/ BMPs are additional conditions which an emergency generator associated with
minimum container size issue discussed may supplement effluent limitations in wastewater treatment,and slop tanks or
above.This section clarifies that any NPDES permits.Under section 402(a)(1) other containers used to store oil
aboveground or completely buried of the CWA,BMPs may be imposed resulting from treatment.Some flow
container with capacity of less than 55• when the Administrator determines that through treatment such as oil/water
gallons is not subject to the rule.It is a such conditions are necessary to carry separators have a storage capacity
companion rule to§1]2.1(d)(2)(ii)for out the provisions of the Act. See 40 within the treatment unit itself.This
purposes of SPCC exemption.See the CFR 122.44(k).CWA section 304(e) storage capacity is subject to the rule.
discussion above concerning authorizes EPA to promulgate BMPs as An example of a wastewater treatment
§112.1(d)(2)(ii). effluent limitations guidelines.NPDES unit that functions as storage is a
Section 112.1(3)(6)—Wastewater rules provide for BMPs when: treatment unit that accumulates oil and
Treatment Facility Exemption authorized under section 304(e)of the performs no further treatment,such as
CWA for the control of toxic pollutants a bulk storage container used to separate
Background.In 1991,EPA proposed and hazardous substances;numeric oil and water mixtures,in which oil is
various changes to§112.1(d)concerning limitations are infeasible;or,the stored in the container after removal of
exemptions to part 112,and received practices are reasonably necessary to the water in the separation/treatment
comments on its proposals.Among achieve effluent limitations and process.
those comments was one suggesting an standards to carry out the purposes of We do not consider wastewater
exemption for certain treatment the CWA.In addition,each NPDES or treatment facilities or parts thereof at an
systems. state equivalent permit for a wastewater oil production,oil recovery,or oil
Comments.One commenter suggested treatment system must contain recycling facility to be wastewater
that the"§112.1 exceptions should be operation and maintenance treatment for purposes of this
expanded to include facility storage and requirements to reduce the risk of paragraph.These facilities generally
treatment tanks associated with'non- discharges.40 CFR 122.41(e). lack NPDES or state-equivalent permits
contact cooling water systems'and/or Additionally,some wastewater is and thus lack the protections that such
'storm water retention and treatment pretreated prior to discharge to a permits provide.Production facilities
systems.'Although these tanks are permitted wastewater treatment facility. are normally unmanned and therefore
designed to remove spilled oil from The CWA authorizes EPA to establish lack constant human oversight and
manufacturing operations and parking pretreatment standards for pollutants inspection.Produced water generated
lot runoff,the concentration of oil in the that pass through or interfere with the by the production process normally
water at any given time would be operation of POTWs.The General contains saline water as a contaminant
insignificant.These tanks are typically Pretreatment Regulations(GPR),which in the oil,which might aggravate
very large,i.e.,in excess of 100,000 set for the framework for the environmental conditions in addition to
gallons,and are typically not contained implementation of categorical the toxicity of the oil in the case of a
by diked walls or impervious surfaces. pretreatment standards,are found at 40 discharge.
GM believes the cost to contain these CFR part 403.The GPR prohibit a user Additionally,the goal of an oil
structures could be better spent on other from introducing a pollutant into a production,oil recovery,or oil recycling
• SPCC regulatory requirements." POTW which causes pass through or facility is to maximize the production or
Response to comments.We agree with interference.40 CFR 403.5(a)(I).More recovery of oil,while eliminating
the commenter that certain wastewater specifically,the GPR also prohibit the impurities in the oil,including water,
treatment facilities or parts thereof introduction into of POTW of whereas the goal of a wastewater
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47069
• treatment facility is to purify water. and operation and maintenance wanted copies of the notifications EPA
Neither an oil production facility,nor provisions. would receive,and at least one
an oil recovery or oil recycling facility proposed§112.1(0—Facility
suggested requiring updates.One
treats water,instead they treat oil.For Notification commenter suggested that we gather the
purposes of this exemption,produced information through representative
water is not considered wastewater and Background.In 1991,EPA proposed sampling at on-site surveys.Another
treatment of produced water is not to require that any facility subject to its commenter suggested that we use spill
considered wastewater treatment. jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act reports already submitted because it
Therefore,a facility which stores,treats, which also meets the regulatory storage makes more sense to regulate those
or otherwise uses produced water capacity threshold notify the Agency on facilities whose practices have led to a
remains subject to the rule.At oil a one-time basis of its existence.CWA spill.
drilling,oil production,oil recycling,or section 311(m)provides EPA with the Applicability.Other commenters
oil recovery facilities,treatment units authority to require the owner or criticized the fact that the proposal
subject to the rule include open oil pits operator of a facility subject to section would have been applicable to facilities
or ponds associated with oil production 311 to make reports and provide which were not subject to the SPCC
operations,oil/water separators(gun information to carry out the objectives rule.Their solution was to limit
barrels),and heater/treater units.Open of section 311.Any owner or operator applicability to facilities currently
oil pits or ponds function as another who failed to notify or knowingly regulated under part 132.
form of bulk storage container and are submitted false information in a Terrorism.One commenter suggested
not used for wastewater treatment.Open notification would be subject to a civil that the aggregation of such strategic
oil pits or ponds also pose numerous penalty.This type of notice is separate information in an easily accessed data
environmental risks to birds and other from the notice required at 40 CFR 110.3 base like a facility notification data base
wildlife. of discharges which may be harmful to could provide an intelligence windfall
Examples of wastewater treatment the public health or welfare or the to terrorists and other enemies of our
facilities or parts thereof used to meet a environment.We did not propose any nation.
part 112 requirement include an oil/ changes to the notice requirements in Small facilities.Commenters for small
water separator used to meet any SPCC §110.3. facilities argued that facility notification
requirement.Oil/water separators used We proposed that facility notification would cause a deluge of notifications to
to meet SPCC requirements include oil/ include,among other items,information be sent to EPA with little or no
water separators used as general facility concerning the number,size,storage environmental benefit.Some of these
secondary containment(i.e.,§112.7(c), capacity,and locations of ASTs.The commenters suggested exempting small
secondary containment requirements for proposal would have exempted facilities at various levels of storage
• loading and unloading(i.e.,§112.7(h)). information regarding the number and capacity,for example,42,000 gallons or
and for facility drainage(i.e.,§112.8W) size of completely buried tanks,as 100,000 gallons.
or§112.9W)). defined in§112.2,from the notification Notification time line.In particular,
Whether a wastewater treatment requirement.The rationale for commenters questioned various aspects
facility or part thereof is used notification was that submission of this of the proposal. Many questioned the
exclusively for wastewater treatment information would be needed to help us necessity of providing the information
(i.e.,not storage or other use of oil)or identify our universe of facilities and to within the proposed two months time
used to satisfy a requirement of part 112 help us administer the Oil Pollution frame. Some commenters suggested
will often be a facility specific Prevention Program by creating a data other time periods ranging from "more
determination based on the activity base of facility-specific information.We than two months"to 18 months.
associated with the facility or part also asked for comments regarding the However,the bulk of the commenters
thereof.Only the portion of the facility form on which notification would be favored a six month period for facility
(except at an oil production,oil submitted,and on various possible notification if notification were to be
recovery,or oil recycling facility)used items of information that could be required.Others favored a"phase-in"of
exclusively for wastewater treatment included besides the ones proposed. the requirements.
and not used to meet any part 112 Lastly,we asked for comments on Who must notify.Some commenters
requirement is exempt from part 112. alternate forms of facility notification. asked who must notify,the owner or
Storage or use of oil at such a facility 56 FR 54614-15. operator.They noted that these might be
will continue to be subject to part 112. Comments.Favorable comments.A different persons.One commenter
Although we exempt wastewater number of commenters favored the suggested that the operator of the
treatment facilities or parts thereof from proposal,including some industry facility,the owner of any improvements
the rule under certain circumstances,a commenters.These commenters stated at the facility,and the owner of the land
mixture of wastewater and oil still is that there was generally no current at the facility should be required to
"oil"under the statutory and regulatory procedure whereby EPA can identify the submit facility notification.The
definition of the term (33 U.S.C. universe of sites subject to the SPCC commenter argued that the United
1321(a)(1)and 40 CFR 110.2 and 112.2). rule,and that an inventory of these States government is the landowner
Thus,while we are excluding from the facilities is necessary. most prejudiced by the absence of a
scope of the rule certain wastewater Opposing comments.Most industry requirement of landowner involvement
treatment facilities or parts thereof,a commenters opposed the proposal in the preparation of an SPCC plan
discharge of wastewater containing oil either in part or in its entirety. because an owner or operator can
to navigable waters or adjoining Sources of information.Commenters prepare a minimal SPCC Plan and not
shorelines in a"harmful quantity" (40 who opposed the proposal in its entirety even inform the landowner of it.
CFR part 110)is prohibited.Thus,to asserted that it was unnecessary,largely Location issues.Others questioned the
• avoid such discharges,we would expect because they believed the information proposed requirement for the name,
owners or operators to comply with the sought might be better obtained from address,and zip code of the facility,
applicable permitting requirements, other sources,such as State sources or arguing that provision of such
including best management practices SARA Title III reports.Some States information was not always possible,
47070 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• especially in remote rural areas.Some longitude of the facility;location of impose more stringent standards
noted that drilling rigs move from environmentally sensitive areas and relating to prevention of oil discharges,
location to location as often as every few potable water supplies;presence of or none at all.EPA encourages States to
months.Commenters suggested secondary containment;spill history; set up their own oil pollution
alternatives such as use of longitude and leak detection equipment and alarms; prevention programs because we believe
latitude,or the Universal Transverse age of the tanks;potential for adverse that oil pollution prevention efforts
Mercator system,or a mailing address. weather;and,for field verification should be a joint Federal-State effort.
Storage capacity.A number of purposes,a requirement to have storage Industry standards.Under this rule,a
commenters had concerns about the facilities placarded or similarly facility is required to at least consider
requirement for the total number and identified.Most commenters opposed the use of all relevant measures,
size of ASTs,and the total AST capacity the inclusion of additional items. including the use of industry standards,
of the facility.Commenters noted that Several supported these additions as as a way to implement those measures.
there was no space on the form for well as the addition of other The requirement comes in the language
containers less than 250 gallons.Other information,particularly information of revised§112.3(d)(1)(iii)requiring the
commenters asked if additions to concerning tank materials,methods of PE to attest that"the Plan has been
storage capacity would trigger a new construction(for example,field-or shop- prepared in accordance with good
notification. Some commenters believed erected)and substance stored. engineering practice,including
that storage capacity could be measured Response to comments. Withdrawal of consideration of applicable industry
by SARA Title III information. proposal.We have decided to withdraw standards,and with the requirements of
Distance to navigable waters.The the proposed facility notification this part."A facility should use industry
proposed requirement to detail the requirement because we are still standards whenever possible in
distance to the nearest navigable water considering issues associated with preparing and implementing its SPCC
elicited many comments.Some establishing a paper versus electronic Plan,and should discuss their use in
commenters noted that there was no notification system,including issues Plans.While facility owners or
definition of navigable waters on the related to providing electronic operators should look to specific
form,making it difficult for some signatures on the notification.Should industry standards as a guide for
responders to answer the question. the Agency in the future decide to move preparing SPCC Plans,we do not
Others asserted that making the forward with a facility notification believe that incorporating specific
determination on distance to navigable requirement,we will repropose such standards into this rule is appropriate.
waters was a difficult one due to requirement. Such incorporation freezes standards
litigation concerning the definition of Section 112.1(e)—Proposed as into rules,which may swiftly become
the term.Yet other commenters thought §112.10)—Compliance With Other outdated or obsolete.
• that we should specify a minimum
distance to navigable waters,on the lows Editorial changes and clarifications.
theory that only facilities within a Background.While today's rule is The new introductory language is,"This
certain distance would have a substantially similar to the current one, part establishes requirements for the
reasonable possibility of discharge to EPA suggested in the 1991 preamble preparation and implementation of Spill
such waters. that facility owners consider industry Prevention,Control,and
Classification of facilities.One standards in preparing SPCC Plans. 56 Countermeasure(SPCC)Plans."The
commenter noted that exploration and FR 54617. new language covers all SPCC
production facilities rarely have Dun& Comments.State rules.Several States requirements,both general and specific.
Bradstreet numbers,and that the wrote to ask EPA to be as consistent That language replaces"This part
information received from Dun& with current State rules as possible.One provides for* * *."The phrase"Plans
Bradstreet might be irrelevant for our industry commenter complained that prepared in accordance with§§112.7,
purposes.Regarding the reporting of EPA rules were more stringent than 112.8, 112.9,112.10,and 112.11"was
Standard Industrial Classification codes some State rules.Other industry eliminated because new introductory
(SIC)(now replaced by North American commenters opposed either State or language makes it unnecessary.
Industry Classification System (NAICS) Federal regulation,or both. Section 112.1(f3—Proposed as
codes),commenters asserted that EPA Industry standards.Several §112.1(8)—plans for Exempted
used inaccurate codes,that no codes commenters wrote to urge that EPA Facilities
were listed for edible oil facilities,and incorporate industry standards into the
that the codes listed were misleading in rule,on the theory that if EPA wants to Background.This is a new section,
that they did not cover all possible require these standards,they must be proposed in 1993,that allows the
industries regulated. incorporated into the rule.Others wrote Regional Administrators(RAs)to
Use of oil.Permanently closed to urge the inclusion of specific require preparation of entire an SPCC
containers.Facilities using primarily standards,such as fire codes or steel Plan,or applicable part,by the owner or
oil-filled equipment,not bulk storage tank codes. operator of an otherwise exempted
containers,asked whether they too were Response to comments. State rules. facility,that is subject to the jurisdiction
covered by the notification proposal. Section 311(0)(2)of the CWA of EPA under section 311(j)of the CWA.
Other commenters asked for specifically provides that nothing in The proposal stems from the 1988
clarification as to whether permanently section 311 "shall be construed as Interagency SPCC Task Force and
closed tanks were covered by the preempting any State or political subsequent GAO report,"Inland Oil
proposal. subdivision thereof from imposing any Spills"(GAO/ACED-89-65).
Possible additional items.There were requirements or liability with respect to Comments.Authority.One
numerous comments on various the discharge of oil * * *."We are commenter called the proposal
. additional items for which EPA had aware that Federal rules often set the "arbitrary and capricious"and feared
requested comment,but which were not standard for State rules,and at least set political use of the authority.Some
included in the proposal.Possible a floor for State rules.Under CWA commenters questioned EPA authority
additional items included:latitude and section 311(0)(2),States are free to for the proposal.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47071
• Standard to use authority.One require a partial Plan addressing Section 112.2—Definitions
commenter favored the proposal and secondary containment,for example,to Background.Definitions proposed in
suggested that we look at additional prevent future discharges as described 1993 and 1999,and promulgated in the
physical characteristics of the facility in in§112.1(b). Facility Response Plan rule of 1994 and
order to make a determination to require Partial Plans.We clarify that the RA 2000 are reprinted in the rule for the
the owner or operator to prepare an may require partial Plans to cover convenience of the reader.No
SPCC Plan.Other commenters asserted situations where the preparation of only substantive changes were made to those
that the standards for requiring Plans a partial Plan may be necessary,such as definitions and they are not discussed
need to be specified,or that"good to supplement an existing document further in this preamble,except where
cause"be the standard. other than a Plan or to address a we made editorial changes in today's
Response Plans.One commenter particular environmental threat.The rule.The discussion for those editorial
urged a"vastly abbreviated"version of decision to require a Plan (or partial changes,and for proposed definitions
this section in the event that the Plan)could be based on the presence of that were not already finalized in the
Regional Administrator requires a small environmental concerns not adequately 1994 and 2000 FRP rule,follows.
Appalachian facility to prepare a facility addressed under UST or NPDES
response plan in addition to an SPCC Adverse Weather
Plan,because the"extensive regulations,or due to other relevant
environmental factors.The section may Editorial changes and clarifications.
requirements outlined in the appendices be invoked when the RA determines it We have made slight editorial changes
and attachments have little is necessary to"carry out the purposes to this definition,none of which are
applicability"to a small Appalachian of the Act." substantive.In the first sentence,the
oil field storage facility.The commenter phrase"will be considered"becomes
added that the availability of secondary The decision to require a partial Plan must be considered."In the second
containment at most Appalachian is separate from a decision to require an sentence,the phrase"as appropriate"is
facilities mitigatesof the amendment to a Plan.In one case,the
g many placed in parentheses.
requirements of the complete response assumption is that a Plan doesn't exist;
plan which is directed towards large oil in the other,that an existing Plan needs Alteration
storage tanks. amendment.
g Background.In 1993,we proposed a
Appeals process.Other commenters Response Plans.Section 112.1(f) definition of"alteration"in conjunction
called for an appeals process,and applies only to the total or partial with the proposed rule for ensuring
specification of time frames within preparation of an SPCC Plan.It does not against brittle fracture.We proposed the
which the RA must act. authorize the Regional Administrator to definition of"alteration"to mean"any
Response to comments.Authority. require you to prepare a facility work on a tank or related equipment
EPA believes that it has adequate response plan.We have withdrawn a involving cutting,burning,welding,or
isauthority under section 311 of the CWA proposal(see 1993 proposed heating operations that changes the
to require any facility within its §112.7(d)(1))which would have physical dimensions or configuration of
jurisdiction to prepare a Plan that could required you to prepare a response plan a tank."
because of its location,cause a when your SPCC facility lacked Comments.One commenter suggested
discharge as described in§112.1(b). secondary containment.Therefore,most that we conform the proposed definition
This authority is broad enough to facilities will incur no response of"alteration"with the API 653
encompass the storage or use capacity of planning costs.Instead,if your facility definition,specifically deleting the
any exempted facility within EPA's lacks secondary containment,you must phase"or related equipment."
jurisdiction,regardless of size. prepare a contingency plan following Response to comments.Related
Standard to use authority.RAs may the provisions of 40 CFR part 109,and equipment.We agree with the
invoke this section to carry out the otherwise comply with§112.7(d).As a commenter and will not include the
purposes of the Act on a case-specific result,requirements to prepare a facility term"or related equipment"in the
basis when it is needed to prevent a response plan are contained solely in definition to conform with API Standard
discharge as described in §112.1(b),and
§112.20,and not§112.1(R. 653,which does not include alterations
thus protect the environment.While we
of related equipment as a criterion for
expect to use this section sparingly,it is Appeals process.We agree that an
appealsprocess is appropriate for this brittle fracture evaluation.In the
necessary to address gaps in other preamble to the 1993 proposal,we gave
regulatory regimes that might best be section.Therefore we have added a new P P
remedied by requiring a facility to have paragraph(f)(5)to include such a examples of alteration that included the
an SPCC Plan.Factors the RAs may process,and have provided time frames addition of manways and nozzles
consider in making a determination that for the process.The appeals process is greater than 12-inch nominal pipe size
a facility needs an SPCC Plan include, modeled upon current§112.4(f),which and an increase or decrease in tank shell
osed in 1991 and have height. 58 FR 8843.
but are not limited to,the physical we repro posed P Industry Standards.An industry
characteristics of the facility,the finalized today. standard that may be helpful in
presence of secondary containment,the Editorial changes and clarifications. understanding the definition of
discharge history of the facility,and the We deleted the proposed requirement to "alteration"is API Standard 653,"Tank
proximity of the facility to sensitive "submit"a Plan in paragraph(0(2), Inspection,Repair,Alteration,and
environmental areas such as wetlands, because we only require submission of Reconstruction."
parks,or wildlife refuges.An example Plans in certain circumstances,such as Editorial changes and clarifications.
of the use of this section might be when when there has been a discharge(s)as "Tank"becomes"container."
a facility is exempted from SPCC rules described in§112.1(b)over the
because its storage capacity is below the threshold amount provided for in Breakout tank
• regulatory threshold,but the facility has §112.4(a),and the RA believes that Background.We proposed this
been the cause of repeated discharges as submission of the Plan is necessary.We definition and the definition of"bulk
described in§112.1(b).The RA might do not require Plan submission as a storage tank"in 1991 to clarify the
require an entire Plan,or might only general rule. distinction between facilities regulated
47072 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• by DOT and EPA.Breakout tanks are exclude electrical equipment from the Completely Buried Tank—Proposed as
used mainly to compensate for pressure definition because such equipment is "Underground Storage Tank"
surges or to control and maintain not bulk storage.Other commenters Background.In 1991,we proposed
pressure through pipelines.They are asked for a minimum size to which the adding a definition for"underground
also sometimes used for bulk storage. definition should apply. storage tank."It differed from the
These tanks are frequently in-line,and Response to comments.We agree that Underground Storage Tank(UST)
may be regulated by EPA,DOT,or both. electrical equipment is not bulk storage. program definition in 40 CPR part 280
When a breakout tank is used for both See the above discussion on the because it excluded tanks which are
storage and for pipeline control,it applicability of the rule to electrical and partially buried or bunkered,as well as
becomes in itself a"complex,"and is other operating equipment under some other tanks or containers included
regulated as such.See the discussion on §112.1(b).See also the definition of within the part 280 definition,such as
"complexes"in today's preamble at "bulk storage container"in§112.2.For containers storing certain hazardous
§172.7(d)(])(ii). a discussion of minimum size substances.Partially buried and
Comments.A number of commenters containers to which the rule applies,see bunkered tanks still have a potential to
suggested that EPA adopt the DOT the discussion under§112.1(d)(2)(ii). discharge oil into navigable waters,
definition of breakout tank.Another g g
commenter asked for guidance as to Editorial changes and clarifications. adjoining shorelines,or affecting natural
which agency,DOT or EPA,regulates "Tank"becomes"container"because resources.Therefore,we proposed to
such tanks. "container"is more accurate.Many retain those tanks within our regulatory
Response to comments.On the containers storing oil are not tanks,but jurisdiction,while we proposed to
suggestion of commenters,EPA has provide bulk storage.A bulk storage exclude all completely buried tanks
adopted a modified version of the DOT container may be either aboveground, storing petroleum that are subject to all
definition in 49 CFR 195.2.This partially buried,bunkered,or of the technical requirements of the UST
revision promotes consistency in the completely buried. program (40 CFR part 280 or a State
DOT and EPA definitions to aid the The definition of"bulk storage program approved under 40 CFR part
regulators and regulated community. container"adopted in today's rule 281).
We modified the DOT definition by should not be confused with the Comments. Consistency with the
substituting the word"oil"for definitions of"container"used in definition of underground tanks in 40
"hazardous liquid,"because our rules CFR pan 280.One commenter
9 several fire codes.Sometimes those supported proposal.A number of
apply only to oil.We also use in the codes limit a container to one below a the p p
definition the term"container"rather certain size.See for example,the BOCA commenters thought that the definitions
than just"tank"to cover any type of National Fire Prevention Code,section of underground tanks in parts 112 and
container.This terminology is F-2302.1 (1999)and NFPA 30 section 280 should be consistent.
consistent with other terminology used 1-6(1996).The definition adopted in Vaulted tanks.Commenters divided
in this rule. today's rule is broader than the on whether subterranean vaulted tanks
A breakout tank that is used only to definitions in the codes in that it is not should be considered ASTs or USTs.
relieve surges in an oil pipeline system limited to a particular amount of stora The commenter opposing the treatment
ge
or to receive and store oil transported by capacity. of subterranean vaulted tanks as ASTs
a pipeline for reinjection and continued in the UST definition argued that
transportation by pipeline is subject We also clarify in today's rule that discharges from those tanks pose no
only to DOT jurisdiction.When that oil-filled electrical,operating,or threat to the environment or public
same breakout tank is used for other manufacturing equipment is not a bulk health.
purposes,such as a process tank or as storage container. Response to comments. Consistency
a bulk storage container,it is no longer Bunkered Tank with the definition of underground
solely within the definition of breakout tanks in 40 CFR part 280.We disagree
tank,and may be subject to EPA or other Background.We proposed this that the scope of the part 112 exclusion
jurisdiction with the new use. definition in 1991 to clarify that for underground tanks should be
EPA and DOT also signed a joint bunkered tanks are a subset of partially consistent with the scope of the
memorandum dated February 4,2000, buried tanks,and as such,subject to definition of"underground storage
clarifying regulatory jurisdiction on part 112 as aboveground tanks. tank"in part 280.The programs are
breakout tanks.That memorandum is Comments.One commenter wrote designed for different purposes,
available to the public upon request.It that the definition is"undecipherable therefore,the definitions used will
is also available on our Web site at and should be rewritten."The necessarily differ.To eliminate
http://www.epa.gov/oilspill under the commenter wrote that the definition confusion with the part 280 definition,
"What's New"section. should be,"Bunkered tank means a we have changed the proposed part 112
Bulk Storage Bulk partially buried tank,the portion of definition of"underground storage
g y which lies above grade is covered with tank"to"completely buried tank"in
Storage Tankthis final rule.
earth,sand,gravel,asphalt,or other
Background.Along with"breakoutPart 280 includes within its UST
material."
tank,"we proposed this definition in definition tanks which have a volume
1991 to help clarify the distinctions Response to comments.EPA agrees up to ninety percent above the surface
between facilities regulated by EPA and that the commenter's proposed of the ground,which are considered
those regulated by DOT.The proposed definition is clearer,and we have used aboveground tanks for part 112
definition was originally for"bulk it with slight editorial changes. purposes.Part 280 also regulates
storage tank."As explained below,we Editorial changes and clarifications. underground storage tanks containing
changed the definition to"bulk storage We added a sentence to the definition hazardous substances,while the SPCC
container." noting that bunkered tanks are a subset program regulates only facilities storing
Comments.Many electric utility of aboveground storage containers for or using oil as defined in CWA section
commenters urged that EPA explicitly purposes of this part. 311.The SPCC program regulates
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47073
• facilities with relatively large accord with the coverings noted in the (NPDES)discharges.The rationale was
completely buried storage capacity, definition of"bunkered tank."In the that any potential environmental
while the bulk of facilities regulated second sentence,the word impacts of these discharges have been
under part 280 are small capacity "subterranean"was deleted from considered in the issuance of a facility's
facilities such as gasoline filling "subterranean vaults"because all NPDES permit and there is no reason to
stations.The SPCC program also vaulted tanks,whether subterranean or subject such facilities to dual regulation.
regulates other types of containers and aboveground,are counted as Response to comments.A discharge
facilities which part 280 excludes,such aboveground tanks for purposes of this includes,but is not limited to,any
as:tanks used for storing heating oil for rule. "spilling,leaking,pumping,pouring,
consumptive use on the premises where Contiguous Zone emitting,emptying,or dumping,"of oil.
stored;certain pipeline complexes A discharge as described in§112.1(b)
where oil is stored;and,oil-water Background.The definition of need not reach the level of an imminent
separators. "contiguous zone"was proposed in danger to affected lands,waters,or
Vaulted tanks.Aboveground vaulted 1991 to conform with 1978 amendments resources to be a discharge.It includes
tanks are clearly ASTs.While to the CWA,and the 1990 amendments any spilling,leaking,pumping,pouring,
subterranean vaulted tanks may be to the National Oil and Hazardous emitting,emptying,or dumping of any
completely below grade,they may not Substances Pollution Contingency Plan amount of oil no matter where it occurs.
be completely covered with earth. (NCP)dealing with the scope of It may not be a reportable discharge
Because of their design,they pose a discharges.EPA received no substantive under 40 CFR part 110 if oil never
threat of discharge into the comments.Thus,we have finalized the escapes the secondary containment at
environment,and are thus excluded proposed definition. the facility and is promptly cleaned up.
from our definition of completely buried The contiguous zone is the area that If the discharge escapes secondary
tank.Subterranean vaulted tanks are extends nine miles seaward from the containment,it may become a discharge
also excluded from the part 280 UST outer limit of the territorial sea.A as described in§112.1(b),and if that
definition of underground tank if the presidential proclamation of December happens,the discharge must then be
storage tank is situated upon or above 17,1988(No.5928,54 FR 777,January reported to the National Response
the surface of the floor in an 9,1989)extended the territorial seas of Center.
underground are providing enough. the United States to 12 nautical miles Foreseeable or chronic point source
space for physical inspection of the from the baselines of the United States discharges that are permitted under
exterior of the tank.Therefore,if as determined in accordance with section 402 of the CWA,and that are
subterranean tanks were excluded from international law.However,the either due to causes associated with the
our definition of completely buried proclamation provided that nothing manufacturing or other commercial
• tank,they would likely not be regulated therein"extends or otherwise alters activities in which the discharger is
at all,and thereby be likely to pose a existing federal or state law or any engaged or due to the operation of the
greater threat to the environment. jurisdiction,rights,legal interests,or treatment facilities required by the
Other completely buried tanks obligations derived therefrom * * NPDES permit,are to be regulated under
excluded from the part 280 UST Contract or Other Approved Means
* the NPDES program.Other oil
definition.Tanks in underground rooms ppdischarges in reportable quantities are
or above the floor surface,or in other Editorial changes and clarifications. subject to the requirements of section
underground areas such as basements, We corrected the title of the definition 311 of the CWA.Such spills or
cellars,mine workings,drifts,shafts,or to read"contract or other approved discharges are governed by section 311
tunnels are also not considered USTs for means,"in place of"contract or other even where the discharger holds a valid
purposes of the part 280 definition.The approved."We also changed some and effective NPDES permit under CWA
purpose of the part 112 definition is to plural references to singular ones. section 402.Therefore,a discharge of oil
clarify that these are tanks that are Discharge to a publicly owned treatment work
technically underground but that,in a (POTW)would not be a discharge under
practical sense,are no different from Background.The 1991 proposed the§112.2 definition if the discharge is
aboveground tanks.They are situated so changes to the definition of"discharge" in compliance with the provisions of the
that,to the same extent as tanks reflected changes to the statutory permit;or resulted from a circumstance
aboveground,physical inspection for definition in the 1978 amendments to identified and reviewed and made a part
leaks is possible.Also,some of these the CWA.For clarity,the words"of oil" of the public record with respect to a
tanks are designed such that in case of were added in the first sentence because permit issued or modified under section
a discharge,oil would escape to the definition applies only to discharges 402;or if it were a continuous or
navigable waters or adjoining of oil. anticipated intermittent discharge from
shorelines,a result which our program Comments.One commenter asked for a point source,identified in a permit or
seeks to prevent. a clarification of the term "discharge." permit application under section 402,
Editorial changes and clarifications. The commenter asked whether a drop of which is caused by events occurring
The words"completely below grade and diesel fuel that fell onto the outside within the scope of relevant operating or
* *"were added to the first sentence casing of a tank during refilling would treatment systems. 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2);
of the definition.The purpose of that be considered a"discharge,"even if the 40 CFR 117.12.Otherwise,the discharge
revision was to distinguish completely oil did not reach the ground.Other is subject to the provisions of section
buried tanks from partially buried and commenters recommended that the 311 of the CWA as well as the
bunkered tanks,which break the grade definition include at least an imminent unpermitted discharge prohibition of
of the land,but are not completely danger that the spilled material would section 301(a)of the CWA. 33 U.S.C.
below grade.We further clarify that reach a navigable waterway.Another 1311(a).
• such tanks may be covered not only commenter asked EPA to exempt from Editorial changes and clarifications.
with earth,but with sand,gravel, the definition those discharges regulated We have revised the citation for the
asphalt,or other material.The under the CWA,such as National River and Harbor Act of 1899 so that it
clarification brings the definition into Pollutant Discharge Elimination System refers only to the U.S.Code,and have
47074 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• deleted the reference to the Statutes at types of activities being carried on at the practice,double-walled piping is the
Large. facility. appropriate method of secondary
Electrical or operational equipment. containment according to good
Facility We disagree with commenters who engineering practice.In determining
Background.Because we regulate maintained that electrical equipment whether to install double-walled piping
facilities in the SPCC rule,we proposed "using"oil as opposed to"storing"it versus an alternative method of
a definition of"facility"in 1991.It is should not fall within the definition of secondary containment,you could
based on the Memorandum of "facility"in part 112.Section consider such factors as the additional
Understanding(MOU)between the 311(j)(1)(C)of the CWA,which effectiveness of double-walled piping in
Secretary of DOT and the EPA authorizes EPA to promulgate the SPCC preventing discharges,the technical
Administrator,dated November 24, rule,does not distinguish between the aspects of cathodically protecting any
1971 (36 FR 24080).A discussion of the storage and the usage of oil.The section buried double-walled piping system,the
types of facilities covered is found in simply authorizes EPA,as delegated by cost of installing double-walled pipe,
Appendix A to this rule. the President,to establish and the potential fire and safety hazards
"requirements to prevent discharges of of double-walled pipes.Earthen or
Comments.Facility boundaries.One
commenter asked for clarification as to oil * * * from onshore and offshore natural structures may be acceptable if
whether the facility is the petroleum facilities,and to contain such discharges they contain and prevent discharges as
storage site or a single tank at the site. * * ."33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(1)(C).Nor do described in§112.1(b),including
Electrical or operational equipment. the definitions of"onshore facility"or containment that prevents discharge of
Utility commenters argued that "offshore facility"in sections 311(a)(10) oil through groundwater that might
electrical equipment is not a facility of the CWA distinguish between the use cause a discharge as described in
because no oil is being stored in the or storage of oil.Although the definition §112.1(b).What is practical for one
equipment. of"facility"in section 1001(9)of the facility,however,might not work for
Buried pipelines,gathering lines, OPA is limited by the"purpose"of the another.
flowlines,waste treatment equipment. facility,no such limitation appears in Mobile or fixed facilities.Either
One commenter urged that buried CWA section 311.Moreover,EPA mobile or fixed equipment might be the
pipelines at mining sites should be believes that although much of the source of a discharge as described in
excluded from the definition because electrical equipment may arguably §112.1(b),and therefore both are
such pipelines are often put in place "use"oil,in effect the oil is"stored"in included within the definition of
without recording their location.The the equipment because it remains in the "facility."Section 112.3(c)of this rule
equipment for such long time frames. already provides that it is not necessary
commenter added that typically the
lines are emptied and abandoned as part We added language to the definition to to amend your Plan each time a mobile
• of final reclamation.Other commenters clarify that such types of equipment are facility moves to a new site.
urged the exclusion of gathering lines facilities subject to the SPCC rule Editorial changes and clarifications.
and Bowlines from the definition whether they are storing or using oil. In the first sentence we added the words
because of the cost of providing Therefore,we revised the definition to "oil gathering,oil processing,oil
secondary containment and contingency include the words"or in which oil is transfer,oil distribution"to the list of
used."However,we note that a facility activities listed.The added activities
planning for such]fines.Another
commenter protested the inclusion of which contains only electrical track the activities listed in§112.1W).
waste treatment as a possible activity equipment is not a bulk storage facility. We also clarify that a vessel or a public
Buried pipelines,gathering lines, vessel is not a facility or part of a
covered under the definition,and fiowlines, waste treatment equipment. facility.We deleted the word"may"in
therefore the rule. Buried pipelines that carry oil at mining the second sentence of the definition
Mobile or fixed facilities.One sites are part of a facility unless they are regarding site-specific factors of facility
commenter urged that mobile permanently closed as defined in
undant
equipment be excluded from the P y with the
iinces,beconso it is wreords,
definition because the commenter §be the source ce of a isch may otherwise "i the fig u t no lif the word",
believed that the SPCC Plan would in the .1W). Li a wdis e,the as described "including,but not limited to."
in§112.1(6). Likewise,the same
otherwise have to be amended each time rationale applies to gathering lines and Fish and Wildlife and Sensitive
the mobile equipment is moved. Bowlines,and waste treatment Environments
Response to Comments.Facility equipment.Note that any facility or part Editorial changes and clarifications.
boundaries.A facility includes any thereof used exclusively for wastewater We made four editorial changes.We
building,structure,installation, treatment and not to satisfy any part 112 deleted the word"either"in the first
equipment,pipe or pipeline in oil well requirement is exempted from the rule. sentence because it is unnecessary.
drilling operations,oil production,oil The production,recovery,or recycling "Endangered/threatened species"
refining,oil storage,and waste of oil is not considered wastewater becomes"endangered or threatened
treatment,or in which oil is used at a treatment for purposes of the rule.See species."We also deleted the colon in
site,whether it is mobile or fixed.It may §112.1(d)(6). the last sentence because it is
also include power rights of way While such gathering lines,Bowlines, unnecessary."Discharges of oil"
connected to the facility.The extent of and waste treatment equipment are becomes"discharges."
the facility will vary according to the subject to secondary containment
circumstances of the site.It may be as requirements,the appropriate method of Maximum Extent Practicable
small as a single container or as large as secondary containment is an Editorial changes and clarifications.
all of the structures and buildings on a engineering question.Double-walled In the first sentence the phrase"the
site.Some specific factors to use in piping may he an option,but is not limitations used to determine"becomes
ipdetermining the extent of a facility may required by these rules.The owner or "within the limitations used to
be the ownership or operation of those operator and Professional Engineer determine."In the beginning of second
buildings,structures,equipment, certifying the Plan should consider sentence,"It considers * * ."becomes
installations,pipes or pipelines,or the whether pursuant to good engineering "It includes*
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47075
• Navigable Waters different purposes,and merely because (3)other non-petroleum oils and
Background.We proposed a revision an activity or function is regulated for greases.Animal fats include fats,oils,
of the definition of"navigable waters" one purpose(for example,NPDES)does and greases of animal origin(for
in 1991.The rationale was to have the not mean that regulation for another example,lard and tallow),fish(for
part 112 definition track the definition purpose is redundant.The purpose of a example,cod liver oil),or marine
of"navigable waters"in 40 CFR part permit discharge system is waste mammal origin (for example,whale oil).
110,which deals with the discharge of treatment and management.The Vegetable oils include oils of vegetable
oil purpose of the SPCC rule is oil pollution origin,including oils from seeds,nuts,
Comments.Clarification of the prevention. fruits,and kernels.Examples of
meaning of navigable waters,maps.A Offshore Facility vegetable oils include:corn oil,
number of commenters asked for a rapeseed oil,coconut oil,palm oil,soy
clarification of the definition of Background.EPA proposed in 1991 to bean oil,sunflower seed oil,cottonseed
revise the definition of"offshore oil,and peanut oil.Other non-
navigable waters because of the facility"to conform with the CWA and petroleum oils and greases include coal
difficulty of determining which waters
fall within the definition.Some asked NCP definitions. tar,creosote,silicon fluids,pine oil,
for EPA maps to aid in this Comments.EPA or DOI jurisdiction. turpentine,and tall oils.Petroleum oils
One commenter noted that if the include crude and refined petroleum
determination. definition of offshore facility is taken in products,asphalt,gasoline,fuel oils,
Navigability,legal authority.Other context with the definition of navigable mineral oils,naphtha,sludge,oil refuse,
commenters believed that the definition waters,then many facilities traditionally and oil mixed with wastes other than
related to navigability.Some thought subject to EPA jurisdiction would dredged spoil.
the definition was legally unsupportable become subject to DOI authority. EORRA requires that Federal agencies
because it is so broad.One commenter CWA definition.Another commenter establish separate classes for at least
suggested that the term be limited to suggested that the EPA definition these three types of oils.It further
unobstructed streams that free flow at should instead be that contained in requires agencies to differentiate
least fourteen consecutive days per year. CWA section 311(a)(11). between those classes of oil in relation
Wetlands.Another commenter Response to comments.EPA or DOI to their environmental effects,and their
believed that the definition should not jurisdiction.The 1994 Memorandum of physical,chemical,biological,and other
apply to wetlands because SPCC Understanding between DOI,DOT,and characteristics.EPA has provided new
protections are not needed when EPA addresses the jurisdictional issue to subparts within part 112 to facilitate
wetlands are regulated under a permit which the commenter refers, differentiation between the categories of
program. transferring to EPA those non- oil listed in EORRA.In an advance
• Response to comments. Clarification transportation-related offshore facilities notice of proposed rulemaking,
of the meaning of navigable waters, landward of the coastline. published on April 8, 1999(64 FR
maps.In this definition,we clarify what CWA definition.EPA agrees with the 17227),we requested ideas on how to
we mean by navigable waters by commenter urging that the EPA differentiate among the SPCC
describing the characteristics of definition track the statutory definition. requirements for facilities storing or
navigable waters and by listing The part 112 definition,except for using the various categories of oil.These
examples of navigable waters.We also minor editorial changes,is identical to ideas for further differentiation will be
note in the definition that certain waste the CWA definition.There is no considered in a future rulemaking.
treatment systems are not navigable difference between the substance of the Today's amendments to the definition
waters. part 112 definition and the CWA and the creation of subparts have no
We are unable to provide a map to definition. effect on information collection,because
identify all navigable waters because not Editorial changes and clarifications. we already include all types of oil in our
all such waters have been identified on Permanently moored vessels and other information collection burden
a map.However,the rule provides former transportation equipment.We calculations.Similarly,the definition
guidelines as to where such waters may also note that barges which store oil, imposes no new requirements,because
be found. and have been determined by the Coast all oils have always been subject to the
Navigability,legal authority. Guard to be permanently moored,are no substantive requirements of the rule.
Navigable waters are not only waters on longer vessels,but storage containers Comments. What is oil.Several
which a craft may be sailed.Navigable that are part of an offshore facility. commenters favored the proposed 1991
waters include all waters with a past, Likewise,a container,whether onshore definition,which is identical to the
present,or possible future use in or offshore,which was formerly used for current definition.Some asked for
interstate or foreign commerce, transportation,such as a truck or clarification as to its scope,particularly
including all waters subject to the ebb railroad car,which now is used to store in reference to animal and vegetable
and flow of the tide.Navigable waters oil,is no longer used for a oils,synthetic oils,mineral oils,and
also include intrastate waters which transportation purpose,and is a bulk petroleum derivatives.
could affect interstate or foreign storage container. Specific substances.Others asked
commerce.The case law supports a Oil about specific substances like aromatic
broad definition of navigable waters, hydrocarbons and asphaltic cement.
such as the one published today,and Background.In 1991,EPA reprinted One commenter asked if bilge water is
that definition does not necessarily the definition of oil without suggesting oil.
depend on navigability in fact. any changes.In response to Edible Oil Authority.Some commenters
Wetlands.We disagree that SPCC Regulatory Reform Act(EORRA)of 1995 suggested that EPA's authority did not
regulation of wetlands is redundant. (33 U.S.C. 2720)requirements,we have extend beyond petroleum-based oils.
• The definition includes wetlands,as reworded the definition to include the Exclusions.Some commenters sought
defined in§112.2 and discussed below, categories of oil included in EORRA. exclusions from the definition,generally
because wetlands are waters of the Those categories are:(1)Petroleum oils, based on contentions that certain oils
United States.Different programs serve (2)animal fats and vegetable oils;and, (such as vegetable oils)are not harmful
47076 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• to the environment if discharged.One facilities storing or using different types Oils can foul shorelines and beaches.
commenter suggested a definition based of oil. Oil discharges can create rancid odors.
on the liquidity of oil,founded on a Exclusions.While States may choose Rancid odors may cause both health
rationale that solid or gaseous oils do to regulate all oils or some oils,the impacts and environmental impacts.For
not pose a threat to waters of the United CWA definition is designed to prevent example,the 1991 Wisconsin Butter
States when discharged at a fixed the discharge of all oils. Fire and Spill resulted in a discharge of
facility.Another commenter urged that A definition based on liquidity would melted butter and lard.After the
we exempt refined petroleum products exclude solid oils,such as certain cleanup was largely completed,the
from the definition because releases animal fats,a result that would be Wisconsin Department of Natural
from many of these products are inconsistent with Congressional intent. Resources declared as hazardous
regulated by other statutes,such as the Concerning gaseous oils,see our substances the thousands of gallons of
Solid Waste Disposal Act.One State discussion on Highly volatile liquids melted butter that ran offsite and the
commenter noted that animal and below. mountain of damaged and charred meat
vegetable oils are not subject to While releases or discharges of some products spoiling in the hot sun and
regulation under that State's statutes refined petroleum products may be creating objectionable odors.The
regulating oil. regulated under the Solid Waste Wisconsin DNR stated that these
Oil mixed with wastes or hazardous Disposal Act as waste products,that products posed an imminent threat to
substances.Others asked for program is dedicated more to waste human health and the environment.62
clarification as to whether mixed management,and does not regulate FR 54526.
substances,used oil,and waste oils storage of non-waste oil. Highly volatile liquids.We do not
were oil. All oils,including animal fats and consider highly volatile liquids that
Part 280 definition.One commenter vegetable oils,can harm the volatilize on contact with air or water,
noted the difference in definitions environment in many ways.Oil can coat such as liquid natural gas,or liquid
between the part 112 definition and the the feathers of birds,the fur of mammals petroleum gas,to be oil. Such
definition in 40 CFR part 280. and cause drowning and hypothermia substances do not violate applicable
Response to comments. What is oil. and increased vulnerability to starvation water quality standards,do not cause a
EPA interprets the definition of oil to and predators from lack of mobility. reportable film or sheen or discoloration
include all types of oil,in whatever Oils can act on the epithelial tissue of upon the surface of water or adjoining
form,solid or liquid.That includes fish,accumulate on gills,and prevent shorelines,do not cause a sludge or
synthetic oils,mineral oils,vegetable respiration.The oil coating of surface emulsion to be deposited beneath the
oils,animal fats,petroleum derivatives, waters can interfere with natural surface of the water or upon adjoining
etc. processes,oxygen diffusion/reaeration shorelines,and are not removable.
• Specific substances.As to certain and photosynthesis.Organisms and Therefore,there would be no reportable
specific substances,asphaltic cement is algae coated with oil may settle to the discharge as described in 40 CFR 110.3.
oil because it is a petroleum-based bottom with suspended solids along Oil mixed with wastes or hazardous
product and exhibits oil-like with other oily substances that can substances.Oil means oil of any kind or
characteristics.A discharge of asphaltic destroy benthic organisms and interfere in any form,including,but not limited
cement may violate applicable water with spawning areas. to:fats,oils,or greases of animal,fish,
quality standards,or cause a film or Oils can increase biological or or marine mammal origin;vegetable
sheen or discoloration of the water or chemical oxygen demand and deplete oils,including oils from seeds,nuts,
adjoining shorelines or cause a sludge or the water of oxygen sufficiently to kill fruits,or kernels;and,other oils and
emulsion to be deposited beneath the fish and other aquatic organisms.
surface of the water or upon adjoining Oils can cause starvation of fish and greases,including petroleum,fuel oil,
shorelines.Aromatic hydrocarbons may wildlife by coating food and depleting sludge,synthetic oils,mineral oils,oil
or may not be oil,depending on their the food supply.Animals that ingest refuse,or oil mixed with wastes other
physical characteristics and large amounts of oil through than dredged spoil.
environmental effects.Some aromatic contaminated food or preening Part 280 definition.The definition of
hydrocarbons are hazardous substances. themselves may die as a result of the petroleum in 40 CFR part 280 is a subset
Bilge water that contains sufficient oil ingested oil.Animals can also starve of the part 112 definition of"oil."The
such that its discharge would violate the because of increased energy demands part 112 definition of oil is broader than
standards set out in 40 CFR 110.3 is needed to maintain body temperature the part 280 definition of
to petroleum
considered oil.The percentage of oil when they are coated with oil. because rea 112 regulates all types of
concentration in the water is not Oils can exert a direct toxic action on oils,whereas part 280 regulates only
determinative for the purpose of the fish,wildlife,or their food supply.Oils petroleum.
definition or the discharge standards. can taint the flavor of fish for human Oil drilling,production,or workover
Authority.We disagree that our consumption and cause intestinal facilities(offshore)
authority only extends to petroleum- lesions in fish from laxative properties. Background.See the definition of
based oils. Our interpretation is Tainted flavor of fish used for human "production facility,"into which this
consistent with Congressional intent as consumption and the causation of definition has been merged.
expressed in section 311(a)(1)of the rancid odors are public health or
CWA,which extends to all types of oils welfare concerns within the scope of Oil Production Facilities(Onshore)
in any form.EPA's definition tracks that our rules.Tainted flavor of fish used for Background.See the definition of
statutory definition.Our revised human consumption may indicate a "production facility,"into which this
definition also reflects EORRA disease in the fish which could render definition has been merged.
requirements for differentiation.EORRA them inedible and thus have a
did not expand or contract the universe substantial impact on the fishermen• Onshore Facility
of substances that are oils,it only required differentiation,when who harvest them and communities Background.As proposed,we deleted
who may rely on them for a food as unnecessary surplus the reference to
necessary,between the requirements for supply. the facility not being transportation-
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47077
• related.There were no substantive which are no longer capable of storing container is permanently closed and no
comments. or using oil. longer used for the storage of oil.
In permanently closed containers and Containers that are only closed
Partially Buried Tank
facilities,physical changes have been temporarily may be returned to storage
Background.In 1991,EPA proposed made so that storage capacity or use is purposes and thus may present a threat
the definition of"partially buried tank" rendered impossible.Therefore,the of discharge.Therefore,they will
to clarify the distinction between definition describes those changes continue to be subject to the rule.
partially buried tanks and underground which must have occurred before a Waste disposal.Reference to waste
storage tanks.We have renamed container or facility is"permanently disposal in accordance with Federal and
underground tanks in this rule as closed." State rules in proposed§112.2(o)(1)was
"completely buried tanks,"i.e.,those Comments.In general.Several deleted as unnecessary surplus.EPA
tanks completely covered with earth. commenters favored the proposed agrees that other programs adequately
Partially buried tanks are subject to the definition.Others opposed it as handle waste disposal.
SPCC rule the same as aboveground unnecessary,believing that"if a tank is Non-oil products.Containers that
containers. not used for the storage of oil,it simply store products other than oil and never
Comments.One commenter wrote is not subject to the provisions of the store oil,are not subject to the SPCC
that the definition as proposed was SPCC regulations."Finally,several
"undecipherable"and should be commenters suggested that the rule whether they are o "permanently
rewritten.That commenter suggested definition specifically exclude closed"ontai as defined ome e not.to If the
containers sometimes store oil and
another definition for clarity.Two other temporarily closed tanks. sometimes store non-oil products,they
commenters suggested that we adopt the Waste disposal.Several commenters are subject to the rule.
part 280 UST definition for partially urged that the part of the proposal that Connecting lines.We agree with the
buried tank,which includes any tank dealt with waste disposal be deleted cammenter's assumed definition of
system such as tank and piping which because waste disposal is already connecting lines.Connecting lines that
has a volume of 10 percent or more covered under other programs and have been emptied of oil,and have been
beneath the surface of the ground. should not be a concern of spill disconnected and blanked off,are
Response to comments.We agree that prevention unless flowable oil is part of
the definition could be clearer and have the waste. considered permanently closed.
clarified it.We decline to adopt the part Non-oil products.One commenter Explosive vapors.We deleted
280 UST definition(at 40 CFR 280.12) asked for clarification that a container proposed§112.2(o)(2)on the suggestion
and to classify partially buried tanks as which is no longer used for oil but is of commenters that references to
completely buried tanks,because they used for some non-oil product be explosive vapors are an OSHA matter
are not.The UST definition might also considered permanently closed. and inappropriate for EPA rules.We
exclude some tanks or containers which Connecting lines.Another commenter modified proposed§112.2(o)(3)to
would be covered by the SPCC asked for clarification as to the meaning eliminate the reference to signs warning
definition.The UST definition includes of connecting lines.The commenter that"vapors above the LEL are not
tanks whose volume(including the assumed that connecting lines means present,"because the operator cannot
volume of underground pipes connected the sections of pipe that run between guarantee that warning remains correct.
thereto)are 10 percent or more beneath the tank and the nearest block valve. To help prevent a buildup of explosive
the surface of the ground.The SPCC Explosive vapors.Numerous vapors,we have revised the definition
definition of"partially buried tank" commenters urged that EPA delete any to provide that ventilation valves need
contains no volume percentage and rules dealing with explosive vapors on not be closed.We agree with
applies to any tank that is partially the theory that such vapors are commenters that a sign might be
inserted or constructed in the ground, regulated by the Occupational Health misleading and dangerous.
but not entirely below grade,and not and Safety Administration(OSHA) Retroactivity.We believe that
completely covered with earth. program and other programs.Many of containers that have been permanently
Editorial changes and clarifications. these same commenters suggested that closed according to the standards
We clarify that partially buried tanks placing a sign on a tank indicating that prescribed in the rule qualify for the
may be covered not only with earth,but it has been freed of gas is not a good designation of"permanently closed,"
with sand,gravel,asphalt,or other safety practice because gas might whether they have been closed before or
material.The clarification brings the subsequently build up within the tank after the effective date of the rule.
definition into accord with the with catastrophic results. Containers that cannot meet the
coverings noted in the definition of Retroactivity.Several commenters standards prescribed in the rule will not
"bunkered tank."We added a sentence suggested that the requirements for a qualify as permanently closed.We
to the definition noting that partially tank to be permanently closed should disagree that the cost of such closure is
buried tanks are considered not be applied retroactively to tanks prohibitive.We have simplified the
aboveground storage containers for previously removed from service.The proposal and deleted the proposed
purposes of this part. rationale was that the cost would be requirement to render the tank free of
prohibitive,although commenters did explosive vapor.Therefore,costs are
Permanently Closed
not provide specific cost estimates,and lower.To clarify when a container has
Background.EPA proposed a that it might cause confusion as to been closed,we have amended the rule
definition of"permanently closed"in which tanks would have to be included to require that the sign noting closure
1991 to clarify the scope of facilities and in facility capacity calculations.These show the date of such closure.The date
tanks or containers excluded from commenters also asserted that such of such closure must be noted whether
coverage under the SPCC rule. tanks have been abandoned and empty, it occurred before or after the effective
• Permanently closed containers are those sometimes for many years,and pose no date of this provision.Some States and
containers which are no longer capable threat of discharge. localities require a permit for tank
of storing or using oil.Permanently Response to comments.In general.A closure.A document noting a State
closed facilities are those facilities definition is necessary to clarify when a closure inspection may serve as
47078 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• evidence of container closure if it is navigable waters is not practicable for quick availability of response
dated. flowlines and gathering lines. equipment.
Industry standards.Industry Wells and separators.Other DOT definition.We changed the
standards that may be useful to effect commenters also argued for the proposed definition to be more
the permanent closure of containers or exemption of wells and separators. consistent with the DOT definition,
facilities include:(1)National Fire DOT definition.Another commenter found at 49 CFR 195.2,in response to
Protection Association (NFPA)30, urged consistency between the proposed a commenter who urged consistency in
"Flammable and Combustible Liquids EPA definition and the DOT definition EPA and DOT definitions.We added the
Code";(2)Building Officials and Code found at 49 CFR 195.2. uses of the piping and equipment
Administrators International(BOCA), Single oil or gas field,single operator. detailed in DOT rule to our proposal,for
"National Fire Prevention Code";(3) One commenter asserted that the example,"production,extraction,
American Petroleum Institute(API) inclusion of the phrases"in a single oil recovery,lifting,stabilization,
Standard 2015,"Safe Entry and or gas field"and"operated by a single separation,or treating"of oil.The terms
Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks"; operator"in the definition is "separation equipment,"used in the
and,(4)API Recommended Practice confounding.The commenter urged that proposed definition of"oil production
1604,"Removal and Disposal of Used the producing segment of the industry facilities(onshore)",and"workover
Underground Petroleum Storage needs to be able to combine facilities equipment,"used in the proposed
Tanks." into one SPCC Plan with an definition of"oil drilling,production,or
Editorial changes and clarifications. identification of the wells to which that workover facilities(offshore)",were
"Tank"becomes"container."We Plan applies.The commenter combined into a generic"equipment."
revised the introduction to the questioned whether the inclusion of the However,we also modified the
definition to remove the phrase"that word"single"would preclude an proposed definition to reflect EPA
has been closed"because the definition operator's ability to do so. jurisdiction.We added the word
would have been circular with that Natural gas.Another commenter 'structure;'which was not in the DOT
language.Instead the introduction asked for clarification that natural gas
processing facilities are not subject to definition,to cover necessary parts of a
references the events which must have P g subject production facility.We also added
occurred in order for a container to meet rules for oil facilities.
Response to comments.Flowlines and examples of types of piping,structures,
the definition. gathering lines.Wells and separators. and equipment.These examples are not
Person EPA disagrees that flowlines and an exclusive list of the possible piping,
Background.The definition of gathering lines,as well as wells and structures,or equipment covered under
"person"proposed in 1991 was separators,should be excluded from the the definition.The new definition
• substantively unchanged from the definition.
These structures org parts encompasses all those facilities that
equipment are rote ra] of would have been covered under both
current rule.
Comments.We received one comment production facilities and should former proposed definitions.As we
therefore be included in the definition. Proposed in 1991,and as in the current
which urged that we should make clear
that the United States is bound by every We also disagree with the argument that rule,we have retained geographic and
provision of these rules. because the installation of structures ownership limitations.
Response to comments.See the and equipment to prevent discharges Single oil or gas field,single operator.
discussion above(at§112.1(c))for the around gathering lines and flowlines "A single geographical oil or gas field"
applicability of the rule to Federal may not be practicable,EPA will be may consist of one or more natural
agencies and facilities. flooded with contingency plans.First of formations containing oil.The
all,secondary containment may be determination of its boundaries is area-
Production Facility practicable.In§112.7(c),we list sorbent specific.Such formation may underlie
Background.The definition of materials,drainage systems,and other one or many facilities,regardless of
"production facility"replaces two equipment as possible forms of whether any natural or man-made
definitions in the proposed rule,i.e.,Oil secondary containment systems.We physical geographical barriers on the
drilling,production,or workover realize that in many cases,secondary surface intervene such as a mountain
facilities(offshore),proposed§112.2(j), containment may not be practicable.If range,river,or road.We disagree that
and Oil production facilities(onshore), secondary containment is not the term"a single operator"is
proposed§112.2(k).We replaced the practicable,you must provide in your confusing.An"owner"or"operator"is
two proposed definitions with the SPCC Plan a contingency plan following defined in§112.2 as any"person
revised definition for editorial brevity as the provisions of part 109,and owning or operating an onshore facility
the proposed definitions contained otherwise comply with §112.7(d). We or an offshore facility,and in the case
many identical elements.This editorial have deleted the proposed 1993 of any abandoned offshore facility,the
effort effects no substantive changes in provision that would have required you person who owned or operated or
the requirements for the particular types to provide contingency plans as a matter maintained such facility immediately
of production facilities.Each facility of course to the Regional Administrator. prior to abandonment."A"person"is
must follow the requirements applicable Therefore,you will rarely have to not restricted to a single natural person.
to that facility,which is generally based submit a contingency plan to EPA.The "Person"is a defined term in the rule
on its operations,for example,a contingency plan you do provide in (at§112.2)which includes an
workover facility. your SPCC Plan when secondary individual,firm,corporation,
Comments.Flowlines and gathering containment is not practicable for association,or partnership.
lines.Several commenters suggested flowlines and gathering lines should Nothing in the definition would
that flowlines and gathering lines rely on strong maintenance,corrosion preclude an owner or operator from
• should be deleted from the definition protection,testing,recordkeeping,and combining elements of a production
because they believed that the inspection procedures to prevent and facility into one SPCC Plan with an
installation of structures and equipment quickly detect discharges from such identification of the wells to which that
to prevent discharged oil from reaching lines.It should also provide for the Plan applies.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47079
• Natural gas.Because natural gas is trigger a brittle fracture evaluation Spill Prevention,Control,and
not oil,natural gas facilities that do not include the removal and replacement of Countermeasure Plan,SPCC Plan or
store or use oil are not covered by this material(such as roof,shell,or bottom Plan
rule.However,you should note,that material,including weld metal)to Background.In 1997,we reproposed
drip or condensate from natural gas maintain tank integrity;the re-leveling the definition of"SPCC Plan"and
production is an oil.The storage of such or jacking of a tank shell,bottom,or withdrew the 1991 proposal.The 1997
drip or condensate must be included in roof;the addition of reinforcing plates to proposal would broaden the acceptable
the calculation of oil stored or used at existing shell penetrations;and the formats of SPCC Plans,eliminating the
the facility. repair of flaws,such as tears or gouges, requirement that the Plan meet the
Editorial changes and clarifications. by grinding or gouging followed by
One commenter suggested that the welding.The definition of"repair"also format or sequence formerly specified in
the rule.
definitions proposed were ambiguous includes reconstruction.Reconstruction Comments.Editorial changes and
because of the use of the words"may means the work necessary to reassemble
include."We have eliminated the a container that has been dismantled clarifications.Onetor commenter suggested
potential ambiguity caused by the words and relocated to a new site.We have that the last two sentences in the
"may include"by revising the amended the definition to reflect that bproposed definitioncontain
substantive
be t deleted
definition with the words"Production ordinary,day-to-day maintenance that requirements,e theyad relocated ocd Love
romand ugh to§112.7.
he
facility means." does not weaken the integrity of the Another commenter thought that the
Regional Administrator container will not trigger the brittle SPCC definition should be revised to
fracture evaluation requirement. say that the Plan documents spill
Background.In 1991,we proposed a Related equipment.We a ree with the P
definition of"Regional Administrator" g prevention mpat measures itt and not
commenter and will not include the compliance with the rule,because
that was substantively unchanged from P
term"or related equipment"in the cam Hance is determined b cam arin
the current rule.In the final rule,we P Y u g
have deleted language concerning the definition to conform with API Standard the contents of the Plan with the rules.
"designee"of the EPA Regional 653,which does not include repairs of Response Plan.A few commenters
Administrator because the language is related equipment as a criterion for a opposed the definition on the theory
brittle fracture evaluation. that it constitutes a type of response
unnecessary.Since the Regional YP P
Industry standards.Industry plan.Those commenters argued that the
Administrator has authority to delegate standards that may be helpful in thrust of the definition should be on
most functions,the term"designee"is
almost always implied.When he does understanding the definition of repair spill containment,not paperwork.
(and reconstruction)include API Acceptable
not have authority to delegate aformats.Many
function,the term"designee"is Standard 653,"Tank Inspection,Repair, commenters favored the proposal.
. Alteration,and Reconstruction." Several suggested various formats that
likewise unnecessary.We received no Editorial changes and clarifications.
substantive comments. gmight qualify such as Integrated
"Tank"becomes"container.' Contingency Plans,State Plans,
Repair Spill Event Electrical Equipment Area Response
Background.In 1993,we proposed a Plans,Stormwater Pollution Prevention
definition of"repair"in conjunction Background.In 1991,we proposed to Plans,and others.One commenter
with the proposed rule for brittle modify the definition of"spill event"to thought that EPA should specify
fracture evaluation. correspond to the changes described in acceptable formats.Several commenters
Comments.Ordinary maintenance. the applicability section of this rule(i.e., suggested that various formats such as
Two commenters asked for clarification §112.1(b))relating to the expanded Integrated Contingency Plans and State
of the term"repair,"so that it would scope of CWA jurisdiction. Plans are presumptively acceptable.
exclude ordinary day-to-day Comments.One commenter opposed Response to comments.Response
maintenance activities which are the definition without explaining why. Plan.We disagree that the proposed
conducted to maintain the functional Several commenters argued that the definition constitutes a"response plan."
integrity of the tank.Another asked that definition should apply only to The definition results in no substantive
the infinitive"to maintain"be deleted discharges to navigable waters. changes in response planning
from the definition of repair so that Response to comments.We have requirements.
evaluation for brittle fracture would not withdrawn the proposed definition of Acceptable formats.We agree that any
be required after ordinary,day-to-day "spill event,"and have also deleted the equivalent prevention plan acceptable
maintenance. term from the rule.We take this action to the Regional Administrator qualifies
Related equipment.Another because the term is not mentioned in as an SPCC Plan as long as it meets all
commenter suggested that we conform the CWA and is unnecessary.The term Federal requirements(including
the proposed definition of"repair"with is unnecessary because the word certification by a Professional Engineer),
the API 653 definition,specifically "discharge"is adequate. "Discharge"is and is cross-referenced from the
deleting the phase"or related the term used in the CWA.A discharge requirement in part 112 to the page of
equipment." as described in §112.1(b)is the same as the equivalent plan.We do not agree
Response to comments. Ordinary a spill event.As to the comment on EPA that we should specify acceptable
maintenance.Some repairs in the jurisdiction,we disagree that our formats.We will give examples of those
nature of ordinary maintenance that do jurisdiction should apply only to acceptable formats,but those examples
not weaken the integrity of the container discharges to navigable waters because are not meant to be exhaustive.
might not necessitate brittle fracture the CWA establishes our jurisdiction Examples of an"equivalent
evaluation."Repair"means any work beyond navigable waters (see the prevention plan"might be,for instance,
• necessary to maintain or restore a discussion under§112.1(b)),and we an Integrated Contingency Plan(ICP),a
container or related equipment to a have the responsibility to protect the State plan,a Best Management Practice
condition suitable for safe operation. environment within the scope of our Plan(which is a component of the
Typical examples of a repair that would statutory jurisdiction. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan),
47080 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• or other plan that meets all the accessible to responders and inspectors. SPCC rule;and(2)is supplemented by
requirements of part 112 and is If you keep the information in an a cross-reference section identifying
supplemented by a cross-reference electronic data base,you must also keep requirements listed in part 112 to the
section identifying the location of a paper or other backup that is equivalent requirements in the other
elements in part 112 to the equivalent immediately accessible for emergency prevention plan.Partial use of other
requirement in the other plan.We response purposes,or for EPA equivalent prevention plans is also
repeat EPA's commitment to the ICP inspectors,in case the computer is not acceptable,if the plan is supplemented
format,and encourage owners or functioning.Where you place that site- by elements that meet the remainder of
operators to use it.If the equivalent specific information would be a the EPA requirements contained in part
prevention plan has no requirement that question of allowable formatting,as is 112.
a Professional Engineer certify it,it will the question of what is an"equivalent" Written Plans.We agree that a
be necessary to secure proper plan;an issue subject to RA discretion. "written"Plan might also include texts,
certification from the Professional Still another example of an equivalent graphs,charts,maps,photos,and tables,
Engineer to comply with the SPCC rule. plan might be a Best Management on whatever media,including floppy
An equivalent Plan might be a Plan Practice Plan(BMP)plan prepared disk,CD,hard drive,and tape storage,
following the SPCC sequence in effect under an NPDES permit,if the plan that allows the document to be easily
before this final rule became effective.If provides protections equivalent to SPCC accessed,comprehended,distributed,
you choose to use the sequence of the Plans.Not all BMP plans will qualify,as viewed,updated,and printed.Whatever
rule currently in effect,you may do so, some BMP plans might not provide medium you use,however,must be
but you must cross-reference the equivalent protection.NPDES permits readily accessible to response personnel
requirements in the revised rule to the without BMP plans would not qualify. in an emergency.If it is produced in a
sequence used in your Plan.We have BMP plans are additional conditions medium that is not readily accessible in
provided a table in section IV.A of which may supplement effluent an emergency,it must be also available
today's preamble to help you cross- limitations in NPDES permits.Under in a medium that is.For example,a Plan
reference the requirements more easily. section 402(a)(1)of the CWA,BMP might be electronically produced,but
If the only change you make is the plans may be imposed when the computers fail and may not be operable
addition of cross-referencing,you need Administrator determines that such in an emergency.For an electronic Plan
not have a Professional Engineer certify conditions are necessary to carry out the or Plan produced in some other
that change. provisions of the Act. See 40 CFR medium,therefore,a backup copy must
Another example of an equivalent 122.44(k).CWA section 304(e) be readily available on paper.At least
plan might include a multi-facility plan authorizes EPA to promulgate BMP one version of the Plan should be
for operating equipment.This type of plans as effluent limitations guidelines. written in English so that it will be
plan is intended for electrical utility• NPDES rules provide for BMP plans readily understood by an EPA inspector.
transmission systems,electrical cable when:authorized under section 304(e) Editorial changes and clarifications.
systems,and similar facilities which of the CWA for the control of toxic The word"guidelines"was replaced
might aggregate equipment located in pollutants and hazardous substances; with"requirements,"as proposed in
diverse areas into one plan.Examples of numeric limitations are infeasible;or, 1991.EPA agrees with the relocation of
operating equipment containing oil the practices are reasonably necessary to the last two sentences of the definition.
include electrical equipment such as achieve effluent limitations and Therefore,we have transferred those
substations,transformers,capacitors, standards to carry out the purposes of sentences to the introduction of§112.7,
buried cable equipment,and oil circuit the CWA. in order to maintain the principle that
breakers. Any format that contains all the definitions should not contain
A general,multi-facility plan for required elements of an SPCC Plan and substantive requirements.We have also
operational equipment used in various provides equivalent environmental changed the last sentence which was
manufacturing processes containing protection would be presumptively proposed as"* * * provide adequate
over the threshold amount of oil might acceptable.The final decision on what countermeasures to an oil spill"to read
also be acceptable as an SPCC Plan. is an"equivalent"plan,however, "* * *provide adequate
Examples of operating equipment used would be at the discretion of the countermeasures to a discharge."We
in manufacturing that contains oil Regional Administrator."Equivalence" agree that the Plan does not document
include small lube oil systems,fat traps, would not mean that an alternate format compliance,but merely spill prevention
hydraulic power presses,hydraulic would be the minor image of an SPCC measures and have deleted the sentence
pumps,injection molding machines, Plan,but it would have to contain all noting that the Plan documents
auto boosters,certain metalworking the required elements of an SPCC Plan. compliance with the rules.Compliance
machinery and associated fluid transfer Required elements include,but are not is determined by comparing the
systems,and oil based heaters. limited to,provisions for a written plan, contents of the Plan with the
Whenever you add or remove operating secondary containment or a contingency regulations.
equipment in your Plan that materially plan following 40 CFR part 109,
affects the potential for a discharge as equivalent inspections and tests, Storage capacity
described in§112.1(b),you must amend security,personnel training,and Background.In 1991,we proposed a
your Plan.40 CFR 112.5(a). certification of the plan by a definition of"storage capacity"to
Multi-facility plans would include all Professional Engineer.Acceptance of an clarify that it includes the total capacity
elements required for individual plans. equivalent plan does not,however, of a container capable of storing oil or
Site-specific information would be imply any type of approval or oil mixtures.We explained that because
required for all equipment included in submission process.As before,SPCC the percentage of oil in a mixture is
each plan.However,the site-specific Plans are generally not submitted to the determined by the operator and can be
• information might be maintained in a Regional Administrator.The Regional changed at will,the total capacity of a
separate location,such as a central Administrator could accept an container is considered in determining
office,or an electronic data base,as long equivalent prevention plan if it:(1) applicability under this part,regardless
as such information was immediately meets all regulatory requirements in the of whether the container is filled with
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47081
oil or a mixture of oil and another substance,as long as a discharge from because of its integral design,for exempted such facilities or parts thereof
example electrical equipment or other from the rule.However,note that
such container could violate the interior component might take up space, certain parts of such facilities may
harmful quantity standards in 40 CFR then the shell capacity of the container continue to be subject to the rule.See
part 110. is reduced to the volume the container the discussion under§112.1(d)(6).
Comments.In general.One might hold.When the integral design of Secondary containment containers.
commenter strongly favored the a container has been altered by actions Containers which are used for
proposal. such as drilling a hole in the side of the secondary containment and not storage
Standard of measurement.One container so that it cannot hold oil or use,are not counted as storage
commenter asserted that volume was above that point,shell capacity remains capacity.
the proper measure of storage capacity, the measure of storage capacity because Editorial changes and clarifications.
not total capacity.Another commenter such alteration can be altered again at We use the word"container"instead of
suggested a"working capacity" will to restore the former storage "tank or container,"because a tank is a
standard.Other commenters argued that capacity.When the alteration is an
the definition should apply only to action such as the installation of a type of container.toprovide
d e have t the storage
the
containers meeting the definition of a double bottom or new floor to the capacity definition to contain that volume u
bulk storage tank,and that only the oil container,the integral design of the ththe a container
couldr is the hold, of
oil that er st ted w and
storage capacity of the container be container has changed,and may result have therefore substituted the words
considered.Similarly,a commenter in a reduction in shell capacity.We
asserted that the"design capacity"of a disagree that operating volume should "shell capacity"of the container for
container is what should count as be the measurement,because the "total capacity."This is merely a
clarification,
storage capacity because electrical operating volume of a tank can be and not a substantive
change.We also deleted the words"for
equipment or other interior components changed at will to below its shell
might reduce the volume of oil capable capacity. purposes of determining applicability of
of being stored. The keys to the definition are the this part,"because the words were
unnecessary.We also deleted the last
Exclusions—small containers;waste availability of the container for drilling,
treatmentfacilities,secondary phrase of the proposed definition,
producing,gathering,storing, "whether the tank or container is filled
containment containers. Small processing,refining,transferring, with oil or a mixture of oil and other
containers.Most commenters were distributing,using,or consuming oil,
opposed to the proposed definition and whether it is available for one of substances,"because the contents of the
because they either wanted an exclusion those uses or whether it is permanently container do not affect the definition of
for small containers or because they closed.Containers available for one of its shell capacity.
wanted an exclusion for containers the above described uses count towards Transportation-related and non-
Illcontaining de minimis amounts of oil. storage capacity,those not used for transportation-related
These commenters argued that small these activities do not.Types of
containers would not present a containers counted as storage capacity Background.In 1991,we reproposed
significant threat of discharge. would include some flow-through the current definition of
Waste treatment facilities.The separators,tanks used for"emergency" "transportation-related and non-
rationale of commenters supporting an storage,transformers,and other oil- transportation-related."We received no
exemption for waste treatment filled equipment. comments on the proposal.Therefore,
containers was that some containers had Exclusions—small containers;waste we have promulgated the definition as
non-usable space at the top of the treatment facilities.Small containers. proposed.
container;also some containers contain This definition is applicable to both United States
only trace amounts of oil.Therefore,for large and small storage and use
example,storage tanks used to store or capacity. Owners or operators of small Background.In 1991,we proposed to
treat wastewaters are likely to have to be facilities above the regulatory threshold revise the definition of"United States"
considered when determining storage are subject to the rule,and need to know to conform to the definition enacted in
capacity since many wastewaters have how to calculate their storage or use the 1978 amendments to the CWA.We
incidental oil content prior to treatment. capacity. received no comments on this proposal.
They also argued that the definition However,in the applicability section Therefore,we have promulgated the
would subject publicly owned treatment of the rule,we have excluded containers definition as proposed.
works(POTWs)to the rule because of less than 55 gallons from the scope Vessel
tanks used to control stormwater surges of the SPCC rule,addressing the
might contain small amounts of oil from comments of those commenters who Background.In 1991,we reproposed
runoff from parking lots and city streets. argued for a minimum container size. the current definition of vessel.We
Secondary containment containers. See§112.1(d)(5).A container above that received no comments on this proposal.
Some commenters argued that the size that is available for use or storage Therefore,we have promulgated the
definition would apply to tanks used to containing even small volumes of oil definition as proposed.We note that a
provide secondary containment when must be counted in storage capacity. barge or other watercraft that has been
determining the storage capacity of a Waste treatment facilities.We agree determined by the Coast Guard to be
facility. with the commenter that a facility or permanently moored to the shore,and
Response to comments.Standard of part thereof(except at an oil production, used for storage,is no longer being used
measurement.In most instances the oil recovery,or oil recycling facility) as a vessel,and does not fit within the
shell capacity of a container will define used exclusively for wastewater definition of vessel.Rather,it becomes
its storage capacity.The shell capacity treatment system and not to meet any a bulk storage container counted as
(or nominal or gross capacity)is the• part 112 requirement should not be storage capacity.The same concept is
amount of oil that a container is considered storage capacity because found in the rules for mobile facilities
designed to hold.If a certain portion of wastewater treatment is neither use nor at§112.3(c),which provides that SPCC
a container is incapable of storing oil storage of oil.Therefore,we have Plans apply to mobile facilities only
47082 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
. "while the facility is in a fixed(non- Commenters suggested compliance and one half years before the effective
transportation)operating mode." periods ranging from 60 days to 7 years. date of this rule,and fully implemented
Wetlands Many commenters clustered around the it no later than three years before the
suggestion that a 6 month phase-in effective date of this rule.Assuming that
Background.In 1991,we proposed a period be allowed.Many others he still has not prepared a Plan on the
definition of"wetlands"to define the suggested compliance by the next three- effective date of the rule,he must
term as used in the definition of year review,as required by§112.5(b)at prepare and fully implement a Plan
"navigable waters."The definition of that time. immediately that meets the
wetlands conforms to the definition in Extensions.Several commenters requirements of the revised rule.He is
40 CFR part 110 relating to the asked that extensions of time to prepare subject to penalties for violation of
discharge of oil. and implement Plans be automatic if current§112.3(b)until he does so,and
Comments.Several commenters Plans must be in effect prior to the the penalties would accrue from the
opposed the definition because they commencement of operations.Another time the original deadlines passed
believe that it includes a series of suggested that extension requests be before the effective date of this rule.The
examples which may or may not be considered "routine." owner or operator of a facility which
correct.They also alleged that the Acquired facilities.One commenter became operational four years before the
definition fails to implement the 1987 asked how we would treat acquired effective date of the rule,and who
U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands facilities,whether as new or continuing prepared and fully implemented his
Manual or the documents implementing operation facilities. Plan in compliance with current
that Manual.Another commenter asked Start of operations.One commenter §112.3(b),must amend his Plan within
for EPA clarification of what is a asked when operations start,stating that 6 months of the effective date of this
wetland,given the"vague and arguable is not always a clearly defined time.The rule to meet the requirements of the
notion of a wetland." commenter suggested that instead of revised rule,and fully implement the
Response to comments.The examples requiring a prepared and implemented amended Plan as soon as possible,but
listed in the definition are intended to Plan,we should allow that a response no later than one year after the effective
help the reader with guidelines to team be in place. date of the rule.
identify wetlands.While the examples Small facilities.One commenter An owner or operator whose facility
generally represent types of wetlands, asserted that the time line for Plan became operational 7 months before the
they are not intended to be a categorical preparation and implementation was effective date of the rule is an owner or
listing of such wetlands.There may be unreasonable for small facilities,and operator of a facility currently in
examples listed that under some asked that facilities with under 10,000- operation and is therefore subject to
circumstances do not constitute gallon capacity be allowed to operate current§112.3(b).He should have
• wetlands.We believe that the 1987 while developing and implementing a prepared his Plan one month before the
Wetlands Manual is a useful source Plan. effective date of this rule.If he did,he
material for wetlands guidance.It would Response to comments. Time period will have 6 months from the effective
be impossible to specify in a rule every to prepare and implement a Plan.We date of this rule to amend that Plan to
type of situation where wetlands occur. have been persuaded by commenters meet the requirements of the revised
The examples listed in the definition are that a longer phase-in period than 60 rule,and must fully implement the
not exclusive,but provide help in days is required for facilities currently amended Plan as soon as possible,but
clarifying what maybe a wetland. in operation or about to become within one year of the effective date of
operational within one year after the this rule.If he has not prepared a Plan
Section 112.3 Introduction effective date of this rule. by the effective date of the current rule
Background.We have added an Facilities currently in operation.For a as required,then he must prepare and
introduction to§112.3 as an editorial facility in operation on the effective date fully implement a Plan immediately that
device to simplify the language in the of this rule,we changed the dates in the meets the requirements of the revised
paragraphs of this section. proposed rule for preparation and rule.He is subject to penalties for
implementation of plans from 60 days to violation of current§112.3(b)until he
Section 112.3(a)—Time Line for a maximum of one year to accord with does so.
Preparation and Implementation of the time frames in the current rule.The An owner or operator whose facility
Plans for Existing Facilities owner or operator of a facility
p in became operational 4 months before the
- Background.In 1991,we proposed to operation on the effective date of this effective date of this rule is also an
require owners or operators of onshore rule will have 6 months to amend his owner or operator of a facility currently
and offshore facilities in operation 60 Plan and must fully implement any in operation on the effective date of this
days after the effective date of this final amendment as soon as possible,but rule and therefore subject to the current
rule to"maintain a prepared and fully within one year of the effective date of rule.However,in this case,the 6-month
implemented facility SPCC Plan.. . . the rule at the latest.The owner or deadline to prepare a Plan under the
We proposed giving these owners or operator of a facility which has had a current§112.3(b)has not yet passed.
operators 60 days from the date the final discharge as described in§112.1(b),or Therefore,the owner or operator is
rule was published to revise their reasonably could be expected to have subject to the Plan preparation and
existing Plans and implement the one,already has an obligation to prepare implementation deadlines in§112.3(a)
revisions.The proposed rule also and implement a Plan. of the revised rule.He now has 6
reflected the expanded geographic scope For example,an owner or operator months from the effective date of this
of the rule provided by CWA whose facility became operational four rule to prepare a Plan that meets the
amendments. years before the effective date of this requirements of this rule.If he had
Comments. Time period to prepare rule is the owner or operator of a facility already prepared a Plan under current
• and implement a Plan.A number of currently in operation on the effective §112.3W),he has 6 months from the
commenters favored the proposal.Many date of this rule.He is therefore subject effective date of this rule to amend that
more favored a"phase-in"period,or a to current§112.3(6),and should have Plan.In either case,he must fully
longer period within which to comply. prepared his Plan no later than three implement the Plan(or amended Plan)
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47083
• as soon as possible after the 6-month Plan preparation deadline of this rule, Extensions.While we have extended start of operations be required to
the time period for compliance,we prepare and fully implement Plans
but no later than one year after the understand that some facilities may still before beginning operations.Our
effective date of this rule. need extensions of time to comply. rationale was that our experience
The owner or operator of a facility in Extensions may be necessary to secure showed that many types of failures
operation on the effective date of this necessary manpower or equipment,or occur during or shortly following
rule who is required to have prepared or to construct necessary structures.If you facility startup and virtually all
implemented an SPCC Plan,but has not, are an owner or operator and an prevention,containment,and
remains subject to penalties for extension is necessary,you may seek countermeasure practices are a part of
violation of current SPCC regulations. one under§112.3(f).If no Plan the facility design or construction.
Such owner or operator is consequently amendments are necessary after you Comments.Many commenters
subject to civil penalties for a violation review today's rule,you must maintain suggested various phase-in periods,as
of current§112.3 if the time has expired your current Plan and cross-reference its discussed above.
for preparation or implementation of his elements to the redesignated Response to comments.We believe
Plan. requirements. that our original rationale is still correct.
Facilities becoming operational Acquired facilities.For SPCC Experience with the implementation of
within one year after the effective date purposes,we consider acquired this regulation shows that many types of
of the rule August 13,2003.If you begin facilities as facilities that are already failures occur during or shortly
operations after the effective date of the operating rather than new facilities following startup and that virtually all
because these facilities must already prevention,containment,and
rule through one year after the effective
date of this rule August 16,2002,you have SPCC Plans if they exceed countermeasure practices are part of the
will have until one year from the applicable thresholds. facility design or construction.
effective date of this rule to prepare and Start of operations.Start of operations Therefore,it can be beneficial to the
implement your Plan.In other words,if is when you begin to store or use oil at environment and carries out the intent
the rule becomes effective on January 1, a facility.Often this maybe a testing or of the statute if a facility Plan is
and you begin operations on January 2, calibration period prior to start up of prepared and implemented before
you must prepare and implement your normal operations.With the extended startup.However,to provide sufficient
Plan by January of the following year. time line we have provided,no response notice to new facilities that a Plan must
1If you begin operations on June 30,you team is required,but such a team may be prepared and implemented before
still have until January 1 of the be a good engineering practice.At a beginning operations,we have delayed
following year to prepare and minimum,you must prepare and implementation of this section until one
implement a Plan as required by this year after the effective date this rule.If
implement your plan.If you begin
• operations on December 31,you still role. you begin operations within one year of
have until January 1 (the next day)of Small facilities.With the extended the effective date of this rule,you must
time line we have provided,all comply with the requirements in
the following year to prepare and
implement your Plan.The rationale for facilities,large or small,have adequate §112.3(a).However,if you begin
notice and time in which to prepare and operations more than one year after the
the time frame in the rule is that you implement a Plan. effective date of this rule,your facility
will have had notice of the Plan Editorial changes and clarifications. would be"new"and you would have to
preparation and implementation We deleted the first sentence of the prepare and implement an SPCC Plan
requirements from the publication date proposed rule from the final rule before you begin operations.If you need
of the rule,a period of 30 days plus one because it is unnecessary.It is an extension to comply,you may seek
year.In addition,you would already unnecessary because the obligation to one under§112.3(f).
have had notice of the general have prepared a Plan is incurred under Editorial changes and clarifications.
requirement for preparation of an SPCC current section §112.3(b)for the owner The phrase"* * * could reasonably be
Plan from the current part 112 or operator of a facility in operation expected to discharge oil,as described
regulations.Therefore,the owner or before the effective date of this rule.For in§112.1(b)of this part* * *"becomes
operator of a facility planning to become the owner or operator of a facility that "could reasonably be expected to have
operational within one year after the becomes operational on or after the a discharge as described in§112.1(b)."
effective date of this rule should start effective date of this rule,revised
working on his Plan in time to have it §112.3 provides the time period within Section 112.3(()—Time Line for
fully implemented within the year. which he must prepare and implement Preparation and Implementation of
New facilities.The owner or operator a Plan.The deleted sentence read, Plans for Mobile Facilities
of a facility that becomes operational "Owners or operators of onshore Background.In 1991,we proposed
more than one year after the effective facilities that become operational after that owners or operators of onshore and
date of this rule must prepare and September 16,2002,and could be offshore mobile facilities be required to
implement a Plan before beginning reasonably be expected to discharge oil have a prepared and implemented Plan
operations. as described in§112.1(b)(1)of this part, before beginning operations.Since
A year phase-in period is in line with shall prepare a facility SPCC Plan in existing mobile facilities are a subset of
legitimate business and investment accordance with§112.7,and in existing facilities,we generally assume
expectations.It allows a reasonable accordance with any of the following that these facilities already have a Plan
period of time for facilities to undertake sections that apply to the facility: in place,as the rule now requires.40
necessary constructions,purchases of §§112.8,112,9,112.10,and 112.11." CFR 112.3(c).Both new and existing
equipment,or to effect changes of mobile facilities would therefore have to
And again,thegeneral Section 112.3(b)—Time Line for
procedures. g comply with the rule requiring a fully
• requirement for preparation of a Plan Preparation and implementation of prepared and implemented Plan before
Plans for New Facilities
already exists in part 112,so new beginning operations.
facilities should already have been Background.In 1991,we proposed Comments.In general.One
aware of the need for a Plan. that new facilities contemplating the commenter believed that requiring Plans
47084 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• for mobile facilities is unworkable the PE attest that he is familiar with the presence of those written procedures
because their physical surroundings are requirements of part 112,that he has which require testing.
subject to change.Another commenter visited the facility,that the Plan has Non-technical changes.Most
supported our proposal to allow general been prepared in accordance with good supported the idea that non-technical
Plans for mobile facilities. engineering practice and the changes to a Plan(for example,the
Multi-well drilling programs.One requirements of part 112,that required emergency contact list,phone numbers,
commenter asked if Plan updates would testing has been completed,and that the or names)need not have PE
be required in a field where a multi-well Plan is adequate for the facility. certification.
drilling program is underway.The Comments.Certification requirement. Time limit for PE certification.One
commenter suggested that updates Most commenters supported a commenter suggested a time limit of
should be required only after the certification requirement for PEs.Some three years or less on PE certification,
drilling program is complete. opposed it on grounds that if all the suggesting that the PE should be
Response to comments.In general. components of the Plan were specified required to reinspect the premises
We agree that the physical surroundings by rule,then certification is periodically,preferably annually,to
of mobile facilities are subject to change. unnecessary.One U.S.territory,U.S. ascertain that the Plan continues to be
However,we disagree that changing Samoa,noted that it doesn't register implemented.
physical surroundings should exempt PEs,arguably making compliance with PE costs.Some commenters argued
mobile facilities from the rule.Mobile the rule difficult for owners or operators that requiring an independent or outside
facilities may have"general"Plans and of facilities in Samoa. PE for Plan certification would be
need not prepare a new Plan each time Other commenters thought a PE extremely expensive for facilities
the facility is moved to a new site. certification requirement was located in remote areas.These
When a mobile facility is moved,it must unnecessarily burdensome and costly commenters were principally concerned
be located and installed using the spill for small facilities,but did not provide that we did not fully account for the
prevention practices outlined in the cost estimates.One commenter asserted cost to a facility owner or operator for
Plan for the facility. that PE certification should not be a PE to visit each facility before
Mobile facilities currently in required for small facilities,due mainly certifying a Plan.Requiring the use of an
operation are assumed to have to the prohibitive cost.The commenter independent or outside PE could be
implemented Plans already,because also maintained that most small burdensome to facility owners or
they are currently legally required to do facilities have tanks that are required by operators.
so.Both new and existing mobile State or local law to have the Response to Comments.Certification
facilities must have Plans prepared and Underwriters Laboratory Seal of requirement.PE certification of all
fully implemented before operations Approval and to have submitted a facilities,both large and small,is
may begin.If after your review of
• detailed plan for review and approval to necessary because a discharge as
today's rule,you decide that no the fire marshal prior to installation. described in§112.1(b)from any size
amendment to your Plan is necessary, Certification by other environmental facility may be harmful,and PE review
except for cross-referencing,you may professionals.Several commenters and certification of a Plan may help
continue to operate under your existing suggested that certification could be prevent that discharge.We disagree that
Plan,but you must promptly cross- effected by another environmental PE certification is prohibitively costly
reference the provisions in the Plan to professional,rather than a PE,or by for small facilities.A Plan certified by
the new format.Extension requests another environmental professional a PE may well save the owner or
under§112.3(0 are also available for with PE oversight. operator money due to improved facility
mobile facilities under the proper Good engineering practice.One operations and decreased likelihood of
conditions. commenter noted that EPA specified in discharge,thus averting potentially
Multi-well drilling programs.It is not the 1991 preamble that the application costly cleanups.Because a Plan for a
necessary to amend the Plan every time of good engineering practice will require smaller facility is likely to be less
you drill a well in a field containing that appropriate provisions of complicated than a Plan for a larger
multiple wells.A general Plan will applicable codes,standards,and facility,PE certification costs should
suffice. regulations be incorporated into the likewise be lower for a smaller facility.
Editorial changes and clarifications. SPCC Plan for a particular facility.56 In our Information Collection Request,
We deleted the phrase"using good FR 54617-18.The commenter added, estimated total costs for a new facility
engineering practice,"in the third however,that we do not define"good to prepare and begin implementation of
sentence of the paragraph because good engineering practice"for this program, a Plan,including PE certification costs,
engineering practice is required of all and urged EPA to specify in more detail are$2,201 for a small facility,$2,164 for
Plans.See the introduction to§112.7. as to its understanding of the term. a medium facility,and$2,540 for a large
Therefore,the phrase was unnecessary. Testing.Some commenters wrote that facility.This cost is incurred only in the
it would be better for the PE to year that the facility first becomes
Section 112.3(d)—Certification by enumerate all the inspections and tests subject to the rule.This one-time cost
Professional Engineers that have been completed,plus those incurred by a small facility is less than
Background.The current rule only that should be completed before the 1.5 percent of the average annual
requires that the Professional Engineer facility commences operations and revenue for small facilities in all
(PE),having examined the facility and those that should be undertaken industry categories.The cost for the PE
being familiar with the provisions of periodically after it commences certification alone would represent even
part 112,attest by means of his operations.A few commenters objected less than that.As shown in Chapter 5 of
certification that the Plan has been to the proposed requirement that the PE the Economic Analysis for this
prepared in accordance with good attest that required testing has been rulemaking,the average annual revenue
• engineering practices.In 1991,we completed,suggesting instead that the for the smallest regulated facilities
proposed to add specificity to the operator is responsible for completion of (under the current rule)ranges from
meaning of the certification testing.Another commenter suggested $150,000 to$6,833,000,depending on
requirements for a PE.We proposed that that the PE be allowed to attest to the the industry category.For example,
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47085
•
farms with annual revenue between authority to discipline licensed PEs who for their implementation,which is the
$100,000 and$249,999 have an average fail to comply with State laws and sole responsibility of the owner or
annual revenue per farm of$161,430, requirements.Other environmental operator. However,the PE may include
and$2,201 (the one-time cost to prepare professionals may not have similar in the Plan a schedule for testing,with
and implement a Plan)represents only expertise nor be held to similar specific time frames for the completion
1.36 percent of that annual revenue.Of standards as the licensed PE. of that testing.See also the discussion
course,under the revised rule many of It is not always necessary for a PE to in today's preamble(at section IV.D.3)
these small facilities will not be visit the facility.Therefore,we have on"Completion of Testing."
regulated by the SPCC program at all. revised§112.3(d)to a allow site visit by Non-technical changes.PE
A PE's certification of a Plan means either the PE or his agent.Often it will certification is not required for items
that the PE is certifying that the be sufficient if the PE reviews the work that do not require engineering
facility's equipment,design, of other engineering professionals who judgment,such as telephone numbers;
construction,and maintenance have visited the facility.Someone names on lists;some,but not all,
procedures used to implement the Plan would have to visit the facility,but not product changes(see the response to
are in accordance with good engineering necessarily the PE.Nevertheless,in all comments of§112.5(a));ownership
practices.And this is important because cases the PE must ensure that his changes;or,any other changes not
good engineering practices are likely to certification represents an exercise of requiring engineering judgment.
prevent discharges.PE certification,to good engineering judgment.If that Time limit for PE certification.We
be effective for SPCC purposes,must be requires a personal site visit,the PE disagree that there should be a time
completed in accordance with the law must visit the facility himself before limit on PE certification because the
of the State in which the PE is working. certifying the Plan. rule ensures that the PE reviews the
For example,some States require a PE Good engineering practice.As we Plan at appropriate times.Thus,current
to apply his seal to effectuate a noted in the 1991 preamble(at 56 FR PE certifications remain valid.But new
certification.Others do not. 54617-18),good engineering practice certifications after the effective date of
We also disagree that small facilities "will require that appropriate this rule must include the required
need not have PE certification for SPCC provisions of applicable codes, attestations.If you are an owner or
Plans when the tanks are certified by the standards,and regulations be operator you must review your Plan at
Underwriters Laboratory.A Plan incorporated into the SPCC Plan for a least every five years(under revisions
consists of more than a certified tank.It particular facility."We agree with the made in today's rule),and amend it if
contains provisions for secondary commenter that the rule needs more new technology is warranted.Also,you
containment,integrity testing,and other specificity in this regard.Therefore,we must amend your Plan to conform with
measures to prevent discharges.Those have amended§112.3(d)(1)(iii)to any applicable rule requirements,or at
provisions require PE certification to specifically include consideration of any time you make any change in
ensure that they meet the requirements applicable industry standards as an facility design,construction,operation,
of the rule and that the Plan is effective element of the PE's attestation that the or maintenance that materially affects
to prevent discharges. Plan has been prepared in accordance its potential for a discharge as described
Finally,by modifying the with good engineering practice.We in§112.1(b).All material amendments
applicability provision in§112.1(d)(2), reiterate today,as we did in 1991,that require PE certification.Therefore,
we are today exempting many small consideration of applicable industry because a Plan will likely require one or
facilities from the requirement to standards is an essential element of more amendments requiring PE review
prepare and implement a Plan at all, good engineering practice.Industry and certification,a time limit on PE
thus saving all prospective PE costs. standards include industry regulations, certifications is unnecessary. See
In response to the commenter from standards,codes,specifications, §112.5(c).
Samoa,who noted that territory does recommendations,recommended Other PE issues.As to other PE issues,
not register PEs,the rule would allow an practices,publications,bulletins,and as noted above(see section IV.D.2 of
SPCC facility there to hire a PE licensed other materials. (See§112.7(a)(1)and this preamble),the PE need not be
in some other State or U.S.territory. (j).)The owner or operator must independent of the facility.Nor is there
Certification by other environmental specifically document any industry a requirement that he not have a
professionals.Certification by a PE, standard used in a Plan to comply with financial interest in it.We believe the
rather than by another environmental this section.The documentation should professional integrity of a PE and the
professional is necessary to ensure the include the name of the industry professional oversight of boards
application of good engineering standard,and the year or edition of that licensing PEs are sufficient to prevent
judgment.A PE must obtain a Bachelor standard.However,as discussed above, any abuses.
of Engineering degree from an we have chosen not to incorporate It is not necessary that the PE be
accredited engineering program,pass specific industry standards into the rule. licensed in the same State as the facility
two comprehensive national Testing.The proposed rule would because the SPCC program is national in
examinations,and demonstrate an have required the PE to certify that scope and therefore State expertise is
acceptable level (usually four additional required testing was completed.We unnecessary.While States may
years)of engineering experience.A have been persuaded by comments that prescribe more stringent requirements
licensed engineer is also required to the requirement should be that than EPA,a PE may familiarize himself
practice engineering solely within his procedures for inspections and tests with any particular requirements a State
areas of competence and to protect the have been established,not necessarily may impose and address them in the
public health,safety,and welfare.All completed,because the PE is not Plan. See§112.7(j).Furthermore,
licensed PEs,no matter who their normally present at time of completion. violations of PE ethics may be handled
employer,are required by State laws Nor do we believe it is necessary to by the licensing board of the PE's state
• and codes of ethics to discharge their impose a requirement that the PE no matter where the work is done.
engineering responsibilities accurately oversee all testing because the PE only EPA maintains that a site visit is
and honestly.Furthermore,State shares responsibility with the owner or necessary,but the visit may be by either
governments have and do exercise the operator for establishing procedures,not the PE or his agent,so long as a visit by
47086 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• an agent is consistent with good facility.Several commenters questioned his duties.Therefore,the term is
engineering practice.A visit by the PE's the meaning of"nearest field office." unnecessary.
agent can generally be sufficient given Plan availability.Several commenters
that the PE will oversee and be favored the proposal.One commenter Section 112.3(f)—Extension of Time
responsible for his agent's work. suggested that we amend the rule to Background.In 1991,we proposed to
PE costs.We note that we did not provide that the Plan be available allow only new facilities to apply for
propose a requirement for an "without advance notice,"so that it extensions of time to comply with the
independent PE,but requested would be fully implemented at all requirements of part 112.The current
comments on it.In the final rule,we times,not just when an inspection is rule allows any facility to apply for an
require either the PE or the PE's agent impending.One commenter thought extension,including existing fixed and
to visit and examine the facility before that the Plan should always be located mobile facilities.The rationale for
the PE certifies the Plan.An agent might at the facility,whether manned or not, limiting extension requests to new
include an engineering technician, perhaps protected by a laminated cover, facilities was that existing fixed and
technologist,graduate engineer,or other and at"appropriate control centers." mobile facilities have had since 1974 to
qualified person to prepare preliminary State and local agencies.Another comply with the rule.
reports,studies,and evaluations after commenter suggested that the Plan be Comments.Automatic extensions.
visiting the site.The PE,after reviewing filed with the local fire department and Several commenters suggested that we
the agent's work,could then LEPC(Local Emergency Planning automatically grant extension requests if
legitimately certify the Plan.Also,in the Committee)to facilitate public review. we are to require a Plan to be in effect
final rule,we allow the PE to be an One State suggested there be a Federal prior to commencement of operations.
employee of the facility as well as requirement that the Plan also be filed Existing Plan requirements.Another
registered in a different State than the with the State. commenter criticized the proposed
facility is located,in order to approve a Response to comments.Nearest field requirement to submit the existing Plan
Plan.The rationale is that SPCC work is office,normal working hours.The term with each extension request,because
national in scope and therefore State "nearest field office"in paragraph(e)(1) EPA's review of the Plan cannot
expertise is unnecessary. means the office with operational practically be an element of the
Editorial changes and clarifications. responsibility for the facility,or the extension granting process.Another
"Registered Professional Engineer" emergency response center for the commenter suggested that the language
becomes"licensed Professional facility,because those locations ensure in paragraph (0(3)would be better if it
Engineer."The first sentence of the accessibility for personnel who need to said that the existing Plan's provisions
paragraph was proposed as,"No SPCC respond in case of a discharge.The term remain in effect until they are
Plan shall be effective to satisfy the "normal working hours"in paragraph superseded by changes proposed by the
• requirements of this part unless it has (e)(2)refers to the working hours of the facility,because these words better
been reviewed by a Registered facility or the field office,not EPA. reflect the intention of the rule.
Professional Engineer."We revised it to Plan availability.Today we have Amendments.Several commenters
read, "A licensed Professional Engineer finalized the 1991 proposal that the Plan urged EPA to allow extensions for
must review and certify a Plan for it to must be available at the facility if it is preparation and implementation of Plan
be effective to satisfy the requirements normally attended at least four hours amendments.
of this part."This revision is due to the per day,or at the nearest field office if Response to comments.Automatic
fact that PEs are licensed by States. it is not so attended.A Plan must extensions.Automatic extension
Section 112.3(e)—Location and always be available without advance requests are not justifiable because we
notice,because an inspection might not have extended the time within which
Availability of Plan be scheduled.You are not required to most facilities have to prepare and
Background.In 1991,we proposed locate a Plan at an unattended facility implement Plans. See§112.3(a),(b),and
that the Plan be available at the facility because of the difficulty that might (c).Also,under the revised rule,you
if the facility is normally manned at ensue when emergency personnel try to may request an extension for the
least four hours a day,in lieu of the find the Plan.However,you may keep preparation and implementation of any
current requirement that the Plan be a Plan at an unattended facility.If you Plan,or amendment to any Plan.See
available if the facility is manned eight do not locate the Plan at the facility,you §112.3(0.
hours a day.If the facility is not must locate it at the nearest field office. Existing Plan requirements.We have
attended at least four hours a day,the State and local agencies.You are not broadened the scope of extension
Plan would have to be available at the required to file or locate a Plan with a requests to any facility that can justify
nearest field office. State Emergency Response Commission the request,because for every type of
The rationale for the change is that or Local Emergency Planning facility there may be cases in which an
some facilities interpreted the eight Committee or other State or local agency extension can be justified.Existing fixed
hour requirement not to apply to a because the distribution would and mobile facilities may experience
facility that is only operating seven and unjustifiably increase the information delays in construction or equipment
one-half hours per day,with a half an collection burden of the rule,and not all delivery or may lack qualified
hour deducted for lunch.The committees or agencies may want copies personnel,and these circumstances may
availability of a Plan can be extremely of SPCC Plans.Should a State wish to be beyond the control of,and without
useful in preventing and mitigating require filing of a Federal SPCC Plan the fault of,the owner or operator.We
discharges,therefore it must be with a State or local committee or also agree with the commenter that the
available most of the time at attended agency,it may do so.No Federal submission of the entire Plan as a matter
facilities. requirement is necessary. of course is unnecessary to evaluate
Comments.Editorial changes and Editorial changes and clarifications. each extension request.Therefore,we
• clarifications.Several commenters In paragraph(e)(2),we deleted the term have amended the nile to provide that
questioned the meaning of"normal "or authorized representative"after the Regional Administrator may request
working hours,"asking whose hours "Regional Administrator,"because the your Plan if he deems it appropriate.
that meant,those of EPA or those of the Regional Administrator may delegate But we do not believe that he will
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47087
• always do so.It may be necessary under submission of the information required when reporting discharges under
some circumstances.The Regional in§112.4(a)(1)and to require Plan §112.4(a).We believe the information
Administrator also retains discretion to amendments at any time is vague and now required to be submitted is
request the Plan after on-site review,or does not provide adequate notice to the adequate to assess the cause of
after certain discharges.See§112.4(a)(9) regulated community. discharge and the ability of the facility
and(d).We disagree with the Submission of entire Plan.One to prevent future discharges.If the RA
commenter's proposed rewrite of the commenter thought that meaningful believes that the entire Plan has utility,
owner or operator's obligations while review of the information submitted was he can request it.However,we disagree
the request is pending because the better impossible without the entire Plan.Two that RAs will always require submission
policy is to require compliance with the commenters believed that EPA would of the Plan,or other information not
rest of the rule that is not affected by the always request the information it required,as a matter of course.RAs may
extension request,rather than saying proposed to eliminate. use their administrative discretion not
that the existing Plan continues in Discharge threshold.Other to require the submission of Plan
effect. commenters proposed a higher information or other additional
Amendments.We have also added a threshold for having to report a information.
provision for an extension of time to discharge than is currently required by Discharge threshold.42 gallons.We
prepare and implement an amendment §112.4(a).Those thresholds ranged from agree that a higher threshold of
to the Plan,as well as an entire Plan.We 25-55 gallons.One commenter reporting discharges is justifiable
believe that there may be cases in which suggested that we relax the reporting because we believe that only larger
an extension can be justified for a Plan requirement for very minor releases of discharges should trigger an EPA
amendment because the same petroleum products.Another suggested obligation to review a facility's
extenuating circumstances may apply. that if the discharge causes a sheen that prevention efforts.We also agree that a
Editorial changes and clarifications. dissipates within 24 hours,there should higher threshold should trigger a
In paragraph(f)(3),"letter of request" be no obligation to report. facility's obligation to submit
becomes"written extension request."In Maps,flow diagrams,and charts. information and possibly have to take
the last sentence of that paragraph, Several commenters suggested that we further prevention measures.Therefore,
"with respect to"becomes"related to." eliminate the requirement to submit we have changed the threshold for
maps,flow diagrams,and charts
Section 112.4(a)-Reporting Certain reporting after two discharges as
Discharges to EPA because those documents"add nothing described in§112.1(b).Under the
useful to the inquiry." revised rule,if you are the owner or
Background.In 1991,we proposed to Off-site category.Another commenter operator of a facility subject to this part,
require more information than is suggested that we create an"off-site" you must only submit the required
currently required in the rule for
• category of spill reports for discharges information when in any twelve month
reporting certain discharges.If your reported a facility that are in a water period there have been two discharges
facility discharged more than 1,000 body adjacent to the reporter's facility, as described in§112.1M,in each of
gallons in a discharge as described in or for discharges that originate off-site, which more than 42 U.S.gallons,or one
§112.1(b),or discharged oil in but migrate to the facility. barrel,has been discharged. e d.W adopted
quantities that may be harmful in more Calculation of time for discharge
than two discharges as described in reports required by§112.4(a).Several the 42 gallon threshold on a
§112.1(b)within any consecutive commenters suggested that we calculate commenter's suggestion.We believe that
twelve month period,you would have the time for the submission of discharge a 42 gallon threshold is the appropriate
been required to submit certain reports required by§112.4(a)on a one to trigger a facility's information
information to the Regional "block"basis,rather than a"rolling" and possibly to have to take further
Administrator. basis. prevention measures.When multiple
In 1993,we proposed a modification discharges occur at a facility subject to
to§112.4(d)(1)which would allow the Response to Comments the SPCC program,such as a generating
Regional Administrator to require the Information submission at any time. station,they often involve the discharge
submission of the listed information in We agree with the commenter that the of very small amounts of oil,and these
§112.4(a)(1)at any time,whether or not 1993 proposal to give the Regional discharges tend to come randomly from
there had been a discharge as described Administrator authority to require a tube pipe,an oil level sight glass
in§112.1(b). submission of the requested information crack,or some other apparatus,and do
In 1997,we proposed a reduction of in this section at any time is vague,and not normally indicate a recurring
the amount of information currently have therefore withdrawn that part of problem with the container.Having two
required by§112.4(a).We proposed to the proposal.We will only require such or more of these small discharges does
eliminate the following information, information after the discharges not indicate that the facility's SPCC Plan
unless the Regional Administrator specified in this section. requires revision.The other reporting
specifically requested it:(1)The date Submission of entire Plan.CWA threshold of 1,000 gallons in any a
and year of initial facility operation;(2) section 311(m)provides EPA with the single discharge as described in
maximum storage or handling capacity authority to require an owner or §112.1(b)remains the same.
of the facility and normal daily operator of a facility subject to section We disagree that a sheen caused by a
throughput;and,(3)a complete copy of 311 to make reports and provide discharge as described in §112.1(b)over
the SPCC Plan with any amendments. information to carry out the objectives the threshold amount that disappears
Comments.In general.Most of section 311;and CWA section 308(a) within 24 hours should not require
commenters favored the 1997 proposal. provides us with authority to require the submission of information.The
Several commenters opposed the owner or operator of any"point source" discharge itself may indicate a serious
• proposal. to make such reports as the problem at the facility which needs to
Information submission at any time. Administrator may reasonably require. be corrected.The discharge report may
One commenter argued that the 1993 Therefore,we disagree that submission give us the information necessary to
proposal allowing EPA to require of the entire Plan is always necessary require specific correction measures.
47088 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• "Sheen"rule.The duty imposed by period.If discharge#3 occurred on the Editorial changes and clarifications.If
the CWA to report to the National following February 3,it would again a particular information request is
Response Center all discharges that may trigger a submission,because discharge inapplicable,you may omit it,but must
be harmful,further described by 40 CFR #3 would be within 12 months of explain why it is inapplicable.Several
110.3,is unchanged.Those discharges discharge#g.While the"rolling basis" plural nouns like"names"and"causes"
include discharges that violate would trigger more regulatory become singular.Wherever the phrase
applicable water quality standards;or, submissions than the"block basis,"we "and/or"appears,we have revised the
cause a film or sheen upon or believe that it would enhance phrase to read"and."In 1997's
discoloration of the surface of the water environmental protection because it proposed§112.4(a)(6),redesignated as
or adjoining shorelines or cause a sludge would call potential problems to the §112.4(a)(7),"spill"becomes
or emulsion to be deposited beneath the attention of the Regional Administrator "discharge as described in§112.1(b)."
surface of the water or upon adjoining sooner,and allow them to be remedied In 1997's proposed§112.4(a)(8),
shorelines. sooner by a Plan amendment where redesignated as§112.4(a)(9), "spill
Maps,flow diagrams, and charts.In necessary. event"becomes"discharge."
response to comments which "Block"basis.The other approach Section 112.4(b)—Applicability of
questioned the usefulness of such would be to use a"block"period. Under
§112.4
information,we have modified the
this type of calculation,each third
provision regarding maps,flow discharge as described in§112.1(b) Background.Under current§112.4(b),
diagrams,topographical maps(now would not trigger a submission if it the§112.4 requirements for spill
required by paragraph(a)(6)of the occurred within 12 months of discharge reporting do not apply until the
current rule)to clarify that only the #2,but it would start the beginning of expiration of the time permitted for the
information necessary to adequately a new 12 month period.For example,if preparation and implementation of a
describe the facility and discharge,such discharge#1 occurred on January 1,and Plan pursuant to§112.3(a),(b),(c),and
as maps,flow diagrams,or discharge#2 on June 2,discharge#2 (f).In 1991,we proposed that§112.4
trigger a submission.Discharge
necessarily all of the information listed would the time permitted for the preparation
#3 on the following February 3 would
in the paragraph.To effect this change, not trigger a submission,but would start and implementation of a Plan under
we added the words"as necessary"after a new 12 month period.The principal §112.3(f)only.Section 112.3(f)is the
"topographical maps.""As necessary" time period in which you are permitted
justification for block reporting is also
means as determined by the owner or that discharges more closely related in to prepare and implement a Plan under
operator,subject to the obligations of an extension request.
time are more likely to be related.Our
this rule,unless the RA req
Illconcern with this method is that if the
information.There might be to§172.3(a), (b)and(c)because the
February 3 discharge(i.e.,discharge#3)
circumstances in which the owner or current time periods allowed in these
is within twelve months of discharge#2, for the preparation and
operator would submit only a brief this situation could indicate that there paragraphs
description of the facility or a map,for implementation of the Plan (before
is a problem that has not been remedied,
example,because flow diagrams and so the February 3 discharge should commencement of operation for new
topographical maps were unnecessary to g facilities or mobile facilities,or after the
describe the discharge,and would not trigger a reporting submission. effective date of the rule for other
Maximum storage or handling existing facilities)were proposed for
help the RA to determine whether any capacity.In 1997,we proposed deletion p p
amendment to the Plan was necessary to p P deletion.Because future facilities would
prevent future discharges as described of current paragraph (5)(renumbered as generally have a Plan prepared and
in§112.1(b). paragraph(4)in today's final rule), implemented before beginning
Off-site category.There is no concerning the maximum storage or operations,there was no longer a need
necessity for an"off-site"category of handling capacity of the facility and to temporarily relieve facilities of spill
discharges as described in§112.1(b) normal daily throughput.We have reporting obligations under§I12.4(a),
because only a discharge as described in reconsidered this proposal and decided unless the Regional Administrator
§112.1(b)that originates in a facility to withdraw it because the referenced granted an extension under§1I2.3(f)to
subject to this part counts for purposes information is necessary information. prepare and implement a Plan.We
of§112.4(a). We have therefore retained the language received no comments on this proposal.
Calculation of time for discharge in the rule.Storage capacity and normal In today's rule,however,we have
reports required by§112.4(a).We daily throughput are important revised §112.3 to extend the time lines
believe a"rolling"basis is the indicators of the impact of a potential for certain facilities to prepare and
appropriate method to calculate a discharge as described in§112.1(b). implement Plans.To accord with this
discharge as described in§112.1(b)for Additional information.If the change,we are maintaining the
purposes of the rule because discharges Regional Administrator requires other approach under current §112.4(b)to
as described in§112.1(b)that are closer information,for example,concerning provide that the§112.4 spill reporting
in time are more likely to be related in the spill pathway,or any response requirements will not apply until the
cause.Discharges that are more measures taken,this request is expiration of the time permitted for the
proximate in time may indicate a authorized under renumbered initial preparation and implementation
problem that needs to be remedied.A §112.4(a)(9),current§112.4(a)(11). of a Plan under§112.3(a),(b),(c),and
"rolling basis"means that each Adjoining shorelines,natural (f).Today,we have also revised
discharge as described in§112.1(b) resources,affected natural resources. §112.3(a)to provide an extended time
triggers the start of a new twelve month Discharges into navigable waters are not line for preparing a Plan amendment
period.For example,if discharge#1 the only discharges reportable for and§112.3(f)to provide for an
• occurred on January 1,and if discharge purposes of this section.We note that extension request for an amendment to
#2 occurred on June 2,discharge#2 any discharge as described in§112.1(b) a Plan.Therefore,we have also revised
would trigger the regulatory submission is also within the scope of this section's §112.4(b)to provide that the obligation
and would start a new twelve month reportable discharges. to submit information as required by
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47089
• §112.4(a)does not arise until the learn of discharges reported to EPA and clause empowering the RA to approve
expiration of the time permitted for the to make recommendations as to further the Plan or require amendment.
initial preparation and implementation procedures,methods,equipment,and We also proposed in 1993 allowing
of the Plan under§112.3,but not for other requirements that might prevent the RA to require submission of the
any amendments to the Plan.We did such discharges at the reporting facility. information listed in §112.4(a)at any
not previously propose to relieve We can only implement State agency time.The rationale to get this
facilities of§112.4 reporting suggestions that are within the scope of information was to prevent discharges
requirements during Plan amendments our authority under section 311 of the from happening,in addition to seeking
or extensions for Plan amendments.An CWA, to correct the conditions that may have
amendment may or may not be directly In general.The commenter is correct caused the discharge.See the
related to the cause of the discharge as that the SPCC program is a Federal background and response to comments
described in §112.1(b),and therefore program,but we believe that in working under§112.4(a)for a discussion of this
may have little relevance to the duty to with the States,we can improve the proposal.
submit discharge reports to EPA. Federal program through coordination Comments.Regional Administrator
Section 112.4(c)—Supplying Discharge with State oil pollution prevention approval of Plans.Several commenters
Information to the States programs.Therefore,we believe that the criticized the idea of RA approval of the
information provided to States is neither Plan on the theory that it is an
Background.In 1991,we proposed redundant nor unnecessary. Nor is the unwarranted intrusion into the manner
that you must provide the same section misleading;it clearly states the in which operators do business.Another
discharge information that you submit obligation of the owner or operator. urged an appeal process if EPA approval
to the Regional Administrator under of Plans is required.
State agency review.We modified the
§112.4(a)to the State agency in charge 1991 proposal on the commenters' Plan information and amendments.
of oil pollution control activities.The One commenter argued that allowing
suggestion to include notice to any
current rules require that you provide EPA to require submission of the
that information to the State agency in appropriate State agency in charge of oil information required in§112.4(a)at any
charge of water pollution control pollution control activities,since there time and to require Plan amendments at
activities. may be more than one such agency in any time is vague and does not provide
Comments.Legal authority.One some States and all may have need for adequate notice to the regulated
commenter suggested that we have no the information.We do not list such community.Several commenters were
legal authority for the proposal.Another agencies in the rule,as a commenter concerned that EPA would
commenter asserted that EPA could suggested,because the names and inconsistently require overly stringent
only implement State agency jurisdiction of the State agencies are
p g y measures in some Plans or might require
• recommendations if those subject to change.It is the reporter's amendments unrelated to discharge
recommendations fell within the scope obligation to learn which State agencies potential or which were financially
of the SPCC rule, receive the discharge reports.Most unreasonable.Two commenters urged a
In general.Several commenters States publish documents on an ongoing time limit on EPA decision making
suggested the proposal was redundant basis,similar to the Federal Register, following submission of required
and unnecessary,because only EPA which publicize relevant regulatory information.Another commenter was
regulates the SPCC program,not the information. concerned that no provision required PE
States. We do not provide State agencies certification of amendments required by
State agency review.One commenter, funds to review these discharge reports Epp
a State,favored the proposal and noted due to budgetary constraints.While we Response to comments.Regional
that more than one State agency has assume that many States review these Administrator approval of Plans.We
statutory jurisdiction over oil pollution reports carefully,we cannot require have deleted the provision that would
control in that State.That State and them to do so.Thus,this action is not have allowed RA approval of Plans.We
another suggested that all relevant State an unfunded mandate from the Federal have decided not to create a new class
agencies receive the information.One government to the States.But if States of SPCC Plans which require EPA
commenter suggested that EPA should do review the reports,they do so at their approval,either Plans submitted
identify the appropriate State agency to own expense. following certain discharges as required
which notice is due.One commenter Editorial changes and clarifications. by§112.4(a)or Plans with contingency
thought the proposed change was In the last sentence of the paragraph, plans,because we do not believe such
misleading.Another commenter,a "discharges of oil"becomes approval is necessary in order to ensure
State,suggested that EPA provide the "discharges." effective Plans.
States money to review the submitted Section 112.4(d}—Amendment of Plans Plan information and amendments.
discharge information. Required by the Regional Administrator We agree that allowing EPA to require
Response to comments.Legalsubmission of the information required
authority.We have ample legal Background.In 1991,we proposed in§112.4(a)at any time,and thereafter
authority to finalize this rule.A similar that after review of materials under to require Plan amendments,is vague,
rule has been in effect since 1974. 112.4(a),the Regional Administrator and therefore we have withdrawn that
Section 311(j)(1)of the CWA authorizes (RA)might require amendment of the part of the proposal. Furthermore,it is
the Federal government(and EPA SPCC Plan.We also proposed that the unnecessary because sections 308 and
through delegation)to establish RA might require Plan amendment after 311(m)of the CWA already provides us
"procedures,methods,and equipment reviewing contingency plan materials with adequate authority to request
and other requirements for equipment to submitted for approval.See proposed necessary Plan information.
prevent discharges of oil. * * *" §112.7(d),1991. While the RA will not have authority
• Section 112.4(c)of this rule is a In 1993,we proposed that the RA under this section to approve Plans,he
procedure to help prevent discharges would also have authority to require has authority to require Plan
that fall within the scope of that Plan amendment after on-site review of amendment.We will strive to be as
statutory provision.It enables States to the Plan.In addition,we proposed a timely as possible in reviewing the
47090 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
0 information when submitted,and next paragraph,making such reference a day-to-day basis.One commenter
making decisions on any required redundant. suggested that small facilities with less
amendments.A time limit on the RA's Editorial changes and clarifications. than 5,000 gallon-capacity should be
decision making authority would be We have changed the proposed exempted from the need to amend their
unnecessary because a facility may requirement to mail a copy of the notice Plans for the listed acts.Another
continue to operate under its existing to the registered agent of a corporation commenter asserted that instead of
Plan while the RA's decision is pending. to a requirement that such notice be being required to amend their Plans
While we will consider cost in our effected only if the registered agent is before changes are made,operators
decision making,amendments may be known to EPA.The notification should be encouraged to incorporate
required on a case-specific basis to help requirement for registered agents now new procedures into their SPCC Plans to
prevent discharges.Any technical tracks the notification requirement for prevent and contain potential
amendment required would require PE registered agents in§112.1(f).Because discharges which might result from
certification.See§112.5(c) . we have withdrawn the proposed performing needed repairs and
Editorial changes and clarifications. requirement that a corporation submit replacements.The rationale for the
We have deleted reference to the RA's that agent's name or address in the suggestion was that operators will then
approval of the submitted Plan in submission of information required by not"save up"potential amendments
proposed paragraph(d)(2),because the §112.4(a),such agent may not he known due to the burden of preparing an
RA will not have authority to approve to EPA.In the last sentence of the final amendment.
a Plan.He does,however,have rule,"amendment of the Plan"becomes Material changes.Many commenters
authority to require Plan amendment "amended Plan." offered opinions on the examples of
under today's revision of§112.4(d). Section 112.4(f)—Appeals of Required material changes listed in the rule for
Amendments which amendments would be required.
Section 112.4(e)—Notification and Some suggested that the rule should
Implementation of Required Background.In 1991,we reproposed read that these are only examples of
Amendments the current appeals procedures for changes that may trigger amendment.
required Plan amendments.We received Several commenters suggested that
Background.In 1991,we reproposed
the current notification provision no substantive comments.Therefore,we decommissioning a tank should not
concerning required Plan amendments, have promulgated the procedures as trigger an amendment because"as a
and the time lines for implementation of proposed. tank is removed,so is the requirement
those amendments. Editorial changes and clarifications. for an SPCC Plan."Another commenter
Comments. Who receives notice.One We deleted language concerning the noted that changing a product in a tank
commenter wanted EPA to notify "designee"of the EPA Administrator or cleaning a tank should not be
• because it is unnecessary.Current considered commissionin or
railroads directly,instead of their g
delegations allow the Administrator to decommissioning a tank.One
registered agents,because of the time lag delegate this function. commenter suggested that an
that might occur between the time the
agent received notice and the owner or Section 112.5(a)—Plan Amendment by amendment to the Plan should be
operator of the facility received notice. an Owner or Operator required when there is a change of
product stored within the tank.
Another commenter urged that we also Background.In 1991,we proposed to Documenting no change or certain
provide notice to the facility operator, require that an owner or operator amend activities.Another commenter suggested
the facility improvement owner,and the the Plan before making any change in that a log book might be used instead of
facility landowner.His rationale for facility design,construction,operation, a Plan amendment to document
such expanded notice was that a major or maintenance materially affecting the "routine activities"and measures taken
problem may be addressed by the facility's potential for the discharge of to maintain the spill prevention and
operator or EPA,without the knowledge oil into the waters of the United States response integrity of the facility. Several
and/or consent of the facility unless the RA granted an extension.We commenters suggested that an identical
improvements owner and the facility also listed some examples of facility replacement of tanks or other equipment
landowner. changes which would require Plan should not be considered a material
Appeals procedure.One commenter amendment,noting that these examples change and therefore amendment
suggested that we include a reference to were not an exclusive list. should not be required.A utility
the appeal procedure for amendments in Comments. When amendment is commenter asked that facilities be
this section. necessary.Several commenters favored allowed to accumulate minor
Response to comments. Who receives the proposal.Others provided differing modifications for a period of 6 months,
notice.In reply to the railroad standards for amending Plans.A then update the Plan.
commenter,the rule requires notice number of commenters suggested that EPA approval.Another commenter
only to the owner or operator of the no amendments should be necessary suggested that we clarify that EPA
facility,and the registered agent,if any when a facility change results in a approval of an amendment made under
and if known.Notice from EPA to the decrease in the volume stored or a this section is not required.
facility improvements owner and decrease in the potential for an oil spill. Time line for amendment
landowner is unnecessary because these Another suggested a standard that implementation.Numerous commenters
matters can and should be handled amendments should be made"when opposed the proposed requirement that
between the facility owner or operator there are indicia of problems."A a Plan be amended before any material
and the owner or operator of the commenter suggested a standard that no changes are made.Commenters
improvements or the landowner. amendments would be required except suggested various alternative
Appeals procedure.We have not for those changes which would cause amendment time lines ranging from 90
• included a reference to the appeals the spill potential to exceed the Plan's days to six months following such
procedures for required amendments in capabilities because day-to-day changes changes,with a cluster of commenters
this section because the appeals do not affect the worst case spill and the around the six months alternative.
procedures follow immediately in the Plan should not have to be amended on Others suggested that the Plan be
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47091
. amended at fixed time points such as alike to prevent discharges after material is a change from previous operating
before a design is physically changes. conditions involving different
implemented,before startup of Material changes.A material change properties of the stored product such as
operations,after modifications,before is one that may either increase or specific gravity or corrosivity and/or
new or modified equipment is in decrease the potential for a discharge. different service conditions of
operation,or when changes are made. We agree with the commenter that the temperature and/or pressure.Therefore,
One commenter said that rule language rule should be worded to indicate that we have amended the rule to add"or
should be clarified to note that the RA the examples are for illustration only, service"after the phrase"changes of
may specify a time period longer than because the items in the list may not product."
six months to implement an always trigger amendments,and Documenting no change or certain
amendment. because the list is not exclusive.Only activities.We agree that a log book may
Response to comments. When changes which materially affect be used to document non-material,
operations trigger the amendment routine activities.However,this is not
amendment is necessary.We agree with
requirement.Ordinary maintenance or an appropriate substitute for
the commenter who suggested that we
maintain the current standard for non-material changes which do not amendment when you make material
amendments,i.e.,when there is a affect the potential for the discharge of changes at the facility.
change that materially affects the oil do not. EPA approval.We agree with the
facility's potential to discharge oil.This We disagree that decommissioning of commenter's suggestion that EPA
position accords with our stance on a container that results in permanent approval of an amendment is not
closure of that container is not a required.However,if the RA is not
when Plans should be prepared and
implemented.See§112.3.The other material amendment.Decommissioning satisfied that your amendment satisfies
suggested standards too narrowly limit a container could materially decrease the requirements of these rules,he may
the changes which would trigger Plan the potential for a discharge and require require further amendment of your Plan.
amendment.We believe that an Plan amendment,unless such Time line for amendment
amendment is necessary when a facility decommissioning brings the facility implementation.We agree with
change results in a decrease in the below the regulatory threshold,making commenters that we should not require
volume stored or a decrease in the the preparation and implementation of Plan amendment before material
a Plan no longer a requirement.We also changes are made.Therefore,we have
potential for an oil spill because EPA
needs this information to determine believe that the oversight of a revised the proposed rule to provide a
Professional Engineer is necessary to maximum of six months for Plan
compliance with the rule.For example,
the amount of secondary containment ensure that the container is in fact amendment,and a maximum of six
equird depds on the storage properly closed. more months for amendment
• rregacied of p ecnontainer.Decreases might We agree that replacement of tanks, implementation.This is the current
acontainers,or equipment may not be a standard.We note that§112.3(1)allows
also affect the way a facility plans material change if the replacements are
emergency response measures and p the re to r authorize n an extension of time
identical in quality,capacity,and to prepare and implement an
training procedures.A lesser capacity number.However,a replacement of one amendment under certain
might require different response tank with more than one identical tank circumstances.
measures than a larger capacity.The resulting in greater storage capacity is a Editorial changes and clarifications.
training of employees might be affected material change because the storage The phrase in the first sentence which
because the operation and maintenance capacity of the facility,and its read,"potential to discharge oil as
of the facility might be affected by a consequent discharge potential,have described in§112.1(b)of this part,"
lesser storage capacity. increased. becomes"potential for a discharge as
Likewise,a standard requiring Changes of product.We have added described in§112.1(6)."Tanks"
amendment"when there are indicia of to the list of examples,on a becomes"containers.""Commission or
problems"is too vague and leaves commenter's suggestion,"changes of decommission"becomes
problems unaddressed which may result product."We added "changes of "commissioning or decommissioning."
in a discharge as described in§112.1(b). product"because such change may
A standard requiring an amendment materially affect facility operations and Section 112.5/64—Periodic Review of
only when the change would cause the therefore be a material change.An Plans
spill potential to exceed the Plan's example of a change of product that Background.In 1991,we reproposed
capabilities(because day-to-day changes would be a material change would be a the current rule,which requires that the
do not affect the worst case spill)would change from storage of asphalt to storage owner or operator review the Plan at
have the effect of leaving no of gasoline.Storage of gasoline instead least every three years,and amend it if
documentation of amendments which of asphalt presents an increased fire and more effective control and prevention
might affect discharges which do not explosion hazard.A switch from storage technology would significantly reduce
reach the standard of"worst case spill." of gasoline to storage of asphalt might the likelihood of a spill,and if the
While we encourage facilities to result in increased stress on the technology had been field-proven at the
incorporate new procedures into Plans container leading to its failure.Changes time of the review.
which would help to prevent of product involving different grades of In 1997,we withdrew the 1991
discharges,amendments are still gasoline might not be a material change proposal,and instead proposed a five-
necessary when material changes are and thus not require amendment of the year review time frame,with the same
made to document those new Plan if the differing grades of gasoline technological conditions.In 1997,we
procedures,and thus facilitate the do not substantially change the also proposed that the owner or operator
enforcement of the rule's requirements. conditions of storage and potential for certify that he had performed the
• We disagree that a small facility should discharge. review.
be exempt from making amendments for A change in service may also be a Comments.Five-year review.Most
material changes.Amendments may be material change if it affects the potential commenters favored the change from
necessary at large or small facilities for a discharge.A "change in service" three-to five-year review.Some
47092 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• commenters noted that a five-year required by the RA under§112.4(a),and beginning or the end of the Plan,or
review period would make it easier to perhaps after on-site review of a Plan maintain such documentation in a log
coordinate reviews of related plans, (see§112.4(d)).Plus the Plan must be book appended to the Plan or other
such as facility response plans required implemented at all times.These appendix to the Plan.You may
by part 112.A few opposed it,preferring opportunities ensure that Plans will be document completion in one of two
the current three-year review period. current.We also disagree that the length ways.If amendment of the Plan is
They believed that five-year review of the tank warranty should be the necessary,then you must state as much,
might lead to reduced maintenance and determining factor for a technological and that review is complete.This
consequent environmental harm, review.Technology changes enough statement is necessary because Plan
especially in the absence of any within a five-year period to warrant amendments may result either from
requirements for a facility to ensure that required review within such time period five-year review or from material
personnel are familiar with planning whether or not other changes occur. changes at the facility affecting its
goals and proposed response actions, Amendments other than the five-year potential for discharge,or from on-site
including personnel who are rotated. review amendments may not be based review of the Plan.There is no way to
One commenter suggested that the on the need to learn of improved know which circumstance causes the
longevity of a tank warranty should be technology.Those amendments might amendment without some explanation.
the determining factor in the length of result from deficiencies in the Plan,on If no amendments are necessary,you
review time.Another suggested that the need to make repairs,or to remedy must document completion of review by
there should be no particular time the cause of a discharge. merely signing a statement that you
period prescribed because the Calculation of time between reviews. have completed the review and no
requirement for an amendment The change in the rule from three-year amendments are necessary.You may
whenever a material change is made is to five-year reviews requires some use the words suggested in the rule to
sufficient. explanation as to when a review must document completion,or make any
Completion of review.Commenters be conducted.For example,a facility similar statement to the same effect.
split almost evenly on the proposed became subject to the rule on January 1, Who documents review.The owner or
requirement for certification of 1990.The first three-year review should operator of the facility,or a person at a
completion of the review.Opponents of have been conducted by January 1, management level with sufficient
the certification proposal believed 1993,the second by January 1, 1996, authority to commit the necessary
generally that it is unnecessary and the third by January 1,1999.The resources,must document completion
paperwork that will not benefit the next review must be conducted by of review.
environment.One commenter suggested January 1,2004,due to the rule change. Time line for amendment
that instead of documenting completion In other words,an existing facility must implementation.We agree with
• of review,a facility might instead date complete the review within 5 years of commenters(see comments on proposed
the Plan to show review and date each the date the last review must have been §112.5(a))that the preparation and
amendment.One commenter thought completed.A facility becoming operable implementation of Plan amendments
that the certifications should have to be on or after the effective date of the rule require more time than proposed.The
forwarded to the Regional will begin a five-year cycle at the date same rationale applies to the
Administrator.Others asked whether it becomes subject to part 112. preparation and implementation of
the certification could be documented Completion of review.We disagree amendments required due to five-year
in a log book,instead of in the Plan. that documentation of completion of reviews.Therefore,we will require
Another commenter asked at what review has no environmental benefit.Its adherence to the time lines laid down
management level certification should benefit lies in the fact that it shows that in§112.5(b)for amendments.Currently,
be required.One commenter believed someone reviewed the Plan to §112.5(b)requires that Plan
that Plans amended due to five-year determine if better technology would amendments be prepared within six
reviews should not require owner or benefit the facility and the Plan is months.It is silent as to time lines for
operator certification because any current.Documentation of completion implementation.Therefore,we have
amendments to the Plan have to be of review is necessary whether or not revised the rule to clarify that
reviewed and certified by a PE.Another any amendments are necessary in order amendments must be implemented as
commenter noted that no specific to clearly show that the review was soon as possible,but within the next six
language was provided for the done.Mere dating of the Plan or of an months.This is the current standard for
certification.One commenter urged that amendment does not show that you implementation of certain other
the PE should be allowed to document performed the required review. amendments. See,for example,
that no change is necessary after Documentation of completion of review §§112.3(a)and 112.4(e).We note that
reviewing planned changes,or that is a function of the owner or operator, §112.3(1)allows you to request an
further study is required,or that an whereas certification of any resulting extension of time to prepare and
amendment is necessary. technical amendment is a function of implement an amendment.
Response to comments.Five-year the PE.We disagree that documentation Editorial changes and clarifications.
review.We agree that a five-year review of completion should be forwarded to We have changed the word
period will make coordination of review the Regional Administrator because it "certification"to a requirement to
of related plans,such as facility would increase the information document completion of the review to
response plans required by part 112, collection burden without an avoid the legal effect a certification may
easier.We disagree that a five-year environmental benefit.It is sufficient have.The intent of the certification
review period will lead to reduced that the review be done.When the proposal was merely to show that an
maintenance or increased Regional Administrator wishes to verify owner or operator performed a review of
environmental harm.Amendment of a completion of review,he may do so the Plan every five years.62 FR 63814,
• Plan will still be necessary when a during an on-site inspection. December 2,1997.A false
material change is made affecting the How to document completion of documentation of completion of review
facility's potential to discharge oil, review.You must add documentation of of the Plan is a deficiency in the Plan
perhaps after certain discharges as completion of review either at the and may be cited as a violation of these
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47093
• rules."Spill event,"in the second deletion of this provision,and have Written Plans.We agree that a
sentence,becomes"discharge as deleted it. "written"Plan might also include texts,
described in§112.1(6). Section 112.7 Introduction and(a)(1)— graphs,charts,maps,photos,and tables,
Section 112.5(c)—PE Certification of General Eequirements on whatever media,including floppy
Technical Amendments disk,CD,hard drive,and tape storage,
Background.In 1991,we reproposed that allows the document to be easily
Background.In 1991,we proposed the introduction to§112.7 to clarify that accessed,comprehended, distributed,
that all amendments to the Plan must be the rule requires mandatory action,and viewed,updated,and printed.Whatever
certified by a PE with the exception of that it is not just a guideline.In 1997, medium you use,however,must be
changes to the contact list.The current we reproposed a definition of SPCC readily accessible to response personnel
rule requires certification of all Plan that included some substantive in an emergency.If it is produced in a
amendments. requirements.As noted above(see the medium that is not readily accessible in
Comments.A few commenters "SPCC Plan"definition in§112.2), an emergency,it must be also available
suggested that the value of PE those substantive requirements have in a medium that is.For example,a Plan
certification for amendments does not been transferred from the definition of might be electronically produced,but
justify the cost.Another commenter "SPCC Plan"in§112.2 to this section. computers fail and may not be operable
questioned when recertification of the Section 112.7(a)(1)requires a in an emergency. For an electronic Plan
entire Plan was required,rather than discussion of the facility's conformance or Plan produced in some other
just the amendment in question.Several with the listed requirements in the rule. medium,therefore,a backup copy must
commenters suggested that the Comments.For a discussion of the be readily available on paper.At least
recertification requirement be limited to "should to shall to must"comments and one version of the P anon should be
those changes that materially affect the response to those comments,see the written in English so that it will be
facility's potential to discharge oil. discussion above under that topic in
Response to comments.It is the section IV.C of this preamble. readily understood by an EPA inspector.
responsibility of the owner or operator Cross-referencing.Several Editorial changes and clarifications.
to document completion of review,but commenters criticized the requirement We have transferred all of the proposed
completion of review and Plan for sequential cross-referencing set forth substantive requirements in the 1997
amendment are two different processes. in the 1997 proposed definition of proposed definition of"SPCC Plan"to
PE certification is not necessary unless "SPCC Plan,"alleging that it is the introduction of this section.We did
the Plan is amended. confusing and provides no benefit. this because we agree with commenters
We believe that PE certification is Another commenter asked how detailed (see the comments on the definition of
necessary for any technical amendment the cross-referencing must be. "SPCC Plan"in §112.2)that definitions
. that requires the application of good Written Plans.Another commenter should not contain substantive
engineering practice.We believe that proposed that a"written"Plan might requirements.
the value of such certification justifies also include texts,graphs,charts,maps, We have revised the introduction to
the cost,in that good engineering photos,and tables,on whatever media, §112.7 to facilitate use of the active
practice is essential to help prevent including floppy disk,CD,hard drive, voice and to clearly note that the owner
discharges.Therefore,we have amended and tape storage that allows the or operator,except as specifically noted,
the rule to require PE certification for document to be easily accessed, is responsible for implementing the
technical changes only.Non-technical comprehended,distributed,viewed, rule.
changes not requiring the exercise of updated,and printed. We also deleted language requiring a
good engineering practice do not require Response to comments. Cross- "carefully thought-out"SPCC Plan.
PE certification.Such non-technical referencing.We agree that the term Such language is unnecessary because
changes include but are not limited to "sequential"cross-referencing may be the Plan must be prepared in
such items as:changes to the contact confusing,and have therefore deleted it accordance with good engineering
list;more stringent requirements for in favor of a requirement to provide practices.Another editorial revision in
stormwater discharges to comply with cross-referencing.We disagree that the introduction is the change from
NPDES rules;phone numbers;product cross-referencing provides no benefit. "level with authority"in the last
changes if the new product is With the wide variation now allowed in sentence of proposed §112.7(a)to"level
compatible with conditions in the differing formats,we need cross- of authority."A third revision is a
existing tank and secondary referencing so that an inspector can tell change from"format"to"sequence."
containment;and,any other changes whether the Plan meets Federal We have transferred the part of the
which do not materially affect the requirements,and whether it is sentence proposed in 1991 dealing with
facility's potential to discharge oil.If the complete.In addition,in order for an the sequence of the Plan in§112.7(a)(1)
owner or operator is not sure whether owner or operator to do his own check to the introduction of§112.7.
the change is technical or non-technical, to ensure that his facility meets all SPCC For consistency with response plan
he should have it certified. requirements,he must go through the language in§112.20(h),the language in
Former Section 112.7(a)(1)—Certain exercise of comparing his Plan to each the introduction referring to alternative
SPCC requirement.Cross-referencing in SPCC formats has been revised to read
pre-1974 Discharges the context of the rule means indicating "equivalent Plan acceptable to the
Background.In 1991,we proposed to the relationship of a requirement in the Regional Administrator."The response
delete§112.7(a),which required a new format to an SPCC requirement. plan language in§112.20(h)on
description of certain discharges to The cross-referencing must identify the "equivalent response plans"has also
navigable waters or adjoining shorelines Federal section and paragraph for each been revised to include the"acceptable
which occurred prior to the effective section of the new format it fulfills,for to the Regional Administrator"language
• date of the rule in 1974,because that example,§112.8(c)(3).Note the cross- included in the introduction to§112.7.
information was no longer relevant.56 referencing table we have provided for For a discussion of possible SPCC
FR 54620.We received several your convenience in section 11.A of this formats,see the discussion under the
comments supporting the proposed preamble. definition of"SPCC Plan,"above.
47094 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• We deleted the term"sequentially Comments.Some commenters questioned how the RA will determine
cross-referenced"because we agree that supported the 1991 proposal.But others if the deviation will cause harm to the
it may be misunderstood,and instead had concerns. environment,and therefore lack
use the term"cross-referencing"in the Applicability-1991.Some equivalency.If such a provision is
revised rule.As noted above,cross- commenters suggested that the Agency included,the commenter asked for an
referencing means identifying the should add language to the rule making appeals process similar to the one
requirement in the new format to the clear that a facility may deviate from the suggested in§112.20(c).
section and paragraph of the SPCC express requirements of the rule and RA oversight-1993.One commenter
requirement.We have also substituted may substitute alternatives based on favored the 1993 proposal.Opposing
the word"part"for"section"where good engineering practice.The commenters believed that submission of
"cross-referencing"and meeting commenters added that we should make deviations to the RA is unnecessary
"equivalent requirements"are clear that the equivalency provision in because PE certification ensures the
mentioned.We make this change §112.7(a)(2)does not require application of good engineering
mathematical equivalency of every practice.
because the rule requires compliance
requirement,but merely the Secondary containment.Several
with any applicable provision in the
part,not merely §112.7.We also clarify achievement of substantially the same commenters suggested that we explicitly
that the discussion of your facility's level of overall protection from the risk say that equivalent protection should be
conformance with the requirements of discharge at the facility as the specific defined to allow a compacted earthen
listed(see§112.7(a)(1))means the requirement seeks to achieve.Another floor and compacted earthen dike to
commenter was concerned that proving provide secondary containment.The
requirements listed in part 112,not
merely the requirements listed in the equivalence of measures to the rationale for the comment was that other
§112.7. satisfaction of Regional officials may be methods of secondary containment may
difficult.One commenter urged us to be prohibitively expensive and
We also note that if the Plan calls for expressly state that PEs may substitute unnecessary to protect against spills in
additional facilities or procedures, alternatives based on good engineering primarily rural areas.One commenter
methods,or equipment not yet fully practice. suggested that we should clarify that the
operational,you must discuss these RA oversight-1991.One commenter language of§112.7(c)applies only to oil
items in separate paragraphs,and must opposed the provision allowing the RA storage areas.
explain separately the details of to overrule waivers/equivalent Response to comments.Applicability.
installation and operational start-up. measures.As noted above,we withdrew We generally agree with the commenter
The discussion must include a schedule the proposal to allow the RA to that an owner or operator should have
for the installation and start-up of these explicitly overrule waivers.Instead we flexibility to substitute alternate
• items. substituted a proposed procedure measures providing equivalent
Section 112.7(a)(2)—Deviations from whereby the RA could require you to environmental protection in place of
Plan Requirements amend your Plan.One commenter express requirements.Therefore,we
feared that PEs would be reluctant to have expanded the proposal to allow
certify alternate technologies due to the deviations from the requirements in
Background.In 1991,we proposed to
allow deviations from the requirements threat of potential liability. §112.7(g),(h)(2)and (3),or(i),as well
listed in§112.7(c)and in§§112.8, Deviation submission.One as subparts B,and C,except for the
commenter opposed the proposed listed secondary containment provisions
112.9, 112.10,and 112.11,as long as the
owner or operator explained the reason requirement to submit a Plan deviation in§112.7 and subparts B and C.The
and urged its deletion to make it proposed rule already included possible
for nonconformance and provided
equivalent environmental protection by consistent with the rest of the SPCC deviations for any of the requirements
another means.The proposal was rule.The commenter argued that the listed in§§112.7(c),112.8,112.9,
requirement deviation and Plan have already been 112.10,and 112.11.We have expanded
intended to implement the which certified by a PE,and there is no reason this possibility of deviation to include
for"good engineering practice"
is a cornerstone of the rule,and to for EPA to be asked to second guess that the new subparts we have added for
certification in every case.The various classes of oils.We take this step
provide flexibility in meeting the rule's
commenter also asserted that it is because we believe that the application
requirements.We clearly noted in the
rule that the Regional Administrator unduly burdensome to require regulated of good engineering practice requires
facilities to prepare a justification and the flexibility to use alternative
would have the authority to overrule
any deviation. submit a Plan to EPA for every waiver measures when such measures offer
of the technical requirements.Another equivalent environmental protection.
In 1993,we reproposed the section, commenter questioned why the entire This provision may be especially
eliminating language referring to the Plan should be submitted to the RA for important in differentiating between
Regional Administrator's(RA's) review.The commenter suggested that requirements for facilities storing,
authority to overrule deviations. only the portion or portions of the Plan processing,or otherwise using various
Instead,we proposed that whenever you that do not conform to the standard types of oil.
proposed a deviation,you would have requirements should be submitted, A deviation may be used whenever an
to submit the entire Plan to the RA with adding that this step would help EPA to owner or operator can explain his
a letter explaining how your Plan minimize the resources needed to reasons for nonconformance,and
contained equivalent environmental review such waivers.One commenter provide equivalent environmental
protection measures in lieu of those suggested that the choice of preventive protection.Possible rationales for a
explicitly required in the rule.The RA systems in the design and deviation include when the owner or
would have authority under the 1993 implementation of spill prevention operator can show that the particular
• proposal to require amendment of the measures should be left to the facility requirement is inappropriate for the
Plan if he determined that the measures owner or operator.The commenter facility because of good engineering
described in the deviation did not opposed giving the RA authority to practice considerations or other reasons,
provide equivalent protection. require equivalent protection because he and that he can achieve equivalent
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47095
environmental protection in an alternate found at§§112.8(c)(2),112.8(c)(11),
• allowed for the general and specific
manner.For example,a requirement 112.9(c)(2),112.10(c),112.12(c)(2), secondary containment provisions listed
that may be essential for a facility 112.12(c)(11),112.13(c)(2),and above because§112.7(d)contains the
storing gasoline may be inappropriate 112.14(c),are not practicable.Those necessary requirements when you find
for a facility storing asphalt;or,the measures are expressly tailored to that secondary containment is not
owner or operator may be able to address the lack of secondary practicable.We have amended both this
implement equivalent environmental containment at a facility.They include paragraph and§112.7W)to clarify this.
protection through an alternate requirements to:explain why secondary Instead,the contingency planning and
technology.An owner or operator may containment is not practicable;conduct other requirements in§112.7(d)apply.
consider cost as one of the factors in periodic integrity testing of bulk storage Deviations are also not available for the
deciding whether to deviate from a containers;conduct periodic integrity general recordkeeping and training
particular requirement,but the alternate and leak testing of valves and piping; provisions in§112.7,as these
provided must achieve environmental provide in the Plan a contingency plan requirements are meant to apply to all
protection equivalent to the required following the provisions of 40 CFR part facilities,or for the provisions of
measure.The owner or operator must 109;and,provide a written commitment §112.7(0 and(j).We already provide
ensure that the design of any alternate of manpower,equipment,and materials flexibility in the manner of
device used as a deviation is adequate to expeditiously control and remove any recordkeeping by allowing the use of
for the facility,and that the alternate quantity of oil discharged that may be ordinary and customary business
device is adequately maintained.In all harmful.Therefore,when an owner or records.Training and a discussion of
cases,the owner or operator must operator seeks to deviate from compliance with more stringent State
explain in the Plan his reason for secondary containment requirements, rules are essential for all facilities.
nonconformance.We wish to be clear §112.7W)will be the applicable Therefore,we do not allow deviations
that we do not intend this deviation "deviation"provision,not§112.7(a)(2). for these measures.
provision to be used as a means to avoid Deviation submission.We agree with Secondary containment.Regarding
compliance with the rule or simply as the commenter that submission of a the secondary containment
an excuse for not meeting requirements deviation to the Regional Administrator requirements,the requirement in
the owner or operator believes are too is not necessary and have deleted the §112.7(c)applies not only to oil storage
costly.The alternate measure chosen proposed requirement.We take this step areas,but also to operational areas of the
must represent good engineering because we believe that the requirement facility where a discharge may occur.
practice and must achieve for good engineering practice and Section 112.7(c)may apply to any area
environmental protection equivalent to current inspection and reporting of the facility where a discharge is
the rule requirement.Technical procedures(for example,§112.4(a)), possible.Other secondary containment
. deviations,like other substantive followed by the possibility of required provisions in this pan have more
technical portions of the Plan requiring amendments,are adequate to review particular applicability,e.g.,
Plans and to detect the flaws in them. §§112.7 h 1 ,112.8(c (2 ,112.8(c)(11 ,
the application of engineering judgment,
( )( ) ) ) )
are subject to PE certification. Upon submission of required 112.9(c)(2),112.10(c),and their
information,or upon on-site review of a counterparts in subpart C.We decline to
In the preamble to the 1991 proposal Plan,if the RA decides that any portion specify that a compacted earthen floor
(at 56 FR 54614),we noted that"* * of a Plan is inadequate,he may require and compacted earthen dike will always
aboveground storage tanks without an amendment.See§112.4(d).If you satisfy the secondary containment
secondary containment pose a disagree with his determination requirements.Those methods may,
particularly significant threat to the regarding an amendment,you may however,be acceptable if there is no
environment.The Phase One appeal. See§112.4(e). potential for oil to migrate through the
modifications would retain the current RA oversight.Once an RA becomes compacted earthen floor or dike through
requirement for facility owners or aware of a facility's SPCC Plan as a groundwater to cause a discharge as
operators who are unable to provide result of an on-site inspection or the described in§112.1(b).
certain structures or equipment for oil submission of required information,he Editorial changes and clarifications.
spill prevention,including secondary is to follow the principles of good "Equivalent protection"becomes
containment,to prepare facility-specific engineering practice and not overrule a "equivalent environmental protection"
oil spill contingency plans in lieu of the deviation unless it is clear that such throughout the paragraph.
prevention systems."In keeping with deviation fails to afford equivalent
this position,we have deleted the environmental protection.This does not Section 112.7(0)(3)—Facility
deviation in 112.7(a 2 for Characteristics That Must be Described
proposed § )( ) mean that the deviation must achieve
the secondary containment "mathematical equivalency,"as one in the Plan
requirements in§§112.7(c)and (h)(1); commenter pointed out.But it does Background.In 1991,we proposed a
and for proposed§§112.8(c)(2), mean equivalent protection of the new section that would require you to
112.6(c)(11) 112.9(c)(2),112.10(c);as environment.We encourage innovative describe the essential characteristics of
well as for the new sections which are techniques,but such techniques must your facility in the Plan.Those
the counterparts of the proposed also protect the environment.We also characteristics are discussed below.In
sections,i.e.,§§112.12(c)(2), believe that in general PEs will seek to the description,you would also be
112.12(c)(11),112.13(c)(2),and protect themselves from liability by only required to provide a facility diagram
112.14(c),because a more appropriate certifying measures that do provide that included the location and contents
deviation provision already exists in equivalent environmental protection. of all tanks,regardless of whether the
§112.7(d).Section§112.7W)contains But the RA must still retain the tanks are subject to all the provisions of
the measures which a facility owner or authority to require amendments for 40 CFR part 280 or a State program
• operator must undertake when the deviations,as he can with other parts of approved under 40 CFR part 281,or
secondary containment required by the Plan certified by a PE. otherwise subject to part 112.The
§112.7(c)or(h)(1),or the secondary Not covered under the deviation rule. rationale for the diagram was that it
containment provisions in the rule Deviations under§112.7(a)(2)are not would assist in response actions.
47096 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Responders would have a means to Another asserted that it would not be because supplying site specific spill and
know where all containers are,to help possible to give estimates of oil clean-up information for a mobile
ensure their safety in conducting a potentially discharged from flowlines or source that will move from one site to
response action and aid in the gathering systems.One commenter another is not feasible.
protection of life and property. argued that mobile facilities should be Some opposing commenters believed
Comments. General description of exempt from this requirement because that the proposal would preclude
characteristics.Two commenters asked the exact site information changes with bioremediation.Others believed that it
that the requirements proposed for Plan the movement of equipment. was too costly.One commenter
characteristics be listed on a facility Possible spill pathways.Two suggested that the"costs associated
basis rather than a tank basis because commenters wrote that the proposed with off-site disposal of oil-saturated
otherwise the proposal would be too requirement "could be an infinite soil from a typical secondary
resource intensive.The commenters did number and serves no useful purpose." containment facility after a contained
not provide cost estimates. One commenter asked that the spill event will cost an operator as much
Facility diagram.Two commenters requirement be replaced by a as$4,700,calculated at the cost of$90
supported the proposal.Opposing requirement to describe the most likely per ton of removed soil for
commenters asserted that the diagram spill pathways to navigable water. transportation and disposal fees and the
would be too costly and add little to the Spill prevention measures(including associated leachate and waste analysis
Plan.One commenter said that the loading areas and transfers).One but excluding the internal costs
requirement was redundant because commenter suggested that the beginning associated with the actual excavation
many States require the same thing. of the paragraph be revised to read, work."Other commenters believed that
Two commenters opposed marking the "Secondary containment"instead of we have no authority to ask the question
contents of the tanks because those "Spill prevention measures. . . ."See because the subject matter is regulated
contents may change frequently, also the discussion on loading areas either by State law or another Federal
requiring Plan amendment each time. under§112.7(11). program,such as the solid waste
One commenter suggested that instead Spill controls and secondary program.One commenter asked for an
the facility maintain a separate list of containment.One commenter thought exemption for mobile facilities from this
tank contents when changes occur that this paragraph should refer to requirement.
frequently over a short span of time to "other drainage control features and the Contact list.Several commenters
eliminate the need to constantly amend equipment they protect." favored the proposal.One commenter
the diagram.Other commenters Spill countermeasures.One suggested that the list name the cleanup
requested a de minimis exemption for commenter suggested that this contractor with whom the facility has a
small containers for the diagram, paragraph be revised to read, relationship,not merely the name of any
. suggesting levels of 660 gallons or less.
Some of these commenters suggested "Prevention,control,or countermeasure cleanup contractor.
features,other than secondary One commenter favored the inclusion
that the diagram be discretionary for containment and drainage control,and of local emergency planning contacts in
storage volumes of less than 10-15,000 the equipment which they protect." the required information.Another
gallons.Other commenters asked Another commenter argued that mobile opposed it as duplicative of information
whether exempt materials would have drilling and workover rigs either on or in the HAZWOPER Plan.A commenter
to be marked as to content,for example, off shore should be exempt from this requested an exemption for mobile
products which are not oil.Some requirement because supplying site facilities.Another commenter believed
believed that the inclusion of otherwise specific spill and clean-up information we lack authority to request the
exempt containers in the diagram was for a mobile source that will move from information.One commenter suggested
unreasonable.One commenter one site to another is not feasible.One that the list be restricted to Federal or
suggested the diagram should include commenter suggested that the State agencies that must be notified in
transfer stations and connecting pipes. contingency planning requirements in case of the accidental discharge of oil.
Another commenter asked for this paragraph,as well as in§112.7(b) Another commenter argued that mobile
clarification that underground tanks, and(d)(1),seem unnecessarily complex drilling and workover rigs either on or
whether subject to SPCC or not,need to because the same basic information off shore should be exempt from this
be included in the diagram. seems to be required in several different requirement because supplying site
Unit-by-unit storage capacity.Several places in the proposed regulation.The specific spill and clean-up information
commenters asked for clarification of commenter went on to suggest that EPA for a mobile source that will move from
the meaning of the term"unit-by-unit consolidate these requirements.Another one site to another is not feasible.One
storage capacity."Many commenters commenter suggested that this commenter suggested that this
asked for specification of a minimum paragraph should be deleted and paragraph should be deleted and
size,and some suggested sizes,ranging removed to a response plan section removed to a response plan section
from 660 gallons to 10,000 gallons. which he suggested,because the which he suggested,because the
Type and quantity of oil stored.We information called for requires response information called for requires response
received one comment on this item.The information. information.
commenter opposed the information Disposal of recovered materials.Two Downstream water suppliers.Several
requirement because"the way a tank is commenters supported the proposal in commenters suggested that the proposed
used changes often and the adequacy of general,but one suggested that it is not requirement to include information on
response to an accidental discharge does feasible nor useful to discuss particular downstream water suppliers who must
not depend on the type of oil stored." alternatives.One of the favorable be contacted in case of a discharge to
Estimates of quantity of oils commenters suggested that we should navigable waters should be limited to
potentially discharged.The few encourage recycling of spilled oil rather those"who might reasonably be affected
. comments we received opposed this information requirement.One than mere disposal.Another commenter by a discharge,"Others asked that the
argued that mobile drilling and downstream distance be specified.They
commenter argued that the item workover rigs either on or off shore added that private wells should be
requests a"prediction"of future events. should be exempt from this requirement excluded from the notice. Several
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47097
• commenters asked how they might Inspectors and personnel new to the may or may not be a material change.
identify such suppliers.Yet others facility need to know the location of all See the discussion on§112.5(a).
believed that such notification was the containers subject to the rule.The Facility diagram—De minimis
responsibility of local emergency facility diagram may also help first containers.We have established a de
response agencies. responders to determine the pathway of minimis container size of less than 55
Response to comments. General the flow of discharged oil.If responders gallons.You do not have to include
description of characteristics.The know possible pathways,they may be containers less than 55 gallons on the
following characteristics must be able to take measures to control the flow facility diagram.
described on a per container basis:the of oil.Such control may avert damage Facility diagram—Transfer stations,
storage capacity of the container,type of to sensitive environmental areas;may connecting pipes,and USTs.We agree
oil in each container,and secondary protect drinking water sources;and may that all facility transfer stations and
containment for each container.The help responders to prevent discharges to connecting pipes that handle oil must
other characteristics may be described other conduits leading to a treatment be included in the diagram,and have
on a facility basis.We disagree that facility or navigable waters.Diagrams amended the rule to that effect.This
these requirements are too resource may assist Federal,State,or facility inclusion will help facilitate response
intensive.The major new requirement personnel to avoid certain hazards and by informing responders of the location
in§112.7(a)(3)is the facility diagram. to respond differently to others. of this equipment.The location of all
Based on site inspections and The facility diagram is necessary for containers and connecting pipes that
professional judgment,we estimate unit all facilities,large or small,because the store oil(other than de minimis
rationale is the same for both.While
costs for compliance with this section to containers)must be marked,including
be$33 for a small facility,$39 for a some States may require a diagram, USTs and other containers not subject to
medium facility,and$5 for a large others do not.SPCC is a Federal SPCC rules which are present at SPCC
facility.Large facilities are assumed to program specifying minimum facilities.Again,this is necessary to
already have a diagram that may be facilitate response by informing
requirements,which the States may
attached to the SPCC Plan.The other supplement with their own more responders of the location of these
items mentioned in§112.7(a)(3)— containers.
stringent requirements.We note that
storage capacity of each container, Unit-by-unit storage capacity.For
prevention measures,discharge State plans may be used SPCC Plans clarity,we have changed the term in
if they meet all Federal requirements,
controls,countermeasures,disposal thus avoiding any duplication of effort §112.7(a)(3)(i),"unit-by-unit"storage
methods,and the contact list—are capacity,to"type of oil in each
if the State facility diagram
already required under the current rule meets the container and its storage capacity."As
requirements of the Federal one.
or required by good engineering noted earlier,this requirement applies
. Facility diagram—container contents.
practice.As described in the only to containers of 55 gallons or
The facility diagram must include all
Information Collection Request for this fixed (i.e.,not mobile or portable) greater.
rule,the cost of Plan preparation containers which store 5gallons or Type and quantity of oil stored.We
includes these items,e.g.,field have eliminated proposed
investigations to understand the facility more of oil and must include § a)(3)(ii)because it repeats
design and to predict flow paths and information marking the contents of
le information requested in revised
potential harm,regulatory review,and those containers.If you store mobile §112,7 a 3( )( )(i).We ask for information
spill prevention and control practices. containers in a certain area,you must concerning storage capacity and type of
Providing information on a container- mark that area on the diagram.You may oil stored in each container in that
specific basis helps the facility to mark the contents of each container
p p• , paragraph.
prioritize inspections and maintenance either on the diagram of the facility,or Estimates of quantity of oils
of containers based on characteristics on a separate sheet or log if those potentially discharged.We have
such as age,capacity,or location.It also contents change on a frequent basis. eliminated proposed§112.7(a)(3)(iii)
helps inspectors to prioritize Marking containers makes for more because it repeats information sought in
inspections of higher-risk containers at effective prevention,planning, §112.7(b)regarding"a prediction of the
a facility.Container-specific information management,and response.For direction,rate of flow,and total quantity
helps an inspector verify the capacity example,a responder may take one type of oil which could be
calculation to determine whether a Plan of emergency measure for one type of discharged* * ."We will address the
is needed;and,helps to formulate oil,and another measure for another substantive comments under the
contingency planning if such planning type.As noted above,oils differ in their discussion of that paragraph.
is necessary. risk of fire and explosion.Gasoline is Possible spill pathways.We have
Facility diagram.The facility diagram highly flammable and volatile.It eliminated proposed§112.7(a)(3)(iv)
is important because it is used for presents the risk of fire and inhalation because the proposal repeats
effective prevention,planning, of vapors when discharged.On the other information sought in§112.7(b)
management (for example,inspections), hand,motor oil is not highly flammable, regarding"a prediction of the direction,
and response considerations and we and there is no inhalation of vapors rate of flow,and total quantity of oil
therefore believe that it must be part of hazard associated with its discharge. which could be discharged.* * *"
the Plan.The diagram will help the In an emergency,the responder may Again,we will address the substantive
facility and emergency response not have container content information comments under the discussion of that
personnel to plan for emergencies.For unless it is clearly marked on a diagram, paragraph.
example,the identification of the type log,or sheet.For emergency response Spill prevention measures.We have
of oil in each container may help such purposes,we also encourage,but do not revised this paragraph to read
personnel determine the risks when require you to mark on the facility "discharge prevention measures."We
• conducting a response action.Some oils diagram containers that store CWA disagree with the commenter that the
present a higher risk of fire and hazardous substances and to label the paragraph should be labeled"secondary
explosion than other less flammable contents of those containers.When the containment."The term"discharge
oils. contents of an oil container change,this prevention measures"is better because
47098 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• it encompasses both secondary containment and other discharge materials are managed in an preparedness,and response purposes.
environmentally sound manner.Proper Furthermore,it is an appropriate
prevention measures. disposal also assists response efforts.If question for all facilities,including
Spill controls and secondary a facility lacks adequate resources to mobile facilities,because it is necessary
containment.We have revised this dispose of recovered oil and oil- to prepare for discharges and to aid in
paragraph to refer to"discharge" contaminated material during a prompt cleanup when they occur.
controls.In response to a commenter, response,it limits how much and how Having a Plan which contains a contact
we have also included a reference to quickly oil and oil-contaminated list of response organizations is a
drainage controls in the paragraph material is recovered,thereby increasing procedure and method to contain a
because drainage systems or the risk and damage to the environment. discharge of oil as specified in CWA
diversionary ponds might be an We disagree that this paragraph section 311(j)(1)(C).However,we have
alternative means of secondary would preclude bioremediation efforts, eliminated references to specific State
containment. See§112.7(c)(1)(iii)and as some commenters suggested. and local agencies in the event of
(v). Bioremediation may be a method of discharges in favor of a reference to"all
Spill countermeasures.We disagree proper disposal.The paragraph merely appropriate State and local agencies."
that the paragraph should be revised to requires that you discuss the methods "Appropriate"means those State and
read,"Prevention,control,or employed to dispose of recovered local agencies that must be contacted
countermeasure features,other than materials;it does not require that due to Federal or State requirements,or
secondary containment and drainage materials recovered be"disposed"of in pursuant to good engineering practice.
control,and the equipment which they any particular manner nor is it an You may not always be required to
protect,"because we believe that the independent requirement to properly notify fire departments,local emergency
language we proposed,as revised,better dispose of materials.Thus,there is no planning committees(LEPCs),and State
captures the information we are seeking. infringement on or duplication of any emergency response commissions
Our revised language refers to other State or Federal program or (SERCs),nor as an engineering practice
discovery,response,and cleanup, regulatory authority.Because it does do they always need to receive direct
which are features that are absent from nothing more than require that you notice from the facility in the event of
the commenter's suggestion,and for explain the method of disposal of a discharge as described in§112.1(6).
which a discussion in the Plan is recovered materials,we also disagree At times they might,but they might also
necessary in order to be prepared for that this provision is too costly.Also, receive notice from other sources,such
any discharges. we assume that good engineering as the National Response Center.Other
We disagree that either onshore or practice will in many cases include a
offshore mobile drilling and workover discussion of such disposal already.By State and local agencies might also need
• s should be exem ted from this notice from you.
ri
g P describing those methods in the Plan, We have added the word"Federal"to
requirement because the information you help ensure that the facility has
necessary to this requirement is not done the appropriate planning to be able the list of all appropriate contact
always site specific,and may be to dispose of recovered materials, agencies because there are times when
included in a general plan for a mobile should a discharge occur.We support you must notify EPA of certain
facility. the recycling of spilled oil to the extent discharges.See§112.4(a).There might
We also disagree that the information possible,rather than its disposal.For also be requirements under Federal
required in this paragraph is redundant purposes of this rule,disposal of statutes other than the CWA,for notice
of information required in 112.7(6in such emergencies.
q the s ) ofthose
recovered materials ia includes recycling We disagree that either onshore or
and 112.7(d)(1).Each of sections of those materials. g
mentioned requires discrete and We disagree that either onshore or offshore mobile drilling and workover
different information.Section offshore mobile drilling and workover rigs should be exempted from this
112.7(a)(3)(iv)requires information rigs should be exempted from this requirement because the information
concerning a facility's and a contractor's requirement because the information necessary to this requirement is not
capabilities for discharge discovery, necessary to this requirement is not always site specific,and may be
response,and cleanup.Section 112.7(b) always site specific,and may be included in a general plan for a mobile
requires information concerning the included in a general plan for a mobile facility.
potential consequences of equipment facility. We disagree that the information
failure.Section 112.7(d)(1)requires a Contact list.In response to a should be placed in a response section,
contingency plan following the comment,we have amended the rule to because most SPCC facilities are not
provisions of part 109,which includes require that the cleanup contractor required to have response plans,and the
coordination requirements with listed must be the one with whom the information is necessary to prepare for
governmental oil spill response facility has an agreement for response response to an emergency.
organizations. that ensures the availability of the Downstream water suppliers.We have
We disagree that the information necessary personnel and equipment deleted the reference to"downstream
should be placed in a response section, within appropriate response times.An water suppliers"(i.e.,intakes for
because most SPCC facilities are not agreement to respond may include a drinking and other waters)because
required to have response plans,and the contract or some less formal facilities may have no way to identify
information is necessary to prepare for relationship with a cleanup contractor. such suppliers.We agree with
discharge discovery,response,and No formal written agreement to respond commenters that identifying such
cleanup. is required by the SPCC rule,but if you suppliers is more a function of State and
Disposal of recovered materials.This do have one,you must discuss it in the local emergency response agencies.We
provision applies to all facilities, Plan. note,however,that facilities that must
• including mobile facilities,because We have ample authority to ask for prepare response plans under§112.20
proper disposal of recovered materials information concerning emergency must discuss in those plans the
helps prevent a discharge as described contacts under the CWA because it is vulnerability of water intakes(drinking,
in§112.1(b)by ensuring that the relevant to the statute's prevention, cooling,or other).
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47099
• Editorial changes and clarifications. responders and others,and any other because most SPCC facilities are not
In the introduction to paragraph (a)(3), instructions necessary to facilitate required to have a response plan,and
"physical plant"becomes"physical notification of a discharge as described the procedures to be used when a
layout.""Tanks"becomes"containers." in§112.1(b).If properly noted,the discharge occurs are necessary to
In proposed paragraph(a)(3)(vi), information and procedures in the Plan prepare for an emergency.Because this
redesignated as paragraph(a)(3)(iii), should enable a person reporting a information would repeat information
"spill controls"becomes"discharge or discharge to accurately describe contained in a response plan submitted
drainage controls."In proposed information concerning that occurrence under§112.20,we have excluded from
paragraph(a)(3)(vii),redesignated as to the proper persons in an emergency. the requirements of this paragraph those
paragraph(a)(3)(iv),"spill Any information or procedure not facilities which have submitted
countermeasures for spill discovery" applicable will not have to be used. response plans.See§112.20(h)(3)(i)-
becomes"countermeasures for Available information on a discharge (ix).
discharge discovery."In proposed must be reported.Applicable Section 112.7(6)—Fault Analysis
paragraph (a)(3)(ix),redesignated as procedures must be followed.And of
paragraph(a)(3)(vi),"discharge to course,any information that is not Background.In 1991,we proposed
navigable waters"becomes"discharge available cannot be reported. only editorial changes to this paragraph
as described in§112.1(b)." State requirements.While it is dealing with fault analysis.The
Section 112.7(a)(4)—Spill Reporting possible that this information may be proposal would require an analysis of
Information in the Plan duplicative of State requirements,the the major types of failures possible in a
duplication is eliminated to the extent facility,including a prediction of the
Background.In 1991,we proposed that you use your State SPCC Plan for direction,rate of flow,and total quantity
that documentation in this paragraph be Federal SPCC purposes.Where there is of oil that could be discharged as a
sufficient to enable a person reporting a no State requirement,there is no result of each such failure.
spill to provide essential information to duplication. Comments.Applicability.One
organizations on the contact list. Response plan exemption. We commenter wrote that the language in
Comments.Several commenters had disagree that this paragraph should be the first sentence of the proposed rule
editorial comments,suggesting the rule placed in a response section,because is less clear than current regulations.
refer to"information"rather than most SPCC facilities are not required to The commenter asserted that the
"documentation"on the theory that have response plans,and the proposed revision,perhaps
documentation refers to a past event, information is necessary to prepare for inadvertently,does not specify the
whereas the rule contemplates a future response to an emergency.However,if sections to which the certain
event. One commenter suggested that your facility has prepared and "situations"apply.The commenter
the section be qualified to indicate that submitted a response plan to us under suggested that current language is
a form for collecting spill report §112.20,there is no need to document clearer and specifically focuses limited
information be included in the Plan,or this information in your SPCC Plan, resources on situations for which there
for"small size facilities"in the because it is already contained in the is a reasonable potential for discharge.
HAZWOPER reporting matrix.Another response plan.See§112.20(h)(1)(i)- The commenter argued that limited
commenter suggested that a properly (viii).Therefore,we have amended the resources should not be consumed in
prepared SPCC Plan would assist the rule to exempt those facilities with developing flow rate,direction and
person reporting the spill to provide the response plans from the requirements of quantity predictions in the SPCC Plan
requested information.One commenter this paragraph. for situations without a reasonable
asserted the proposed rule was Editorial changes and clarifications. Potential for discharge to navigable
duplicative of State requirements. We changed"address"to"address or waters.
Several commenters suggested that not location"because some facilities do not Several commenters asserted that the
all of the information will be available have an exact address. "Spill"and fault analysis required by this paragraph
or applicable for a person reporting a "spilled"becomes"discharge as is"too involved for small operators."
discharge.One commenter suggested described in§112.1(b)"or"discharged" They suggested that only development
that this paragraph should be deleted as appropriate in the context, of responses to obvious scenarios,such
and removed to a response plan section "discharge"being a defined term. as tank rupture,should be required.
which he suggested,because the "Spill"or"spilled"are not defined Commenters from the utility industry
information called for requires response terms. "The affected medium"becomes suggested that electrical equipment
information. "all affected media." facilities should be exempt from the
Response to comments. requirements in this paragraph.One
Documentation.We agree with Section 112.7(o)(5)—Emergency commenter believed that mobile
commenters that the word Procedures facilities should be exempt from the
"documentation"is inappropriate Background.In 1991,we proposed requirements in the paragraph because
because it refers to a past event. this paragraph to ensure that portions of the exact site information changes with
Accordingly,as suggested by the Plan describing procedures to be the movement of equipment.
commenters,we have revised the rule to used in emergency circumstances are Failure factors.One commenter
provide for"information and organized in a manner to make them suggested that the rule should also focus
procedures"that would assist the readily usable in an emergency. on small discharges,not just"major"
reporting of discharges as described in Comments.One commenter suggested discharges.Another commenter asked
§112.1(6)."Information"refers to the that this paragraph should be deleted for clarification as to what is a "major
facts which you must report,and and removed to a response plan section failure"and to what degree of
"procedures"refers to the method of which he suggested,because the sophistication the pathway prediction
• reporting those facts.Such procedures information called for requires response must be made.Another commenter
must address whom the person relating information. suggested that the rule should
the information should call,in what Response to comments.We disagree adequately describe how detailed the
order the caller should call potential this paragraph should be deleted analysis of potential spill pathways
47100 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• should be.Another suggested that it Spill pathways.The level of analysis removal of an oil discharge in most
would be impossible to give estimates of on concerning sill pathways aer will
lics of depende cases.
ble also noted that for some facilities
oil potentially rharged sys fromgeographic
Bowlines or gathering systems. facility's site and the possibility of a such as electrical substations,
Response to comments.Applicability. discharge as described in§112.1(b)that compliance with this section might not
We agree with the commenter that equipment failure might cause. be practicable.We said that since their
current language is clearer and will However,the Professional Engineer purpose was not the storage of oil in
retain it.We therefore modified the first should focus on the most obvious spill bulthek,
they did id ncontainmentt need to comply with
sentence contained in the proposed pathways.
rule.We agree that the Plan must only Because this information is facility qui i reuirements
designed
for
bulk sstorage
discuss potential failure situations that specific,the owner or operator of a re
t
might result in a discharge from the mobile facility will not be able to detail only the secondary containment
facility,not any failure situation.The spill pathways in the general Plan for requirements in§112.7(c),and that the
rule requires that when experience the facility each time the facility moves. §112.7(c)requirement for secondary
indicates a reasonable potential for However,the owner or operator must containment might be satisfied by
failure of equipment,the Plan must provide management practices in the vaus means including
ponds, We
contain certain information relevant to general Plan that provide for added systems,that dialtversion
nds,etc.We
ents
those failures."Experience"includes containment of discharges in spill
the d experience of the facility and the pathways
likelyrtotbe enco of untered.ed.In fulfill the intent raphic contained in of the CWA when a would
industry general. facility could not provide secondary
We f disagree ul that w the e r requirement is case c of a discharge aor a particular r
too difficult for owners or operators of facility,the owner or operator would containment due to the impracticability
small or mobile facilities,or of Bowlines then take appropriate action to contain of insmti nEditorial on.56 R 54621.
changes and
or gathering lines,or of electrical or remove the discharge.For example, Coma
equipment facilities,or other users of the Plan may provide that a rig must be clarifications.Several commenters
oil.We believe that a Professional positioned to minimize or prevent suggested that the reference to
Engineer may evaluate the potential risk discharges as described in§112.1(b);or prevention
r rntion of discharges
a to"surface
of
of failure for the aforementioned it may provide for the use of spill pans, changed prevention
facilities and equipment and predict drip trays,excavations,or trenching to discharges to"navigable waters."
with a certain degree of accuracy the augment discharge prevention. Contingency planning.One
result of a failure from each.We note Editorial changes and clarifications. commenter suggested revising the rules
that since we have raised the regulatory We made minor editorial changes in the to allow the use of the contingency plan
• threshold,this requirement will not be proposal's second sentence that reflect a contemplated in§112.7(d)instead of
apFliure to many compyawitties. plain
hrsenguage the proformat.
osedscond revised
enence Anotherrcommenter asserted that a
containment measures.
Failure n, ator To comply with"major this
p proposed
section,you need only address"major of the paragraph from"each major type contingency plan is not an acceptable
equipment"failures.A major equipment of failure"to"each type of major sand advocated for r seco thandar all fy cco nta bats nm nt
be
failure is one which could cause a equipment failure."
discharge as described in§112.1(1)), required to have secondary
not Section 112.7(c)--Secondary containment.
a minor failure possibility.To help Containment. Applicability of requirement.
the rue c ntee of equipment have added dres Background.The SPCC Task force Numerous electric utility commenters
the rule contemplates,we o g exam would dl otherequ types of enfaits of this thst tanks without seconcluded that condary containment woveground storage as impractical for their facilities
trigger the requirements of
paragraph.Such other equipment could pose a particularly significant because it might cause a safety hazard.
failures include failures of loading/ threat to the environment.We noted in Instead,they argued for the use of
unloading equipment,or of any other the 1991 preamble that the proposed contingency planning.One commenter
equipment known to be a source of a rule modifications would"retain the asserted that secondary containment at
discharge.The analysis required will current requirement for facility owners sites used for the maintenance and
c control
dependn sophisticated the stica t e cf ache facility certain strut ur operators lres or equ pmeno are unable to ifor oil rovide system was also eration of the imprair ct cable because
eqd howtis. yuf the facility
equipment is.If your facility has spill prevention,including secondary those sites are often very small,isolated,
simpler equipment,you will have less containment,to prepare facility-specific unmanned,and visited only on a
to detail.If you have more sophisticated contingency plans in lieu of prevention quarterly
asked that basis.
wastewaterAnother
treatment tanks
equipment,you will have to conduct a systems."56 FR 54614.
more detailed analysis.If your facility's In 1991,we proposed to modify the be exempted from the secondary
experience or industry experience in current standard that dikes,berms,or containment requirement because their
er.
general dindicates wth a higher risk a of failure rimpervious."s."We proposed thaaining walls must be t the Other contain use is not to ers n oil,but ot usedto forreat storage,
associated with the use that P but other purposes might include
to be more your analysis rationale
haand
current
tandar"sufficientlyd ry nns" P P g
to be more detailed.This rationale and standard for secondary containment be stormwater surge tanks,activated sludge
analytic detail are also applicable to replaced with a standard requiring that aediratiion tanks,
lved and inductedequalization
qli tiir bas ns,
electrical equipment facilities and other the entire containment system,
facilities that do not store oil,but including walls and floor,must be tanks,oil/water separators,sludge
• contain it for operational use.Again,the impervious to oil for 72 hours.The digesters,etc.Another commenter urged
required explanation will be tailored to rationale was that a containment system that all oil-filled equipment located in a
the type of equipment used and the that
is imallopervious to
time for il for 72 t discovery and hours
floodplontainmen ain be e required to have
experience with that equipment. would
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47101
. One commenter asked that we clarify of oil to surface waters should be Containment or impermeability.Other
that the secondary containment replaced with a standard of preventing commenters asserted that the rule
requirement in this section does not the escape of oil to"the environment" should address containment rather than
apply to the following equipment at or to"navigable waters."Others asked impermeability because they assert that
onshore production facilities:Bowlines for clarification of the term the point of a containment structure is
because of the prohibitive cost of "impervious,"asserting that it is a "to keep the discharge from reaching the
construction for miles of lines;fired qualitative term that requires definition waters of the United States."In the
vessels because of the danger of pooling by engineering standards.One same vein,two commenters asked EPA
spilled oil around an ignition source; commenter requested that if an to clarify that the leaching of small
and,pressurized vessels because a leak impervious containment system cannot amounts of oil that does not reach the
from such vessel might be sprayed be provided,that facilities be required water table or surface waters meets the
beyond the area that a reasonable dike to assure that conduits that may cause impermeability requirement,while a
might enclose.One commenter substantial migration of free products third asked that we clarify that we are
suggested that all in-use hydraulic are appropriately monitored for concerned only with horizontal rather
equipment such as cranes,jacks, discharges.Another commenter asked than vertical discharges of oil.
elevators,forklifts,etc.,be exempted us to specify acceptable liner materials, Sufficient freeboard.See the
from the secondary containment in lieu of a total imperviousness comments to§112.8(c)(2)under this
requirement because it would be requirement. topic.
impractical to provide structures for Costs.One commenter suggested that Response to comments. Contingency
such equipment.Others suggested that our industry cost estimate for the planning.A contingency plan should
mobile facilities should be exempt from proposed 1991 regulations—of$441 not be used routinely as a substitute for
the secondary containment requirement million in the first year and$71.8 secondary containment because we
because it would be infeasible to million each subsequent year—was believe it is normally environmentally
provide it.Similarly,one commenter erroneously low,but did not provide his better to contain oil than to clean it up
suggested that the requirement was own cost estimates.The commenter after it has been discharged.Secondary
infeasible for production facilities due came to this conclusion by calculating containment is intended to contain
to their sometimes remote locations or compliance cost estimates for the discharged oil so that it does not leave
difficult terrain and soil conditions.Yet following requirements: 72-hour the facility and contaminate the
another commenter wanted us to clarify impermeability for secondary environment.The proper method of
that underground piping is not subject containment and diked areas,and secondary containment is a matter of
to the rule's secondary containment installation of containment systems at good engineering practice,and so we do
provisions. all truck loading locations.The not prescribe here any particular
• One commenter asserted that mining commenter estimated the cost of the method.Under part 112,where
sites should be exempted from the effects of two proposed items for New secondary containment is not
secondary containment requirement York oil and gas producers,not all us practicable,you may deviate from the
because the containment requirements producers,at in excess of$78 million; requirement,provide a contingency
would be"excessive"for such sites and he estimated the cost of the proposed 72 plan following the provisions of 40 CFR
result in"little resultant net hour oil impermeability requirement at part 109,and comply with the other
environmental benefit."A commenter $48 million,and if earthen dikes and requirements of§112.7(d).For bulk
representing various small facilities diked areas cannot meet the secondary storage containers,those requirements
asked for exemption from the containment standards at truck loading include both periodic integrity testing of
requirement on the basis that the risk is areas,at least$30 million. the containers and periodic integrity
lower for those facilities. Alternate impermeability standards. and leak testing of the valves and
Methods of secondary containment. Commenters suggested a number of piping.You must also provide a written
As to methods of secondary alternate impermeability standards.One commitment of manpower,equipment,
containment,several commenters urged commenter suggested a standard that and materials to expeditiously control
that the existence of"natural" the containment system be impervious and remove any quantity of oil
structures and/or drainage could meet to oil and water for 72 hours.Another discharged that may be harmful.
this requirement.Other commenters commenter suggested that the standard Applicability of requirement.
suggested that vaulted tanks or double- apply only in environmentally sensitive Secondary containment is best for most
walled tanks in themselves meet the areas.Some suggested that the standard facilities storing or using oil because it
secondary containment requirement. should be inapplicable at facilities that is the most effective method to stop oil
One commenter suggested that we are staffed around the clock,seven days from migrating beyond that
remove sorbent materials or booms from a week. One commenter suggested a containment.We believe that secondary
the list of acceptable secondary phase-in of the requirement.Some containment is preferable to a
containment structures because they are thought that the impermeability contingency plan at manned and
not a substitute for impervious dikes standard should not apply to heavier unmanned facilities because it prevents
and impoundment floors. oils,particularly number 5 and 6 oils. discharges as described in§112.1(b).At
72-hour impermeability standard.We Alternate time frames.Others unmanned facilities,it may be even
received numerous comments on the suggested differing time standards in more important because of the lag in
proposed 72-hour impermeability lieu of 72 hours such as 24 hours at time before a discharge may be
standard.Several commenters favored manned facilities,36 hours or increased discovered.Notwithstanding what may
the standard.Many were opposed.Of inspections,"as soon as practicable," be difficult terrain,we believe that some
the opponents,some favored the current "for the duration of the response,"or no form of secondary containment is
standard that the dikes,berms or time limit at all.One commenter asked practicable at most facilities,including
• retaining walls be"sufficiently impervious"to contain spilled oil. when the 72 hours begins to run, remote production facilities.In fact,it
whether it begins at the time of the may often be more feasible in remote or
Other commenters thought that the discovery of the discharge or the time of rural areas because there are fewer space
proposed requirement to prevent escape occurrence. limitations in such areas.For example,
47102 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
at some remote mobile or production• including containment that prevents flexibility in how he prevents a
facilities,owners or operators dig discharge of oil to groundwater that is discharge as described in§112.1(b),and
trenches and line them for containment connected to navigable water.What is any method of containment that
or retention of drilling fluids. practical for one facility,however, achieves that end is sufficient.Should
Technologies used at offshore facilities might not work for another.If secondary such containment fail,the owner or
to catch or contain oil may also containment is not practicable,then the operator must immediately clean up any
sometimes be used onshore. facility must provide a contingency plan discharged oil.
While some types of secondary following the provisions of 40 CFR part Similarly,because the purpose of the
containment(for example,dikes or 109,and otherwise comply with "sufficiently impervious"standard is to
berms)may not be appropriate at certain §112.7(d). prevent discharges as described in
facilities,other types(for example, Double-walled or vaulted tanks.The §112.1(b),dikes,berms,or retaining
diversionary systems or remote term"vaulted tank"has been used to walls must be capable of containing oil
impounding)might.However,we describe both double-walled tanks and preventing such discharges.
recognize and repeat,as we noted in the (especially those with a concrete outer Discharges as described in§112.1(b)
1991 preamble,that some or perhaps all shell)and tanks inside underground may result from direct discharges from
types of secondary containment for vaults,rooms,or crawl spaces.While containers,or from discharges from
certain facilities with equipment that double-walled or vaulted tanks are containers to groundwater that travel
contain oil,such as electrical subject to secondary containment through the groundwater to navigable
equipment,may be contrary to safety requirements,shop-fabricated double- waters.Effective containment means
factors or other good engineering walled aboveground storage tanks that the dike,berm,or retaining wall
practice considerations.There might be equipped with adequate technical spill must be capable of containing oil and
other equipment,like fired or and leak prevention options might sufficiently impervious to prevent
pressurized vessels,for which safety provide sufficient equivalent secondary discharges from the containment system
considerations also preclude some or all containment as that required under until it is cleaned up.The same holds
types of secondary containment. §112.7(c).Such options include overfill true for container floors or bottoms;they
Some facilities or equipment that use alarms,flow shutoff or restrictor must be able to contain oil to prevent a
but do not store oil may or may not,as devices,and constant monitoring of discharge as described in§112.1(6).
a matter of good engineering practice, product transfers.In the case of vaulted However,"effective containment"does
employ secondary containment.Such tanks,the Professional Engineer must not mean that liners are required for
facilities might include wastewater determine whether the vault meets the secondary containment areas.Liners are
treatment facilities,whose purpose is requirements for secondary containmentn option for meeting the secondary
not to store oil,but to treat water.Other in§112.7(c).This determination should acontainment requirements,but are not
• facilities that may not find the include an evaluation of drainage required by the rule.
requirement practicable are those that systems and of sumps or pumps which
use oil in equipment such as hydraulic could cause a discharge of oil outside If you are the owner or operator of a
equipment.Similarly,flowlines must the vault.Industry standards for vaulted facility subject to this part,you must
have a program of maintenance to tanks often require the vaults to be prepare a Plan in accordance with good
prevent discharges.See§112.9(d)(3). liquid tight,which if sized correctly, engineering practice.A complete
The maintenance program may or may may meet the secondary containment description of how secondary
not include secondary containment. requirement. containment is designed,implemented,
Owners or operators of underground There might also be other examples of and maintained to meet the standard of
piping must have some form of such alternative systems. sufficiently impervious is necessary.In
corrosion protection,but do not Completely buried tanks.Completely order to document that secondary
necessarily have to use secondary buried tanks,other than those exempted containment is sufficiently impervious
containment for that purpose. from this rule because they are subject and sufficiently strong to contain oil
As stated above,for a facility where to all technical Federal or State UST until it is cleaned up,the Plan must
secondary containment is not requirements,are subject to the describe how the secondary
practicable,the owner or operator is not secondary containment requirement.We containment is designed to meet that
exempt from the requirement,but may realize that the concept of freeboard for standard.A written description of the
instead provide a contingency plan and precipitation is inapplicable to sufficiently impervious standard is not
take other measures required under secondary containment for completely only necessary for design and
§112.7(d).For most facilities,however, buried tanks.The requirement for implementation,but will aid owners or
including small facilities,mobile secondary containment may be satisfied operators of facilities in determining
facilities,production facilities,mining in any of the ways listed in the rule or which practices will be necessary to
sites,and any other facilities that store their equivalent. maintain the standard of sufficiently
or use oil,we believe that secondary 72-hour impermeability standard.We impervious.Control and/or removal of
containment is generally necessary and are withdrawing the proposal for the 72- vegetation may be necessary to maintain
appropriate to prevent a discharge as hour impermeability standard and will the impervious integrity of the
described in§112.1(b).Without retain the current standard that dikes, secondary containment.Repairs of
secondary containment,discharges from berms,or retaining walls must be excavations or other penetrations
containers would often reach navigable sufficiently impervious to contain oil. through secondary containment will
waters or adjoining shorelines,or affect We agree with commenters that the need to be conducted in accordance
natural resources. purpose of secondary containment is to with good engineering practices in order
Methods of secondary containment. contain oil from escaping the facility to maintain the standard of sufficiently
The appropriate method of secondary and reaching the environment.The impervious.The owner or operator
• containment is an engineering question. rationale for the 72-hour standard was should monitor such imperviousness for
Earthen or natural structures may be to allow time for the discovery and effectiveness,in order to be sure that the
acceptable if they contain and prevent removal of an oil spill.An owner or method chosen remains impervious to
discharges as described in§112.1(6), operator of a facility should have contain oil.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47103
• Costs.We note that we have include:(1)NFPA 30;(2)BOCA, response to oil spills without approval
withdrawn the proposed 72 hour National Fire Prevention Code;and,(3) by the Regional Administrator.The
standard,and afford various secondary API Standard 2610,"Design, owner or operator of a facility would
containment options,including earthen Construction,Operation,Maintenance, also have been required to provide a
dikes and diked areas,if they contain and Inspection of Terminal and Tank written commitment of manpower,
and prevent discharges as described in Facilities." equipment,and materials required to
§112.1(b).Therefore,there are no new Editorial changes and clarifications. quickly control and remove any
costs.We disagree with the commenters In the introduction to paragraph(c), quantity of oil that may be discharged.
who asserted that we underestimated "structures or equipment to prevent 1993 proposal.In 1993,we modified
the cost to comply with the secondary discharged oil from reaching a navigable the 1991 proposal for a facility that
containment and truck loading and water course"becomes"structures or lacks secondary containment to require
unloading area requirements.The equipment to prevent a discharge as a facility response plan as described in
revised rule,like the current rule,does described in§112.1(6)."This wording §112.20,instead of the specific
not require a specific impermeability for change reflects the expanded scope of requirements proposed in 1991.The
dikes and does not require a specific the CWA as reflected in§112.1(b)and response plan would not be submitted
method of secondary containment at is clearer than the proposed language.In to the Regional Administrator for his
loading and unloading areas,and this the second sentence of the paragraph, review,unless otherwise required,but
flexibility is reflected in our cost we deleted the words"permeate,drain, would be maintained at the facility with
estimates.We noted in our 1991 infiltrate,or otherwise"from the the SPCC Plan.
Supplemental Cost/Benefit Analysis sentence because they were Comments. 1991 comments.Many
that secondary containment for bulk unnecessary.The word"escape"in that commenters supported the 1991
storage tanks is estimated to cost$1,000 sentence is sufficient.Also in that proposal.Opposing commenters
for small facilities;$6,400 for medium sentence,the reference to"escape to suggested that such planning should be
facilities;and$63,000 for large facilities. surface waters"becomes "escape from discretionary because not all facilities
Unit cost estimates were developed for the containment system."This language need such planning,or that facilities be
a broad mix of facilities(e.g.,farms, more clearly reflects the intent of the allowed to use contingency plans
bulk petroleum terminals)in each size rule that secondary containment should prepared for other purposes.Others
category by experienced engineers with keep oil from escaping from the facility thought the proposal was premature as
firsthand knowledge of the Oil Pollution and reaching navigable waters or we had not at the time finalized
Prevention Regulation and the adjoining shorelines.In paragraph response planning requirements in
operations of onshore SPCC-regulated (c)(2)(i),"curbing,drip pans"becomes §112.20.One commenter argued that
facilities.Because our cost estimates "curbing or drip pans." we should delete all of the contingency
• must be representative of the many In response to the commenter's planning requirements in§112.7(d)at
types of facilities that are regulated,they question,we note that a primary the point when we require an owner or
will underestimate the costs for some containment system is the container or operator to prepare a response plan.
facility types and overestimate the costs equipment which holds oil or in which Some said that contingency planning
for others.Facilities were assumed to oil is used. was not practicable because the costs
construct secondary containment are too high,but commenters did not
systems of impervious soil capable of Section 112.7(d)—Contingency Planning provide cost estimates.Several
holding 110 percent of the largest tank. Background. 1991 proposal.In 1991, commenters criticized the proposed
In that analysis,we estimated that 78 we proposed to add several new requirement that the contingency plan
percent and 88 percent of the regulated requirements to the contingency be submitted to the Regional
community were already in compliance planning requirement in§112.7(d). Administrator,calling it duplicative,
with these requirements,respectively, First,we proposed that a facility time-consuming,and unnecessary.Two
and would not be affected by the without secondary containment be commenters suggested that the
proposed rule change. required to test a tank for integrity every Contingency Plan prepared under RCRA
Since we last performed these five years.In contrast,our 1991 rules would suffice.Representatives of
analyses,API has issued several proposal for§112.8(c)(6)provided for small facilities asked for a small facility
industry standards,including API 653 testing at least every 10 years for a tank exemption.Others asked for
and 2610,which address many of the with secondary containment.In clarification of what a"written
provisions in the SPCC rule.As a result, addition,we proposed to require a commitment"of manpower,equipment,
the final rule relies on current industry facility without secondary containment and materials meant.Several
standards and practices,where feasible. to conduct integrity and leak testing of commenters asked if PE certification of
In the final rule,we withdrew the valves and piping at least annually.We the contingency plan was necessary.
proposed 72-hour impermeability also proposed that the contingency plan One commenter opposed any
standard for secondary containment and be submitted to the Regional requirement to provide contingency
maintained the current requirement that Administrator for approval. planning for buried tanks,piping,or
dikes,berms,and oil retaining walls Instead of referring to 40 CFR part 109 valves for which secondary containment
must be sufficiently impervious to for contingency plan requirements as cannot be provided.
contain oil.As a result,the final rule the current rule does,the 1991 proposal Integrity and leak testing.Several
reflects current industry standards and added specific requirements including a commenters supported the proposed
we assume poses no additional description of response plans;personnel integrity and leak testing requirements.
requirements on industry. needs;methods of mechanical Others opposed them,some on the basis
Sufficient freeboard.See the Response containment;removal of spilled oil; that facilities already inspect their tanks
to Comments in§112.8(c)(2)for a and,access to and availability of regularly.Various commenters
• discussion of this topic. sorbents,booms,and other equipment. suggested exemptions for small
Industry standards.Industry Additionally,the proposal would have containers or containers that are entirely
standards that may assist an owner or required that the Plan not rely on within buildings.Electrical utilities
operator with secondary containment dispersants and other chemicals for argued that the requirement was
47104 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• inapplicable for them because they do an alternative that provides"equivalent oil discharge and rapid response by the
not store oil and that such testing would environmental protection."However, facility to prevent that discharge.Part
cause disruption in electrical service. we believe that the secondary 109 was originally promulgated to assist
Mining interests likewise asked for an containment requirement in§112.7(d) State and local government oil spill
exemption on the basis that they only is an important component in response agencies to prepare oil removal
store small amounts of oil and the preventing discharges as described in contingency plans in the inland
requirements would be very expensive, §112.1(b)and is environmentally response zone,where EPA provides the
but did not provide specific cost preferable to a contingency plan On-Scene Coordinator.The basic
estimates.Various commenters asked prepared under 40 CFR part 109.Thus, criteria for contingency planning listed
for clarification of the term"integrity we do not believe it is appropriate to in §109.5 apply to any SPCC regulated
testing,"and its applicability.Others allow an owner or operator to consider facility that has adequately justified the
asked for clarification as to methods of costs or economic impacts in any impracticability of installing secondary
testing.Some argued that testing of determination as to whether he can containment,irrespective of whether it
valves and gathering lines would be satisfy the secondary containment is a government agency or the facility is
expensive and result in shut-downs of requirement.Instead,the owner or located in the coastal (U.S.Coast Guard)
operations.None of these commenters operator may only provide a or inland(EPA)response zone.Because
provided specific cost estimates. contingency Plan in his SPCC Plan and the contingency plan involves good
1993 proposal.One commenter otherwise comply with§112.7(d). engineering practice and is technically a
argued that the response plan proposal Therefore,the purpose of a material part of the Plan,PE
was beyond our statutory authority. determination of impracticability is to certification is required.
Others argued that the proposal was examine whether space or other A contingency plan prepared under
expensive and lacking in environmental geographic limitations of the facility RCRA rules might suffice for purposes
benefit.One commenter said that the would accommodate secondary of the rule if the plan fulfills the
installation of structures or measures containment;or,if local zoning requirements of part 109,and the PE
achieving equivalent protection should ordinances or fire prevention standards certifies that such plan is adequate for
be sufficient to avert the need for a or safety considerations would not the facility.If the RCRA contingency
response plan.Another suggested that allow secondary containment;or,if plan satisfies some but not all SPCC
the current rule,which specifies use of installing secondary containment would requirements,you must supplement it
a strong oil spill contingency plan defeat the overall goal of the regulation so that it does.
following 40 CFR part 109,is adequate. to prevent discharges as described in We note that the preamble to the 1993
One commenter asked for an exemption §112.1(b). proposed rule(at 58 FR 8841)suggested
for facilities in areas historically not We disagree that facility response that response plans would not have to
• subject to natural disasters.Electrical utility commenters asked for an planning is beyond our statutory be submitted to the Regional
authority,it is a procedure or method to Administrator unless"otherwise
exemption because they argued that a remove discharged oil. See section required by the rest of today's proposed
response plan was unnecessary for 311(j)(1)(A)of the CWA. However, rule."However,proposed§112.7(a)(2)
facilities that use,but do not store,oil. while we disagree that such planning is would have required that the owner or
Response to comments.Planning expensive and lacking in environmental operator submit to the Regional
requirements.We note that we did not benefit,we agree that the current Administrator any Plan containing a
finalize the 1991 or 1993 contingency contingency plan arrangements which proposed deviation,including a
planning proposals.Thus there are no reference 40 CFR part 109 should be deviation for the general secondary
new costs for such planning. sufficient to protect the environment, containment requirements in§112.7(c).
Under the current rule,contingency and that a facility response plan as In any case,we agree with commenters
planning is necessary whenever you described in§112.20 is therefore that the contingency plan(or any other
determine that a secondary containment unnecessary for a facility that is not deviation)should not have to be
system for any part of the facility that otherwise subject to§112.20.We agree submitted to the Regional Administrator
might be the cause of a discharge as with the commenter that structures or for his review and approval because we
described in§112.1(b)is not equipment might achieve the same or believe that it is sufficient that the
practicable.This requirement applies equivalent protection as response contingency plan(or other deviation)be
whether the facility is manned or planning for some SPCC facilities. available for on-site inspection.We have
unmanned,urban or rural,and for large Therefore,we are withdrawing that part therefore withdrawn that part of the
and small facilities.In response to of the 1993 proposal related to response proposal. See also the discussion on
comment,we have revised the rule to planning in proposed§112.7(d)(1),but §112.7(a)(2).
exempt from the contingency planning are retaining the current contingency Integrity and leak testing.In response
requirement any facility which has planning provisions,which require a to a commenter who asked for a
submitted a response plan under contingency plan following the clarification of integrity testing,
§112.20 because such a response plan is provisions of 40 CFR part 109.We also "integrity testing"is any means to
more comprehensive than a contingency believe that response plans should be measure the strength (structural
plan following part 109. reserved for higher risk facilities,as soundness)of the container shell,
We believe that it may be appropriate provided in§112.20. bottom,and/or floor to contain oil and
for an owner or operator to consider In following the provisions of part may include leak testing to determine
costs or economic impacts in 109,you must address the oil removal whether the container will discharge oil.
determining whether he can meet a contingency planning criteria listed in Facility components that might cause a
specific requirement that falls within 40 CFR 109.5 and ensure that all discharge as described in§112.1(b)
the general deviation provision of response actions are coordinated with include containers,piping,valves,or
• §112.7(a)(2).We believe so because governmental oil spill response other equipment or devices.Integrity
under this section,the owner or organizations.The absence of secondary testing includes,but is not limited to,
operator will still have to utilize good containment will place extreme testing foundations and supports of
engineering practices and come up with importance on the early detection of an containers.Its scope includes both the
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47105
• inside and outside of the container.It We have eliminated the proposed operations may not be adequate to
also includes frequent observation of the frequency of the testing,both for protect all uses.40 CFR 109.5(d).
outside of the container for signs of containers and for valves and piping,in Industry standards.Industry
deterioration,leaks,or accumulation of favor of testing according to industry standards that may assist an owner or
oil inside diked areas.Such testing is standards.Instead,we require operator with the integrity testing of
also applicable to valves and piping.See "periodic"integrity testing of containers,and the integrity and leak
API Standard 653 for further containers,and"periodic"integrity and testing of piping and valves include: (1)
information on this term. leak testing of valves and piping. API Standard 653,"Tank Inspection,
Leak testing for purposes of the rule "Periodic"testing means testing Repair,Alteration,and Reconstruction";
is testing to determine the liquid according to a regular schedule (2)API Recommended Practice 575,
tightness of valves and piping and consistent with accepted industry "Inspection of Atmospheric and Low-
whether they may discharge oil. standards.We believe that use of Pressure Tanks";(3)API Standard 570,
Facilities that store oil,whether they are industry standards,which change over "Piping Inspection Code(Inspection,
mines or other businesses,are required time,will prove more feasible than Repair,Alteration,and Aerating of In-
to employ integrity testing for their bulk providing a specific and unchanging Service Piping Systems)"; (4)American
storage containers,and integrity and regulatory requirement.As required by Society of Mechanical Engineers
leak testing for their valves and piping, §112.8(c)(6),integrity testing of (ASME)B31.3,"Process Piping";(5)
to help prevent discharges.Containers containers must be accomplished by a ASME 31.4,"Liquid Transportation
that do not store oil,but merely use oil, combination of visual testing and some Systems for Hydrocarbons,Liquid
are not subject to the requirement. other technique. Petroleum Gas,Anhydrous Ammonia,
We reaffirm the applicability of Written commitment.A "written and Alcohols"; (6)Steel Tank Institute
integrity and leak testing to both large commitment"of manpower,equipment, Standard SP001-00,"Standard for
and small facilities,because we believe and materials means either a written Inspection of In-Service Shop
such testing requirements help prevent contract or other written documentation Fabricated Aboveground Tanks for
discharges as described in§112.1(b)at showing that you have made provision Storage of Combustible and Flammable
those facilities.However,we have for those items for response purposes. Liquids";and,(7)Underwriters
modified our proposal in response to Such commitment must be shown by: Laboratory(UL)Standard 142,"Steel
comments to only require such testing the identification and inventory of Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and
on a periodic basis instead of at a applicable equipment,materials,and Combustible Liquids."
prescribed frequency.Integrity and leak supplies which are available locally and Editorial changes and clarifications.
testing requirements are also applicable regionally;an estimate of the In the introductory paragraph,"tanks"
for containers and valves and piping equipment,materials,and supplies becomes"containers."We revised the
• that are entirely within buildings,or which would be required to remove the first sentence of the introduction which
within mines,because in either case, maximum oil discharge to be now reads,"When it is determined
such containers,or valves and piping anticipated;and,development of ,"to read,"If you determine
may become the source of a discharge as agreements and arrangements in ."Later in that sentence we
described in§112.1(b).We have revised advance of an oil discharge for the change the words"demonstrate such
the rule to reflect that the requirement acquisition of equipment,materials,and impracticability"to"explain why such
applies only to onshore and offshore supplies to be used in responding to measures are not practicable,"in
bulk storage facilities.Therefore,a such a discharge.40 CFR 109.5(c). referencing the impracticability of
facility with only oil-filled electrical, The commitment also involves secondary containment.Also,in the
operating,or manufacturing equipment making provisions for well defined and first sentence of the introduction,we
need not conduct such testing nor incur specific actions to be taken after clarify that the requirement for
any costs for such testing.For other discovery and notification of an oil contingency planning and other
types of facilities,we disagree that discharge including:specification of an measures is applicable when secondary
testing of valves and gathering lines oil discharge response operating team containment is not practicable under
would be prohibitively costly.In 1991, consisting of trained,prepared,and §§112.8(c)(2),112.8(c)(11),112.9(c)(2),
we estimated tank integrity testing and available operating personnel; 112.10(c),112.12(c)(2),112.12(c)(11),
leak testing costs of buried piping.We predesignation of a properly qualified 112.13(c)(2),and 112.14(c),as well as
estimated the costs as$465 per tank, oil discharge response coordinator who §112.7(c)and (h)(1).Additionally in
$155 for equipment,and$310 for is charged with the responsibility and that sentence,the reference to"prevent
installation.Small facilities were delegated commensurate authority for discharged oil from reaching navigable
assumed to have no buried piping. directing and coordinating response waters"becomes"to prevent a
Medium sized facilities were assumed operations and who knows how to discharge as described in§112.1(b),"
to bear first year costs for tank request assistance from Federal conforming the geographic scope of the
installation and testing of$4,704 and authorities operating under current rule to the CWA.At the end of the
subsequent year costs of$1,449.Large national and regional contingency paragraph we clarify that when
facilities were assumed to incur a first plans;a preplanned location for an oil secondary containment is not
year cost of$11,313,and subsequent discharge response operations center practicable,the contingency plan and
year costs of$3,519.We assume that and a reliable communications system written commitment must be provided
this provision represents a negligible for directing the coordinated overall in the Plan,rather than to the Regional
additional burden because most response actions;provisions for varying Administrator.We also clarify that if
facilities are already testing such valves degrees of response effort depending on you have submitted a facility response
and gathering lines according to the severity of the oil discharge;and, plan under§112.20 for a facility,you
industry standards as a matter of good specification of the order of priority in need not provide for that facility either
• engineering practice.We believe that if which the various water uses are to be a contingency plan following the
such testing is done in accordance with protected where more than one water provisions of part 109,nor a written
industry standards,costs will be use may be adversely affected as a result commitment of manpower,equipment,
minimized. of an oil discharge and where response and materials required to expeditiously
47106 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• control and remove any quantity of oil commenters objected to the cost of a and similar activities required by this
discharged that may be harmful. five-year record retention requirement. part.After publication of this rule,we
In paragraph(dill),"A strong oil spill One commenter favored a two-year will list all of the inspections and tests
contingency plan following the record maintenance period.Several required by part 112 on our website
provision of 40 CFR part 109 * * a." favored a phase-in period if five years (www.epa.gov/oilspill).The
becomes"An oil spill contingency plan were to be required so that three-year applicability of each inspection and test
following the provisions of part 109 records could be brought into will depend on the exercise of good
* * *."The word "strong"is compliance with the rule.One engineering practice,because not every
unnecessary because in any case the commenter favored a requirement that one will be applicable to every facility.
contingency plan must follow the records be maintained in accordance
provisions of part 109. with other State and Federal agency Form of records.Records of
In paragraph(d)(2),we did not requirements to avoid additional and inspections and tests required by this
finalize the proposed recommendation unnecessary costs. rule may be maintained in electronic or
for the operator to consider financial 1997 comments.Maintenance with any other format which is readily
capability in making his written Plan.A number of commenters accessible to the facility and to EPA
commitment of manpower,equipment, criticized the proposal that records must personnel.Usual and customary
and materials because we do not wish be maintained as part of the Plan,rather business records may be those
to confuse the regulated community than maintained with the Plan, ordinarily used in the industry,
with discretionary requirements in a considering that proposal burdensome including those made under API
mandatory rule.Finally,we changed the and providing no benefit to the standards,Underwriters'Laboratories
reference in paragraph(d)(2)from"to environment. standards,NPDES permits,a facility's
expeditiously control and remove any Form of records.Several commenters QS-9000 or ISO-14000 system,or any
harmful quantity of oil discharged"to asked that we clarify that use of records other format acceptable to the Regional
read"to expeditiously control and maintained under the API standards
remove any quantity of oil discharged cited is not required.Another Administrator.If you choose to use
that may be harmful."We made this commenter noted that many smaller records associated with compliance
change to refer to the statutory standard companies do not use API standards, with industry standards,such as
referring to a quantity of oil "that may and that use of such records should be Underwriters'Laboratories standards,
be harmful." allowed"when available."Several you must closely review the inspection,
commenters urged that we state that testing,and recordkeeping requirements
Section 112.7(e)—Inspections, Tests, records kept under the NPDES program of this rule to ensure that any records
and Records might suffice for the SPCC program. kept in accordance with industry
•
Background.In 1991,we proposed Other commenters asked whether standards meets the intent of the rule.
that records and inspections and test records in other formats might be Some standards have limited
results be kept for a period of five years. acceptable,such as under a facility's recordkeeping requirements and may
Current rules require record,inspection, QS-9000 or ISO-14000 system,or under only address a particular aspect of
and test results be maintained for three standards promulgated by the container fabrication,installation,
years.We also proposed that such Underwriters'Laboratories.Other inspection,and operation and
records might be maintained with the commenters discussed use of NPDES maintenance.The intent of the rule is
Plan,instead of being part of the Plan. stormwater bypass records.We will talk that you will not have to maintain
In 1997,we returned to the three-year about those records under the duplicate sets of records when one set
record maintenance period in our new discussion of§112.8(c)(3)(iv). has already been prepared under
proposal.In 1997,we also proposed that Time period.Most commenters
usual and customary business records, favored the proposal to retain the industry or regulatory purposes that also
such as records maintained under API current three-year time period for fully suffices for SPCC purposes.The
Standards 653 and 2610,would suffice maintenance of records. use of these alternative record formats is
to meet the requirements of this section. Response to comments.Maintenance optional;you are not required to use
Finally we proposed that such records with Plan.We agree with commenters them,but you may use them.
be made a part of the Plan. that it is not necessary to maintain Time period.We agree with
Comments. 1991 comments. records as part of the Plan.Therefore, commenters that maintenance of records
Maintenance with Plan.Most today's rule allows"keeping"of the for three years is sufficient for SPCC
commenters favored the proposal that records"with"the Plan,but not as part purposes,since that period will allow
records might be maintained with the of it.In the current rule,such records for meaningful comparisons of
Plan,rather than as part of it.Two "should be made part of the SPCC Plan inspections and tests taken.Therefore,
commenters thought the requirements * * a."40 CFR 112.7(e)(6).Because you there will be no new costs.We note,
should apply generally only to large continually update these records,this however,that certain industry
facilities. change will eliminate the need to standards,for example API Standards
Form of records.One commenter amend your Plan each time you remove 570 and 653,may specify record
urged use of electronic records. old records and add new ones.You still maintenance for more than three years.
Records required.Still another asked retain the option of making these
that we list all inspections and tests records a part of the Plan if you choose. Editorial changes and clarifications.
required by part 112.One commenter Records required.The rule permits As proposed in 1991,we affirm that the
asked for a requirement to keep records use of usual and customary business certifying engineer,as well as the owner
and tests of all major repairs and of records,and covers all of the or operator,may be a person who
employee training. inspections and tests required by this develops inspection procedures.We
• Time period.Most commenters part as well as any ancillary records. also affirm that the provision applies to
favored retaining the current three-year Inspections and tests"include not only both"inspections"and"tests"
time period to maintain records, inspections and tests,but schedules, undertaken.The tests are usually
believing it is adequate.Some evaluations,examinations,descriptions, integral parts of the inspections.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47107
• Section 112.7(f)—Employee Training facility operations,discharge prevention annual spill prevention briefings,as
and Discharge Prevention Procedures laws and regulations,and the contents opposed to the current requirement to
Background.In 1991,we proposed of the facility's SPCC Plan.Finally,the hold such briefings"at intervals
that you conduct training exercises and proposal would require that you frequent enough to assure adequate
that you train new employees within conduct unannounced drills,at least understanding of the SPCC Plan."They
their first week of work.The rationale annually,in which oil-handling argued that the current standard is
for these provisions was that a high personnel would participate. adequate.Some commenters suggested
percentage of discharges are caused by Comments. 1991 comments. that we require additional training in
operator error;therefore,training and Applicability of training requirements. these briefings such as emergency
briefings might help prevent many Numerous commenters suggested that response training,or training
discharges and promote a safer facility. the training requirements should apply concerning Plan changes.
This rationale was based on program only to personnel involved in the 1993 comments.Applicability of
experience and studies EPA undertook. operation or maintenance of equipment. training requirements.In 1993,many
The 1995 SPCC Survey found that They argued that the training commenters asked for clarification of
operator error was the most common requirements need not apply to clerks, what"oil-handling"personnel meant.
spill cause for facilities in 9 of the 19 secretaries,and similar employees who Some thought the requirements for
industry categories that reported having are not involved in the physical training should be limited to those
spills.Also,the August 1994 operations of the facility.They also employees engaged in response
drareport EPA Oil argued that we failed to sufficiently activities.Others questioned what"on
reortofthe EPA Aboveground called account for training costs in our average"meant in determining the
"Soil Storage d Facilities Water Workgrouped economic analysis.Another commenter threshold applicability of the rule. Still
from Aboveground Ground Oil Storage Contamination asked for a small facility exemption others asked what"a single operation"
from Abo: eA round Strategic Study"presented from training requirements. meant.Some asked that the
Faciliti Another commenter asked that requirements be limited to facilities
data on causes of discharges from two facilities be allowed to incorporate with potential to cause"substantial
studies.Both studies showed that error SPCC training requirements into already harm"to the environment.Others asked
during product transfer activities is one existing training programs required by that the requirements be relaxed for
of the biggest known causes of other Federal or State law.One facilities with equipment that reduce
discharges at AST facilities.Two other commenter suggested that the rule the potential for discharges. Some
studies also support our contention: include a requirement that owners or suggested differing gallon thresholds for
Carter,W.J.,"How API Viewed the operators document each training the applicability of the training
Needs for Aboveground Storage Tanks," session and spill response drill requirements. One commenter suggested
• Tank Talk,Vol. 7,July/August 1992, conducted,and to maintain those that training be limited to those
p.2.;and U.S.EPA,"The Technical records for five years. employees involved in emergency
Background Document to Support the Timing of employee training.Some response or countermeasure activities.
Implementation of OPA Response Plan commenters favored the proposed One commenter asked for an exemption
Requirements,"Emergency Response provision for yearly training exercises from this requirement for small
Division,Office of Solid Waste and and suggested that the training be facilities.Another commenter asked for
Emergency Response,February 1993, coordinated with local oil spill response an exemption for extraction facilities,
p.4-19. organizations or Local Emergency because,he argued,they have few spills.
In 3993,we proposed to qualify the Planning Committees(LEPCs)whenever Another commenter suggested that the
applicability of the training possible.One commenter cautioned that 1991 proposal was adequate.
requirements to only those facilities that the annual training should not be Timing of employee training.Some
transfer or receive greater than or equal considered a full scale SPCC drill. commenters favored the proposed
to 10,000 gallons of oil in a single Opposing commenters suggested no requirement for eight-hour annual
operation more than twice per month on time period for such exercises,or training,with four-hour refresher
average,or greater than or equal to alternative periods,such as every two or training in subsequent years.Others
50,000 gallons in a single operation three years. opposed it,arguing that employer
more than once a month on the average. Likewise,many commenters opposed discretion in this matter will ensure a
We further proposed that you require the provision relating to the training of better result.
that employees involved in"oil- new employees within one week of Likewise many commenters opposed
handling activities,"such as the employment.Opposing commenters the requirement that new employees be
operation or maintenance of oil storage argued generally that such a trained within one week of
tanks or the operation of equipment recommendation is impractical,and employment,arguing instead for
related to storage tanks,receive eight called for employer discretion in employer discretion.Some commenters
hours of facility specific training within scheduling training.Others suggested suggested alternate frequencies other
one year of the effective date of the rule varying time periods in lieu of one than one week,ranging from"prior to
or at the date that your facility becomes week.Those suggestions ranged from assuming duties"to up to six months
subject to the requirement.In one month to one year,with alternatives after hiring.
subsequent years,each employee would suggested such as"as soon as practical," Content of training.A few
be required to undergo four hours of "prior to operation but before one year," commenters supported the specification
refresher training. "within one week of job assignment, "a of training subjects.Some commenters
Our 1993 proposal would require more reasonable time period,""after suggested that we require training in the
training for new employees within one training,"and"until the next annual proper operation and maintenance of
week of employment.We also proposed training for all employees."One facility equipment and knowledge of
• to specify the areas in which you would commenter asked that we define the spill procedure protocols.A utility
be required to train employees to term"new employee." commenter objected to the proposal that
include:training in correct equipment Discharge prevention briefings.Many its employees be trained in maintenance
operation and maintenance,general commenters criticized the proposal for of oil storage tanks,because its
47108 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• maintenance activities do not involve Division,Office of Solid Waste and prevent a discharge as described in
the transfer or handling of oil and Emergency Response,February 1993, §112.1(b).This standard will allow
therefore fall outside the scope of the p.4-19.We have therefore retained the facilities more flexibility to develop
rule.Alternatively,the commenter applicability of training to all facilities. training programs better suited to the
suggested,those employees should be The 1993 proposal would have limited particular facility.While the rule
given a lower level of"awareness" training requirements to only certain requires annual discharge prevention
training.One commenter suggested facilities which received or transferred briefings,we also agree that the annual
inclusion of response training. over the proposed amount of oil. briefings required are not drills.In any
Unannounced drills.Some Facilities which receive or transfer less case,the SPCC rules do not require
commenters favored the proposal and than the proposed amount might also drills,as explained below.
suggested that actual discharge have discharges which could have been For purposes of the rule,it is not
experience should be given credit as a averted through required training.Also necessary to define a"new employee"
drill.One commenter suggested a the proposed rule would have exempted because all oil-handling personnel are
frequency schedule for various types of many facilities that use rather than store subject to training requirements,
drills. oil from its scope.Therefore,we have whether new or not.You do,however,
Some commenters criticized the provided in the rule that all facilities, have discretion as to the timing of that
proposal for at least yearly whether bulk storage facilities or training,so long as the timing meets the
unannounced drills.One commenter facilities that merely use oil,must train requirements of good engineering
suggested that the frequency of the drills oil-handling employees because all practice.
should be at the operator's discretion, facilities have the potential for a Discharge prevention briefings.
Commenters argued that,if required at discharge as described in§112.1(b),and Annual discharge prevention briefings
all,drills should only be applicable to training is necessary to avert such a are necessary,but there should be more
operational or response personnel.Two discharge. frequent briefings where appropriate.
commenters said that a requirement for We agree with the commenter that Such briefings are necessary to refresh
unannounced drills for all employees training is only necessary for personnel employees'memories on facility Plan
would require them to conduct at least who will use it to carry out the provisions and to update employees on
eight or more drills a year.Another requirements of this rule.Therefore the latest prevention and response
commenter suggested training instead of revised paragraph(f)(1)provides that techniques.Training must include the
drills,because of the potential for drills only oil-handling personnel are subject contents of the facility Plan.Although it
to cause expensive shutdowns. to training requirements,as we is desirable,we disagree that we should
Resiiiponse to comments.Applicability proposed in 1993.Thus there are no require SPCC briefings to include
of training requirements.We believe new training costs because we have q g
that training requirements should apply always required such training of oil- emergency response training.That
to all facilities,large or small,including handling personnel. "Oil-handling training is already required for those
all those that store or use oil,regardless personnel"is to be interpreted facilities which must prepare response
of the amount of oil transferred in any according to industry standards,but plans.
particular time.Training may help avert includes employees engaged in the Content of training.Specifying a
human error,which is a principal cause operation and maintenance of oil minimum list of training subjects is
of oil discharges."Spills from ASTs storage containers or the operation of necessary to ensure that facility
may occur as a result of operator error, equipment related to storage containers employees are aware of discharge
for example,during loading operations and emergency response personnel.We prevention procedures and regulations.
(e.g.,vessel or tank truck—AST transfer do not interpret the term to include As suggested by a commenter,we have
operation),or as a result of structural secretaries,clerks,and other personnel added knowledge of discharge
failure(e.g.,brittle fracture)because of who are never involved in operation or procedure protocols to the list of
inadequate maintenance of the AST." maintenance activities related to oil training subjects because such training
EPA Liner Study,at 14.The 1995 SPCC storage or equipment,oil transfer will help avert discharges.Therefore,
Survey found that operator error was the operations,emergency response, we have specified that training must
most common spill cause for facilities in countermeasure functions,or similar include,at a minimum:the operation
9 of the 19 industry categories that activities. and maintenance of equipment to
reported having spills.Also,the August You may incorporate SPCC training prevent the discharge of oil;discharge
1994 draft report of the EPA requirements into already existing procedure protocols;applicable
Aboveground Oil Storage Facilities training programs required by other pollution control laws,rules,and
Workgroup called"Soil and Ground Federal or State law at your option or regulations;general facility operations;
Water Contamination from may conduct SPCC training separately. and,the contents of the facility Plan.As
Aboveground Oil Storage Facilities:A You must document that you have noted above,we require response
Strategic Study"presented data on conducted required training courses. training for facilities that must submit
causes of discharges from two studies. Such documentation must be response plans,but such training is not
Both studies showed that error during maintained with the Plan for three necessary for all SPCC facilities.
product transfer activities is one of the years. In response to the utility commenter
biggest known causes of discharges at Timing of employee training.We who asserted that utility employees do
AST facilities.Two other studies also agree with commenters who thought it not need to be trained in the
support our contention:Carter,W.J., desirable to leave the timing and maintenance of oil storage tanks because
"How API Viewed the Needs for number of hours of training of oil- such maintenance does not involve the
Aboveground Storage Tanks,"Tank handling employees,including new transfer and handling of oil,we note
Talk,Vol.7,July/August 1992,p.2.;and employees,to the employer's discretion. that training must address relevant
• U.S.EPA,"The Technical Background "Proper instruction"of oil-handling maintenance activities at the facility.If
Document to Support the employees,as required in the rule, there is no transfer and handling of oil,
Implementation of OPA Response Plan means in accordance with industry such topic need not be covered in
Requirements,"Emergency Response standards or at a frequency sufficient to training.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47109
• Unannounced drills.The proposed some places.Another argued that fences we agree.When you use a fence to
yearly frequency for unannounced drills should be topped with barbed wire,or protect a facility,the design of the fence
is also unnecessary because such drills otherwise designed to deter vandalism. should deter vandalism.Methods of
are already required at FRP facilities, Stoner controls on pumps.Several deterring vandals might include barbed
which are higher risk facilities.We do commenters argued that the wire or other devices.If any type of
not believe that the risk at all SPCC requirements to lock starter controls on fence is impractical,you may,under
facilities approaches the same level as at all pumps and to locate them at a site §112.7(a)(2),explain your reasons for
FRP facilities.Therefore,we are not accessible only to authorized personnel nonconformance and provide equivalent
finalizing this proposal,and there are no are duplicative and do not deter vandals environmental protection by some other
new costs. or other unauthorized personnel. means.
Editorial changes and clarifications. Another commenter urged us to exclude Valves.Revised §112.7(g)(2)requires
We changed the title from"Personnel, large facilities from the locking you to ensure that the master flow and
training,and spill prevention requirement because the potential for drain valves and other valves permitting
procedures,"to"Personnel,training, losing keys or having the locks become outward flow of the container's contents
and discharge prevention procedures." inoperative due to freezing conditions is have adequate security measures.The
In paragraph(f)(1),"discharges of oil" great.A third commenter suggested that current rule requires that such valves be
becomes"discharges."In paragraph the requirement should apply to securely locked in the closed position
(f)(2),"line management"becomes facilities,and not to pumps. when in non-operating or non-standby
"facility management,"and"oil spill Loading/unloading connections.One status.Today's revised rule allows
prevention"becomes"discharge commenter urged that the blank- security measures other than locking
prevention."In paragraph(f)(3),"spill flanging requirement apply to facilities drain valves or other valves permitting
prevention briefings"becomes that are not in service for six months or outflow to the surface.Manual locks
"discharge prevention briefings."Also more,rather than to connections of oil may be preferable for valves that are not
in paragraph(f)(3);"operating piping.The rationale was that larger electronically or automatically
personnel"becomes"oil-handling" facilities have seasonal or contractual controlled.Such locks may be the only
personnel,"to be consistent with variations in use of lines,pumps,racks, practical way to ensure that valves stay
language in paragraph (f)(1);and,"spill and connections.Therefore,it would be in the closed position.For electronically
events"becomes"discharges as costly and impractical to blank off lines controlled or automated systems,no
described in§112.1(b)." only to reopen them in the seventh manual lock may be necessary.The rule
Section 112.7(8)—Security(Excluding month.Accordingly,the rule should, gives you discretion in the method of
per the commenter,recognize normal securing valves.We believe that this
oil Production Facilities) operating procedures at such facilities flexibility is necessary due to changes in
• Background.In 1991,we proposed to and allow flexibility.Another technology and in the use of manual
turn into a recommendation the current commenter requested that"quick and electronic valuing.
requirement that a facility should be disconnect"fittings qualify as a method Stoner controls on pumps.We
fully fenced,and gates locked and/or of secure capping. disagree that the requirements to have
guarded when the facility is not in Response to comments.Applicability the starter control locked in the off
production or is unattended.We of requirements.We asked in the 1991 position and be accessible only to
proposed to require that the master flow preamble(at 56 FR 54616)for comments authorized personnel are redundant.
and drain valves(or other valves that as to whether provisions proposed as Restricting access to such pumps
will permit direct outward flow of the discretionary measures or prevents unauthorized personnel from
tanks'contents)have adequate security recommendations should be made accidentally opening the starter control.
to ensure that they remain in a closed requirements.We were concerned These measures are necessary to prevent
position when in non-operating or non- whether these proposed measures discharges at small as well as large
standby status.Thus,the proposal represented good engineering practice facilities because the threat of discharge
would allow more flexibility in the for all facilities.Specific comments are is the same regardless of the size of the
method of securing the valves than the discussed below.In the case of container,and a small discharge may be
current rule,which requires that such proposed§112.7(g)(1)and(5)as harmful to the environment.If the
valves be"securely locked." requirements,we have decided to retain potential for losing keys,weather
The current rule requires that loading/ the requirements as requirements rather conditions such as frequent freezing,or
unloading connections be securely than convert those paragraphs into other engineering factors render such a
capped or blank-flanged when not in recommendations as proposed.We have measure infeasible,you may use the
service or standby-service"for an done this because we believe that deviation provisions in§112.7(a)(2)if
extended time."We proposed in 1991 to fencing,facility lighting,and the other you can explain your reasons for
clarify that"an extended time"means measures prescribed in the rule to nonconformance and provide equivalent
six months or more,based on our prevent vandalism are elements of good environmental protection by some other
Regional experience. engineering practice in most facilities, means.
Comments.Editorial changes and including mobile facilities.Where they Loading/unloading connections.In
clarifications.One commenter asked for are not a part of good engineering response to comment,we have decided
the meaning of"plant"as used in practice,we have amended the to retain the current time line in
proposed§112.7(g)(1). proposed provision allowing deviations, §112.7(g)(4),i.e.,"an extended time,"
Applicability of&requirement.One §112.7(a)(2),to include the provisions instead of specifying a six-month time
commenter urged an exemption from all in§112.7(g). line,due to the need for operational
security provisions for mobile facilities, Fences.Fencing helps to deter flexibility at facilities.We define"an
because such facilities are manned 24 vandals and thus prevent the discharges extended time"in reference to industry
• hours a day while in operation.Fences.One commenter argued that that they might cause.In response to the standards or,in the absence of such
commenter who argued that fences standards,at a frequency sufficient to
fences should not be required for all should be topped with barbed wire,or prevent any discharge.The appropriate
facilities,because it is not practicable in otherwise designed to deter vandalism, method of securing or blank flanging of
47110 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• these connections is a matter of good Editorial changes and clarifications. inspection of trucks or cars for
engineering practice,and might include One commenter asked for a clarification discharges are necessary to help prevent
"quick disconnect fittings"as a possible of the term "quick drainage system." discharges.If you can justify a deviation
deviation under§112.7(a)(2).In any Another commenter recommended for secondary containment requirement
case,a secure cap is one equipped with that instead of mandatory containment in paragraph(h)(1)on the basis that it
some kind of lock or secure closure requirements,a facility be allowed to is not practicable from an engineering
device to prevent vandalism.We show that procedures are in place to standpoint,you must provide a
disagree that the requirements of this ensure that personnel are present at all contingency plan and take other actions
paragraph should apply to the owner or times to supervise tank truck loading to comply with§132.7(d).If you seek to
operator of a facility instead of the and unloading.Additionally,that deviate from any of the requirements in
owner or operator of the piping because commenter recommended that all new paragraphs(h)(2)or(3),you must
a facility might place only some piping or renovated loading/unloading areas explain your reasons for
out of service for a period of time,and provide,at a minimum,curbing,sloped nonconformance,as provided in
let other piping remain in service. concrete,trenching,tanks,or basins §112.7(a)(2),and provide measures
Therefore,the owners or operators of which could contain at least five affording equivalent environmental
some piping might escape the percent by volume of the largest protection.
requirements of the rule and be more compartment of the tank car or truck. We disagree that a contingency plan
likely to discharge oil. For existing facilities,that commenter (whether labeled"strong"or otherwise)
Industry standards.Industry suggested that containment might is a preferable alternative to secondary
standards that may assist an owner or contain a lesser volume,provided that containment.Secondary containment is
operator with security purposes include: the entire area is constructed of preferable because it may prevent a
(1)API Standard 2610,Design, impervious material,no reported discharge that may be harmful as
Construction,Operation,Maintenance, releases have occurred,and that described in§112.1(b).A contingency
and Inspection of Terminal and Tank loading/unloading activities are plan is a plan for action when such
Facilities;and,(2)NFPA 30A, supervised. discharge has already occurred.
Automotive and Marine Service Station Alarm or warning systems. One However,as noted earlier,if secondary
commenter asked whether the containment is not practicable,you
Code,Flammable and Combustible requirement to provide a warning light must provide a contingency plan and
Liquids Code. or physical barrier system,or warning take other actions as required by
Editorial changes and clarifications. signs,applied to tank batteries orjust
We agree that the term"plant"has no g Pp §evaluate EPA o wcohethere
to
he
clear meaning.Therefore,in paragraph plants.Another system suge or that a systemcle
rvisios the issue of whether ain
(g)(1),we have substituted the termip
brake interlock or similar system provisions for secondary containment
"facility"in its place,which is a might work just as well.Still another found in § should be
defined term in these rules.Also in that suggested the use of wheel chocks modified or revised.We intend to
during tank truck transfers. publish a notice asking for additional
paragraph,the phrase"handling, Vehicle drain closure.Two
data W and comment that
on s r.
processing and storing oil"becomes commenters opposed the proposed We disagree that the section regulates
"handling,processing or storing oil."In requirement that vehicle drains and activities already under the purview of
paragraph(g)(2),"tank"becomes outlets be examined for leakage and if the U.S.Department of Transportation.
"container."In paragraph (g)(3), necessary repaired to prevent liquid We regulate the environmental aspects
"pumps"becomes"pump."In leaks during transit.They argued that of loading/unloading transfers at non-
paragraph(g)(5),the phrase the facility owner had little or no transportation-related facilities,which
"Consideration should be given to:"is control over trucks that were owned by are legitimately part of a prevention
deleted.We revise the sentence to read, others which loaded or unloaded at a plan.DOT regulates other aspects of
"Provide facility lighting commensurate facility and could not ensure their those transfers,such as safety measures.
with the type and location of the facility compliance with the rules. Other State or Federal law.We have
that will assist in the: * * *" Response to comments.In general. withdrawn,as unnecessary,proposed
Section 112.7(h)—Loading/Unloading This section is applicable to any non- §112.7(h)(1),which would have
(Excluding Offshore Facilities) transportation-related or terminal required that facilities meet the
facility where oil is loaded or unloaded minimum requirements of Federal and
Background.In 1991,we reproposed from or to a tank car or tank truck.It State law.Those requirements apply
the current discharge prevention applies to containers which are whether they are mentioned or not.
requirements for loading/unloading aboveground (including partially buried Secondary containment.As noted
racks. tanks,bunkered tanks,or vaulted tanks) above,the requirement for secondary
Comments.In general.Several or completely buried (except those containment applies to all facilities,
commenters opposed the proposal on exempted by this rule),and to all whether with aboveground or
the basis that a requirement for a strong facilities,large or small.All of these completely buried containers.This
contingency plan would be a preferable facilities have a risk of discharge from includes production facilities and small
and more effective alternative.Another transfers.Our Survey of Oil Storage facilities.The method of secondary
commenter asked that we clarify that Facilities(published in July 1996) containment must be one of those listed
only facilities routinely used for loading showed that as annual throughput in the rule(see§112.7(c)),or some
or unloading of tanker trucks from or increases,so does the propensity to similar system that provides equivalent
into aboveground bulk storage tanks are discharge,the severity of the discharge, environmental protection.The choice of
subject to this provision.One and,to a lesser extent,the costs of the method is one of good engineering
commenter believed that the proposed cleanup.Throughput increases are often practice.However,in response to ,
• rule regulates items which"should be associated with transfers of oil, comments,we note that sumps and drip
covered"by DOT rules governing The requirements contained in this pans are a listed method of secondary
loading,unloading,and vehicle section,including those for secondary containment for offshore facilities.A
inspection. containment,warning systems,and catchment basin might be an acceptable
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47111
• form of retention pond for an onshore the loading/unloading area to some that we allow testing by acoustic
facility.Whatever method is means of secondary containment or emission testing.
implemented,it must be capable of returns the oil to the facility.For Response to comments.Applicability.
containing the maximum capacity of §112.7(h)(1),if secondary containment The requirement to evaluate field-
any single compartment of a tank car or is not practicable,you must provide a constructed tanks for brittle fracture
tank truck loaded or unloaded in the contingency plan following the whenever a field-constructed
facility.A discharge from the maximum provisions of 40 CFR part 109,and aboveground container undergoes
capacity of any single compartment of a otherwise comply with§112.7(d).Also, repair,alteration,reconstruction,or
tank car or tank truck includes a in paragraph(hill),"tank truck" change in service is necessary because
discharge from the tank car or tank truck becomes"tank car or tank truck."In brittle fracture may cause sudden and
piping and hoses.This is the largest paragraph(h)(2),"prevent vehicular catastrophic tank failure,resulting in
amount likely to be discharged from the departure,"becomes"prevent vehicles potentially serious damage to the
oil storage vehicle.A requirement that from departing."In paragraph(h)(3), environment and loss of oil.The
secondary containment be able to hold "leakage"becomes"discharge." requirement must be applicable to large
only five percent of a potential "Discharge"is a broader term,of which and small facilities alike,because all the
discharge when procedures are in place "leakage"is a subset.Also in that field-constructed aboveground
to prevent discharges fails to protect the paragraph,"examine"becomes containers have a risk of failure.The
environment if there is human error in "inspect." presence or absence of secondary
one of those procedures.In case of containment does not eliminate the
discharge,the secondary containment Section 112.7(1)—Brittle Fracture need for brittle fracture evaluation
system must be capable of preventing a Evaluation because the intent of the rule is to
discharge from that maximum capacity Background.In 1993,we proposed to prevent a discharge whether or not it
compartment to the environment.As require that you evaluate your field- will be contained.While the
mentioned above,if secondary constructed tanks for brittle fracture if requirement applies to all field-
containment is not practicable,you may those tanks undergo repair,alteration,or constructed aboveground containers,if
be able to deviate from the requirement a change in service.You would have you can show that the evaluation is
if you provide a contingency plan and been required to evaluate those tanks by unnecessary for your steel-bolted tanks,
otherwise comply with§112.7(d). adherence to industry standards you may deviate from the requirement
Alarm or warning systems.The under§112.7(a)(2)if you can explain
contained in American Petroleum
requirement to provide a warning light Institute(API)Standard 653,entitled your reasons for nonconformance and
or other physical barrier system applies "Tank Inspection,Repair,Alteration, provide equivalent environmental
to the loading/unloading areas of and Reconstruction."The rationale was protection.We note that portions of
• facilities.We have amended the rule on steel-bolted tanks,such as the bottom or
to help ct a the due
ofailure of field-
the suggestion of a commenter to constructed tanks due to brittle fracture, roof,may be welded,and therefore
include"vehicle brake interlock subject to brittle fracture.
system"and"wheel chocks."The such as the four million gallon The requirement for evaluation of a
examples listed in the rule of potential aboveground Ashland Oil tank failure field-constructed aboveground container
which occurred in January 1988.
warning systems are merely illustrative. must be undertaken when the container
Comments.Applicability.Several
Any other alarm or warning system undergoes a repair,alteration,
which serves the same purpose and commenters favored the proposal.One reconstruction,or change in service that
performs effectively will also suffice to suggested that we incorporate API might affect the risk of a discharge or
Standard 653 into our rules to
meet this requirement. failure due to brittle fracture,or when
Vehicle drain closure.We believe that accommodate the possibility of tank a discharge or failure has already
the requirement to check vehicles for failures other than through brittle occurred due to brittle fracture or other
discharge is important to help prevent fracture.One commenter opposed the catastrophe.Catastrophic failures are
discharges.If the check were not done, proposal on the basis that the evaluation failures which may result from events
the entire contents of the vehicle might was unnecessary for small volume tanks such as lightning strikes,dangerous
be discharged.We further believe that and tanks with secondary containment. seismic activity,etc.As a result of a
the responsibility for compliance with Other commenters argued that such catastrophic failure,the entire contents
proposed§112.7(h)(3),as well as with testing was unnecessary for steel-bolted of a container may be discharged to the
all provisions of the rule,continues to tanks because such tanks are too thin to environment in the same way as if
rest with the owner or operator of the be subject to brittle fracture since brittle fracture had occurred.
facility when those vehicles are loading material properties are uniform through "Repair"means any work necessary
or unloading oil at the facility. the thickness.One commenter asked to maintain or restore a container to a
Industry standards.Industry that small facilities be exempted from condition suitable for safe operation.
standards that may assist an owner or the proposed requirement. Typical examples include the removal
operator with loading and unloading Editorial changes and clarifications. and replacement of material (such as
areas include:(1)NFPA 30,"Flammable Two commenters asked what the term roof,shell,or bottom material,including
and Combustible Liquids Code";and, "change in service"means.Others weld metal)to maintain container
(2)API Standard 2610,"Design, asked for clarification of the term"field- integrity;the re-leveling or jacking of a
Construction,Operation,Maintenance, erected tank."Another asked for container shell,bottom,or roof;the
and Inspection of Terminal and Tank clarification of the term"repair,"so that addition of reinforcing plates to existing
Facilities." it would exclude ordinary day-to-day shell penetrations;and the repair of
Editorial changes and clarifications. maintenance activities which are flaws,such as tears or gouges,by
In paragraph(h)(1),for clarity,"plant" conducted to maintain the functional grinding or gouging followed by
• is changed to"facility."The phrase"to integrity of the tank and do not weaken welding.We understand that some
handle spills"becomes"to handle the tank. repairs(such as repair of tank seals),
discharges."A"quick drainage system" Alternatives to brittle fracture alterations,or changes in service will
is a device which drains oil away from evaluation.One commenter suggested not cause a risk of failure due to brittle
47112 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
fracture;therefore,we have amended• has been a discharge from the container, address all SPCC requirements in your
the rule to refer to those repairs, whether or not there has been a Plan.You must include in your Plan a
alterations,reconstruction,or changes complete failure of the container due to complete discussion of conformance
in service that affect the risk of a brittle fracture or catastrophe.When a with the applicable requirements and
discharge or failure due to brittle container has failed completely and will other effective discharge prevention and
fracture. be replaced,no brittle fracture or containment procedures listed in part
"Alteration"means any work on a catastrophe evaluation is necessary.The 112 or any applicable more stringent
container involving cutting,burning, evaluation is only applicable when the State rule,regulation,or guideline.If a
welding,or heating operations that original container remains,but the requirement is not applicable to a
changes the physical dimensions or physical condition of the container has particular type of facility,we believe
configurations of the container.Typical changed due to repair,alteration,or that it is important for an owner or
examples include the addition of change in service. operator to explain why.
manways and nozzles greater than 12-
inch nominal pipe size and an increase Section 112.7(/)—State Rules Consistency in rules.As noted above,
or decrease in tank shell height. Background.In the introduction to you may now use a State plan as a
Alternatives to brittle fracture §112.7(e)of the current rule,an owner substitute for an SPCC Plan when the
evaluation.We have eliminated the or operator is required to discuss in the State plan meets all Federal
incorporation by reference to API Plan his conformance with§112.7(c), requirements and is cross-referenced.
Standard 653 from the rule.We have plus other applicable parts of§112.7, When you use a State plan that does not
also therefore withdrawn proposed other effective spill prevention and meet all Federal requirements,it must
Appendix H,the API Standard 653 containment procedures or,if more be supplemented by sections that do
brittle fracture flowchart.We believe stringent,with State rules,regulations, meet all Federal requirements.At times
that API Standard 653 is an acceptable and guidelines.In our 1991 proposal, EPA will have rules that are more
standard to test for brittle fracture. we limited the required discussion of stringent than States rules,and some
However,an incorporation by reference "other effective spill prevention and States may have rules that are more
of any standard might cause the rule to containment procedures"to those listed stringent than those of EPA.If you
be instantly obsolete should that in§§112.8,112.9,112.10,and 112.11, follow more stringent State rules in your
standard change or should a newer, or if more stringent,with State rules, Plan,you must explain that is what you
better method emerge.A potential regulations,and guidelines. are doing.
standard might also apply only to a Comments. Cross-referencing of Federal and State regulation.Both the
certain subset of facilities or equipment. requirements.One commenter argued States and EPA have authority to
Therefore,as with most other that the proposed requirements should regulate containers storing or using oil.
• requirements in this part,if you explain be more clearly limited to those sections We believe State authority to regulate in
your reasons for nonconformance, which are applicable to the facility in this area and establish spill prevention
alternative methods which afford question.For example,the commenter programs is supported by section 311(0)
equivalent environmental protection asserted,"requirements in§112.8 of the CWA.Some States have exercised
may be acceptable under§112.7(a)(2). If '* * *onshore facilities(excluding their authority to regulate while others
acoustic emission testing provides production facilities)'should not (by the have not.We believe that State SPCC
equivalent environmental protection it requirement in§112.7(i))be applied to programs are a valuable supplement to
may be acceptable as an alternative. any portion of any production facility." our SPCC program.
That decision,in the first instance,is Consistency in rules.Two States Preemption.We do not preempt State
one for the Professional Engineer and urged that our rules be as consistent as rules,and defer to State rules,
owner or operator. possible with rules in the States. regulations,and guidelines that are
Industry standards.Industry Another State urged that we grant more stringent than part 112.
standards that may assist an owner or reciprocity to State-approved Plans
operator with brittle fracture evaluation which have been reviewed under equal Editorial changes and clarifications.
include: (1)API Standard 653,"Tank or greater adequacy criteria.One To simplify the rule language,we have
Inspection,Repair,Alteration,and commenter complained that EPA rules amended the proposed rule to state that
Reconstruction";and,(2)API are in some cases more stringent than you must discuss all applicable
Recommended Practice 920, some State rules. requirements in the Plan instead of
"Prevention of Brittle Fracture of Federal and State regulation.Two listing all of the sections individually.
Pressure Vessels." commenters argued against any State The phrase"sections of the Plan shall
Editorial changes and clarifications.A regulation in the SPCC area to avoid include* * *"becomes"include in
"field-constructed aboveground duplication.Conversely,another your Plan* * * .""Spill"becomes
container"is one that is assembled or commenter argued against any Federal "discharge."
reassembled outside the factory at the regulation because the States are better Subpart B—Requirements for
location of its intended use.A"change qualified to regulate in the SPCC arena. Petroleum Oils or Other Non-petroleum
in service"is a change from previous Preemption.Another State requested Oils,Except Animal Fats and Vegetable
operating conditions involving different that EPA strive to have similar programs Oils
properties of the stored product such as as the States,or at the least not to
specific gravity or corrosivity and/or preempt the States in the regulation of Background.As noted above,we have
different service conditions of SPCC matters. reformatted the rule to differentiate
temperature and/or pressure.The word Response to comments.Cross- between various classes of oil as
"reconstruction"was added in the first referencing of requirements.In response mandated by EORRA. Subpart B
sentence to conform with the text in API to the commenter who believed that prescribes particular requirements for
• Standard 653.The words"discharge or" proposed §112.7(i)(redesignated in an owner or operator of a facility that
were added prior to"failure"and today's rule as§112.7(j))might require stores or uses petroleum oils or non-
"brittle fracture failure"to make clear him to discuss inapplicable petroleum oils,except for animal fats
that evaluation is necessary when there requirements,we note that you must and vegetable oils.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47113
• Introduction to Section 112.8 Response to comments.Applicability, phrase"handle such leakage"becomes
Background.We have inserted an We disagree that we should limit the "control such discharge."We deleted
introduction to§112.8 so that we could scope of this section to facilities having the phrase"or other positive means,"
list the requirements of that section in areas with the potential to receive because it is confusing when compared
the active voice.Those requirements, discharges greater than 660 gallons or with the text of§I12.7(a)(2).Under
except as specifically noted,apply to areas with tanks regulated under these §112.7(a)(2),you have the flexibility to
the owner or operator of an onshore rules.Small discharges(that is,of 660 use alternate measures ensuring
facility(except a production facility). gallons or less)as described in equivalent environmental protection.
The introduction does not result in any §112.1(b)from diked storage areas can The word"examine"becomes
substantive change in requirements. cause great environmental harm.See "inspect."
seSection 112.8(a)—General discussion s V.o of this preamble tsofsmallaor 112.8(h)(2)—Diked Storage
of the effects of Section 712.8 6 2 g
Requirements—Onshore Facilities discharges.We disagree that this section Areas—Valves Used;Inspection of
(Excluding Production Facilities) should apply only to areas with tanks Retained Stormwoter
Background.This is a new provision regulated under these rules because this Background.In 1991,we reproposed
that merely references the general rule applies to regulated facilities,not the current rule on the type of valves
requirements which all facilities subject merely areas with regulated tanks or that must be used to drain diked storage
to this part must meet and the specific other containers.A facility may contain areas.The rule also addresses
requirements that facilities subject to operating equipment within a diked inspection of retained stormwater.
this section must meet.It does not result storage area which could cause a Comments.Innovative devices.Two
in any change to substantive discharge as described in§112.1(b). commenters believed that the rule
requirements. We disagree that the requirement is would apparently preclude the use of
Editorial changes and clarifications. not practical for facilities with site-wide innovative containment devices to
"Spill prevention"in the 1991 proposal containment,or that have substantial control discharges from containment
becomes"discharge prevention."We stormwater draining onto and across the dikes,such as imbiber beads.These
also deleted from the titles of each site.Where oil/water separators, beads are inside a small cylinder that
paragraph the words"onshore"and underflow uncontrolled discharge filters releases from a containment area.
"excluding production facilities" devices,or other positive means provide The beads are inserted where a valve
because the entire section applies to equivalent environmental protection as would be placed and allow water to
onshore facilities and excludes the discharge restraints required by this pass,but prevent release of oil by
production facilities from its scope. section,you may use them,if you closing on contact.Another commenter
Finally,the proposed requirement to explain your reasons for asked that the rule allow oil-water
• "address"general and specific nonconformance.See§112.7(a)(2). gravity separation systems instead of
requirements and procedures becomes However,you must still ensure that no valves.
"meet"those requirements and oil will be discharged when using PE certification.One commenter
procedures. alternate devices. suggested that a section should be
De minimis amounts of oil.This rule added to the rule requiring that
Section 112.8(b)(1)—Diked Storage Area is concerned with a discharge of oil that Professional Engineers be required to
Drainage would become a discharge as described certify the design and construction of
Background.In 1991,we reproposed in §112.1(b).When oil is present in the stormwater drainage system and the
the current rule(§112.7(e)(1)(i))on water in an amount that cannot be sanitary sewer system,because the
facility drainage from diked areas. perceived by the human eye,the Professional Engineer is in the best
Comments.Applicability.One discharge might not meet the position to prepare the spill
commenter asked that we limit the description provided in 40 CFR 110.3. containment parts of the SPCC Plan.
scope of this section to facilities having Therefore,such a discharge might not be Response to comments.Innovative
areas with the potential to receive a discharge in a quantity that may be devices.This rule does not preclude
discharges greater than 660 gallons or harmful,and therefore not a reportable innovative devices that achieve the
areas with tanks regulated under these discharge under part 110.However,a same environmental protection as
rules.Another commenter said that for discharge which is invisible to the manual open-and-closed design valves.
facilities with site-wide containment,or human eye might also contain If you do not use such valves,you must
that have substantial stormwater components(for example,dissolved explain why.The provision for
draining onto and across the site,the petroleum components)which would deviations in§112.7(a)(2)allows
requirement is not practical and may violate applicable water quality alternatives if the owner or operator
justify reliance on contingency plans standards,making it a reportable states his reasons for nonconformance,
instead of containment.That discharge.Therefore,we are keeping the and if he can provide equivalent
commenter,and another,suggested that language as proposed,other than environmental protection by some other
certain devices may reduce the potential making some editorial changes. means.However,you may not use
of a significant spill of floating or other Industry standards.Industry flapper-type drain valves to drain diked
products that can be separated by standards that may assist an owner or areas.And if you use alternate devices
gravity,such as oil/water separators, operator with facility drainage include: to substitute for manual,open-and-
underflow uncontrolled discharge (1)NFPA 30,"Flammable and closed design valves,you must inspect
devices,and other apparatus. Combustible Liquids Code";and (2), and may drain retained stormwater,as
De minimis amounts of oil.One API Standard 2610,"Design, provided in§112.8(c)(3)(ii),(iii),and
commenter thought it would be Construction,Operation,Maintenance, (iv),if your facility drainage drains
impossible to ensure no oil would be and Inspection of Terminal and Tank directly into a watercourse,lake,or
4„ discharged into water from diked areas. Facilities." pond bypassing the facility treatment
The rationale was that oil can be present Editorial changes and clarifications. system.
in water in an amount below the "Spill or other excessive leakage of oil" PE certification.PE certification is
perception threshold of the human eye. and"leakage"become"discharge."The already required for the design of
47114 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• stormwater drainage and sanitary sewer and immediate clean-up of spills within environmental protection under
systems by current rules because those such areas.Another commenter urged §112.7(a)(2).
systems are a technical element of the that we clarify that oil/water separators Areas subject to periodic flooding.We
Plan.Therefore,we are keeping the meet the requirement for drainage agree with the commenter that the
language as proposed. control and secondary containment current requirement should remain a
Editorial changes and clarifications. because such units,when properly sized requirement and not be convened into
In the first sentence,we deleted the and operated,meet the requirements of a recommendation.We are convinced
phrase"as far as practical"because it is good engineering practice for preventing by the argument that catchment basins
confusing when compared to the text of discharges of oil.One commenter will not work during flood events and
§112.7(a)(2).Under§112.7(a)(2),if the suggested that in rural areas where may cause significant environmental
requirement is not practical,you have electrical equipment is widely spaced,it damage.We also agree with the
the flexibility to use measures ensuring may be more practical to provide for commenter that any drainage system
equivalent environmental protection.In individual secondary containment should be engineered so that minimal
the second sentence,we clarify that the rather than site-wide diversion facilities. amounts of contaminated water are
wastewater treatment plant mentioned Other commenters suggested that the retained in areas subject to periodic
therein is an"on-site wastewater drainage requirements in urban areas flooding.Therefore,we have retained
treatment plant."Also in that sentence, would be impossible to meet for the current requirement.We also
we clarify that you must inspect and transformers located in vaults in large recommend,but do not require that
"may drain"retained stormwater,as office and apartment buildings,and ponds,lagoons,or other facility
provided in§112.81c)(3)(ii),(iii),and underneath urban streets because there drainage systems with the potential for
(iv).Finally,in the last sentence,we is no space at such sites to construct the discharge not be located in areas subject
clarify that drained retained stormwater sort of drainage control structures to periodic flooding.
must be"uncontaminated." required by the rule. Editorial changes and clarifications.
Section 112.8(b)(3)—Drainage Into Areas subject to periodic flooding. We agree that the wording"potential for
Secondary Containment;Areas Subject One commenter argued that the discharge"meets the intent of the rule
to Flooding proposed recommendation should be better than"potential for
retained as a requirement because it is contamination"and have made that
Background.In 1991,we proposed to highly unlikely that catchment basins change.
clarify that only undiked areas that are would operate effectively during a flood Section 112.8(b)(4)—Diversion Systems
located such that they have a reasonable event,and that these facilities could Background.In 1991,we proposed
potential to be contaminated by an oil gp p
cause significant harm to the that diversions stems must retain oil in
discharge are required to drain into a environment.Another commenter y
pond,lagoon,or catchment basin.We• the facility,rather than return it to the
explained that a good Plan should seek suggested that drainage systems for facility after it has been discharged.
to separate reasonably foreseeable existing facilities be engineered(even if Comments.One commenter asked for
sources of contamination and non- it requires pumping of contaminated a clarification that oil"retained"in a
contamination. water to a higher level for storage prior facility does not leave the facility
We also proposed to make a to treatment)so that minimal amounts boundaries.A second commenter
recommendation of the current of contaminated water are retained in suggested that oil be either retained
requirement that catchment basins not areas subject to periodic flooding. within the facility or returned to the
be located in areas subject to periodic Response to comments.Applicability. facility,whichever is applicable.The
flooding. We disagree that the rule language commenter further suggested that the
Comments.One commenter should become a recommendation diversion system apply only to the
supported the proposal. because we believe that it is important petroleum areas of the facility such as
Editorial changes and clarifications. to control the potential discharges the tanks,pipes,racks,and diked areas
One commenter suggested that the rule rule addresses.Where a drainage system because drainage from the rest of the
should be worded to refer to systems is infeasible,if you explain your reasons facility should not be contaminated and
"with a potential for discharge,"rather for nonconformance,you may provide thus should not have to be diverted.
than with a"potential for equivalent environmental protection by Response to comments.The rule
contamination." an alternate means. accomplishes the aim of retaining
Applicability.Two commenters In response to the commenter who within the facility minimal amounts of
argued that the secondary containment questioned the applicability of this contaminated water in undiked areas
provisions of this paragraph should paragraph to areas under aboveground subject to periodic flooding.It is better
"remain a recommendation as opposed piping and loading/unloading areas,we that a diversion system retain rather
to a regulation,"because a requirement note that both areas are subject to the than allow oil to leave the facility,thus
is impracticable for drainage systems rule's requirements if they are undiked. enhancing the prevention goals of the
from pipelines that move product Alternatives.The rule does not limit rule.Furthermore,it should be easier to
throughout the facility. you to the use of drainage trenches for retain discharged oil rather than retrieve
Alternatives.One commenter said that undiked areas.Other forms of secondary oil that has been discharged from the
the rule should not be limited to containment may be acceptable.The facility.Therefore,we agree with the
drainage trenches,and that the owners rule only prescribes requirements for commenter that"retained"oil is oil that
and operators of facilities should have a the drainage of diked areas,but does not never leaves the facility.We also agree
free choice of design.Another mandate the use of diked areas. that the rule applies only to drainage
commenter suggested that if areas under However,if you do use diked areas,the from the"petroleum"(or other oil)areas
aboveground piping and loading/ rule prescribes minimum requirements of the facility such as tanks,pipes,
• unloading areas are regulated under this for drainage of those areas.Also,if the racks,and diked areas,because the
section,the operation should have the requirement is not practical,you may purpose of the SPCC rule is to prevent
option of providing spill control by explain your reasons for discharges of oil,not of all runoff
committing to the regular inspection of, nonconformance and provide equivalent contaminants.Amendment of the rule
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47115
• language is unnecessary because all of Another commenter argued that the the passage of water,with structural
the rule applies only to"petroleum"or proposed rule should be eliminated components having the capability of
"oil"areas of the facility.Therefore,we because it is duplicative of stormwater resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
have promulgated the rule language as regulations.One commenter urged that loads,and with the capability to resist
proposed with a minor editorial change. the rule require that no facilities for oil effects of buoyancy(44 CFR 60.3(a)(3));
Editorial changes and clarifications. or hazardous substances be sited in (2)tanks must be adequately anchored
We clarify that the reference to the floodplains.Another commenter to prevent flotation,collapse or lateral
engineering of facility drainage is a requested that the rule require that:(1) movement of the structure resulting
reference to paragraph (b)(3). A facility should identify whether it is from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic
Section 112.8(b)(5)—Natural Hydraulic in a floodplain in the SPCC Plan;(2)if loads and the effects of buoyancy(40
Flow,Pumps it is in a floodplain,the Plan should CFR 60.3(c)(3));for structures that are
address minimum FEMA standards; intended to be made watertight below
Background.In 1991,we reproposed and,(3)if a facility does not meet the base flood level,a Registered
substantively the current rule(see minimum FEMA standards,the Plan Professional Engineer must develop
§112.7(e)(l)(v))concerning hydraulic should address appropriate and/or review the structural design,
flow and pump transfer for drainage precautionary and mitigation measures specifications,and plans for
waters. for potential flood-related discharges. construction,and certify that they have
Comments.We received one editorial The commenter also suggested that we been prepared in accordance with
comment regarding a grammatical error consider requiring facilities in areas accepted standards and practice(40 CFR
in the proposal.The commenter subject to 500-year events to address 60.3(c)(4));and,tanks must not
suggested that the second sentence of minimum FEMA standards.A second encroach within the adopted regulatory
the proposal read,"If pump transfer is commenter supported a requirement for floodway unless it has been
needed,two"lift"pumps shall be special considerations in the Plan for demonstrated that the proposed
provided,and at least one of the pumps facilities in areas subject to flooding. encroachment would not result in any
shall be permanently installed when That commenter also suggested that we increase in flood levels within the
such treatment is continuous."We define"areas subject to flooding,"and community during the occurrence of the
received no substantive comments. noted that other Federal rules(i.e., base flood discharge(40 CFR 60.3(d)).
Editorial changes and clarifications. RCRA)define this as the 25-year Additionally,the NFIP has specific
We deleted the first sentence from the floodplain.Another commenter thought standards for coastal high hazard areas.
proposed rule because it is a the term "areas subject to flooding" See 40 CFR 60.3(e)(4).
recommendation.We are not including should be explained in terms of a 100- Section 112.8(c)(1)—Construction of
recommendations in this rule so as to year flood event.A final comment noted
• g that the preamble spoke to a and Materials Used for Containers
avoid confusion in there Mated
community as to what is required and recommendation that facilities address Background.In 1991,we reproposed
what is not.We agree with the precautionary measures if they are without substantive change current
commenter's editorial suggestion located in areas subject to flooding, §112.7(e)(2)(i),which requires that no
regarding the second sentence,and have while the recommendation text spoke to tank be used for the storage of oil unless
amended the rule accordingly.In the requirements for events that occur its material and construction are
last sentence of the proposal,the phrase during a period of flooding.The compatible with the material stored and
"oil will be prevented from reaching commenter urged reconciliation of the the conditions of storage such as
navigable waters of the United States, differing language. pressure and temperature.The only
adjoining shorelines,or other waters Response to comments.We deleted changes we proposed were editorial.We
that would be affected by discharging this recommendation because it is more also proposed a new recommendation
oil as described in§112.1(b)(1)of this appropriately addressed in FEMA rules that the construction,materials,
part"becomes"to prevent a discharge and guidance,including the definitions installation,and use of tanks conform
as described in§112.1(b). * * *" the commenters referenced.We disagree with relevant industry standards such as
Response to comments.We have that the proposed recommendation API,NFPA,UL,or ASME standards,
corrected the grammatical error. should be made a requirement because which are required in the application of
Proposed Section 112.8(6)(6)—
capabilities control plans and design good engineering practice for the
Additional Requirements for Events that capabilities for discharge the systems are construction
ents aSevernd alration of the tank.
commenters asked
Occur During a Period of Floodingprovided for under the ater
regulations,and further Federal that the proposal be recast as a
Background.In 1991,we proposed a regulations would be duplicative. recommendation rather than a rule,
new recommendation that facilities Other Federal rules also apply, arguing that the words of the proposal,
should address the need to comply with making further SPCC rules unnecessary. when taken in conjunction with
Federal,State,and local governmental Oil storage facilities are considered §112.7(a)language requiring the use of
requirements in areas subject to structures under the National Flood good engineering practice in the
flooding.We noted that this Insurance Program(NFIP),and therefore preparation of Plans,were
recommendation was consistent with such structures are subject to the contradictory.A commenter noted that
Federal Emergency Management Agency Regulations for Floodplain Management §112.8(c)(1)recommends that materials,
(FEMA)rules found at 44 CFR part 60 at 44 CFR 60.3. Some of the specific construction,and installation of tanks
for aboveground storage tanks located in NFIP standards that may apply for adhere to industry standards"which are
flood hazard areas. aboveground storage tanks include the required in the application of good
Comments.One commenter suggested following:(1)tanks must be designed so engineering practice for the construction
that exploration and production tanks that they are elevated to or above the and operation of the tank."The
• located in flood plain areas should be base flood level (100-year flood)or be commenter asserted that since it is clear
adequately secured through proper designed so that the portion of the tank in the preamble that the Agency's intent
mechanical or engineering methods to below the base flood level is watertight is to make the use of industry standards
reduce the chance of loss of product. with walls substantially impermeable to a recommendation rather than a
47116 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• requirement,the rule should be The use of the phrase"such as pressure Seventy-two-hour impermeability
modified to reflect that.Another and temperature"already indicates that standard.Similar to the comments
commenter supported the proposal as a these are only some examples of such directed toward the proposed
requirement on the theory that all tanks conditions. requirements for secondary containment
should be required to meet industry Section 112.8(c)(2)—Secondary in §112.7(c),some commenters objected
standards.A third commenter asked for Containment—Bulk Storage Containers to the proposed 72-hour impermeability
clarification as to whether we intended standard.See the comments and
a recommendation or a requirement. Background.In 1991,we reproposed response to comments for§112,7(c)
One commenter asked that we current secondary containment above.
specifically reference steel storage tank requirements with several significant Response to comments.Secondary
systems standards in the rule. additions.We gave notice in the containment,in general.A primary
Response to comments.Requirement preamble(at 56 FR 54622-23)that containment system is the container or
v.recommendation.The first sentence "sufficient freeboard"is freeboard equipment in which oil is stored or
of the proposed rule indeed sufficient to contain precipitation from used.Secondary containment is a
contemplated a requirement,i.e.,that no a 25-year storm event.We also proposed requirement for all bulk storage
container may be used for the storage of in rule language that diked areas must facilities,large or small,manned or
oil unless its material and construction be sufficiently impervious to contain unmanned;and for facilities that use
are compatible with the material stored spilled oil for at least 72 hours.The oil-filled equipment;whenever
and the conditions of storage,such as current standard is that such diked areas practicable.Such containment must at
pressure or temperature.The second must be"sufficiently impervious"to least provide for the capacity of the
sentence,which was clearly a contain spilled oil. largest single tank with sufficient
recommendation,has been deleted from Comments. Secondary containment, freeboard for precipitation.A discharge
the rule because we have decided to in general.One commenter asked for as described in§112.1(b)from a small
remove all recommendations from the clarification of what"primary facility may be as environmentally
rule language.Rules are mandates,and containment system"means.One devastating as such a discharge from a
we do not wish to confuse the regulated commenter opposed the requirement for large facility,depending on the
community as to what actions are secondary containment on the grounds surrounding environment.Likewise,a
mandatory and what actions are that impervious containment of a discharge from a manned facility needs
discretionary.The Professional Engineer volume greater than the largest single to be contained just as a discharge from
must,pursuant to§112.3(d)(1)(iii), tank may not be necessary for all tanks, an unmanned one.A phase-in of these
certify that he has considered applicable and that existing facilities may find it requirements is not appropriate because
industry standards in the preparation of difficult to retrofit.In this vein,another secondary containment is already
• the Plan.While he must consider such commenter asked for a phase-in of the required under current rules.When
standards,use of any particular requirements,and a third asked for secondary containment is not
standards is a matter of good variance provisions so that a facility practicable,the owner or operator of a
engineering practice. would not have to make small additions facility may deviate from the
Industry standards.Industry to its secondary containment for requirement under§112.7(d),explain
standards that may assist an owner or minimum environmental benefit. the rationale in the Plan,provide a
operator with the material and Another commenter argued that the contingency plan following the
construction of containers include:(1) requirement should be applied to large provisions of 40 CFR part 109,and
API Standard 620,"Design and facilities only.One commenter believed otherwise comply with§112.7(d).
Construction of Large Welded Low- that the proposal duplicates NPDES Because a pit used as a form of
Pressure Storage Tanks";(2)API stormwater rules.Two commenters secondary containment may pose a
Standard 650,"Welded Steel Tanks for believed the requirement should apply threat to birds and wildlife,we
Oil Storage";(3)Steel Tank Institute only to unmanned facilities.See also the encourage an owner or operator who
(STI)F911,"Standard for Diked comments and response to comments uses a pit to take measures to mitigate
Aboveground Steel Tanks";(4)STI concerning secondary containment in the effect of the pit on birds and
Publication R931,"Double Wall the discussion of§112.7(c),above. wildlife.Such measures may include
Aboveground Storage Tank Installation Sufficient freeboard.Several netting,fences,or other means to keep
and Testing Instruction";(5)UL commenters said that the standard of a birds or animals away.In some cases,
Standard 58,"Standard for Steel 25-year storm event might be difficult to pits may also cause a discharge as
Underground Tanks for Flammable and determine without extensive described in§112.1(b).The discharge
Combustible Liquids";(6)UL Standard meteorological studies.Other may occur when oil spills over the top
142,"Steel Aboveground Tanks for commenters asked for clarification of of the pit or when oil seeps through the
Flammable and Combustible Liquids"; the terms"sufficient"and"freeboard," ground into groundwater,and thence to
(7)UL Standard 1316,"Standard for or of the phrase"sufficient freeboard." navigable waters or adjoining
Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Likewise,several commenters asked for shorelines.Therefore,we recommend
Underground Storage Tanks for clarification of the Agency's position that an owner or operator not use pits
Petroleum Products";and,(8)Petroleum that sufficient freeboard would be that in an area where such pit may prove a
Equipment Institute(PEI) which would withstand a 25-year storm source of such discharges.Should the
Recommended Practice 200, event.Two commenters suggested a oil reach navigable waters or adjoining
"Recommended Practices for standard of 110%of tank capacity. shorelines,it is a reportable discharge
Installation of Aboveground Storage Other commenters suggested under 40 CFR 110.6.
Systems for Motor Vehicle Fueling." alternatives for the 25-year storm event, We disagree that the rule is
Editorial changes and clarifications. such as a 24-hour, 10 year rain;or a 24- duplicative of NPDES rules. Forseeable
• "Bulk storage tanks"becomes"bulk hour, 25-year storm.Another or chronic point source discharges that
storage containers."We deleted the commenter suggested the adequacy of are permitted under CWA section 402,
abbreviation"etc."from the end of the freeboard should be left flexible on a and that are either due to causes
paragraph because it is unnecessary. facility-specific basis. associated with the manufacturing or
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47117
other commercial activities in which the and retain the current standard that §I12.7(d),if secondary containment is
discharger is engaged or due to the diked areas must be sufficiently not practicable,you may provide a
operation of treatment facilities required impervious to contain oil.We take this contingency plan in your SPCC Plan
by the NPDES permit,are to be step because we agree with commenters and otherwise comply with that section.
regulated under the NPDES program. that the purpose of secondary In the last sentence,"plant"becomes
"Classic spill"situations are subject to containment is to contain oil from "facility."Also in that sentence,the
the requirements of CWA section 311. reaching waters of the United States. phrase"so that a spill could terminate
Such spills are governed by section 311 The rationale for the 72-hour standard * * *"becomes"so that any
even where the discharger holds a valid was to allow time for the discovery and discharge will terminate.* ` "'
and effective NPDES permit under removal of an oil spill.We believe that
section 402. 52 FR 10712, 10714. an owner or operator of a facility should Section 112.8(c)(3)—Drainage of
Rainwater
Therefore,the typical bulk storage have flexibility in how to prevent
facility with no permitted discharge or discharges as described in§112.1(b), Background.In 1991,we reproposed
treatment facility would not be under and that any method of containment the current rule on drainage of
the NPDES rules. that achieves that end is sufficient. rainwater,incorporating the CWA
The secondary containment Should such containment fail,an owner standard,i.e.,"that may be harmful,"
requirements of the rule apply to bulk or operator must immediately clean up into the proposal.
storage containers and their purpose is any discharged oil.Similarly,we intend In 1997,we proposed that records
to help prevent discharges as described that the purpose of the"sufficiently required under NPDES§§122.410)(2)
in§112.1(b)by containing discharged impervious"standard is to prevent and 122.41(m)(3)would suffice for
oil.NPDES rules,on the other hand, discharges as described in§112.1(b)by purposes of this section,so that you
may at times require secondary ensuring that diked areas can contain oil would not have to prepare duplicate
containment,but do not always. and are sufficiently impervious to records specifically for SPCC purposes.
Furthermore,NPDES rules may not prevent such discharges. The proposed change would also apply
always apply to bulk storage facilities. Industry standards.Industry to records maintained regarding
Therefore,the rule is not always standards that may assist an owner or inspection of diked areas in onshore oil
duplicative of NPDES rules. Where it is operator with secondary containment production facilities prior to drainage.
duplicative,an owner or operator of a for bulk storage containers include:(1) See 112.9(6)(1).
facility subject to NPDES rules may use NFPA 30,"Flammable and Combustible Comments. 1991 comments.One
that portion of his Best Management Liquids Code";(2)BOCA,National Fire commenter in 1991 suggested that we
Practice Plan as part of his SPCC Plan. Prevention Code;(3)API Standard 2610, allow use of NPDES records for
Sufficient freeboard.An essential part "Design Construction,Operation, purposes of this section.Another
• of secondary containment is sufficient Maintenance,and Inspection of commenter suggested that records of
freeboard to contain precipitation. Terminal and Tank Facilities";and,(4) discharges that do not violate water
Whatever method you use to calculate Petroleum Equipment Institute quality standards are unnecessary.
the amount of freeboard that is Recommended Practice 200, 1997 comments.Many commenters
"sufficient"must be documented in the "Recommended Practices for favored the 1997 proposal.One
Plan.We believe that the proper Installation of Aboveground Storage commenter opposed the proposal if the
standard of"sufficient freeboard"to Systems for Motor Vehicle Fueling." records were not to be required by
contain precipitation is that amount Editorial changes and clarifications. NPDES. Specifically,the commenter
necessary to contain precipitation from In the first sentence,"spill"becomes sought an exemption for discharges of
a 25-year,24-hour storm event.That "discharge."Also in that sentence, rainwater containing animal fats and
standard allows flexibility for varying "contents of the largest single tank" vegetable oils if such discharges are not
climatic conditions.It is also the becomes"capacity of the largest single regulated under NPDES rules.The
standard required for certain tank container."This is merely a clarification commenter believed that an exception
systems storing or treating hazardous and has always been the intent of the should be created for reporting and
waste.See,for example,40 CFR rule.The contents of a container may recording dike bypasses of
265.1(e)(1)(ii)and(e)(2)(ii).While we vary from day to day,but the capacity §112.7(e)(2)(iii)(D)relating to animal
believe that 25-year,24-hour storm remains the same.In discussing fats and vegetable oil storage,only
event standard is appropriate for most capacity,we noted in the 1991 preamble requiring such reporting and recording
facilities and protective of the that"the oil storage capacity(emphasis if required by an NPDES stormwater
environment,we are not making it a added)of the equipment,however,must permit,because in all cases discharge of
rule standard because of the difficulty be included in determining the total contaminated stormwater is not
and expense for some facilities of storage capacity of the facility,which permitted.Asking why EPA should
securing recent information concerning determines whether a facility is subject regulate stormwater bypass events if the
such storm events at this time.Recent to the Oil Pollution Prevention stormwater is not contaminated,the
data does not exist for all areas of the regulation."56 FR 54623.We discuss commenter argued that if stormwater
United States.Furthermore,available this capacity in the context of the permits do not require reporting and
data may be costly for small operators general requirements for secondary recording of dike bypass events,then
to secure.Should recent and containment.Thus,it is clear that we EPA should not require an added tier of
inexpensive information concerning a have always intended capacity to be the regulation under SPCC Plans.Other
25-year,24-hour storm event for any determinative factor in both subjecting a commenters thought that EPA was
part of the United States become easily facility to the rule and in determining adopting by reference the NPDES rules
accessible,we will reconsider proposing the need for secondary containment. and sought clarification on the issue.
such a standard. We also deleted the phrase"but they Response to comments.We agree with
• Seventy-two-hour impermeability may not always be appropriate"from the first 1991 commenter mentioned
standard.As noted above,we have the third sentence of the paragraph above and proposed that change in
decided to withdraw the proposal for because it is confusing when compared 1997.We disagree with the second 1991
the 72-hour impermeability standard to the text of§112.7(d).Under commenter that records of discharges
47118 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• that do not violate water quality complained that the proposal included recommendation that such buried tanks
standards are unnecessary.Such records no discussion of cathodic protection for be subject to regular"leak testing."
show that the facility has complied with tank bottoms in contact with soil or fill Proposed§112.8(c)(4).Leak testing for
the rule. materials.Others thought facilities with purposes of this paragraph is testing to
We are not adopting the NPDES rules underground tanks subject to part 112 ensure liquid tightness of a container
for SPCC purposes,but are only offering should be required to develop a and whether it may discharge oil.We
an alternative for recordkeeping.The corrosion protection plan consistent specified leak testing in the proposal,
intent of the rule is that you may,if you with 40 CFR part 280,the rules for the instead of pressure testing,in order to
choose,use the NPDES stormwater Underground Storage Tanks Program. be consistent with many State
discharge records in lieu of records Leak testing.Several commenters regulations and because the technology
specifically created for SPCC purposes. opposed the proposed recommendation on such testing was rapidly evolving.56
We are not incorporating the NPDES for leak testing,arguing that owner/ FR at 54623.
requirements into our rules by operator discretion should be retained. We are modifying the leak testing
reference. One commenter suggested that practices recommendation to make it a
This paragraph applies to discharges for annual integrity testing and for the requirement.We agree with the
of rainwater from diked areas that may installation of pipes under 40 CFR part commenter who argued that such testing
contain any type of oil,including 280 should be changed from should be mandatory because
animal fats and vegetable oils.The only recommended practices to required recommendations may not often be
purpose of this paragraph is to offer a practices because recommendations followed.Appropriate methods of
recordkeeping option so that you do not with standards are not usually followed. testing should be selected based on good
have to create a duplicate set of records Response to comments. Corrosion engineering practice.Whatever method
for SPCC purposes,when adequate protection.We agree in principle that all and schedule for testing the PE selects
records created for NPDES purposes completely buried tanks should have must be described in the Plan.Testing
already exist. some type of corrosion protection,but under the standards set out in 40 CFR
Editorial changes and clarifications. as proposed,we will only extend that part 280 or a State program approved
In the introduction to the paragraph requirement to new completely buried under 40 CFR part 281 is certainly
(c)(3),"drainage of rainwater"becomes metallic storage tanks.Because acceptable(as we suggested in the
"drainage of uncontaminated corrosion protection is a feature of the proposed rule)."Regular testing"means
rainwater."In paragraph(c)(3)(ii), current rule (see§112.7(e)(2)(iv)),the testing in accordance with industry
which read,"* * *run-off rainwater requirement applies to completely standards or at a frequency sufficient to
ensures compliance with applicable buried metallic tanks installed on or prevent leaks.
water quality standards and will not after January 10,1974.The requirement Editorial changes and clarifications.
cause a discharge as described in 40• is enforceable because it is a procedure The first sentence of the proposed rule
CFR part 110"becomes"* or method to prevent the discharge of was deleted because it was surplus,and
retained rainwater to ensure that its oil.See section 311(j)(1)(C)of the CWA. contained no mandatory requirements.
presence will not cause a discharge as Most owners or operators of completely It merely noted that completely buried
described in§112.1(b)."Also in that buried storage tanks will be exempted metallic storage tanks represent a
paragraph,we deleted the phrase from part 112 under this rule because potential for undetected spills."Buried
"applicable water quality standards" such tanks are subject to all of the installation"becomes"completely
because such standards are technical requirements of 40 CFR part buried metallic storage tank,"to accord
encompassed within the phrase"a 280 or a State program approved under with the definition in§112.2.We clarify
discharge as described in§112.1(b)." 40 CFR part 281.Those tanks subject to that a"new"installation is one installed
Section 112.8(c)(4)—Completely Buried 40 CFR part 280 or a State program on or after January 10,1974,the
Tanks;Corrosion Protection approved under 40 CFR part 281 will effective date of the SPCC rule,by
follow the corrosion protection deleting the word"new"and
Background.In 1991,we reproposed provisions of that rule,which provides substituting the date.We deleted the
the current rule requiring that new comparable environmental protection. phrase"or other effective methods,"
completely buried metallic storage tank Those that remain subject to the SPCC because it is confusing when compared
installations(i.e.,installed on or after regulation must comply with this to the text of§112.7(a)(2).Under
January 10,1974)must be protected paragraph. §112.7(a)(2),if you explain your reasons
from corrosion by coatings,cathodic The rule requires corrosion protection for nonconformance,you may use
protection,or effective methods for completely buried metallic tanks by alternate methods providing equivalent
compatible with local soil conditions. a method compatible with local soil environmental protection.
We recommended that such buried conditions.Local soil conditions might
tanks be subjected to regular leak include fill material.The method of Section 112.8(c)(5)--Partially Buried or
testing.The rationale for the such corrosion protection is a question Bunkered Tanks;Corrosion Protection
recommendation was that testing of good engineering practice which will Background.In 1991,we proposed
technology was rapidly advancing and vary from facility to facility.You should changing the current requirement to
we wanted more information on such monitor such corrosion protection for avoid using partially buried metallic
technology before making the effectiveness,in order to be sure that the tanks into a recommendation.We
recommendation a requirement.We also method of protection you choose proposed that if you do use such tanks,
stated a desire to be consistent with remains protective.See§112.8(d)(1)for that you must protect them from
many State rules. a discussion of corrosion protection for corrosion.
Comments.Corrosion protection.One buried piping. Comments.One commenter argued
commenter supported the proposal for Leak testing.The current SPCC rule that the rule should only apply to new
• corrosion protection.Another thought a contains a provision calling for the tanks.
requirement for corrosion protection"if "regular pressure testing"of buried Response to comments.Requirement
soil conditions warrant"would be metallic storage tanks.40 CFR v.recommendation.Due to the risk of
unenforceable.A third commenter 112.7(e)(2)(iv).We proposed in 1991 a discharge caused by corrosion,we
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47119
• decided to keep the current requirement Applicability of integrity testing. agree with commenters that testing
to not use partially buried metallic Some asked for an exemption for tanks according to industry standards is
tanks,unless the buried section of such inside buildings.Others asked for an preferable,and thus will maintain the
tanks are protected from corrosion.The exemption for number 5 and 6 fuel oils, current standard of regularly scheduled
requirement to not use such tanks, and asphalt,because such oils are heavy testing instead of prescribing a
unless they are protected from and would not flow very far.Some particular period for testing.Industry
corrosion,applies to all partially buried commenters believed the requirement standards may at times be more specific
metallic tanks,installed at any time. should not apply to small facilities and more stringent than our proposed
Editorial changes and clarifications. because it is"not standard industry rule.For example,API Standard 653
Bunkered tanks are a subset of partially practice"to conduct these tests at small provides specific criteria for internal
buried tanks,and are included within facilities.Another commenter stated inspection frequencies based on the
the rule to clarify that it applies to all that while most large corporations calculated corrosion rate,rather than an
partially buried tanks.We did not perform testing at some frequency,most arbitrary time period.API Standard 653
finalize the proposed phrase"or other smaller businesses do not.The allows the aboveground storage tank
effective methods,"because it is commenter suggested that exemptions (AST)owner or operator the flexibility
confusing when compared to the text of because of size or quantity of oil stored to implement a number of options to
§112.7(a)(2).Under§112.7(a)(2),if you should not be granted because the identify and prevent problems which
explain your reasons for smaller facilities generally are more in ultimately lead to a loss of tank
nonconformance,you may use alternate need of testing. integrity.It establishes a minimum and
methods providing equivalent Several commenters suggested that maximum interval between internal
environmental protection.The proposed integrity testing should be waived for inspections.It requires an internal AST
recommendation that"partially buried tanks which can be visually inspected inspection when the estimated
or bunkered metallic tanks be avoided, on the bottom and all sides,such as corrosion rate indicates the bottom will
tanks located off the ground on crates, have corroded to 0.1 inches.Certain
since partial burial at the earth can
and which have secondary containment. prevention measures taken to prevent a
cause rapid corrosion of metallic
surfaces,especially at the earth/air One commenter asked that the discharge from the tank bottom may
interface"becomes a requirement to requirement apply only when the tank affect this action level (thickness).Once
"not use partially buried or bunkered is used to store corrosive materials or this point has been reached,the owner
metallic tanks for the storage of oil where the tank has failed within the last or operator has to make a decision,
five years.Other commenters asked for depending on the future service and
unless you protect the buried section of
the tank from corrosion." a phase-in of the requirement. Utilities operating environment of the tank,to
asked that the requirement not apply to either replace the whole tank,line the
• Section 112.8(c)(6)—Integrity Testing Background.In 1991,we proposed electrical equipment because no bottom,add cathodic protection,replace
methods exist for integrity testing of the tank bottom with a new bottom,add
that integrity testing for bulk storage such equipment,and because the a release prevention barrier,or some
primary reason for failure of such combination of the above.
tanks be conducted at least every ten
years and when material repairs are equipment is not corrosion,but Another benefit from the use of
conducted.We examples of mechanical failure. industry standards is that they specify
"material repairs"gavei the several preamble.The Material repairs.Several commenters when and where specific tests may and
asked for clarification as to the meaning may not be used.For example,API
current requirement for such testing is of"material repairs." Standard 653 is very specific as to when
that it be"periodic."We also proposed Method of testing.Some commenters radiographic tests may be used and
that visual inspection,as a method of favored visual inspection only because when a full hydrostatic test is required
testing,must be combined with some it might be used more frequently than after shell repairs.Depending on shell
other method,because visual testing any other method of testing.Another material toughness and thickness a full
alone is insufficient for an integrity test. commenter asked for clarification if hydrotest is required for certain shell
56 FR at 54623. visual inspection meant inspection of repairs.Allowing a visual inspection in
In 1997,we added a proposed both the interior and exterior of a tank. these cases risks a tank failure similar to
sentence to the rule which would allow Another commenter suggested that we the 1988 Floreffe,Pennsylvania event.
the use of usual and customary business augment integrity testing procedures Testing on a"regular schedule"means
records for integrity testing.We with procedures to test the tank bottom testing per industry standards or at a
suggested that records maintained under for settlement and corrosion,and to test frequency sufficient to prevent
API Standards 653 and 2610 would roof supports. discharges.Whatever schedule the PE
suffice for this purpose. Business records.Most commenters selects must be documented in the Plan.
Comments. 10-year integrity testing in favored the proposal to allow use of Applicability of integrity testing.
general.One commenter asked for a usual and customary business records Integrity testing is essential for all
clarification of the term "integrity for integrity testing and other purposes. aboveground containers to help prevent
testing."Several commenters favored Some commenters argued that the discharges.Testing will show whether
the proposal for ten-year integrity suggested API Standards were corrosion has reached a point where
testing.Other commenters opposed the unfamiliar to many owners and repairs or replacement of the container
requirement or favored turning it into a operators. is needed.Prevention of discharges is
recommendation.Several commenters Response to comments. 10-year preferable to cleaning them up
proposed testing according to accepted integrity testing in general.Integrity afterwards.Therefore,it must apply to
industry standards,such as American testing is a necessary component of any large and small containers,containers
Petroleum Institute(API),National Fire good prevention plan.A number of on and off the ground wherever located,
. Protection Association(NFPA), commenters supported a requirement and to containers storing any type of oil.
Underwriters Laboratory(UL),or for such testing.It will help to prevent From all of these containers there exists
American Society of Mechanical discharges by testing the strength and the possibility of discharge.Because
Engineers(ASME). imperviousness of the container.We electrical,operating,and manufacturing
47120 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• equipment are not bulk storage Standards 653 and 2610 for purposes of include a recommendation that
containers,the requirement is this section,if you choose.Other usual retention systems be designed to hold
inapplicable to those devices or and customary business records either the contents of an entire tank.We also
equipment. 56 FR 54623.Also,as noted existing or to be developed in the future proposed to change the current
by commenters,methods may not exist may also suffice.Or,you may elect to requirement to consider the feasibility
for integrity testing of such devices or keep separate records for SPCC of installing external heating systems
equipment. purposes.This section requires you to into a recommendation.
Material repairs.The rationale for keep comparison records.Section Comments.One commenter proposed
testing at the time material repairs are 112.7(e)requires retention of these that instead of requiring a retention
conducted is that such repairs could records for three years.You should note, system which would hold the entire
materially increase the potential for oil however,that certain industry standards contents of a tank,that an oil/water
to be discharged from the tank. (for example,API Standards 570 and separator might work just as well.
Examples of such repairs include 653)may specify that an owner or Another commenter opposed requiring
removing or replacing the annular plate operator maintain records for longer the use of oil/water separators.As to the
ring;replacement of the container than three years. proposed recommendation to consider
bottom;jacking of a container shell; Industry standards.Industry use of external heating systems,one
installation of a 12-inch or larger nozzle standards that may assist an owner or commenter objected to the cost which
in the shell;a door sheet,tombstone operator with integrity testing include: might be incurred.One commenter
replacement in the shell,or other shell (1)API Standard 653,"Tank Inspection, opposed the proposed recommendation
repair;or,such repairs that might Repair,Alteration,and Reconstruction"; due to the belief that leaks in the
materially change the potential for oil to (2)API Recommended Practice 575, aboveground piping can be mitigated
be discharged from the container. "Inspection of Atmospheric and Low- through daily inspections and they are
Method of testing.The rule requires Pressure Tanks;"and, (3)Steel Tank often placed within secondary
visual testing in conjunction with Institute Standard SP001-00,"Standard containment.Another commenter
another method of testing,because for Inspection of In-Service Shop asserted that with drainage routed to
visual testing alone is normally Fabricated Aboveground Tanks for oil/water separators or holding ponds,
insufficient to measure the integrity of Storage of Combustible and Flammable leak proof galleys under aboveground
a container.Visual testing alone might Liquids." piping were redundant and
not detect problems which could lead to Editorial changes and clarifications. economically unjustified.
container failure.For example,studies In the first sentence,"Aboveground Response to comments.The rule does
of the 1988 Ashland oil spill suggest tanks shall be subject to integrity testing not mandate the use of any specific
that the tank collapse resulted from a * * *"becomes"Test each container separation or retention system.Any
. brittle fracture in the shell of the tank. for integrity* * *"Also in that system that achieves the purpose of the
Adequate fracture toughness of the base sentence,the phrase"or a system of rule is acceptable.That purpose is to
metal of existing tanks is an important non-destructive shell testing"becomes prevent discharges as described in
consideration in discharge prevention, "or another system of non-destructive §112.1(b)by controlling leakage.
especially in cold weather.Although no shell testing."The last sentence which Editorial changes and clarifications.
definitive non-destructive test exists for read,"* * * the outside of the We deleted the proposed
testing fracture toughness,had the tank container must be frequently observed recommendations from the rule because
been evaluated for brittle fracture,for by operating personnel for signs of we do not wish to confuse the regulated
example under API standard 653,and deterioration,leaks, * * *"becomes public as to what is mandatory and
had the evaluation shown that the tank "* * *you must frequently inspect the what is discretionary.We have included
was at risk for brittle fracture,the owner outside of the container for signs of only requirements in the rule.
or operator could have taken measures deterioration,leaks, * * *"We made Section 112.8(c)(8)—Good Engineering
to repair or modify the tank's operation that change because the requirements of practice—Alarm Systems
to prevent failure. this paragraph are the responsibility of
For certain smaller shop-built the owner or operator,not of"operating Background.In 1991,we reproposed
containers in which internal corrosion personnel." the current rule on"fail-safe"
poses minimal risk of failure;which are "Integrity testing"is any means to engineering.We added a proposal to
inspected at least monthly;and,for measure the strength(structural allow alternate technologies.We
which all sides are visible(i.e.,the soundness)of the container shell, recommended that sensing devices be
container has no contact with the bottom,and/or floor to contain oil and tested in accordance with industry
ground),visual inspection alone might may include leak testing to determine standards.
suffice,subject to good engineering whether the container will discharge oil. Comments.Editorial changes and
practice.In such case the owner or It includes,but is not limited to,testing clarifications.Several commenters
operator must explain in the Plan why foundations and supports of containers. objected to the term"fail-safe"
visual integrity testing alone is Its scope includes both the inside and engineering because they believe that
sufficient,and provide equivalent outside of the container.It also includes nothing is ever fail-safe.They suggested
environmental protection.40 CFR frequent observation of the outside of using the term"in accordance with
112.7(a)(2).However,containers which the container for signs of deterioration, good engineering practice,"or
are in contact with the ground must be leaks,or accumulation of oil inside "consistent with accepted industry
evaluated for integrity in accordance diked areas. practices"instead.
with industry standards and good Applicability.One commenter
engineering practice. Section 112.8(c)(7)—Leakage;Internal thought the proposed requirement
Business records.You may use usual Heating Coils should apply to large facilities only or
• and customary business records,at your Background.In 1991,we proposed facilities that were the cause of a
option,for purposes of integrity testing that the current rule on controlling reportable spill within the preceding
recordkeeping.Specifically,you may leakage through defective internal three years.One commenter suggested a
use records maintained under API heating coils should be modified to phase-in of the requirement.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47121
• Monitoring.One commenter substantive change in the level of commenter noted that reference to a
suggested that a person must be present environmental protection required,it is spill event within a diked area is
to monitor gauges when a fast response merely editorial.Finally,in the inconsistent with its definition.
system is used to prevent container introductory paragraph the phrase"one Applicability.Some commenters
overfilling.Another suggested that the or more of the following devices" thought the requirement should not
requirement for alarm devices not apply becomes"at least one of the following." apply to small facilities because of the
to containers where an operator is Not all of the items listed under this likelihood that the discharge would be
present. paragraph are devices.For example, smaller.
Alternatives.One commenter regular testing of liquid sensing devices Extent and methods of cleanup.One
suggested that certain"procedures" is a procedure.Therefore,the word commenter suggested that covering soil
might suffice instead of alarm devices. "devices"was incomplete.In paragraph with plastic film may be an acceptable
Another commenter suggested that we (i),"manned operation"becomes method to prevent stormwater
need to be specific as to methods of "attended operation,"and"plants" contamination during remediation.
testing. becomes"facilities."In paragraph (iv), Some commenters suggested that where
Response to comments.Applicability. the phrase"or their equivalent,"was a spill creates a risk of fire or explosion,
Alarm system devices are necessary for deleted because it is confusing when the first priority should be to eliminate
all facilities,large or small,to prevent compared with the text of§112.7(a)(2). such threats before undertaking
discharges.Such systems alert the Under§112.7(a)(2),you may deviate cleanup.Several commenters asked
owner or operator to potential container from a requirement if you explain your whether removal of accumulations of oil
overfills,which are a common cause of reasons for nonconformance,and means complete removal.Some
discharges.Because this is a provide equivalent environmental commenters feared that a requirement to
requirement in the current rule,no protection.Proposed paragraph(v), remove oil-contaminated materials
phase-in is necessary. relating to alternative technologies,was would be interpreted to mean that
Monitoring.We agree with the deleted because alternative devices are cleanup of portions of the dike that are
commenter that a person must be allowed under§112.7(a)(2). oil-stained is required.The commenters
present to monitor a fast response
system to prevent overfills and have Section 112.8(c)(91--Effluent Disposal were concerned that such a cleanup
amended the rule accordingly.We Facilities would undermine the stability of the
dike and would be unnecessary.One
disagree that the requirement for alarm Background.In 1991,we reproposed
devices should not apply when a person the current rule on observation of commenter argued that complete
ispresent,because human error, removal would compound landfill
effluent disposal facilities. disposal problems.Another commenter
negligence,on inattention may still Comments.We received only one asked whether the rule contemplates
occur in those cases,necessitating some comment which asked us to clarify that cleanup of soil contaminated by past
kind of alarm device. "effluents"mean oil-contaminated
Alternatives.Under the deviation rule water collected within secondary practices.Some commenters argued that
at§112.7(a)(2),you may substitute containment areas,and that"disposal the 72-hour requirement would
"procedures"or other measures that facilities"means"treatment facilities." preclude bioremediation.
provide equivalent environmental Editorial changes and clarifications. 72-hour cleanup standard.Some
protection as any of the alarm systems "Oil spill event"becomes"discharge as commenters asked how a 72-hour time
mandated in the rule if you can explain described in§112.1(b).""System limit would be calculated.Those
your reasons for nonconformance. upset"refers to an event involving a commenters suggested that the clock
Industry standards.Industry discharge of oil-contaminated water. begin to run from the time of the
standards that may assist an owner or "Effluent"means oil-contaminated discharge itself,or of its discovery.
operator with alarm systems,discharge water."Disposal facilities"becomes Others suggested different time periods
prevention systems,and inventory "effluent treatment facilities." from"immediately,""as soon as
control include:(1)NFPA 30, possible,""within 72 hours,""within
"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Section 112.8(c)(10)--Visible Oil Leaks 96 hours,"or"expeditiously."One
Code";(2)API Recommended Practice Background.In 1991,we reproposed commenter suggested no time limit.
2350,"Overfill Protection for Storage the current requirement that visible oil Some commenters noted that a
Tanks in Petroleum Facilities";and,(3) leaks must be promptly corrected. containment system might be designed
API,"Manual of Petroleum Additionally,we proposed that to contain oil for more than 72 hours
Measurement Standards." accumulated oil or oil-contaminated before it begins to leak.
Editorial changes and clarifications. materials must be removed within 72 One commenter suggested that,
Throughout,"tank"becomes hours.The 72-hour proposal in this depending on site conditions,a 72-hour
"container."In the introductory paragraph was consistent with the time limit might jeopardize worker
paragraph,we deleted the words"as far proposal in§112.7(c).The rationale was health and safety.Another sought
as practical"from the rule text because that a 72-hour time period would allow clarification on the need to clean up
they are confusing when compared with time for discovery and removal of an oil small discharges as opposed to larger
the text of§112.7(a)(2).Under discharge in most cases.We suggested ones within the proposed time limit.
§112.7(a)(2),you may deviate from a in the preamble to the 1991 proposal Numerous commenters opposed this
requirement if you explain your reasons that most facilities are attended at some requirement because it might preclude
for nonconformance and provide time within a 72-hour time period. 56 bioremediation.Some thought it would
equivalent environmental protection. FR 54621. be impossible to meet.
"Spills"becomes"discharges."We Comments.Editorial changes and Response to comments.Applicability.
agree with the commenter that"fail- clarifications.One commenter asked for The requirement to clean up an
• safe"engineering is inappropriate and clarification of the meaning of accumulation of oil is applicable to all
have substituted"in accordance with "accumulation"of oil.Others asked for facilities,large and small.The damage
good engineering practice."The change clarification of the meaning of"oil to the environment may be the same,
in terminology does not imply any contaminated materials."Another depending on the amount discharged.
47122 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Extent of and methods of cleanup. in the proposed rule because oil must to prevent"a discharge as described in
Prevention of contamination is always accumulate on something such as §112.1(b),"rather than "oil discharges."
the preferred alternative.If you choose, materials or soil.Therefore,the term is "A discharge as described in§112.1(b)"
you may spread plastic film over the redundant.Instead we refer to an is a more inclusive term,tracking the
diked area if it will prevent the accumulation of oil,which includes expanded scope of the amended CWA.
occurrence of an accumulation of oil.Of anything on which the oil gathers or Time limits.We decline to place a
course,you must then dispose of the amasses within the diked area.Such time limitation in a definition of mobile
film properly.We agree with accumulation may include oil- or portable containers.Mobile or
commenters that where a discharge contaminated soil or any other oil- portable containers may be in place for
creates a risk of fire or explosion,the contaminated material within the diked more than ten days and still be mobile.
first priority should be to eliminate such area impairing the secondary Mobile containers that are in place for
threat before undertaking cleanup.But containment system.See also the less than 10 days may still experience
once that threat is removed,correction discussion of"accumulation of oil" a discharge as described in§112.1(b).
of the source of the discharge and included with the response to Secondary containment.In response
cleanup must begin promptly. comments of§112.9(b)(2).We have to comments,we have maintained the
No matter what method of cleanup removed the term"spill event"from the secondary containment requirement in
you choose,you must completely proposed paragraph and note that we the current rule because secondary
remove the accumulation of oil.Any agree with the commenter who noted containment is necessary for mobile
method that works and complies with that reference to a"spill event,"or"a containers for the same reason that it is
all other applicable laws and regulations discharge as described in §112.1(b)," necessary for fixed containers;to
is acceptable.Bioremediation may be within a diked area is inconsistent with prevent discharges from becoming
one acceptable method of cleanup. that concept. discharges as described in§112.1(b).
Acceptable methods will depend on Secondary containment must also be
weather and other environmental Section 112.8(c)(11 J—Mobile Containers designed so that there is ample
conditions.We do not mean to limit Background.In 1991,we proposed to freeboard for anticipated precipitation.
cleanup methods,which will depend on require that mobile tanks be positioned We have therefore amended the rule on
good engineering practice.If the or located to prevent oil discharges.We the suggestion of a commenter to
cleanup method you choose would recommended secondary containment provide for freeboard.We agree with the
undermine the stability of the dike,you for the largest single compartment or commenter that the amount of freeboard
must repair the dike to its previous tank of any mobile container.We also should be sufficient to contain a 25-year
condition. recommended that these containers not storm event,but are not adopting that
72-hour cleanup standard.We have be located where they will be subject to standard because of the difficulty and
• deleted the 72-hour cleanup standard periodic flooding or washout. expense for some facilities in securing
because it would preclude Comments.Scope of discharge recent information concerning 25-year,
bioremediation.We also agree that prevention.One commenter asked that 24-hour storm events at this time.
under certain circumstances,such a the rule be amended to refer to Should that situation change,we will
limit might jeopardize worker health discharges to navigable waters,instead reconsider proposing such a standard in
and safety.Therefore,we have of discharges. rule text.Freeboard sufficient to contain
maintained the current standard that Time limits.One commenter asked precipitation is freeboard according to
visible discharges must be promptly that a mobile or portable container be industry standards,or in an amount that
removed."Prompt"removal means defined as a container which is in place will avert a discharge as described in
beginning the cleanup of any on a contiguous property for 10 days or §112.1(6).Should secondary
accumulation of oil immediately after less. containment not be practicable,you
discovery of the discharge,or Secondary containment.Two may be able to deviate from the
immediately after any actions to prevent commenters supported the secondary requirement under§112.7(d).
fire or explosion or other threats to containment proposals,but favored We clarify that the secondary
worker health and safety,but such making them requirements instead of containment requirement relates to the
actions may not be used to unreasonably recommendations.One commenter capacity of the largest single
delay such efforts.The size of the asked that the secondary containment compartment or container.Permanently
accumulation is irrelevant,as any recommendation for the largest single manifolded tanks are tanks that are
accumulation may migrate to navigable compartment or container be modified designed, installed,or operated in such
waters or adjoining shorelines. to include tanks which are manifolded a manner that the multiple containers
Editorial changes and clarifications. together or otherwise have overflow function as a single storage unit.
"Leaks"becomes"discharges.""Tank" capabilities.Another commenter Containers that are permanently
becomes"container.""Accumulation of suggested that secondary containment manifolded together may count as the
oil"means a discharge that causes a provide freeboard sufficient to contain "largest single compartment,"as
"film or sheen"in a diked area,or precipitation from a 25-year storm referenced in the rule.
causes a sludge or emulsion there.See event. Floods.We deleted the proposed
40 CFR 110.3(6).The reference to Floods.Other commenters asked for a recommendation on siting of mobile
violation of applicable water quality requirement that mobile tanks not be containers in this rule because we do
standards in 40 CFR 110.3(6)does not located in areas subject to flooding. not wish to confuse the regulated public
apply here because the rule assumes Response to comments.Scope of over what is mandatory and what is
that the oil will not have reached any discharge prevention.We agree that the discretionary.These rules contain only
waters of the United States or adjoining purpose of the rule is to prevent mandatory requirements.
shorelines,but stays entirely within the discharges from becoming discharges as Industry standards.Industry
• diked area of the facility.The term"oil- described in§112.1W).Therefore,in standards that may assist an owner or
contaminated materials"is not used in response to comment,we have modified operator with secondary containment
the rule.We eliminate the term"oil- the proposed rule to require positioning for mobile containers include:(1)NFPA
contaminated materials"that was used or locating mobile or portable containers 30,"Flammable and Combustible
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47123
• Liquids Code';and,(2)BOCA,"National facilities.One commenter believed that You should consult a corrosion
Fire Prevention Code." the recommendation for buried piping professional before design,installation,
Editorial changes and clarifications. installation to comply with 40 CFR part or repair of any corrosion protection
"Spill event"becomes"a discharge as 280 should be a requirement,not a system.Any corrosion protection you
described in§112.1(b).""Tank" recommendation. provide should be installed according to
becomes"container."We deleted the Response to comments.Aboveground relevant industry standards.When
word"onshore"because the whole piping recommendation.While we have piping is replaced,you must protect
section applies only to onshore deleted the proposed recommendation from corrosion only the replaced
facilities. from the rule text because we do not section,although protection of the
Section 112.8(d)(1)—Buried Piping— wish to confuse the regulated public entire line whenever possible is
Facility Transfer Operations,Pumping, over what is mandatory and what is preferable.Equipping only a small
and Facility Process(Onshore) discretionary,we still believe that portion of piping with corrosion
(Excluding Production Facilities) piping should be placed aboveground protection may accelerate corrosion
whenever possible because such
Background.In 1991,we proposed a rates on connected unprotected piping.
new recommendation that all piping placement makes it easier to detect While we agree that corrosion
installations should be placed discharges.The decision to place piping protection might not prevent all
aboveground might include
aboveground wherever possible.We consideration of safety and traffic discharges from buried piping,it is an
added a new proposed requirement that factors. important measure because it will help
would require protective coating and to prevent most discharges.
cathodic protection for new or replaced Corrosion protection.Based on EPA
buried piping.The current rule requires experience,we believe that all soil Double-walled piping or secondary
such coating and cathodic protection conditions warrant protection of new containment or sensitive leak detection
only if soil conditions warrant.We and replaced buried piping.EPA's cause for buried piping may be acceptable as
explained in the preamble that we of release study indicates that the a deviation from the requirements of
believe that all soil conditions warrant operational piping portion of an this paragraph under§112.7(a)(2)if you
protection of buried piping.We did not underground storage tank system is explain your reasons for
propose to make the requirement twice as likely as the tank portion to be nonconformance with the requirement
applicable to all existing piping because the source of a discharge.Piping failures and show that the means you selected
of the significant possibility that are caused equally by poor provides equivalent environmental
replacing all unprotected buried piping workmanship and corrosion.Metal protection to the requirement.However,
might cause more discharges than it areas made active by threading have a we will not require such measures
• would prevent.If soil conditions high propensity to corrode if not coated because we did not propose them.
warrant such protection for existingand cathodically protected.See 53 FR
We have deleted the recommendation
it is already required by the 37082,37127,September 23, 1988;and
piping,nt 9from the proposed rule that all buried
current rule.We also proposed a new "Causes of Release from US Systems,"
recommendation that buried piping September 1987,EPA 510-R-92-702.If piping installations comply to the extent
decide to deviate from the practicable with 40 CFR part 280,
installation comply to the extent youbecause we are excluding
possible with all the relevant provisions requirement,for example,to provide an recommendations from this rule to
of 40 CFR part 280. alternate means of protection other than
Comments.Aboveground piping coating or cathodic protection,you may avoid confusion with what is mandatory
recommendation.Two commenters do so,but must explain your reasons for and what is discretionary.Also,some
favored the recommendation.Others nonconformance,and demonstrate that buried piping now subject to part 112
requested that it be modified to have all you are providing equivalent will be subject only to 40 CFR part 280
piping be aboveground only when environmental protection.A deviation or a State program approved under 40
appropriate,on the theory that some which seeks to avoid coating or cathodic CFR part 281 under this rule.See
aboveground piping may become an protection,or some alternate means of §112.1(d)(4).
obstacle to motorized traffic within a buried piping protection,on the Industry standards.Industry
facility,or may be a hazard to worker grounds that the soil is somehow standards that may assist an owner or
safety because of the possibility of incompatible with such measure(s),will operator with corrosion protection for
tripping over it. not be acceptable to EPA.
Corrosion
g ion installations oC include: (1)
Corrosion protection.Several A "new"or"replaced"buried piping National Association of Corrosion
commenters supported the proposal to installation is one that is installed 30 Engineers(NACE)Recommended
require corrosion protection for all new days or more after the date of Practice-0169,"Control of External
or replaced buried piping.One publication of this rule in the Federal Corrosion on Underground or
commenter believed that corrosion Register.We have deleted the words Submerged Metallic Piping Systems";
protection should be required,as in the "new"and"replaced"from the and,(2)STI Recommended Practice 892,
current rule,only where soil conditions proposed language and substituted this "Recommended Practice for Corrosion
warrant.One commenter asked for specific date so the effective date is Protection of Underground Piping
clarification that the requirement for clearer to the regulated community. Networks Associated with Liquid
replaced piping only applies to the Under the current rule,you have an
section replaced,not necessarily to the obligation to provide buried piping Storage and Dispensing Systems."
entire line of piping.Another installations with protective wrapping Editorial changes and clarifications.
commenter believed that corrosion and coating only if soil conditions In the second sentence of paragraph
protection was inadequate to protect warrant such measures.Under the (d)(7),we included a reference to"a
• from discharges,and urged a revised rule,you must provide such State program approved under part 281
requirement for double-walled piping or wrapping and coating for new or of this chapter."In the third sentence,
secondary containment and product replaced buried piping installations "examine"and"examination"become
sensitive leak detection for new regardless of soil conditions. "inspect"and"inspection."
47124 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Section 112.8(d)(2)—Terminal "regular"examinations.We also every ten years-One commenter
Connections recommended that you conduct annual believed that the recommendation
Background.In 1991,we proposed integrity and leak testing of buried should not apply to piping of less than
that when piping is not in service or is piping,or that you monitor it on a ten feet.Others asked for clarification as
monthly basis.Finally,we to the type of testing contemplated.One
in standby service for 6 months or more,
the terminal connection at the transfer recommended that all valves,pipes,and commenter suggested that the
appurtenances conform to relevant recommendation be clarified to refer
point must be capped or blank-flanged
and marked as to origin.The current industry codes,such as ASME only to oil-handling piping and
standards.We proposed deletion from equipment,and not include buried
rule requires such capping or blank-
the rule of the current requirement for piping unrelated to oil operations.
flanging when the piping is not in
periodic pressure testing for piping Several commenters suggested that we
service or is in standby service"for an
extended time." where facility drainage is such that a add a requirement to the rule to conduct
Comments.One commenter failure might lead to a spill event. integrity and leak testing of protected
Comments.Monthly examination of piping at the time of installation,
supported the six-month clarification of aboveground valves,piping,and modification,construction,relocation,
an"extended time."Several appurtenances.One commenter or replacement,and to conduct an
commenters opposed the requirement to supported the visual monthly engineering evaluation of in-service
cap or blank-flange piping in standby examination proposal,but suggested unprotected underground piping every
service because such piping may be that we require a more sophisticated five years.Another commenter
needed to be put into service quickly method of testing every three to four suggested double-walled piping as an
during an emergency to ensure safe years,such as pressure testing.Most alternative.One commenter suggested
operations at the facility.The other commenters opposed monthly that the recommendation was
commenter suggested that the rule be examinations,on grounds of inappropriate for vaulted tanks because
reworded to say"When piping is not in impracticality.Most opposing of the configuration of the tanks.
service or is not in standby service." commenters urged testing on a quarterly Response to comments.Monthly
Response to comments.We have or semiannual basis,or per industry inspection of aboveground valves,
decided to keep the current standard of standards. Some thought the piping,and appurtenances.Inspection
requiring capping or blank-flanging requirement should be a of aboveground valves,piping,and
terminal connections when such piping recommendation,both for large and appurtenances must be a requirement to
is not in service or is in standby for an small facilities.Electrical utility help prevent discharges.Such valves,
extended time in order to maintain commenters asserted that the monthly piping,and appurtenances often are
flexibility for variable facilities and testing of millions of pieces of located outside of secondary
• engineering conditions.We define"an equipment would be extremely containment systems,and often do not
extended time"in reference to industry burdensome.Several commenters urged have double-wall protection or some
standards or at a frequency sufficient to that the examination requirement be form of secondary containment
prevent discharges.We disagree with limited to visual examination because of themselves.Therefore,any discharge
commenters that the requirement the cost of other methods. from such valves,piping,and
should not apply to piping that is not in Buried piping.Several commenters appurtenances is more likely to become
standby service because some favored the proposed recommendation a discharge as described in §112.1(b).
discharges may be caused by loading or for annual integrity and leak testing of Examination of discharge reports from
unloading oil through the wrong piping buried piping or monitoring of such the Emergency Response Notification
or turning the wrong valve when the piping on a monthly basis.One System (ERNS)shows that discharges
piping in question was actually out-of- commenter was concerned that the from such valves,piping,and
service.Typically,piping that is in recommendation made no concession appurtenances are much more common
standby service is only needed in for piping construction material,length than catastrophic tank failure or
emergency situations or when there is of time in the ground,etc.Several discharges from tanks.The requirement
an operational problem.In the rare commenters believed that the must be applicable to large and small
situations when such piping is needed recommendation should be a facilities covered by this section that
immediately,the owner or operator may requirement because piping often runs store oil,because of the same threat of
remove the cap or blank-flange to return outside of secondary containment; discharge.
the piping to service. buried piping cannot be inspected The requirements of this paragraph do
Editorial changes and clarifications. visually;discharges are common from not apply to electrical utilities and other
"Examine"becomes"inspect." this piping;and few owners or operators facilities with oil-filled equipment
Section 112.8(d)1.3)—Pipe Supports conduct integrity or leak testing of such because they are not bulk storage
piping.Some thought it should be a facilities.
Background.In 1991,we reproposed requirement for all facilities,others just The final rule maintains the current
without substantive change the current for large facilities.One commenter standard of"regular"inspections,on
rule concerning pipe supports. thought that the requirement to inspect the suggestion of commenters who
Comments.We received no comments buried piping only when exposed is noted that at some remote sites monthly
on this proposal.Therefore,we have inadequate.The commenter suggested inspections are impractical,especially
promulgated the provision as proposed. that the piping should be subject to in harsh weather conditions.
pressure testing.The frequency of the Furthermore,we agree with commenters
Section 112.8(d)(4)—Inspection of
testing would be based on aquifer use. that"regular"inspections are
Aboveground Valves and Piping
Opposing commenters believed inspections conducted"in accordance
Background.In 1991,we proposed annual testing or monthly monitoring with accepted industry standards,"
• that you examine all aboveground was unnecessary,generally citing cost rather than the monthly proposed
valves,piping,and appurtenances on at and practicability reasons.Some standard.You must include
least a monthly basis.This contrasts suggested differing time periods for appurtenances in the inspection.
with the current requirement of testing,such as every three years,or Inspections may be either visual or by
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47125
• other means,including pressure testing. underground piping be subject to below on weight restrictions.Some
However,we do not require pressure engineering evaluations every five years, believed the proposed requirement
testing or any other specific method.We but we recommend such evaluations be should be a recommendation based on
agree that,subject to good engineering conducted in accordance with industry good engineering practices.One thought
practice,pressure testing every three or standards to preserve flexibility in case it made no difference.One commenter
four years may be warranted in addition the time frame changes with changing proposed as an alternative,marking
to regular inspection of aboveground technology. such piping so it could be temporarily
valves,piping,and appurtenances. If you have vaulted containers,the protected or avoided.One commenter
However,we believe that regular requirement for integrity and leak suggested that it would be more prudent
inspection is sufficient to help prevent testing of buried piping might be the to require signs where piping is lower
discharges and will not impose any subject of a deviation under§112.7(a)(2) than 14 feet and located such that
additional requirements at this time. if those pipes,valves,and fittings come vehicles can traverse,and recommended
Buried piping.We have deleted the out of the top of the container and are that,in addition to signs,verbal
text of the proposed recommendation to not buried,or are encased in a double- warnings be provided.
conduct annual integrity and leak walled piping system and you thereby Weight restriction posting.Several
testing of buried piping or monitor significantly reduce the potential for commenters supported making this
buried piping on a monthly basis from corrosion. recommendation a requirement because
the rule because we do not wish to Likewise,we have deleted from rule good engineering practice will exclude
confuse the regulated public over what text the recommendation that all valves, heavy equipment from crossing buried
is mandatory and what is discretionary. pipes,and appurtenances conform to piping which does not have adequate
This rule contains only mandatory industry standards,but we endorse its cover to protect the pipe.
requirements.However,we continue to substance. Others opposed it on the grounds it
endorse the recommendation as a Industry standards.Industry would restrict access to vehicles which
discretionary action,and suggest that standards that may assist an owner or "have driven over the same piping for
you conduct such testing according to operator with inspection and testing of a dozen or more years."One commenter
industry standards. valves,piping,and appurtenances thought the recommendation was
We agree with a commenter that the include:(1)API Standard 570,"Piping unnecessary because local building
proposed recommendation would apply Inspection Code(Inspection,Repair, codes or other standards already address
only to"oil-handling"piping and Alteration,and Rerating of In-Service the issue of buried piping protection.
valves,not all such piping and valves, Piping Systems";(2)API Recommended Some thought the recommendation
which may be unrelated to oil activities. Practice 574,"Inspection Practices for should be a matter of PE discretion.
However,no change in rule text is Piping System Components"; (3) Several commenters thought that the
. necessary because the entire rule American Society of Mechanical recommendation should apply to large
applies only to procedures,methods,or Engineers(ASME)B31.3,"Process facilities only because only large
equipment that are involved with the Piping";and,(4)ASME B31.4,"Liquid facilities will have the type of tanker
storage or use of oil.In response to the Transportation Systems for trucks on site which would potentially
commenter who urged that the proposed Hydrocarbons,Liquid Petroleum Gas, damage underground piping.One
recommendation not apply to buried Anhydrous Ammonia,and Alcohols." commenter thought that small facilities
piping of less than 10 feet in length,we Editorial changes and clarifications. should be exempt from the
believe that any buried piping, "Examine"and"examination"become recommendation.
regardless of length,may cause a "inspect"and"inspection."We have Another commenter believed that the
discharge,and therefore should be deleted the reference to"operating recommendation should be restricted to
tested.Double-walled piping might be personnel"in the first sentence because situations where it is not certain that the
an acceptable alternative to integrity all of the requirements of this rule, underground piping can withstand all
and leak testing or monthly monitoring. except when specifically noted anticipated vehicular traffic.Another
If you choose double-walled piping as otherwise,are the responsibility of the commenter suggested that if buried
an alternative,you must explain your owner or operator. piping is placed across a thoroughfare,
nonconformance with the rule it should be installed with additional
requirements,and explain how double- Section II2.8(d)(5J—Vehicular Traffic structural protection.The commenter
walled piping provides equivalent Background.In 1991,we reproposed asserted that proper installation is a
environmental protection.See the current rule concerning warnings to preventative and is a better alternative
112.7(a)(2). vehicular traffic,because of vehicle size, than a sign because signs are not always
On the suggestion of commenters,we to avoid endangering aboveground heeded.
have modified the proposed piping.We proposed to amend the rule One commenter suggested that
recommendation for annual testing or to include avoidance of endangering posting of weight restrictions at airports
monthly monitoring of buried piping "other transfer operations"within the in open areas would be impractical and
into a requirement that you must only scope of the warning.We added a impact operations.The commenter
conduct integrity and leak testing of recommendation that weight restrictions argued that the proposal was
such piping at the time of installation, should be posted,as applicable,to unreasonable where some buried
modification,construction,relocation, prevent damage to underground piping. piping/hydrant systems run under ramp
or replacement.We believe that when Comments. Vehicular warnings, surfaces.A railroad commenter argued
piping is exposed for any reason, Several commenters supported the that the recommendation is overly broad
integrity and leak testing of such current requirement to warn vehicular because railroads have a large amount of
exposed piping according to industry traffic to avoid endangering piping under track that is built to
standards is appropriate because piping aboveground piping or other transfer withstand maximum loads from
• is visible at that point,and testing is operations because of vehicle size. vehicular traffic,making the posting of
easier because the piping is more Others believed that any size or weight signs unnecessary and costly.One
accessible.The same commenters also restrictions would unnecessarily burden commenter argued that the requirement
recommended that unprotected facility operations.See the comments was inapplicable to vaulted tanks
47126 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
•
because the concrete vault reduced the operator is the person with described in§112.1(b).The risk of such
risk of vehicular damage. responsibility to implement a Plan,the a discharge and the accompanying
Response to comments. Vehicular mandates of the rule are properly environmental damage may be
warnings.The requirement to warn addressed to him,except as specifically devastating whether it comes from a
vehicular traffic so that no vehicle will noted. large or small facility.We disagree that
endanger aboveground piping or other Section 112.9(a)—General the recordkeeping is burdensome.If you
oil transfer operations applies to all Requirements—Onshore 112. Oil Production are an NPDES permittee,you may use
facilities,large or small,becausethe stormwater drainage records
vehicular traffic may endanger Facilities required pursuant to 40 CFR 122.4101(2)
aboveground piping or other transfer Background.This is a new provision and 122.41(m)(3)for SPCC purposes,
operations at all facilities.Warnings that merely references the general thereby reducing the recordkeeping
may include verbal warnings,signs,or requirements which all facilities must burden.
marking and temporary protection of meet as well as the specific Engineering methods."Equivalent"
piping or equipment.No particular requirements that you must meet if you measures referenced in the rule might,
height restriction is incorporated into are an owner or operator of a facility in depending on good engineering
the rule.Rather,aboveground piping at the category of onshore oil production practice,include using structures such
any height must be protected from facilities. as stand pipes designed to handle flow-
vehicular traffic unless the piping is so Editorial changes and clarifications. through conditions at water flood oil
high that all vehicular traffic passes The obligation to"address"general production operations,where large
underneath the piping.In this case,or SPCC requirements becomes the volumes of water may be directed to oil
where the requirement is infeasible,you obligation to"meet"those storage tanks if water discharge lines on
may be able to use the deviation requirements. "Spill prevention" oil-water separators become plugged.
provision in§112.7(a)(2)if you explain becomes"discharge prevention."We Any alternate measures must provide
your reasons for nonconformance and also deleted the word "onshore"from environmental protection equivalent to
provide equivalent environmental the titles of the paragraphs of this the rule requirement.
protection.We have deleted the clause section because the entire section Industry standards.Industry
concerning the size of vehicles that may applies only to onshore production standards that may assist an owner or
endanger piping or oil transfer facilities. operator with facility drainage include
operations because the owner or API Recommended Practice 51,
operator may not be able to determine Proposed Section 772.916)—Definition "Onshore Oil and Gas Production
precisely when the size or weight of a Onshore Oil Production Facilities Practices for Protection of the
vehicle would cause such Background.This proposed section Environment."
endangerment. was merely a reference to the old Editorial changes and clarifications.
isIn response to commenters who definition of onshore oil production In response to the commenter's
suggested that the posting of signs is facility(see current§112.7(e)(5)(i)), suggestion,the reference to"navigable
impractical and might impact which is today incorporated within the waters"becomes a reference to"a
operations,or would be very costly,we new definition of production facility. discharge as described in§112.1(b)."
note that you may deviate from the Therefore,the section is no longer "Central treating stations"becomes
requirement under§112.7(a)(2) if you necessary and we have deleted it. "separation and treating areas."Such
explain your reasons for Section 112.9(6)(1),Proposed as
areas might be centrally located or
nonconformance and provide equivalent located elsewhere at the facility and
environmental protection. §112.9(c)(1)—Dike Drains and Drainage might include both separation and
Weight restriction posting.We deleted Background.In 1991,we reproposed treatment devices and equipment.The
the proposed recommendation the current rule concerning drainage of reference to"rainwater is being
concerning weight restrictions as they diked areas. drained"becomes"draining
relate to underground piping from rule Comments.Editorial changes and uncontaminated rainwater."We clarify
text,but still support it when clarifications.One commenter suggested that accumulated oil on rainwater must
appropriate.We include only an editorial change from discharges to be disposed of in accord with"legally
mandatory items in this rule because we "navigable waters,"to a discharge as approved methods,"not"approved
do not wish to confuse the regulated referenced in§112.1(b)(1). methods."
public as to what is mandatory and Applicability.Another commenter
urged a small facility exemption from Section 112.9(b)(2)—Proposed as
what is discretionary.We decline to g P §112.9(c)(2)—Drainage Ditches,
make the recommendation a this requirement because the
requirement because we believe the recordkeeping involved was too Accumulations of Oil
appropriate posting of weight burdensome. Background.In 1991,we sought to
restrictions should be a matter of good Engineering methods.One commenter clarify that oil as well as oil-
engineering practice. believed that the requirement to have all contaminated soil must be removed
Editorial changes and clarifications. drains closed on dikes around storage from field drainage ditches,road
We deleted the references to verbal containers might preclude engineering ditches,and the like.The current rule
warning or appropriate signs in the rule. methods designed to handle flow- only requires removal of an
Instead,the rule contains an obligation through conditions at water flood oil "accumulation of oil."We also
to warn entering vehicular traffic. production operations,where large proposed that such accumulations be
Warnings may be verbal,by signs,or by volumes of water may be directed to oil removed within 72 hours at the most.
other appropriate methods. storage tanks if water discharge lines on Comments.Applicability.One
Introduction to Section 112.9 oil-water separators become plugged. commenter asserted that this section
• Response to comments.Applicability. does not apply to crude oil transfers
W Background.We have added an e believe that this requirement must from production fields into tank trucks
introduction to help rewrite the section be applicable to both large and small because any discharges in the transfer
in the active voice.Since the owner or facilities to help prevent discharges as process would be caught in a small
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47127
• sump or catchment basin.Another accumulation of oil,including on soil the proposal,we referenced FEMA
commenter asked if this section applied and other materials,because section requirements.
to cleanup of oil and oil-contaminated 311(j)(1)(C)of the CWA provides EPA Comments.One commenter thought
soil from diked areas. with the authority to establish this provision should be a requirement
Inspection schedule.Another procedures,methods,and equipment rather than a recommendation.Another
commenter suggested that we require and other requirements for equipment to commenter suggested that exploration
inspections of field drainage ditches, prevent discharges of oil.The broad and production facilities located in
etc.,at monthly intervals and within 24 definition of"oil"in CWA section flood plain areas should be adequately
hours of a 25-year storm event. 311(a)(1)covers"oil refuse"and"oil secured through proper mechanical/
Accumulations of oil and oil- mixed with wastes other than dredged engineering methods to reduce the
contaminated soil.Two commenters spoil."If field drainage systems allow chance of loss of product.A third
argued that EPA lacks authority to the accumulation of oil on the soil or commenter suggested the following
require cleanup of contaminated soil. other materials at the onshore facility specific measures to be implemented:
Others asked for clarifications of the and that oil threatens navigable water or (1)Identify whether the facility is
terms"accumulation"and"oil- adjoining shorelines,then EPA has located in a floodplain in the Plan;(2)
contaminated soil."Another asked what authority to establish a method or if the facility is located in a floodplain,
cleanup standard EPA contemplated procedure,i.e.,the removal of oil the Plan should address to what extent
under this rule.The commenter contaminated soil,to prevent that oil it meets the minimum requirements of
elaborated,"is accumulated oil and from becoming a discharge as described the National Flood Insurance Program
contaminated soil to be removed from in§112.1(b).The cleanup standard (NFIP);and(3)if a facility does not meet
diked areas under this provision?" under this paragraph requires the the minimum requirements of the NFIP,
72-hour cleanup standard.Several complete removal of the contaminated the Plan should address appropriate
commenters argued that the 72-hour oil,soil,or other materials,either by precautionary and mitigation measures
standard for cleanup would preclude removal,or by bioremediation,or in any for potential flood-related discharges.
bioremediation or other cleanup other effective,environmentally sound Response to comments.We have
techniques allowed by State and local manner. deleted the recommendation because we
law.Several commenters suggested 72-hour cleanup standard.We agree do not wish to confuse the regulated
other time periods,including"as soon that the 72-hour cleanup standard might public over what is mandatory and what
as practical,""within a timely manner." preclude bioremediation and have is discretionary.These rules contain
Some suggested no time standard is therefore deleted it. Instead we establish only mandatory requirements.However,
appropriate.Those commenters a standard of"prompt cleanup." we support the substance of the
generally thought that a 72-hour period "Prompt"cleanup means beginning the recommendation,and suggest that a
• might be unrealistic in certain cases. cleanup immediately after discovery of facility in an area prone to flooding
Response to comments.Applicability. the discharge or immediately after any either follow the requirements of the
Crude oil transfers from production actions necessary to prevent fire or NFIP or employ other methods based on
fields into tank trucks or cars are explosion or other imminent threats to good engineering practice to minimize
covered by the general requirements worker health and safety. damage to the facility from a flood.
contained in§112.7(c)and(h),both of Editorial changes and clarifications. Section 112.9(c)(1)—Proposed as
which require some form of secondary "Escaped from small leaks"becomes p
containment.Cleanup of oil,oil- "resulted from any small discharge." §112.9(d)(1)—Materials and
contaminated soil,and oil-contaminated We eliminate the term "oil- Construction—Bulk Storage Containers
materials from field drainage ditches, contaminated soil"because oil must Background.In 1991,we reproposed
road ditches,or other field drainage accumulate on something,such as the section on materials and
system is covered by this paragraph.In materials or soil.We retain the term construction of bulk storage containers
response to comment,we note that "accumulation of oil,"but elaborate on with an added recommendation that
cleanup of oil from diked areas at its meaning."Accumulation of oil" containers conform to relevant industry
onshore production facilities is not means a discharge that causes a"film or standards.
specifically covered by the rules. sheen"within the field drainage system, Comments.One commenter thought
However,the presence of oil in diked or causes a sludge or emulsion there that the recommendation for use of
areas may impair the quality of the dike (see 40 CFR 110.3(b)).An accumulation industry standards should be a
or the capacity for secondary of oil includes anything on which the requirement.The commenter asked that
containment,and if so,the oil must be oil gathers or amasses within the field at a date certain,all existing tanks must
removed. drainage system. An accumulation of oil be upgraded to current standards,and
Inspection schedule.We have may include oil-contaminated soil or that all new and reconstructed tanks
retained the"regularly scheduled any other oil-contaminated material must be subject to applicable codes.
intervals"standard for inspections.This within the field drainage system.See Another commenter suggested that the
standard means regular inspections also the discussion of"accumulation of recommendation should not apply to
according to industry standards or on a oil"included with the response to crude oil storage tanks because local
schedule sufficient to prevent a comments of§112.8(c)(10). industry standards are more
discharge as described in§112.1(b). appropriate.
Whatever schedule for inspections is Proposed Section 112.9(c}(3]— Response to comments.
selected must be documented in the Additional Requirements for Flood Recommendation v.requirement.We
Plan.We decline to specify a specific Events are retaining the mandatory requirement
interval because such an interval might Background.In 1991,we proposed a to use no container for the storage of oil
become obsolete with changing new recommendation for oil production unless its material and construction are
• technology. facilities in areas subject to flooding.We compatible with the material stored and
Accumulations of oil and oil- recommended that the Plan address the conditions of storage,as proposed.
contaminated soil.We have adequate additional precautionary measures We have deleted the recommendation
authority to require cleanup of an related to flooding. In the discussion of that materials,installation,and use of
47128 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• new tanks conform with relevant comprehensive to be applied to oil confusing when compared to the text of
portions of industry standards because leases,which might cover hundreds of §112.7(d).Under§112.7(d),if
we do not wish to confuse the regulated acres.Another asked how we would secondary containment is not
public over what is mandatory and what determine what is sufficient freeboard. practicable,you must provide a
is discretionary.However,we endorse Drainage.One commenter thought the contingency plan following the
its substance.In most cases good drainage requirement was duplicative of provisions of 40 CFR part 109,and
engineering practice and liability NPDES requirements. otherwise comply with the requirements
concerns will prompt the use of Response to comments.Secondary of§112.7(d).Furthermore,you are also
industry standards.See containment.The requirement applies free to provide alternate systems of
§112.3(d)(1)(iii).In addition,a to oil leases of any size. Secondary secondary containment.We do not
requirement is not necessary or containment is not required for the prescribe the method.
desirable because local governmental entire leased area,merely for the
standards on construction,materials, contents of the largest single container Section 112.9(c)(3)—Proposed as
and installation sometimes control in the tank battery,separation,and §112.9(d)(3)—Container Inspection
industry standards on these matters. treating facility installation,with Background.In 1991,we proposed
Industry standards.Industry sufficient freeboard to contain that you must visually examine all
standards that may assist an owner or precipitation.In response to the containers of oil at onshore production
operator with materials for and comment as to how an owner or facilities at least once a year.The
construction of onshore bulk storage operator might determine how much current requirement is that you examine
production facilities include:(1)API freeboard is sufficient,we have revised these containers"on a scheduled
Specification 12B,"Bolted Tanks for the rule to provide that freeboard periodic basis."We also proposed that
Storage of Production Liquids';(2)API sufficient to contain precipitation is the you would be required to maintain the
Specification 12D,"Field Welded Tanks standard.Freeboard sufficient to contain schedule and records of those
for Storage of Production Liquids'; (3) precipitation is freeboard installed examinations for a period of five years,
API Specification 12F,"Shop Welded according to industry standards,or in an irrespective of changes in ownership.
Tanks for Storage of Production amount sufficient to avert a discharge as Comments.Frequency of inspection.
Liquids';(4)API Specification 123,"Oil described in§112.1(b).This standard is One commenter favored the proposal.
Gas Separators';(5)API Specification consistent with the amount of freeboard One commenter suggested quarterly
I2K,"Indirect-Type Oil Field Heaters'; required in§112.8(c)(2). rather than annual inspections.Two
and,(6)API Specification 12L,"Vertical Drainage.We deleted the proposed commenters suggested triennial
and Horizontal Emulsion Treaters." reference to undiked areas"showing a inspections.Other commenters
Editorial changes and clarifications. potential for contamination"because suggested a frequency in accordance
"Tank"becomes"container." drainage from any undiked area poses a with API recommended standards.
Section 112.9(c)(2)—Proposed as threat of contamination.When drainage Extent of inspection.Several
§112.9(d)(2)—Secondary 1 Containment, from such areas is covered by commenters thought that the
Drainage stormwater discharge permits,that part inspections should be external only,and
of the BMP might be usable for SPCC should not necessarily include the
Background.The SPCC Task force purposes.There is no redundancy in foundations and supports(as proposed)
concluded that aboveground storage recordkeeping requirements,because because of the number of containers that
tanks without secondary containment you can use your NPDES records for would be taken out of service with that
pose a particularly significant threat to SPCC purposes. requirement.Another commenter
the environment.We noted that the Industry standards.Industry asserted that inspection of foundations
proposed rule modifications would standards that may assist an owner or and supports might not be possible due
"retain the current requirement for operator with secondary containment at to foundation settlement or lack of space
facility owners or operators who are onshore production facilities include: to perform the inspection.
unable to provide certain structures or (1)API Recommended Practice 51, Response to comments.Frequency of
equipment for oil spill prevention, "Onshore Oil and Gas Production inspection.We have maintained the
including secondary containment,to Practices for Protection of the current standard for frequency of
prepare facility-specific contingency Environment';(2)NFPA 30, inspection because we agree that
plans in lieu of prevention systems."56 "Flammable and Combustible Liquids inspections in accordance with industry
FR 54614.In 1991,we therefore Code';and,(3)BOCA,"National Fire standards are necessary.Those
reproposed the secondary containment Prevention Code." standards may change with changing
requirements for onshore oil production Editorial changes and clarifications. technology,therefore,a frequency of
facilities with a clarification.We "Tank battery and central treating plant "periodically and upon a regular
clarified that secondary containment installations"becomes"tank battery, schedule"preserves maximum
must include sufficient freeboard to separation,and treating facility flexibility and upholds statutory intent.
allow for precipitation.The current rule installations.""Contents of the largest Extent of inspection.We disagree that
requires that drainage from undiked single tank"becomes"capacity of the the inspection of containers should be
areas must be safely confined in a largest single container."With this limited to external inspection.Internal
catchment basin or holding pond.The change,this paragraph agrees with inspection is also necessary to detect
proposed rule had modified this general secondary containment possible flaws that could cause a
requirement to apply only to drainage requirements found in§112.7(c).The discharge.The inspection must also
from undiked areas"showing a reference to tanks"in use"was deleted include foundations and supports that
potential for contamination." because it is redundant.Containment are on or above the surface of the
Comments.Secondary containment. for tanks or containers that are not ground.If for some reason it is not
• See the discussion under§112.7(c)of permanently closed is already required. practicable to inspect the foundations
secondary containment in general.One We deleted the phrase"if feasible,or and supports,you may deviate from the
commenter suggested that the alternate systems,such as those requirement under§112.7(a)(2),if you
requirement was too vague and outlined in§112.7(c)(1),"because it is explain your rationale for
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47129
• nonconformance and provide equivalent Response to comments. Good language consistent with a companion
environmental protection. engineering practice.We agree with the paragraph dealing with good
Record maintenance.We have deleted commenter that we should retain this engineering design,i.e..§112.8(c)(8).In
the proposed requirement to maintain section as a requirement both to paragraph(c)(4)(i),'regular rounds"
records of these inspections for five improve spill prevention and to avoid becomes"regularly scheduled rounds."
years,irrespective of ownership, confusion among the regulated "Spills"becomes"discharges."In
because it is redundant with the general community because of the similar paragraph(c)(4)(iv),the phrase"where
requirement in§112.7(e)to maintain requirement for bulk storage containers facilities are"becomes"where the
Plan records.Section 112.7(e)requires at facilities other than production facility is."Elsewhere"tank"becomes
record maintenance for three years. facilities.Therefore,there are no new "container."
However,you should note that certain costs.Nevertheless,you have flexibility Section 112.9(d)(1)—Proposed as
industry standards(for example,API as to which measures you use,and may §112.9(e)(1)—Inspection of
Standard 653 or API Recommended choose the least expensive alternative Aboveground Valves and Piping
Practice 12R1)may specify that an listed in§112.9(c)(4).For example,
owner or operator maintain records for should vacuum protection be too costly, Background.In 1991,we proposed
longer than three years. you are free to use another alternative. that you inspect monthly all
Industry standards.Industry Furthermore,you may also deviate from aboveground valves and pipelines,and
standards that may assist an owner or the requirement under§112.7(a)(2)if that you maintain records of such
operator with inspection of containers at you can explain nonconformance and inspections for five years.The current
onshore production facilities include: provide equivalent environmental requirement is that you examine such
(1)API Recommended Practice 12R1, protection by some other means.We valves and pipelines"periodically on a
"Recommended Practice for Setting, revised the paragraph on vacuum scheduled basis,"and maintain the
Maintenance,Inspection,Operation, protection to clarify that the rule records of such inspections for three
and Repair of Tanks in Production addresses any type of transfer from the years.
Service";and,(2)"API Standard 653, tank,not merely a pipeline run. Comments.Editorial changes and
"Tank Inspection,Repair,Alteration, Industry standards.Industry clarifications.One commenter asked for
and Reconstruction." standards that may assist an owner or clarifying language that the rule only
Editorial changes and clarifications. operator with alarm systems include:(1) applied to valves and piping associated
"Visually examine"becomes"Visually API,"Manual of Petroleum with transfer operations.
inspect.""All tanks"becomes"each Measurement Standards";(2)API Applicability.Two commenters asked
container.""Foundation and supports Recommended Practice 51,"Onshore for an exemption from the requirements
of tanks above the ground surface" Oil and Gas Production Practices for of this paragraph for small facilities.
• becomes"Foundation and support of Protection of the Environment";(3)API Frequency of inspections.Several
each container that is on or above the Recommended Practice 2350,"Overfill commenters suggested alternate
surface of the ground." Protection for Storage Tanks in inspection intervals,such as every six
Petroleum Facilities";and,(4)NFPA 30, months,or every year.Another
Section 112.9(c)(4)—Proposed as "Flammable and Combustible Liquids commenter suggested that monthly
§112.9(d)(4)—Good Engineering Code." q inspections are meaningless because
Practice Editorial changes and clarifications. some unscrupulous operators might fill
Background.In 1991,we proposed to "Fail-safe"engineering becomes"good out inspection reports on dates when no
convert the current requirement for engineering practice,"because fail-safe problems are to be found.Other
"fail-safe"engineering(which includes engineering is a misnomer.The change commenters suggested that we require a
vacuum protection and other measures) in terminology does not imply any performance standard instead of a
of new and old tank battery installations substantive change in the level of prescribed monthly inspection.One
into a recommendation.We also environmental protection required,it is commenter suggested the proposed
proposed that you reference appropriate merely editorial.See the comments,and inspections standards for§112.9(e)
industry standards. the discussion under"Editorial changes were excessive for many small facilities.
Comments.One commenter asserted and clarification,"§112.8(c)(8).The The commenter suggested that a
that we should retain the original same reasoning applies to this standard defined by the licensed
requirement to avoid confusion among paragraph.We deleted the phrase"as far Professional Engineer who certifies the
the regulated community,help improve as is practical,"because it is confusing SPCC Plan could reflect the differing
spill prevention,and because we when compared to the text of requirements that may apply under
proposed a similar requirement for bulk §112.7(a)(2).Under§112.7(a)(2),you different equipment configurations as
storage containers.Another commenter may explain your reasons for well as differing geographical and
opposed the proposed recommendation nonconformance,and provide meteorological conditions.The
because he believed the cost of such equivalent environmental protection by commenter added that a generalized
engineering would be prohibitive.Two some other means.We deleted the performance standard should be
commenters sought an exemption for recommendation to reference included that includes a minimum
small facilities on the same rationale. appropriate industry standards because inspection interval,such as annual
Similarly,some commenters opposed it was unnecessary.You must discuss inspection,which could be altered to
the proposed recommendation on actual standards used in the Plan. meet specific facility conditions.
vacuum protection because of the Section 112.3(d)(1)(iii)also requires the Recordkeeping.One commenter
potential cost.None of the commenters Professional Engineer to certify that he thought a five-year record retention
provided their own cost estimates.Some has considered applicable industry period is excessive.Another commenter
commenters opposed the proposed standards in the preparation of the Plan. asked that we clarify that PE
• recommendation relating to vacuum Also in the introductory paragraph,the certification of these regular inspections
protection because of the potential cost, phrase"Consideration shall be given to and records is not required.
which they estimated as"in excess of providing.* * *"becomes,"You must Response to comments.Applicability.
$100 per tank." provide.* * *"This change makes the The rule must apply equally to large and
47130 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• small facilities because failure to inspect Sudden change in temperature. The commenter suggested that a
piping and valves at any facility might Another commenter asked for definition of the term would improve
lead to a discharge as described in clarification of what"a sudden change compliance.
§112.1(b). in temperature"means.The commenter Response to comments.Applicability.
Frequency of inspections.We have assumed that it meant a sudden drop A program of flowline maintenance is
retained the current inspection that could cause system upsets. necessary to prevent discharges both at
frequency of periodic inspections,but Response to comments.Applicability. large and small facilities.However,we
editorially changed it to"upon a regular The rule applies to any regulated facility have deleted the proposed
schedule."Our decision accords with with salt water disposal if the potential recommendation regarding the specifics
the comment which sought a exists to discharge oil in amounts that of the program from the rule.We took
performance standard instead of a may be harmful,as defined in 40 CFR this action because we are not including
prescribed monthly inspection.The 110.3.This standard is necessary to recommendations in the rule in order
standard of inspections"upon a regular protect the environment. not to confuse the public over what is
schedule"means in accordance with Sudden change in temperature.A mandatory and what is discretionary.
industry standards or at a frequency sudden change in temperature means This rule contains only mandatory
sufficient to prevent discharges as any abrupt change in temperature, requirements.
described in§112.1(b).Whatever either up or down,which could cause Frequency of inspections.In the
frequency of inspections is selected system upsets. proposed recommendation we suggested
must be documented in the Plan. Frequency of inspections.Inspections that you conduct monthly inspections
Recordkeeping.We agree that a five- of these facilities must be conducted for a flowline maintenance program.We
year record retention period is longer "often.""Often"means in accordance now recommend that you conduct
than necessary and have deleted the with industry standards,or more inspections either according to industry
proposed requirement in favor of the frequently,if as noted,conditions standards or at a frequency sufficient to
general requirement in§112.7(e)to warrant.Whatever frequency of prevent a discharge as described in
maintain records for three years. inspections is chosen must be §112.1(b).Under§112.3(d)(1)(iii),the
However,comparison records for documented in the Plan. Professional Engineer must certify that
compliance with certain industry Editorial changes and clarifications. the Plan has been prepared in
standards may require an owner or "Examine"becomes"inspect.""Oil accordance with good engineering
operator to maintain records for longer discharge"becomes"discharge," practice,including consideration of
than three years.PE certification of because the term "oil"is redundant in applicable industry standards.
these inspections and records is not the definition of"discharge." Corrosion protection,flowline
required. Section 112.9(d)(3)—Proposed as replacement.While we have deleted the
• Editorial changes and clarifications. P recommendation from rule text due to
"Examine"becomes"inspect."We 112.9(e)(3)—Flowline Maintenance reasons explained above and therefore,
agree with the commenter who asked for Background.In 1991,we reproposed the rule imposes no new costs,we
clarification that the rule applies only to the current requirements for flowline recommend corrosion protection,we
inspections related to transfer maintenance.We proposed a recommend corrosion protection,and
operations and have amended the rule recommendation,rather than a flowline replacement when necessary,
to reflect that.A transfer operation is requirement,that the program include because those measures help to prevent
one in which oil is moved from or into certain specifics,because of differences discharges as described in§112.1(b).
some form of transportation,storage, in the circumstances of locations, Transfer operation.A transfer
equipment,or other device,into or from staffing,and design for production operation is one in which oil is moved
some other or similar form of facilities.We suggested that monthly from or into some form of
transportation,such as a pipeline,truck, examinations are appropriate for most transportation,storage,equipment,or
tank car,or other storage,equipment,or facilities. other device,into or from some other or
device. Comments.Applicability.Two similar form of transportation,such as a
Section 112.9(d)(2)—Proposed as commenters asked for a small facility pipeline,truck,tank car,or other
§Section
Water Disposal exemption for this recommendation. storage,equipment,or device.
Frequency of inspections.Several Editorial changes and clarifications.
fcations.
Facilities
commenters suggested that the "Spills"becomes"discharges."The
Background.In 1991,we reproposed recommendation refer to periodic phrase"from this source"becomes
without change the current instead of monthly examinations. "from each flowline."
requirements on the examination of salt Others suggested annual or quarterly
water(oil field brine)disposal facilities. inspections.One commenter said that Section 112.10—Introduction—Onshore
The current requirement is that you monthly inspection of gathering lines Oil Drilling and Workover Facilities
examine these facilities"often." buried in the colder parts of the Background.This paragraph is a new
However,we have recommended Appalachian basin is impossible. one,not proposed in 1991,but
weekly examination as an appropriate Corrosion protection.Several editorially added to allow us to rewrite
engineering standard for most facilities. commenters asserted that the provision the section in the active voice.Since the
56 FR 54624.We noted that low for corrosion protection for the bare owner or operator is the person with
temperature conditions,sudden steel pipe used for gathering line responsibility to implement a Plan,the
temperature changes,or periods of low systems in the Appalachians is mandates of the rule are properly
flow rates may require more frequent impossible because the cost of coated addressed to him,except as specifically
inspections. lines and cathodic protection is noted.
Comments.Applicability.One prohibitive.None of the commenters Section 112.10(a)—General and Specific
commenter suggested that the
•
provided their own cost estimates.
requirement to examine these facilities Transfer operation.One commenter Requirements
should not apply to storage facilities asked for clarification of the term"oil Background.This is a new paragraph
with de minimis amounts of oil. production facility transfer operation." that merely references the general
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47131
. requirements which all facilities must requirements for secondary Recommended Practice 16E,"Design of
meet as well as the specific containment.We received no comments Control Systems for Drilling Well
requirements that facilities in this on the proposal.Therefore,we have Control Equipment";(2)API
category must meet. promulgated it as proposed,with minor Recommended Practice 53,"Blowout
Comments.One commenter asked for editorial changes. Prevention Equipment Systems for
a definition of"onshore drilling and Industry standards.Industry Drilling Operations"; (3)API
workover facilities." standards that may assist an owner or Specification 16A,"Drill Through
Editorial changes and clarifications. operator with secondary containment at Equipment";and,(4)API Specification
The new definition for"production onshore oil drilling and workover 16D,"Control Systems for Drilling Well
facility"in§112.2 includes the facilities include:(1)API Recommended Control Equipment."
procedures,methods,and equipment Practice 52,"Land Drilling Practices for Editorial changes and clarifications.
referenced in this section,making a Protection of the Environment";(2) We deleted the phrase"as necessary"
definition of"onshore drilling and NFPA 30,"Flammable and Combustible from the requirement,because it is
workover facilities"unnecessary."Spill Liquids Code";and,(3)BOCA, confusing when compared to the text of
prevention"becomes"discharge "National Fire Prevention Code." §112.7(a)(2).When BOP assembly is
prevention."To"address"requirements Editorial changes and clarifications. unnecessary and therefore no alternate
becomes to"meet"requirements. "Spills"becomes"discharges."The measure is required,you may deviate
words"depending on the location" from the requirement under§112.7(a)(2)
Section 112.10(6)—Mobile Facilities were deleted because they were if you explain your reasons for
Background.In 1991,we reproposed confusing when compared with the text nonconformance.We have deleted as
the current rule on the location of of§112.7(d).If a catchment basin or surplus the last sentence of the rule
mobile facilities without substantive diversion structure or other form of requiring that casing and BOP
change. secondary containment is not installations must be in accordance with
Comments.Editorial changes and practicable from the standpoint of good State regulatory requirements.
clarifications.One commenter asked engineering practice,under§112.7(d) Adherence to State regulatory
that the requirement be limited to you must provide a contingency plan requirements is mandatory under State
discharges to navigable waters. following the provisions of 40 CFR part law in any case.The phrase"is
Site location.One commenter 109,and otherwise comply with expected to be encountered"becomes
opposed the requirement on the location §112.7(d). "may be encountered."
of mobile facilities because the facility
Section 112.10(d)—Blowout Prevention Section 112.11—Introduction—Offshore
contractor has absolutely no control (BOP)
over the location of the rig unit.The ) Oil Drilling,Production,or Workover
• commenter added that the contractor is Background.In 1991,we proposed Facilities
instructed by the site owner/operator that blowout prevention(BOP)assembly Background.We added an
where to place the rig unit generally, would only be required"when introduction as an editorial device to
and the sites are where oil and gas are necessary."The rationale was that a allow us to rewrite the section in the
expected to be located.The physical BOP assembly is not necessary where active voice.Because the owner or
location of the well site is constructed pressure is not great enough to cause a operator is the person with
by and maintained by the owner/ blowout(gauge negative)and is not responsibility to implement a Plan,the
operator of the lease.The contractor has required in all cases.We noted that the mandates of the rule are properly
no input as to site design nor necessity of BOP assembly hinges on the addressed to him,except as specifically
responsibility for its maintenance. "history of the pressures encountered noted.
Response to comments.Site location. when drilling on the oil reservoir." Section 112.11(a)—General and Specific
We agree with the commenter that the When that history is unknown,BOP
contractor is not normally responsible assembly is required. Requirements—Offshore Oil Drilling,
for site location,nor site design or Comments.Several commenters urged Production,or Workover Facilities
maintenance.Such decisions are the modification of the rule to exclude well Background.This is a new paragraph
responsibility of the facility owner or service jobs that may not need BOP that merely references the general
operator.The owner or operator of the assembly,such as the installation of a requirements which all facilities must
facility has the responsibility to locate rod pumping unit,or the batch meet as well as the specific
equipment so as to prevent discharges treatment of a well with corrosion requirements that facilities in this
as described in§112.1(b). inhibitor. category must meet.
Editorial changes and clarifications. Response to comments.Service jobs. Comments. State rules.One
The applicable limitation on discharges Where BOP assembly is not necessary, commenter thought§112.11 should be
in the rule tracks the statute.The as for certain routine service jobs,such deleted because current State rules
commenters requested that discharges as the installation of a rod pumping provide adequate spill protection in
be limited to discharges to"navigable unit,or the batch treatment of a well inland water areas such as lakes,rivers,
waters."However,the correct scope of with corrosion inhibitor,you may and wetlands.
discharge prevention is not merely deviate from the requirement under Response to comments.State rules.
navigable waters,but the entire range of §112.7(a)(2),and explain its absence in We disagree with the commenter that
protected resources described in the Plan.When BOP assembly is these rules are unnecessary because not
§112.1(6).We therefore use the phrase unnecessary because pressures are not every State has rules to protect offshore
"a discharge as described in §112.1(6)." great enough to cause a blowout,it is drilling,production,and workover
Section 112.10(c)—Secondary likewise unnecessary to provide facilities.While some States may have
Section
1 Secont Basins or equivalent environmental protection. rules,some State rules may not be as
ContainmenIndustry standards.Industry stringent as the Federal rules.In any
Diversion Structures standards that may assist an owner or case,Congress has intended us to
Background.In 1991,we reproposed operator with blowout prevention establish a nationwide Federal program
without substantive change the current assembly include:(1)API to protect the environment from the
47132 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• dangers of discharges as described in rule is sufficient to prevent discharges to prevent oil discharges,"because it is
§112.1(b)posed by this class of as described in§112.1(b),and therefore confusing when compared to the text of
facilities.Therefore,we have retained we have deleted the"at least once a §112.7(a)(2).You may deviate from a
the section,as modified.We note, year"standard.You must remove requirement under§112.7(a)(2)if you
however,that if you have a State SPCC collected oil as often as is necessary to explain your reasons for
plan or other regulatory document prevent such discharges. nonconformance and provide equivalent
acceptable to the Regional Editorial changes and clarifications. environmental protection.
Administrator that meets all Federal "Discharging oil as described in Section 112.11(e)—Proposed as
SPCC requirements,you may use it as §112.1(b)(1)"becomes"having a 112.11
an SPCC Plan if you cross reference the discharge as described in§112.1(b)."In § (f)—Atmospheric Storage or
State or other requirements to the the second sentence,we deleted the Surge Containers;Alarms
Federal requirement.If it meets only phrase"or equivalent collection system Background.In 1991,we reproposed
some,but not all Federal SPCC sufficient,"because it is confusing when without substantive change the current
requirements,you must supplement it compared to the text of§112.7(a)(2). paragraph on alarm systems for
so that it meets all of the SPCC You may deviate from a requirement atmospheric storage or surge containers.
requirements. under§112.7(a)(2)if you explain your We received no comments.Therefore,
Editorial changes and clarifications. reasons for nonconformance,and we have promulgated the rule as
"Spill prevention"becomes"discharge provide equivalent environmental proposed,with only minor editorial
prevention."The obligation to protection. changes.
"address"requirements and procedures Section 112.11(c)—Proposed as Editorial changes and clarifications.
becomes the obligation to"meet"them. §112.11(d)—Sump Systems "Oil discharges"becomes"discharges."
Proposed Section 112.11(14—Definition We added the words"that activate an
P f Background.In 1991,we proposed to alarm or control the flow"to clarify that
Reference;MMS Jurisdiction clarify language in current rule that a
Background.The proposed 1991 regularly scheduled maintenance these controlling i discharges,
along with "otherwise"
epil
section referenced the definition of program is a monthly preventive ofthesensing
disdevices we
reference in
"offshore oil drilling,production,and maintenance program. the the sen aph devices phrase h t t
workover facility,"which is now Comments.Frequency of inspections. paragraph.The "to activate"
encompassed within the definition of One commenter recommended that a becomes"that activate,"and we add the
P word"otherwise"before"prevent
"production facility"in§112.2.A new semi-annual inspection and testing discharges."We deleted the phrase"or
sentence would have referenced the program of the liquid removal system, other acceptable alternatives,"because
exemption of facilities subject to instead of monthly inspection and it is confusing when compared to the
• Minerals Management Service(MMS) testing would be preferable.
Response to comments.Frequency of text of§112.7(a)(2). You may deviate
Operating Orders,notices,and from a requirement under§112.7(a)(2)if
regulations from the SPCC rule.MMS inspections.We have retained the
you explain your reasons for
jurisdiction is outlined in Appendix B current rule language requiring a
nonconformance and provide equivalent
to part 112. "regularly scheduled"preventive
environmental protection.
Comments.One commenter suggested maintenance program because we
that we delete the reference to the believe that the frequency of Section 112.11(f)—Proposed as
proposed definition and to the maintenance should be in accordance §112.11(g)—Pressure Containers;Alarm
applicability section. with industry standards or frequently Systems
Response to comments.We agree. enough to prevent a discharge as Background.In 1991,we reproposed
Since none of the proposed language is described in §112.1(6).Whatever the current rule concerning pressure
mandatory,we have deleted it because schedule is chosen must be documented tanks without substantive change.We
we have included only mandates in this in the Plan.
rule so as not to confuse the regulated Editorial changes and clarifications. received no comments.Therefore,we
public over what is required and what We deleted the phrase"or equivalent have promulgated the rule as proposed,
is discretionary. method"from the first sentence because with minor editorial changes.
Section 112.11(b)—Proposed as it is confusing when compared to the Editorial changes and clarifications.
"Tanks"becomes"containers.""Oil
§112.11(c)—Facility Drainage text of§112.7(x)(2).You may deviate
g from a requirement under§112.7(a)(2)if discharges"becomes"discharges."We
Background.In 1991,we reproposed you explain your reasons for deleted the phrase"or with other
the current section on facility drainage nonconformance and provide equivalent acceptable alternatives to prevent
with the modification to require environmental protection. discharges."because it is confusing
removal of collected material at least when compared to the text of
Section 112.11(d)—Proposed as
once a year.The rationale was to §112.7(a)(2).You may deviate from a
prevent a buildup of accumulated oils. §112.11(e)—Discharge Prevention requirement under§112.7(a(2)if you
We noted that a protracted removal Systems for Separators and Treaters explain your reasons for
period could lead to an accidental Background.In 1991,we reproposed nonconformance and provide equivalent
excess buildup and resultant overflow. without substantive change the current environmental protection.
Comments.Two commenters rule on discharge prevention systems for Section 112.11(g)—Proposed as
recommended deletion of the proposed separators and treaters.We received no §112.11(h)—Corrosion Protection
requirement to remove collected oil as comments.
often as necessary,but at least once a Editorial changes and clarifications. Background.In 1991,we reproposed
year,because the current requirement is "Escape"of oil becomes"discharge"of the current paragraph requiring
. sufficient. oil."Oil discharges"becomes corrosion protection for containers at
Response to comments.Removal of "discharge of oil."We deleted the facilities subject to this section.We
collected oil.EPA agrees with the phrase from the last sentence which added a recommendation that you
commenter's suggestion that the current allows"using other feasible alternatives follow National Association of
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47133
• Corrosion Engineers standards for promulgated the rule as proposed with Editorial changes and clarifications.
corrosion protection. minor editorial changes. In today's rule,we kept the
Comments.Industry standards.One Editorial changes and clarifications. recordkeeping requirement,but deleted
commenter suggested that we remove "As part of the SPCC Plan"becomes language requiring maintenance of those
the last sentence,which is advisory,and "within the Plan." records for five years.The effect of the
addresses industry standards of the deletion is that records become subject
National Association of Corrosion Section 112.11(i)—Proposed as
toEngineers,or make it a requirement(at §112.11(9—Pollution Prevention re the general three-year(recordkeepinga
g q Systems;Testing and Inspection requirement.See§112.7(e).You may
least for new construction).Another Ykeep the records as part of the Plan or
commenter suggested that the rule be Background.In 1991,we reproposed may keep them with the Plan.
modified to incorporate other industry the current rule on testing and
recommended practices relative to inspection of pollution prevention Section 112.11(wo Proposed as
corrosion control,such as those of STI systems.Additionally,we proposed that §112.11(1)—Blowout Prevention
and API.The commenter specifically simulated spill testing must be the Background.In 1991,we reproposed
recommended STI Recommended preferred method to test and inspect oil the current rule concerning blowout
Practice R892-89,"Recommended spill prevention equipment and prevention without substantive change.
Practice for Corrosion Protection of systems.We also proposed that Comments.One commenter suggested
Underground Steel Piping Associated pollution prevention systems must be that there are occasions when blowout
with Underground Storage and tested at least monthly.The current prevention is not warranted or
Dispensing Systems,"and STI standard calls for testing and inspection impractical to implement and that there
Recommended Practice 893-89, "on a scheduled periodic basis." should be an exception for drilling
"Recommended Practice for External Comments.Some commenters below conductor casing.
Corrosion of Shop Fabricated suggested that simulation testing on a Response to comments.Alternatives.
Aboveground Steel Storage Tank monthly basis is excessive.Commenters The question of whether blowout
Floors." suggested instead testing on a semi- prevention is warranted or impractical
Response to comments.Industry annual or annual basis. or not for drilling below conductor
standards.In response to the comment, Response to comments.Frequency of casing is one of good engineering
we have deleted the recommendation
because we do not wish to confuse the testing.We have retained the current practice.Acceptable alternatives may be
regulated community over what is requirement for testing on a"scheduled permissible under the rule permitting
mandatory and what is discretionary. periodic basis"commensurate with deviations(§112.7(a)(2))when the
These rules contain only mandatory conditions at the facility because we owner or operator states the reasons for
• requirements.We expect that facilities believe that testing should follow nonconformance and provides
will follow industry standards for industry standards or be conducted at a equivalent environmental protection.
corrosion protection as well as other frequency sufficient enough to prevent a Industry standards.Industry
matters(see§112.3(d)(iii)),but decline discharge as described in§112.1(6) standards that may assist an owner or
to prescribe particular standards in the rather than any prescribed time frame. operator with offshore blowout
rule text because those standards are Whatever frequency is chosen must be prevention assembly and well control
subject to change,and we will not documented in the Plan. systems include:(1)API Recommended
incorporate a potentially obsolescent Editorial changes and clarifications. Practice 16E,"Design of Control
standard into the rules. In the first sentence,"or other Systems for Drilling Well Control
Industry standards.Industry appropriate regulations"becomes"and Equipment";(2)API Recommended
standards suggested by a commenter any other appropriate regulations."In Practice 53,"Blowout Prevention
that may assist an owner or operator the second sentence,"spill testing" Equipment Systems for Drilling
with corrosion include:(I)National becomes"simulated discharges for Operations";(3)API Specification 16A,
Association of Corrosion Engineer testing."We have deleted from the last "Drill Through Equipment"; (4)API
standards;(2)STI Recommended sentence the phrase"unless the owner Specification 16C,"Choke and Kill
Practice R892,"Recommended Practice or operator demonstrates that another Systems";and,(5)API Specification
for Corrosion Protection of Underground method provides equivalent alternative 16D,"Control Systems for Drilling Well
Steel Piping Associated with protection"because it is confusing Control Equipment."
Underground Storage and Dispensing when compared to the text of Editorial changes and clarifications.
Systems,"and, (3)STI Recommended §112.7(a)(2).You may deviate from a "BOP preventor assembly"becomes
Practice 893,"Recommended Practice requirement under§112.7(a)(2)if you "BOP assembly."We deleted the last
for External Corrosion of Shop explain your reasons for sentence of the paragraph referring to
Fabricated Aboveground Steel Storage nonconformance and provide equivalent adherence to State rules because we are
Tank Floors." environmental protection. not incorporating State rules into the
Editorial changes and clarifications. Section 112.11(0 Proposed as SPCC rule and adherence to State rules
"Tanks"becomes"containers." §112.11(k)—Surface and Subsurface is required under State law whether we
Section 112.11(h)—Proposed as Well Shut-in Valves and Devices state it or not.The phrase"expected to
be encountered"becomes"may be
§112.11(i1—Pollution Prevention Background.In 1991,we reproposed encountered."
System Procedures the current section concerning surface
Background.In 1991,we reproposed and subsurface well shut-in valves and Proposed§112.11(m)—Extraordinary
without substantive change the current devices.We proposed an additional Well Control Measures
requirements concerning written requirement that records for each well Background.In 1991,we proposed to
• procedures for inspecting and testing must be kept for five years.We received change the current requirements on
pollution prevention equipment and no substantive comments.Therefore,we extraordinary well control measures for
systems.We received no substantive have promulgated the rule as proposed, emergency conditions to
comments.Therefore,we have with minor editorial changes. recommendations.The rationale was
47134 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• that we would review these measures in promulgated the rule as proposed,with to the recommendation,and subsequent
the context of response planning. minor editorial changes. sentences.
Comments.One commenter suggested Editorial changes and clarifications. Response to comments.We have
that the paragraph should be deleted We have rewritten the rule in the active decided to delete the proposed
because it is advisory,or made a voice.We also deleted the proposed recommendation because we do not
requirement. recommendation because this rule wish to confuse the regulated
Response to comments.In response to contains only mandatory items,and community over what is mandatory and
comment,we have deleted the text of because the recommendation is what is discretionary.This rule contains
the recommendations from the rules redundant.Whatever manner of only mandatory requirements.
because we do not wish to confuse the protection is chosen to protect sub- Subparts C and D
regulated community over what is marine piping must be discussed in the Background.In 1995,Congress
mandatory and what is discretionary. Plan.
enacted the Edible Oil Regulatory
However,we endorse its substance.This Section 112.11(p)—Proposed as Reform Act(EORRA),33 U.S.C. 2720.
rule contains only mandatory §112.11(r)—Inspections of Sub-Marine That statute mandates that most Federal
requirements. Piping agencies differentiate between and
Section 112.11(1)—Proposed as Background.In 1991,we reproposed establish separate classes for various
§112.11(n)—Manifolds the current requirements concerning the types of oils,specifically:animal fats
Background.In 1991,we reproposed inspection of sub-marine piping and oils and greases,fish and marine
the current requirements concerning appurtenant to facilities without mammal oils;oils of vegetable origin;
manifolds without substantive change. substantive change.We received no and,other oils and greases,including
We received no comments on the comments.Therefore,we have petroleum and other non-petroleum
In
proposal.Therefore,we have promulgated the rule as proposed,with oils.es differentiating between these
promulgated the rule as proposed. minor editorial changes. classes of oils,Federal agencies are
Editorial changes and clarifications. directed to consider differences in the
Section 112.11(m)—Proposed as physical,chemical,biological,and other
§112.11(o)—Flowlines,Pressure The proposal to require maintenance of properties,and in the environmental
Sensing Devices records for five years was deleted effects,of the classes.
because under§112.7(e)of today's rule, In 1991,EPA proposed to reorganize
Background.In 1991,we reproposed all records must be kept for three years. the SPCC rule based on facility type.
the current requirements concerning We clarify that you must inspect or test The rationale for that reorganization is
pressure sensing devices and shut-in the piping.Because visual inspection of to clarify SPCC Plan requirements for
valves for flowlines without substantive sub-marine piping may not always be different types of facilities.While we
• change.We received no comments on possible,we allow testing as an have reorganized the rule to provide
the proposal.Therefore,we have alternative.We encourage inspection or requirements for different types of
promulgated the rule as proposed. testing pursuant to industry standards facilities,we also provide requirements
Section 112.11(n)—Proposed as or at a frequency sufficient to prevent a for different types of oil in this
§112.11(p)—Piping;Corrosion discharge as described in §112.1(b). rulemaking.To make this change,we
Protection Whatever inspection schedule you have divided the rule into subparts.
select must be documented in the Plan. Subpart A consists of an applicability
Background.In 1991,we reproposed Proposed§112.11(s)—Written section,definitions,and general
the current requirements concerning Instructions for Contractors requirements for all facilities.Subparts
corrosion protection for piping_ B and C outline the requirements for
appurtenant to the facility without Background.In 1991,we proposed to different types of oils.Subpart B is for
substantive change.We also proposed to change into a recommendation the petroleum oils and non-petroleum oils,
change into a recommendation the current requirement that you prepare except for animal fats and vegetable oils.
current requirement that the method written instructions for contractors and Subpart C is for animal fats and oils and
used,such as protective coatings or subcontractors whenever contract greases,and fish and marine mammal
cathodic protection,be discussed. activities involve servicing a well,or oils;and for vegetable oils,including
Comments.One commenter suggested systems appurtenant to a well or oils from seeds,nuts,fruits,and kernels.
that we remove the second sentence, pressure vessel.The current rule Subpart D is for response.Subparts B
which is advisory. requires that you keep the instructions and C are divided into sections to reflect
Response to comments.In response to at the facility.We note in the proposed the differing types of facilities for each
comment,we have deleted the rule that under certain circumstances, type of oil.Subpart D is for response
recommendation to discuss the method you may require the presence of your requirements.
of corrosion protection,because it is representative at the facility to intervene Therefore,as noted above,we have
surplus.In your SPCC Plan,you must when necessary to prevent a discharge divided the requirements of the rule by
discuss the method of corrosion as described in§112.1W). subparts for the various classes of oils
protection you use.See 112.7(a)(1). Comments.One commenter wrote listed in EORRA. Because at the present
Section 112.11(o)—Proposed as that the proposal creates two serious time EPA has not proposed
§ ct ion (q)—Sub-Marine Piping; problems.First,that since the contractor differentiated requirements for public
is hired to perform special services,he notice and comment,the requirements
Environmental Stresses
is able to do his work more safely if he for facilities storing or using all classes
Background.In 1991,we reproposed is allowed to direct his own activities. of oil will remain the same.However,
the current requirements concerning Second,operators might expose we have published an advance notice of
• environmental stress against sub-marine themselves to various types of liability proposed rulemaking seeking comments
piping appurtenant to facilities without by virtue of the degree of control on how we might differentiate
substantive change.We received no exercised over contractors.A second requirements for facilities storing or
comments.Therefore,we have commenter suggested editorial revisions using the various classes of oil.64 FR
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47135
. 17227,April 8,1999.After considering Administrator already has the authority Appendix C--Substantial Harm Criteria
these comments,if there is adequate to accept differing formats for response
justification for differentiation,we will plans,and the existing facility response Background.In 1997,we proposed
propose a rule. plan requirements already provide for changes to Appendix C which would
Proposed§712.20(f)(4)—Capacity of cross-referencing.See§112.20(h). track proposed amendments to
Facilities Storing Process Wafer/ Therefore,new rule language was §112.20(f)(4)regarding calculating the
Wastewater for Response Plan Purposes unnecessary,and the proposal tracked oil storage capacity of aboveground
current language.Today,we have made storage containers storing a mixture of
Background.In 1997,we proposed to only a minor editorial change in rule process water/wastewater within 10%
add a new paragraph to§112.20(1)to language. or less of oil.Because we have
provide a method for facility response Comments.Acceptable formats.Most withdrawn the proposed changes to
plan purposes to calculate the oil commenters favored the proposal.One §112.20(f)(4),the proposed changes to
storage capacity of storage containers commenter suggested that the rule Appendix C are also unnecessary.
storing a mixture of process water/ should specifically mention the ICP. Therefore,we have withdrawn the
wastewater with 10%or less of oil.This Another requested that State FRP proposed changes to Appendix C,and it
proposal for certain systems that treat equivalents be accepted.Several remains unchanged.
process water/wastewater would be commenters criticized the proposal;one
applicable at certain facilities required P P Appendix C—Section 2.1—Non-
calling the ICP concept'over-rated." Transportation-Related Facilities With a
to prepare a facility response plan.It One commenter thought that the rule P
would have no effect on facilities g Total Oil Storage Capacity Greater Than
required to prepare response plans makes the ICP mandatory.Another or Equal to 42,000 Gallons Where
because they transfer oil over water and commenter noted that the proposed rule Operations Include Over-Water Transfer
have a total oil storage capacity greater is identical to the current rule. of Oil
than or equal to 42,000 gallons. Partially acceptable formats.One
Likewise,the proposal would have no commenter asked if an operator would Background.We have corrected the
effect on the method of calculating have to integrate all parts of an ICP with text of the first sentence in the section
capacity for purposes of SPCC Plans. a response plan or if he would have the to correspond with the title,so that it
Under the proposal,we would not count option to integrate parts of the ICP with reads"A non-transportation-related
the entire capacity of process water/ the SPCC Plan. facility with a total oil storage capacity
wastewater containers with 10% or less PE certification.One commenter greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons
of oil in the capacity calculation to asked how an ICP would work,i.e., that transfers oil over water to or from
determine whether a facility must whether the PE would be certifying the vessels must submit a response plan to
• prepare a facility response plan.We SPCC portion,the FRP portion,or both. EPA.We added the words"or equal to"
only would count the oil portion of that Response to commenfs.Acceptable to track rule language found at
process water/wastewater contained in formats.It is not necessary for the rule §112.20(f)(1)(i).
§112.20(f)(2),and therefore response to mention the ICP or any other format Appendix C—Section 2.4—Proximity to
planning is not necessary. specifically because the rule already Public Drinking Water Intakes at
Today,we are withdrawing the allows the Regional Administrator Facilities With a Total Oil Storage
proposal because it is no longer flexibility to accept any format that Capacity Greater Than or Equal to 1
necessary.It is unnecessary because we meets all Federal requirements. See Million Gallons
have exempted from part 112 any §112.20(h).You may use the ICP,a
facility or part thereof(except at oil State response plan,or other format Background.We have revised the title
production,oil recovery,and oil acceptable to the Regional of this section by reversing the order of
recycling facilities)used exclusively for Administrator,at your option.We do the words"Storage"and"Oil"in the
wastewater treatment and not to satisfy not require use of any alternative heading.We have also added the word
any requirement of part 112.See the format,but merely give you the option "oil"to the first sentence so that it
discussion under§112.1(d)(6).The to do so. reads,"A facility with a total oil storage
exemption in§112.1(d)(6)applies to the The commenter is correct that the capacity greater than * * *.
types of facilities treating wastewater proposed rule is identical to the current
that would have been allowed to rule.The current rule allows the Appendix D—Part A—Section A.2
calculate a reduced storage capacity if submission of an"equivalent response (Footnote 2)
the percentage of oil in the mixture were plan that has been prepared to meet Background.We have revised
10 percent or less. State or other Federal requirements." footnote 2 to section A.2 of Part A,
Section 112.20(h)—Facility Response Partially acceptable formats.You Appendix D,to reflect the new citation
Plan Format have the option to integrate any or all to the SPCC rule's secondary
Background.In 1997,we proposed to parts of an ICP with your response plan. containment requirements.
amend the requirements for formatting This gives you flexibility in formatting. Appendix F—Section ].2.7—NAICS
of a facility response plan to clarify that Similar to SPCC Plans,the Regional Codes
an Integrated Contingency Plan(ICP)or Administrator may accept partial use of
other plan format acceptable to the alternative formats. Background.We have revised section
Regional Administrator is allowable to PE certification.PE certification is 1.2.7 to delete the reference to Standard
serve as a facility response plan if it only required for the SPCC portion of Industry Classification(SIC)codes,and
meets all facility response plan any ICP. replace it with a reference to North
requirements.Our intent was to track Editorial changes and clarifications. American Industry Classification
IIIlanguage in the SPCC rule allowing the We added the words"acceptable to the System (NAICS)codes.The NAICS was
Regional Administrator similar Regional Administrator"in the first adopted by the United States,Canada,
authority to accept differing formats for sentence after the words"response and Mexico on January 1,1997 to
SPCC Plans.However,the Regional plan." replace the SIC codes.
47136 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
Appendix F—Section 1.4.3 Analysis of must determine whether a regulatory. million during the second year,and
the Potential for an Oil Discharge action is"significant"and therefore $74.51 million during subsequent years.
Background.We have revised the subject to Office of Management and B.Executive Order 12898—
second and last sentences of this section Budget(OMB)review and the
of the Executive Order. Environmental Justice
by replacing the word"spill"withrequirements
"discharge." The order defines"significant Executive Order 12898 requires that
regulatory action"as one that is likely each Federal agency make achieving
Appendix F—Section 1.7.3(7)— to result in a rule that may: environmental justice part of its mission
Containment and Drainage Planning (1)Have an annual effect on the by identifying and addressing,as
Background.We have revised economy of$100 million or more or appropriate,disproportionately high
paragraph(7)of section 1.7.3 of adversely affect in a material way the and adverse human health or
Appendix F to use the new citation to economy,a sector of the economy, environmental effects of its programs,
the SPCC rule's inspection and productivity,competition,jobs,the policies,and activities on minorities
monitoring requirements for drainage. environment,public health or safety,or and low-income populations.EPA has
State,local,or tribal governments or determined that the regulatory changes
Appendix F—Section 1.8.1 Facility communities; in this rule will not have a
Self-Inspection (2)create a serious inconsistency or disproportionate impact on minorities
Background.We have revised section otherwise interfere with an action taken and low-income populations.
1.8.1 of Appendix F to use the new or planned by another agency;
PP (3)materially alter the budgetaryC.Executive Order 13045—Children's
citation to the SPCC rule's Health
recordkeeping requirements.The impact of entitlements,grants,user fees,
revision also reflects the three-year or loan programs or the rights and Executive Order 13045,"Protection of
record maintenance periods for SPCC obligations of recipients thereof;or Children from Environmental Health
records and keeps the current five-year (4)raise novel legal or policy issues Risks and Safety Risks"(62 FR 19885,
period for FRP records. arising out of legal mandates,the April 23,1997),applies to any rule that:
Editorial changes and clarifications. President's priorities,or the principles (1)is determined to be"economically
"Tanks"becomes"each container." set forth in the Executive Order. significant"as defined under Executive
Under the terms of Executive Order Order 12866;and,(2)concerns an
Appendix F—Section 1.8.1.1—Tank 12866,it has been determined that this environmental health or safety risk that
Inspection rule is a"significant regulatory action" EPA has reason to believe may have a
Background.We have revised section because it raises novel legal or policy disproportionate effect on children. If
1.8.1.1 of Appendix F to use the new issues.Such issues include proposed the regulatory action meets both criteria,
•
citation to the SPCC rule's tank measures which would relieve facilities the Agency must evaluate the
inspection requirements. of regulatory mandates and could environmental health or safety effects of
change the manner in which facilities the planned rule on children,and
Appendix F—Section 1.8.1.3 comply with remaining mandates. explain why the planned regulation is
Secondary Containment Inspection Therefore,this action was submitted to preferable to other potentially effective
Background.We have revised section OMB for review.Changes made in and reasonably feasible alternatives
1.8.1.1.4 of Appendix F to use the new response to OMB suggestions or considered by the Agency.EPA
citation to the SPCC rule's secondary recommendations will be documented interprets Executive Order 13045 as
containment inspection requirements. in the public record. applying only to those regulatory
The reduction in size of the regulated actions that are based on health or safety
Appendix F—Section 1.10 Security community due to final rule revisions risks,such that the analysis required
Background.We have revised section will lead to a capital cost savings of under Section 5-501 of the Order has
1.10 of Appendix F to use the new approximately$29.47 million per year. the potential to influence the regulation.
citation to the SPCC rule's security During the first year,regulated facilities This final rule is not subject to
requirements. will experience an increase in total Executive Order 13045 because it is not
paperwork cost burden of$21.93 economically significant as defined in
Appendix F—Section 2.1(6) General million due primarily to the need to Executive Order 12866,and because the
Information read the rule.In addition,certain Agency does not have reason to believe
Background.We have revised facilities will recalculate their storage the environmental health or safety risks
paragraph 2.1(6)to refer to NAICS codes capacity to exclude applicable addressed by this action present a
in place of SIC codes. wastewater treatment systems and, disproportionate risk to children.The
Appendix F—Section 3.0 Acronyms therefore,must amend and certify their Agency has no data that indicate that
plans if the storage capacity threshold is the types of risks resulting from oil
Background.We have deleted the still met.In certain cases,however,the discharges have a disproportionate
acronym for SIC and substituted the wastewater treatment system provision effect on children,and does not have
acronym for NAICS. in section 112.1(b)(6)will result in a reason to believe that they do so.
Appendix F-Attachment F-1 Response facility no longer being subject to the
Plan Cover Sheet any Part 112 requirements.However, D.Executive Order 13175—Consultation
during the second year,total paperwork and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Background.We have deleted the cost burden will decrease by about Governments
reference to SIC and substituted a $60.21 million and beginning in the On November 6,2000,the President
reference to NAICS. third year following the rulemaking,the issued Executive Order 13175(65 FR
VI.Summary of Supporting Analyses total paperwork cost burden to all 67249)entitled,"Consultation and
A.
regulated facilities will decrease by Coordination with Indian Tribal
A.Executive Order 12866—OMB Review about$45.03 million.The result is an Governments."Executive Order 13175
Under Executive Order 12866,(58 FR aggregate cost savings of about$7.56 took effect on January 6,2001,and
51735,October 4,1993),the Agency million during the first year,$89.69 revokes Executive Order 13084 (Tribal
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47137
• Consultation)as of that date.EPA supply,distribution,or use of energy. facilities are small facilities,and of
developed this final rule,however, The overall effect of the rule is to those,nearly 27,700 are small farms.
under the period when EO 13084 was in decrease the regulatory burden on This rulemaking will increase
effect;thus,EPA addressed tribal facility owners or operators subject to its information collection burden for most
considerations under EO 13084. provisions. facilities in the first year by
Today's rule does not significantly or approximately 0.75 million hours due
uniquely affect communities of Indian G.Regulatory Flexibility Act(R.F.A.)as
9 Y principally to the estimated burden each
tribalgovernments.Overall,the rule amended by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of facility will incur to read and
significantly reduces the regulatory 1996(SBREFA),5 U.S.C.601 et seq. understand the changes that we are
burden,and the few burden increases in making to the rule.However,the rule
the rule do not uniquely affect Indian The R.F.A.generally requires an will also reduce the overall annual
tribal governments. agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility information collection burden by nearly
Nevertheless,we consulted with a analysis of any rule subject to notice 1.59 million hours a year in the second
representative organization of tribal and comment rulemaking requirements year and over 1.18 million hours a year
groups,the Tribal Association on Solid under the Administrative Procedure Act in the third year of the information
Waste and Emergency Response.That or any other statute unless the agency collection request,much of that for the
organization did not provide us with certifies that the rule will not have a small facilities that make up the large
any comments. significant economic impact on a majority of our regulated universe.
E.Executive Order 13132—Federalism substantial number of small entities. Further,the rule will reduce costs for
Small entities include small businesses, both existing and new facilities.
Executive Order 13132,entitled small organizations,and small Information collection and other
"Federalism"(64 FR 43255,August 10, governmental jurisdictions. provisions in the final rule that affect
1999),requires EPA to develop an For purposes of assessing the impacts capital costs are expected to yield cost
accountable process to ensure of today's rule on small entities,small savings of about$7.56 million during
"meaningful and timely input by State entity is defined as:(1)A small business the first year,$89.69 million during the
and local officials in the development of as defined in the Small Business second year and$74.51 million during
regulatory policies that have federalism Administration's(SBA)regulations at 13 subsequent years.The rule also gives all
implications.""Policies that have CFR 121.201—the SBA defines small facilities greater flexibility in
federalism implications"is defined in businesses by category of business using recordkeeping and other paperwork
the Executive Order to include North American Industry Classification requirements.Finally,§112.7(a)(2)of
regulations that have"substantial direct System(NAICS)codes,and in the case the rule gives small businesses and all
effects on the States,on the relationship of farms and production facilities, other facilities the flexibility to use
. between the national government and which constitute a large percentage of
the facilities affected by this rule, alternative methods to comply with the
the States,or on the distribution of requirements of the rule if the facility
power and responsibilities among the generally defines small businesses as explains its rationale for
various levels of government." having less than$500,000 in revenues nonconformance and provides
This final rule does not have or 500 employees,respectively;(2)a equivalent environmental protection.
federalism implications.It will not have small governmental jurisdiction that is a We have therefore concluded that
substantial direct effects on the States, government of a city,county,town, today's final rule will relieve regulatory
on the relationship between the national school district or special district with a burden for all small entities.
government and the States,or on the population of less than 50,000;and(3) After considering the economic
distribution of power and a small organization that is any not-for- impacts of today's final rule on small
responsibilities among the various profit enterprise which is independently entities,I certify that this action will not
levels of government,as specified in owned and operated and is not have a significant economic impact on
Executive Order 13132. Under CWA dominant in its field. a substantial number of small entities.
section 311(o),EPA believes that States In determining whether a rule has a
are free to impose additional significant economic impact on a H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
requirements,including more stringent substantial number of small entities,the Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
requirements,relating to the prevention impact of concern is any significant Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA),Pub.L.
of oil discharges to navigable waters.In adverse economic impact on small 104-4,establishes requirements for
proposing modifications to the SPCC entities,since the primary purpose of Federal agencies to assess the effects of
rule,EPA encouraged States to the regulatory flexibility analyses is to their regulatory actions on State,local,
supplement the federal SPCC program identify and address regulatory and tribal governments and the private
and recognized that some States have alternatives"which minimize any sector.Under section 202 of UMRA,
more stringent requirements. 56 FR significant economic impact of the EPA generally must prepare a written
54612 (Oct. 22,1991).This rule does not proposed rule on small entities."5 statement,including a cost-benefit
preempt state law or regulations.Thus, U.S.C.603 and 604.Thus,an agency analysis,for proposed and final rules
Executive Order 13132 does not apply may certify that a rule will not have a with"Federal mandates"that may
to this rule. significant economic impact on a result in expenditures to State,local,
substantial number of small entities if and tribal governments,in the aggregate,
F.Executive Order 13211—Energy the rule relieves regulatory burden,or or to the private sector,of$100 million
Effects otherwise has a positive economic effect or more in any one year.Before
This rule is not a"significant energy on all of the small entities subject to the promulgating an EPA rule for which a
action"as defined in Executive Order rule.This rule will significantly reduce written statement is needed,section 205
13211,"Actions Concerning Regulations regulatory burden on all facilities, of UMRA generally requires EPA to
• That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, particularly small facilities.For identify and consider a reasonable
Distribution,or Use"(66 FR 28355,May example,the rule exempts number of regulatory alternatives and
22,2001)because it is not likely to have approximately 55,000 facilities from its adopt the least costly,most cost-
a significant adverse effect on the scope.Approximately 41,300 of those effective or least burdensome alternative
47138 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
that achieves the objectives of the rule. The rule also gives all facilities greater specifications,and inspection•
The provisions of section 205 do not flexibility in recordkeeping and other requirements.EPA reviews SPCC Plans:
apply when they are inconsistent with paperwork requirements.Finally, (1)when it requests a facility to submit
applicable law.Moreover,section 205 §112.7(a)(2)of the rule gives small a Plan after certain oil discharges or to
allows EPA to adopt an alternative other businesses and all other facilities the evaluate an extension request;and,(2)
than the least costly,most-effective or flexibility to use alternate methods to as part of EPA's inspection program.
least burdensome alternative if the comply with the requirements of the Note that the final rule eliminates the
Administrator publishes with the final rule if the facility explains its rationale previous requirement to submit the
rule an explanation why that alternative for nonconformance and describes its entire Plan after certain discharges,and
was not adopted. method of equivalent environmental merely retains the requirement that it be
Before EPA establishes any regulatory protection.Thus,today's rule is not maintained at the facility unless EPA
requirements that may significantly or subject to the requirements of sections requests a copy.State and local
uniquely affect small governments, 202 and 205 of the UMRA. governments also use the data,which
including tribal governments,it must In developing this rule,EPA are not necessarily available elsewhere
have developed under section 203 of nevertheless consulted with and can greatly assist local emergency
UMRA a small government agency plan. representative organizations of State, preparedness efforts.Preparation of the
The plan must provide for notifying local,and tribal governments.The information for affected facilities is
potentially affected small governments, representative organizations were the required under section 311(j)(l)of the
enabling officials of affected small Environmental Council of the States,the Act as implemented by 40 CFR part 112.
governments to have meaningful and National Association of Counties,and In the absence of this final
timely input in the development of EPA the Tribal Association on Solid Waste rulemaking,EPA estimates that 469,274
regulatory proposals with significant and Emergency Response.None of those facilities would have been subject to the
Federal intergovernmental mandates, organizations provided us with any rule in the first year and would have
and informing,educating,and advising comments.However,numerous States already prepared SPCC Plans.In
small governments on compliance with and local governments did comment on addition,EPA estimates that
the regulatory requirements. the rule proposals in all three proposed approximately 4,700 new facilities
EPA has determined that this rule rulemakings.Those commenters would have become subject to the
does not contain a Federal mandate that submitted a wide variety of comments. requirements of the rule annually.EPA
may result in expenditures of$100 EPA responses to those comments may also estimates that,in the absence of
million or more for State,local,and be found in this document and in the this rulemaking,the average annual
tribal governments,in the aggregate,or Comment Response Documents. public reporting and recordkeeping
the private sector in any one year. EPA has determined that this rule burden for this collection of information
• Overall,the rule reduces burden and contains no regulatory requirements that for existing and newly regulated
costs on all facilities.After the first and might significantly or uniquely affect facilities would have ranged between
second year,the rule is expected to small governments.As explained above, 4.9 to 13.8 hours and 39.4 to 100.4
reduce the information collection the overall effect of the rule will be to hours,respectively,depending on
burden by over 1.3 million hours reduce burden and costs for regulated facility characteristics(e.g.,storage
annually. facilities,including small governments capacity).
Approximately 55,000 facilities will that are subject to the rule. Through this rulemaking,we expect
no longer be subject to the SPCC rule. 7 Paperwork Reduction Act to reduce both the number of regulated
Of these facilities,EPA estimates that P facilities,as well as the average annual
approximately 3,500 existing facilities The Office of Management and Budget burden for facilities that remain
will no longer be required to maintain (OMB)has approved the information regulated.The number of regulated
SPCC plans,due to the exemption for collection requirements contained in facilities will be reduced by
certain wastewater treatment systems. this rule under the provisions of the approximately 55,000.The average
Other revisions are expected to exempt Paperwork Reduction Act,44 U.S.C. annual public reporting for facilities
approximately 51,400 additional 3501 et seq.and has assigned OMB already regulated by the Oil Pollution
facilities 39,623 small facilities control number 2050-0021. Prevention regulation is estimated to
(including 27,700 small farms).The EPA does not collect the information range between 8.6 and 12.2 hours,while
exemption for completely buried required by SPCC regulation on a the burden for newly regulated facilities
containers will result in approximately routine basis.SPCC Plans ordinarily is estimated to range between 35.1 and
14,000 facilities no longer subject to the need not be submitted to EPA,but must 65.2 hours as a result of this rulemaking.
rule,and 37,000 more facilities with generally be maintained at the facility. These average annual burden estimates
some partial information collection Preparation,implementation,and take into account the varied frequencies
reduction.Further,EPA estimates maintenance of an SPCC Plan by the of response for individual facilities
Information collection and capital costs facility helps prevent oil discharges,and according to characteristics specific to
are expected to decrease by over$74.25 mitigates the environmental damage those facilities,including the frequency
million a year in the third year of the caused by such discharges.Therefore, of oil discharges and facility
SPCC information collection request.In the primary user of the data is the modification,but exclude the
addition to these SPCC-related impacts, facility.While EPA may,from time to anticipated burden facilities may incur
this rulemaking is estimated to result in time,request information under these in the first year to read and understand
cost savings for as many as 35 facilities regulations,such requests are not the changes we are making to the rule.
that are expected to no longer require routine. Under the final rule,an estimated
facility response plans due to the Although the facility is the primary 419,033 existing and newly regulated
wastewater treatment system data user,EPA also uses the data in facilities will be subject to the SPCC
• exemption.The result of the changes to certain situations.EPA primarily uses information collection requirements of
the scope of the FRP information SPCC Plan data to ensure that facilities this rule during the first year of the
collection requirements is a cost savings comply with the regulation.This information collection period.The net
of approximately$0.23 million per year. includes design and operation annualized capital and start-up costs for
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47139
• the SPCC information collection portion requirement must submit their plans to consensus standards are technical
of the rule average$740,000 and net EPA.In turn,we review and approve standards such as materials
annualized labor and operation and plans submitted by facilities identified specifications,test methods,sampling
maintenance costs are estimated to be as"significant and substantial harm"to procedures,and business practices that
$93.00 million for all of these facilities the environment from oil discharges. are developed or adopted by voluntary
combined. Other facilities are not required to consensus standards bodies.The
The information collection burden of prepare FRPs but are required to NTTAA directs EPA to provide
the SPCC rule prior to this rulemaking document their determination that they Congress,through OMB,explanations
averaged 2,828,150 hours per year. do not meet the"substantial harm" when the Agency decides not to use
Under this final rule,the annual average criteria. available and applicable voluntary
burden over the next three-year ICR Prior to this rulemaking,EPA consensus standards.
period is estimated to be 2,208,701 estimated that it requires between 99 This rulemaking involves technical
hours,resulting in a 22 percent average and 132 hours for facility personnel in standards.Throughout today's
reduction.This rulemaking will a large facility(i.e.,total storage capacity preamble,EPA has emphasized that
increase burden for most facilities in the greater than] million gallons)and owners or operators of facilities should
first year(totaling approximately 3.6 between 26 and 46 hours for personnel use applicable industry standards in
million hours)due principally to the in a medium facility(i.e.,total storage performing tests,inspections,and in
estimated burden each facility will capacity greater than 42,000 gallons and monitoring.Section 112.3(d)provides
incur to read and understand the less than or equal to] million gallons) that a Professional Engineer must certify
changes that we are making to the rule. to comply with the annual,subsequent- that the SPCC Plan has been prepared in
The first-year burden also includes the year reporting and recordkeeping accordance with good engineering
additional need for certain facilities to requirements of the FRP rule.We have practice,including consideration of
amend and certify their SPCC plans to also estimated that prior to this applicable industry standards.We are
exclude wastewater treatment volumes rulemaking newly regulated large and providing examples of specific
from their oil storage capacity.Second medium facilities will require between standards in today's preamble.
year burden is expected to total 253 and 293 hours and 109 and 142 However,due to the wide variety of
approximately 1.3 million hours.In hours,respectively,to prepare a plan in facilities the rule involves,few
subsequent years,we estimate that the the first year.In the absence of this standards would be applicable to all
overall burden will be approximately rulemaking,EPA estimates that the total regulated facilities.Also,those
1.7 million hours annually,representing number FRP facilities affected in the standards change over time.Therefore,
a nearly 40 percent reduction versus the first year would have been 6,000 we are not incorporating those
average annual burden from the existing and 70 new facilities.Through standards into rule text.
. previous information collection period. this rulemaking the estimated number of
Burden means the total time,effort,or facilities required to maintain FRPs is K.Congressional Review Act
financial resources expended by persons reduced to 5,965 and the number of new The Congressional Review Act,5
to generate,maintain,retain,or disclose facilities that will be required to prepare U.S.C.801 et seq.,as added by the Small
or provide information to or for a and submit FRP plans is reduced to 64 Business Regulatory Enforcement
Federal agency.This includes the time facilities.This reduction in the number Fairness Act of 1996,generally provides
needed to review instructions;develop, of facilities required to prepare,submit, that before a rule may take effect,the
acquire,install,and utilize technology and/or maintain an FRP would result in agency promulgating the rule must
and systems for the purposes of an average annual information submit a rule report,which includes a
collecting,validating,and verifying collection burden reduction of 8,513 copy of the rule,to each House of
information,processing and hours a year(624,252 to 615,739 hours). Congress and to the Comptroller General
maintaining information,and disclosing An Agency may not conduct or of the United States.EPA has submitted
and providing information;adjust the sponsor,and a person is not required to a report containing this rule and other
existing ways to comply with any respond to a collection of information required information to the U.S.Senate,
previously applicable instructions and unless it displays a currently valid OMB the U.S. House of Representatives,and
requirements;train personnel to be able control number.The OMB control the Comptroller General of the United
to respond to a collection of numbers for EPA's regulations are listed States prior to publication of the rule in
information;search data sources; in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter the Federal Register.This action is not
complete and review the collection of 15.EPA is amending the table in 40 CFR a "major rule"as defined by 5 U.S.C.
information;and transmit or otherwise part 9 of currently approved ICR control 804(2).This rule will be effective
disclose the information. numbers issued by OMB for various August 16,2002.
In addition to reducing the regulations to list the information
information collection burden of SPCC requirements contained in this final List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 112
facilities,this final rule also affects the rule. Environmental protection,Fire
number of facilities that require an FRP. J.National Technology Transfer and prevention,Flammable materials,
The FRP rule(40 CFR 112.20-21) Advancement Act Materials handling and storage,Oil
requires that owners or operators of pollution,Oil spill prevention,Oil spill
facilities that could cause"substantial As noted in the December 7,1997, response,Penalties,Petroleum,
harm"to the environment by proposed rule,section 12(d)of the Reporting and recordkeeping
discharging oil into navigable waters or National Technology Transfer and requirements,Tanks,Water pollution
adjoining shorelines prepare plans for Advancement Act of 1995 ("NTTAA"). control,Water resources.
responding,to the maximum extent Pub.L. 104-113,section 12(d)(15
practicable,to a worst case discharge of U.S.C.272 note)directs EPA to use Dated:June 26,2002.
• oil,to a substantial threat of such a voluntary consensus standards in its Christine Todd Whitman,
discharge,and,as appropriate,to regulatory activities unless to do so Administrator.
discharges smaller than worst case would be inconsistent with applicable For the reasons set out in the
discharges.All facilities subject to this law or otherwise impractical.Voluntary preamble,title 40 CFR,chapter I,part
47140 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• 112 of the Code of Federal Regulations, processing,refining,transferring, Understanding between the Secretary of
is amended as follows: distributing,using,or consuming oil Transportation and the Administrator of
and oil products,which due to its EPA,dated November 24,1971
PART 112-0IL POLLUTION location,could reasonably be expected (Appendix A of this part).
PREVENTION to discharge oil in quantities that may (iii)Any equipment,or operation of a
1.The authority for part 112 be harmful,as described in part 110 of vessel or onshore or offshore facility
continues to read as follows: this chapter,into or upon the navigable which is subject to the authority and
waters of the United States or adjoining control of the U.S.Department of
Authority:33 U.S.C.1251 et seq.;33 U.S.C shorelines,or into or upon the waters of Transportation or the U.S.Department
2720;E.O.12777(October 18,1991),3 CFR, the contiguous zone,or in connection of the Interior,as defined in the
1991 Comp.,p.351.
with activities under the Outer Memorandum of Understanding
2.Part 112 is amended by designating Continental Shelf Lands Act or the between the Secretary of Transportation,
§§112.1 through 112.7 as subpart A, Deepwater Port Act of 1974,or that may the Secretary of the Interior,and the
adding a subpart heading and revising affect natural resources belonging to, Administrator of EPA,dated November
newly designated subpart A to read as appertaining to,or under the exclusive 8,1993 (Appendix B of this part).
follows: management authority of the United (2)Any facility which,although
Subpart A—Applicability,Definitions,and
States(including resources under the otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of
General Requirements For All Facilities and Magnuson Fishery Conservation and EPA,meets both of the following
All Types of Oils Management Act)that has oil in: requirements:
(1)Any aboveground container; (i)The completely buried storage
Sec.
112.1 General applicability. (2)Any completely buried tank as capacity of the facility is 42,000 gallons
112.2 Definitions. defined in §112.2; or less of oil.For purposes of this
112.3 Requirement to prepare and (3)Any container that is used for exemption,the completely buried
implement a Spill Prevention,Control, standby storage,for seasonal storage,or storage capacity of a facility excludes
and Countermeasure Plan. for temporary storage,or not otherwise the capacity of a completely buried
112.4 Amendment of Spill Prevention, "permanently closed"as defined in tank,as defined in§112.2,and
Control,and Countermeasure Plan by §112.2; connected underground piping,
Regional Administrator. (4)Any "bunkered tank"or"partially underground ancillary equipment,and
112.5 Amendment of Spill Prevention, buried tank"as defined in§112.2,or containment systems,that is currently
Control,and Countermeasure Plan by any container in a vault,each of which subject to all of the technical
owners or operators. is considered an aboveground storage requirements of part 280 of this chapter
112.6 [Reserved]. container for purposes of this part. or all of the technical requirements of a
112.7 General requirements for Spill
•
Prevention,Control,and (c)As provided in section 313 of the State program approved under part 281
Countermeasure Plans. Clean Water Act(CWA),departments, of this chapter.The completely buried
agencies,and instrumentalities of the storage capacity of a facility also
Subpart A—Applicability,Definitions, Federal government are subject to this excludes the capacity of a container that
and General Requirements for All part to the same extent as any person. is"permanently closed,"as defined in
Facilities and All Types of Oils (d)Except as provided in paragraph §112.2.
(f)of this section,this part does not (ii)The aggregate aboveground storage
§112.1 General applicability. apply to: capacity of the facility is 1,320 gallons
(a)(1)This part establishes (1)The owner or operator of any or less of oil.For purposes of this
procedures,methods,equipment,and facility,equipment,or operation that is exemption,only containers of oil with
other requirements to prevent the not subject to the jurisdiction of the a capacity of 55 gallons or greater are
discharge of oil from non- Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) counted.The aggregate aboveground
transportation-related onshore and under section 311(j)(1)(C)of the CWA, storage capacity of a facility excludes
offshore facilities into or upon the as follows: the capacity of a container that is
navigable waters of the United States or (i)Any onshore or offshore facility, "permanently closed,"as defined in
adjoining shorelines,or into or upon the that due to its location,could not §112.2.
waters of the contiguous zone,or in reasonably be expected to have a (3)Any offshore oil drilling,
connection with activities under the discharge as described in paragraph(b) production,or workover facility that is
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or of this section.This determination must subject to the notices and regulations of
the Deepwater Port Act of 1974,or that be based solely upon consideration of the Minerals Management Service,as
may affect natural resources belonging the geographical and location aspects of specified in the Memorandum of
to,appertaining to,or under the the facility(such as proximity to Understanding between the Secretary of
exclusive management authority of the navigable waters or adjoining Transportation,the Secretary of the
United States(including resources shorelines,land contour,drainage,etc.) Interior,and the Administrator of EPA,
under the Magnuson Fishery and must exclude consideration of dated November 8, 1993 (Appendix B of
Conservation and Management Act). manmade features such as dikes, this part).
(2)As used in this part,words in the equipment or other structures,which (4)Any completely buried storage
singular also include the plural and may serve to restrain,hinder,contain,or tank,as defined in§112.2,and
words in the masculine gender also otherwise prevent a discharge as connected underground piping,
include the feminine and vice versa,as described in paragraph(b)of this underground ancillary equipment,and
the case may require. section. containment systems,at any facility,
(b)Except as provided in paragraph (ii)Any equipment,or operation of a that is subject to all of the technical
(d)of this section,this part applies to vessel or transportation-related onshore requirements of part 280 of this chapter
• any owner or operator of a non- or offshore facility which is subject to or a State program approved under part
transportation-related onshore or the authority and control of the U.S. 281 of this chapter,except that such a
offshore facility engaged in drilling, Department of Transportation,as tank must be marked on the facility
producing,gathering,storing, defined in the Memorandum of diagram as provided in§112.7(a)(3),if
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47141
• the facility is otherwise subject to this whether the owner or operator is (as appropriate),ice conditions,
part. required to prepare and implement an temperatures,weather-related visibility,
(5)Any container with a storage SPCC Plan,or applicable part.The and currents within the area in which
capacity of less than 55 gallons of oil. Regional Administrator must send the the systems or equipment is intended to
`6)Any facility or part thereof used final determination to the owner or function.
exclusively for wastewater treatment operator by certified mail or by personal Alteration means any work on a
and not used to satisfy any requirement delivery.If the owner or operator is a container involving cutting,burning,
of this part.The production,recovery, corporation,the Regional Administrator welding,or heating operations that
or recycling of oil is not wastewater must also mail a copy of the final changes the physical dimensions or
treatment for purposes of this determination to the registered agent,if configuration of the container.
paragraph. any and if known,of the corporation in Animal fat means a non-petroleum
(e)This part establishes requirements the State where the facility is located. oil,fat,or grease of animal,fish,or
for the preparation and implementation (4)If the Regional Administrator marine mammal origin.
of Spill Prevention,Control,and makes a final determination that an
Countermeasure(SPCC)Plans.SPCC Breakoutsurges tank means a copiner used
SPCC Plan,or applicable part,is to relieve in an oil pipeline
Plans are designed to complement necessary,the owner or operator must system or to receive and store oil
existing laws,regulations,rules, prepare the Plan,or applicable part,
standards,policies,and procedures within six months of that final and continued by a pprta for reinjection
and transportation by
pertaining to safety standards,fire determination and implement the Plan, pipeline.
prevention,and pollution prevention or applicable part,as soon as possible, Bulk storage container means any
rules.The purpose of an SPCC Plan is but not later than one year after the container used to store oil.These
to form a comprehensive Federal/State Regional Administrator has made a final
spillprevention program that minimizes containers un , are u ot limited for purposes
the
P g determination. including,but not to,the storage
the potential for discharges.The SPCC (5)The owner or operator may appeal of oil prior to use,while being used,or
Plan must address all relevant spill a final determination made by the prior to further distribution in
prevention,control,and Regional Administrator requiring commerce.Oil-filled electrical,
countermeasures necessary at the preparation and implementation of an operating,or manufacturing equipment
specific facility.Compliance with this SPCC Plan,or applicable part,under is not a bulk storage container.
part does not in any way relieve the this paragraph.The owner or operator Bunkered tank means a container
owner or operator of an onshore or an must make the appeal to the constructed or placed in the ground by
offshore facility from compliance with Administrator of EPA within 30 days of cutting the earth and re-covering the
other Federal,State,or local laws. receipt of the final determination under container in a manner that breaks the
• (f)Notwithstanding paragraph (d)of paragraph(b)(3)of this section from the
this section,the Regional Administrator Regional Administrator requiring surrounding natural grade,or that lies
may require that the owner or operator preparation and/or implementation of above grade,and is covered with earth,
of any facility subject to the jurisdiction an SPCC Plan,or applicable part.The sand,gravel,asphalt,or other material.
of EPA under section 3110)of the CWA owner or operator must send a complete A bunkered tank is considered an
and implement an SPCC Plan, aboveground storage container for
prepare P copy of the appeal to the Regional of this part.
or any applicable part,to carry out the Administrator at the time he makes the purposes
purposes of the CWA. appeal to the Administrator.The appeal Completely buried tank means any
(1)Following a preliminary must contain a clear and concise container completely below grade and
determination,the Regional statement of the issues and points of fact covered with earth,sand,gravel,
Administrator must provide a written in the case.In the appeal,the owner or asphalt,or other material.Containers in
notice to the owner or operator stating operator may also provide additional vaults,bunkered tanks,or partially
the reasons why he must prepare an information.The additional information buried tanks are considered
SPCC Plan,or applicable part.The may be from any person.The aboveground storage containers for
Regional Administrator must send such Administrator may request additional purposes of this part.
notice to the owner or operator by information from the owner or operator. Complex means a facility possessing a
certified mail or by personal delivery.If The Administrator must render a combination of transportation-related
the owner or operator is a corporation, decision within 60 days of receiving the and non-transportation-related
the Regional Administrator must also appeal or additional information components that is subject to the
mail a copy of such notice to the submitted by the owner or operator and jurisdiction of more than one Federal
registered agent,if any and if known,of must serve the owner or operator with agency under section 311(j)of the CWA.
the corporation in the State where the the decision made in the appeal in the Contiguous zone means the zone
facility is located. manner described in paragraph(f)(1)of established by the United States under
(2)Within 30 days of receipt of such this section. Article 24 of the Convention of the
written notice,the owner or operator Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone,
may provide information and data and §112.2 Definitions. that is contiguous to the territorial sea
may consult with the Agency about the For the purposes of this part: and that extends nine miles seaward
need to prepare an SPCC Plan,or Adverse weather means weather from the outer limit of the territorial
applicable part. conditions that make it difficult for area.
(3)Within 30 days following the time response equipment and personnel to Contract or other approved means
under paragraph (b)(2)of this section clean up or remove spilled oil,and that means:
within which the owner or operator may must be considered when identifying (1)A written contractual agreement
provide information and data and response systems and equipment in a with an oil spill removal organization
• consult with the Agency about the need response plan for the applicable that identifies and ensures the
to prepare an SPCC Plan,or applicable operating environment.Factors to availability of the necessary personnel
part,the Regional Administrator must consider include significant wave height and equipment within appropriate
make a final determination regarding as specified in Appendix E to this part response times;and/or
47142 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• (2)A written certification by the reserves,conservation areas,preserves, (v)Tributaries of waters identified in
owner or operator that the necessary wildlife areas,wildlife refuges,wild and paragraphs(1)(i)through(iv)of this
personnel and equipment resources, scenic rivers,recreational areas, definition;
owned or operated by the facility owner national forests,Federal and State lands (vi)The territorial sea;and
or operator,are available to respond to that are research national areas,heritage (vii)Wetlands adjacent to waters
a discharge within appropriate response program areas,land trust areas,and (other than waters that are themselves
times;and/or historical and archaeological sites and wetlands)identified in paragraph(1)of
(3)Active membership in a local or parks.These areas may also include this definition.
regional oil spill removal organization unique habitats such as aquaculture (2)Waste treatment systems,
that has identified and ensures adequate sites and agricultural surface water including treatment ponds or lagoons
access through such membership to intakes,bird nesting areas,critical designed to meet the requirements of
necessary personnel and equipment to biological resource areas,designated the CWA(other than cooling ponds
respond to a discharge within migratory routes,and designated which also meet the criteria of this
appropriate response times in the seasonal habitats. definition)are not waters of the United
specified geographic area;and/or Injury means a measurable adverse States.Navigable waters do not include
(4)Any other specific arrangement change,either long-or short-term,in the prior converted cropland.
approved by the Regional Administrator chemical or physical quality or the Notwithstanding the determination of
upon request of the owner or operator. viability of a natural resource resulting an area's status as prior converted
Discharge includes,but is not limited either directly or indirectly from cropland by any other Federal agency,
to,any spilling,leaking,pumping, exposure to a discharge,or exposure to for the purposes of the CWA,the final
pouring,emitting,emptying,or a product of reactions resulting from a authority regarding CWA jurisdiction
dumping of oil,but excludes discharges discharge. remains with EPA.
in compliance with a permit under Maximum extent practicable means Non-petroleum oil means oil of any
section 402 of the CWA;discharges within the limitations used to determine kind that is not petroleum-based,
resulting from circumstances identified, oil spill planning resources and including but not limited to:Fats,oils,
reviewed,and made a part of the public and greases of animal,fish,or marine
record with respect to apermit issued response times for on-water recovery,
P shoreline protection,and cleanup for
or modified under section 402 of the mammal origin;and vegetable oils,
worst case discharges from onshore non-
. including oils from seeds,nuts,fruits,
CWA,and subject to a condition in such transportaton-related facilities in
permit;or continuous or anticipated and kernels.
adverse weather.It includes the planned Offshore facility means any facility of
intermittent discharges from a point any kind (other than a vessel or public
capability to respond to a worst case
source,identified in a permit or permit discharge in adverse weather,as vessel)located in,on,or under any of
• application under section 402 of the the navigable waters of the United
CWA,that are caused by events contained in a response plan that meets
occurring within the scope of relevant the requirements in§112.20 or in a States,and any facility of any kind that
P is subject to the jurisdiction of the
operating or treatments stems.For specific plan approved by the Regional
P g Y United States and is located in,on,or
of this part,the term discharge Administrator.
purposes g Navi able waters means the waters of under any other waters.
shall not include any discharge of oil B Oil means oil of any kind or in any
that is authorized by a permit issued the United States,including the form,including,but not limited to:fats,
under section 13 of the River and territorial seas.
Harbor Act of 1899(33 U.S.C.407). (1)The term includes: oils,or greases of animal,fish,or marine
mammal origin;vegetable oils,
Facility means any mobile or fixed, (i)All waters that are currently used, including oils from seeds,nuts,fruits,or
onshore or offshore building,structure, were used in the past,or may be kernels;and,other oils and greases,
installation,equipment,pipe,or susceptible to use in interstate or foreign including petroleum,fuel oil,sludge,
pipeline(other than a vessel or a public commerce,including all waters subject synthetic oils,mineral oils,oil refuse,or
vessel)used in oil well drilling to the ebb and flow of the tide; oil mixed with wastes other than
operations,oil production,oil refining, (ii)All interstate waters,including dredged spoil.
oil storage,oil gathering,oil processing, interstate wetlands; Oil Spill Removal Organization means
oil transfer,oil distribution,and waste (iii)All other waters such as intrastate an entity that provides oil spill response
treatment,or in which oil is used,as lakes,rivers,streams(including resources,and includes any for-profit or
described in Appendix A to this part. intermittent streams),mudflats, not-for-profit contractor,cooperative,or
The boundaries of a facility depend on sandflats,wetlands,sloughs,prairie in-house response resources that have
several site-specific factors,including, potholes,wet meadows,playa lakes,or been established in a geographic area to
but not limited to,the ownership or natural ponds,the use,degradation,or provide required response resources.
operation of buildings,structures,and destruction of which could affect Onshore facility means any facility of
equipment on the same site and the interstate or foreign commerce any kind located in,on,or under any
types of activity at the site. including any such waters: land within the United States,other
Fish and wildlife and sensitive (A)That are or could be used by than submerged lands.
environments means areas that may be interstate or foreign travelers for Owner or operator means any person
identified by their legal designation or recreational or other purposes;or owning or operating an onshore facility
by evaluations of Area Committees(for (B)From which fish or shellfish are or or an offshore facility,and in the case
planning)or members of the Federal could be taken and sold in interstate or of any abandoned offshore facility,the
On-Scene Coordinator's spill response foreign commerce;or, person who owned or operated or
structure(during responses).These (C)That are or could be used for maintained the facility immediately
areas may include wetlands,National industrial purposes by industries in prior to such abandonment.
• and State parks,critical habitats for interstate commerce; Partially buried tank means a storage
endangered or threatened species, (iv)All impoundments of waters container that is partially inserted or
wilderness and natural resource areas, otherwise defined as waters of the constructed in the ground,but not
marine sanctuaries and estuarine United States under this section; entirely below grade,and not
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47143
. completely covered with earth,sand, November 24, 1971,(Appendix A of this 2003,and could reasonably be expected
gravel,asphalt,or other material.A part). to have a discharge as described in
partially buried tank is considered an United States means the States,the §112.1(6),you must prepare and
aboveground storage container for District of Columbia,the implement a Plan before you begin
purposes of this part. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,the operations.
Permanently closed means any Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana (c)If you are the owner or operator of
container or facility for which: Islands,Guam,American Samoa,the an onshore or offshore mobile facility,
(1)All liquid and sludge has been U.S.Virgin Islands,and the Pacific such as an onshore drilling or workover
removed from each container and Island Governments. rig,barge mounted offshore drilling or
connecting line;and Vegetable oil means a non-petroleum workover rig,or portable fueling facility,
(2)All connecting lines and piping oil or fat of vegetable origin,including you must prepare,implement,and
have been disconnected from the but not limited to oils and fats derived maintain a facility Plan as required by
container and blanked off,all valves from plant seeds,nuts,fruits,and this section.This provision does not
(except for ventilation valves)have been kernels. require that you prepare a new Plan
closed and locked,and conspicuous Vessel means every description of each time you move the facility to a new
signs have been posted on each watercraft or other artificial contrivance site.The Plan may be a general plan.
container stating that it is a permanently used,or capable of being used,as a When you move the mobile or portable
closed container and noting the date of means of transportation on water,other facility,you must locate and install it
closure. than a public vessel. using the discharge prevention practices
Person includes an individual,firm, Wetlands means those areas that are outlined in the Plan for the facility.You
inundated or saturated by surface or may not operate a mobile or portable
corporation,association,or partnership.
Petroleum oil means petroleum in any groundwater at a frequency or duration facility subject to this part unless you
form,including but not limited to crude sufficient to support,and that under have implemented the Plan.The Plan is
oil,fuel oil,mineral oil,sludge,oil normal circumstances do support,a applicable only while the facility is in
refuse,and refined products. prevalence of vegetation typically a fixed (non-transportation)operating
Production facility means all adapted for life in saturated soil mode.
structures(including but not limited to conditions.Wetlands generally include (d)A licensed Professional Engineer
wells,platforms,or storage facilities), playa lakes,swamps,marshes,bogs,and must review and certify a Plan for it to
piping(including but not limited to similar areas such as sloughs,prairie be effective to satisfy the requirements
flowlines or gathering lines),or potholes,wet meadows,prairie river of this part.
equipment(including but not limited to overflows,mudflats,and natural ponds. (1)By means of this certification the
workover equipment,separation Worst case discharge for an onshore Professional Engineer attests:
•
equipment,or auxiliary non- non-transportation-related facility (i)That he is familiar with the
transportation-related equipment)used means the largest foreseeable discharge requirements of this part;
in the production,extraction,recovery, in adverse weather conditions as (ii)That he or his agent has visited
lifting,stabilization,separation or determined using the worksheets in and examined the facility;
treating of oil,or associated storage or Appendix D to this part. (iii)That the Plan has been prepared
measurement,and located in a single in accordance with good engineering
g §112.3 Requirement to prepare and practice,including consideration of
geographical oil or gas field operated by implement a Spill Prevention,Control,and
a applicable industry standards,and with
single operator. Countermeasure Plan.
Regional Administrator means the The owner or operator of an onshore the requirementsThprocedures f fs part;
Regional Administrator of the P (iv)That ntesting(have nd
g or offshore facility subject to this section inspections and have been
Environmental Protection Agency,in must prepare a Spill Prevention, established;and
and for the Region in which the facility Control,and Countermeasure Plan
is located. (hereafter"SPCC Plan"or"Plan),"in (v)That the Plan is adequate for the
Re air means any work necessary to ) facility.
P writing,and in accordance with§112.7, (2)Such certification shall in no way
maintain or restore a container to a and any other applicable section of this relieve the owner or operator of a
condition suitable for safe operation, part. facility of his duty to prepare and fully
other than that necessary for ordinary, (a)If your onshore or offshore facility implement such Plan in accordance
day-to-day maintenance to maintain the was in operation on or before August 16, with the requirements of this part.
functional integrity of the container and 2002,you must maintain your Plan,but (e)If you are the owner or operator of
that does not weaken the container, must amend it,if necessary to ensure a facility for which a Plan is required
Spill Prevention,Control,and compliance with this part,on or before under this section,you must:
Countermeasure Plan;SPCC Plan,or February 17,2003,and must implement (1)Maintain a complete copy of the
Plan means the document required by the amended Plan as soon as possible, Plan at the facility if the facility is
§112.3 that details the equipment, but not later than August 18,2003.If normally attended at least four hours
workforce,procedures,and steps to your onshore or offshore facility per day,or at the nearest field office if
prevent,control,and provide adequate becomes operational after August 16, the facility is not so attended,and
countermeasures to a discharge. 2002,through August 18,2003,and (2)Have the Plan available to the
Storage capacity of a container means could reasonably be expected to have a Regional Administrator for on-site
the shell capacity of the container. discharge as described in§112.1(6),you review during normal working hours.
Transportation-related and non- must prepare a Plan on or before August (0 Extension of time.(I)The Regional
transportation-related,as applied to an 18,2003,and fully implement it as soon Administrator may authorize an
onshore or offshore facility,are defined as possible,but not later than August extension of time for the preparation
• in the Memorandum of Understanding 18,2003. and full implementation of a Plan,or
between the Secretary of Transportation (b)If you are the owner or operator of any amendment thereto,beyond the
and the Administrator of the an onshore or offshore facility that time permitted for the preparation,
Environmental Protection Agency,dated becomes operational after August 18, implementation,or amendment of a
47144 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Plan under this part,when he finds that (2)Your name; in the State in which the facility is
the owner or operator of a facility (3)Location of the facility; located.The Regional Administrator
subject to this section,cannot fully (4)Maximum storage or handling must specify the terms of such proposed
comply with the requirements as a capacity of the facility and normal daily amendment.Within 30 days from
result of either nonavailability of throughput; receipt of such notice,you may submit
qualified personnel,or delays in (5)Corrective action and written information,views,and
construction or equipment delivery countermeasures you have taken, arguments on the proposed amendment.
beyond the control and without the fault including a description of equipment After considering all relevant material
of such owner or operator or his agents repairs and replacements; presented,the Regional Administrator
or employees. (6)An adequate description of the must either notify you of any
(2)If you are an owner or operator facility,including maps,flow diagrams, amendment required or rescind the
seeking an extension of time under and topographical maps,as necessary; notice.You must amend your Plan as
paragraph(f)(1)of this section,you may (7)The cause of such discharge as required within 30 days after such
submit a written extension request to described in§112.1(b),including a notice,unless the Regional
the Regional Administrator.Your failure analysis of the system or Administrator,for good cause,specifies
request must include: subsystem in which the failure another effective date.You must
(i)A full explanation of the cause for occurred; implement the amended Plan as soon as
any such delay and the specific aspects (8)Additional preventive measures possible,but not later than six months
of the Plan affected by the delay; you have taken or contemplated to after you amend your Plan,unless the
(ii)A full discussion of actions being minimize the possibility of recurrence; Regional Administrator specifies
taken or contemplated to minimize or and another date.
mitigate such delay;and (9)Such other information as the (f)If you appeal a decision made by
(iii)A proposed time schedule for the Regional Administrator may reasonably the Regional Administrator requiring an
implementation of any corrective require pertinent to the Plan or amendment to an SPCC Plan,send the
actions being taken or contemplated, discharge. appeal to the EPA Administrator in
including interim dates for completion (b)Take no action under this section writing within 30 days of receipt of the
of tests or studies,installation and until it applies to your facility.This notice from the Regional Administrator
section does not apply until the
operation of any necessary equipment, requiring the amendment under
or other preventive measures.In expiration of the time permitted for the paragraph(e)of this section.You must
addition you may present additional initial preparation and implementation send a complete copy of the appeal to
oral or written statements in support of of the Plan under§112.3,but not the Regional Administrator at the time
including any amendments to the Plan.
your extension request.• you make the appeal.The appeal must
(3)The submission of a written (c)Send to the appropriate agency or contain a clear and concise statement tof
extension request under paragraph(f)(2) agencies in charge of oil pollution the issues and points of fact in the case.
of this section does not relieve you of control activities in the State in which It may also contain additional
your obligation to comply with the the facility is located a complete copy information from you,or from any other
of all information you provided to the
Admrequirements inistrator
s
s part.The mire strato may request Regional
a copy of Regional under paragraphrequest additional information from
person.The EPA
m
Ri l Administrator
your Plan to evaluate the extension (a)of this section.Upon receipt of the you,or from any other person.The EPA
information such State agency or
request.When the Regional Administrator must render a decision
Administrator authorizes an extension agencies may conduct a review and within 60 days of receiving the appeal
of time for particular equipment or other make recommendations to the Regional and must notify you of his decision.
Administrator as to further procedures,
specific aspects of the Plan,such
methods,equipment,and other §112.5 Amendment of Spill Prevention,
extension does not affect your obligation
to comply with the requirements related requirements necessary to prevent and Control,and Countermeasure Plan by
to other equipment or other specific to contain discharges from your facility. owners or operators.
aspects of the Plan for which the (d)Amend your Plan,if after review If you are the owner or operator of a
Regional Administrator has not by the Regional Administrator of the facility subject to this part,you must:
expressly authorized an extension. information you submit under (a)Amend the SPCC Plan for your
paragraph(a)of this section,or facility in accordance with the general
§112.4 Amendment of Spill Prevention, submission of information to EPA by the requirements in§112.7,and with any
Control,and Countermeasure Plan by State agency under paragraph(c)of this specific section of this part applicable to
Regional Administrator. section,or after on-site review of your your facility,when there is a change in
If you are the owner or operator of a Plan,the Regional Administrator the facility design,construction,
facility subject to this part,you must: requires that you do so.The Regional operation,or maintenance that
(a)Notwithstanding compliance with Administrator may require you to materially affects its potential for a
§112.3,whenever your facility has amend your Plan if he finds that it does discharge as described in§112.1(6).
discharged more than 1,000 U.S.gallons not meet the requirements of this pad or Examples of changes that may require
of oil in a single discharge as described that amendment is necessary to prevent amendment of the Plan include,but are
in§112.1(b),or discharged more than and contain discharges from your not limited to:commissioning or
42 U.S.gallons of oil in each of two facility. decommissioning containers;
discharges as described in§112.1(b), (e)Act in accordance with this replacement,reconstruction,or
occurring within any twelve month paragraph when the Regional movement of containers;reconstruction,
period,submit the following Administrator proposes by certified replacement,or installation of piping
• information to the Regional mail or by personal delivery that you systems;construction or demolition that
Administrator within 60 days from the amend your SPCC Plan.If the owner or might alter secondary containment
time the facility becomes subject to this operator is a corporation,he must also structures;changes of product or
section: notify by mail the registered agent of service;or revision of standard
(1)Name of the facility; such corporation,if any and if known, operation or maintenance procedures at
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47145
• a facility.An amendment made under these items in separate paragraphs,and (iv)Countermeasures for discharge
this section must be prepared within six must explain separately the details of discovery,response,and cleanup(both
months,and implemented as soon as installation and operational start-up.As the facility's capability and those that
possible,but not later than six months detailed elsewhere in this section,you might be required of a contractor);
following preparation of the must also: (v)Methods of disposal of recovered
amendment. (a)(1)Include a discussion of your materials in accordance with applicable
(b)Notwithstanding compliance with facility's conformance with the legal requirements;and
paragraph(a)of this section,complete a requirements listed in this part. (vi)Contact list and phone numbers
review and evaluation of the SPCC Plan (2)Comply with all applicable for the facility response coordinator,
at least once every five years from the requirements listed in this part.Your National Response Center,cleanup
date your facility becomes subject to Plan may deviate from the requirements contractors with whom you have an
this part;or,if your facility was in in paragraphs(g),(h)(2)and(3),and(i) agreement for response,and all
operation on or before August 16,2002, of this section and the requirements in appropriate Federal,State,and local
five years from the date your last review subparts B and C of this part,except the agencies who must be contacted in case
was required under this part.As a result secondary containment requirements in of a discharge as described in§112.1(b).
of this review and evaluation,you must paragraphs(c)and (hill)of this section, (4)Unless you have submitted a
amendyour SPCC Plan within six and response plan under§112.20,provide
§§ 112.10(c),112.12( ' information and procedures in your
months of the review to include more 112.9(c)(2),112.10(c),112.12(c)(2), plan to enable a person reporting a
effective prevention and control 112.14(c),where
c)(2),and discharge as described in§112.1(b)to
technology if the technology has been 112.14(c),where applicable to a specific relate information on the exact address
field-proven at the time of the review facility,if you provide equivalent or location and phone number of the
and will significantly reduce the environmental protection by some other facility;the date and time of the
likelihood of a discharge as described in means of spill prevention,control,or discharge,the type of material
§112.1(b)from the facility.You must countermeasure.Where your Plan does discharged;estimates of the total
implement any amendment as soon as not conform to the applicable quantity discharged;estimates of the
possible,but not later than six months requirements in paragraphs(g), (h)(2) quantity discharged as described in
following preparation of any and(3),and(i)of this section,or the §112.1(b);the source of the discharge;a
amendment.You must document your requirements of subparts B and C of this description of all affected media;the
completion of the review and part,except the secondary containment cause of the discharge;any damages or
evaluation,and must sign a statement as requirements in paragraphs(c)and injuries caused by the discharge;actions
to whether you will amend the Plan, (h)(1)of this section,and§§112.5(c)(2), being used to stop,remove,and mitigate
0 either at the beginning or end of the 112.8(c)(11),112.9(c)(2),112.10(c), the effects of the discharge;whether an
Plan or in a log or an appendix to the 112.12(c)(2),112.12(c)(11),112.13(c)(2), evacuation may be needed;and,the
Plan.The following words will suffice, and 112.14(c),you must state the names of individuals and/or
"I have completed review and reasons for nonconformance in your organizations who have also been
evaluation of the SPCC Plan for(name Plan and describe in detail alternate contacted.
of facility)on(date),and will (will not) methods and how you will achieve (5)Unless you have submitted a
amend the Plan as a result." equivalent environmental protection.If response plan under§112.20,organize
(c)Have a Professional Engineer the Regional Administrator determines portions of the Plan describing
certify any technical amendment to your that the measures described in your procedures you will use when a
Plan in accordance with§112.3(d). Plan do not provide equivalent discharge occurs in a way that will
§112.6 [Reserved] environmental protection,he may make them readily usable in an
require that you amend your Plan, emergency,and include appropriate
§112.7 General requirements for Spill following the procedures in§112.4(d) supporting material as appendices.
Prevention,Control,and Countermeasure and (e). (b)Where experience indicates a
Plans. (3)Describe in your Plan the physical reasonable potential for equipment
If you are the owner or operator of a layout of the facility and include a failure(such as loading or unloading
facility subject to this part you must facility diagram,which must mark the equipment,tank overflow,rupture,or
prepare a Plan in accordance with good location and contents of each container. leakage,or any other equipment known
engineering practices.The Plan must The facility diagram must include to be a source of a discharge),include
have the full approval of management at completely buried tanks that are in your Plan a prediction of the
a level of authority to commit the otherwise exempted from the direction,rate of flow,and total quantity
necessary resources to fully implement requirements of this part under of oil which could be discharged from
the Plan.You must prepare the Plan in §112.1(d)(4).The facility diagram must the facility as a result of each type of
writing.If you do not follow the also include all transfer stations and major equipment failure.
sequence specified in this section for connecting pipes.You must also (c)Provide appropriate containment
the Plan,you must prepare an address in your Plan: and/or diversionary structures or
equivalent Plan acceptable to the (i)The type of oil in each container equipment to prevent a discharge as
Regional Administrator that meets all of and its storage capacity; described in§112.1(b).The entire
the applicable requirements listed in (ii)Discharge prevention measures containment system,including walls
this part,and you must supplement it including procedures for routine and floor,must be capable of containing
with a section cross-referencing the handling of products(loading, oil and must be constructed so that any
location of requirements listed in this unloading,and facility transfers,etc.); discharge from a primary containment
• part and the equivalent requirements in (iii)Discharge or drainage controls system,such as a tank or pipe,will not
the other prevention plan.If the Plan such as secondary containment around escape the containment system before
calls for additional facilities or containers and other structures, cleanup occurs.At a minimum,you
procedures,methods,or equipment not equipment,and procedures for the must use one of the following
yet fully operational,you must discuss control of a discharge; prevention systems or its equivalent:
47146 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• (1)For onshore facilities: handling personnel at least once a year and if necessary,ensure that they are
(i)Dikes,berms,or retaining walls to assure adequate understanding of the tightened,adjusted,or replaced to
sufficiently impervious to contain oil; SPCC Plan for that facility.Such prevent liquid discharge while in
(ii)Curbing; briefings must highlight and describe transit.
(iii)Culverting,gutters,or other known discharges as described in (i)If a field-constructed aboveground
drainage systems; §112.1(b)or failures,malfunctioning
(iv)Weirs,booms,or other barriers; components,and any recently container undergoes a repair,aleraion,
(v)Spill diversionponds; P threat might affect ther risk change f in service r
P developed precautionary measures. that might risk of a discharge
(vi)Retention ponds;or (g)Security(excluding oil production or failure due to brittle fracture or other
(vii)Sorbent materials. facilities).(1)Fully fence each facility catastrophe,or has discharged oil or
(2)For offshore facilities: handling,processing,or storing oil,and failed due to brittle fracture failure or
(i)Curbing or drip pans;or lock and/or guard entrance gates when other catastrophe,evaluate the container
(ii)Sumps and collection systems. the facility is not inproduction or is P
(d)If you determine that the for risk of discharge or failure due to
installation of any of the structures or unattended. brittle fracture or other catastrophe,and
of equipment listed inparagraphs (2)Ensure that the master flow and as necessary,take appropriate action.
piecesdrain valves and any other valves
(c)and(h)(1)of this section,and (j)In addition to the minimal
permitting direct outward flow of the standards listed under this
§§112.8(c)(2),112.8(c)(11),712.9(c)(2), container's contents to the surface have prevention
112.10(c),112.12(c)(2), 112.12(c)(11), adequate security measures so that they section,include in your Plan a complete
112.13(c)(2),and 112.14k)to prevent a discussion of conformance with the
remain in the closed position when in
discharge as described in§112.1(b) non-operating or non-standby status. applicable requirements and other
from any onshore or offshore facility is (3)Lock the starter control on each oil effective discharge prevention and
not practicable,you must clearly pump in the"off'position and locate it containment procedures listed in this
explain in your Plan why such measures at a site accessible only to authorized part or any applicable more stringent
are not practicable;for bulk storage personnel when the pump is in a non- State rules,regulations,and guidelines.
containers,conduct both periodic operating or non-standby status.
integrity testing of the containers and p g 3.Part 112 is §112.8 adding subpart
(4)Securely cap or blank-flange the B consisting of 112.8 through 112.11
periodic integrity and leak testing of the loading/unloading connections of oil §s
valves and piping;and,unless you have pipelines or facility piping when not in to read as follows:
submitted a response plan under service or when in standby service for Subpart B—Requirements for Petroleum
§112.20,provide in your Plan the an extended time.This security practice Oils and Non-Petroleum Oils,Except Animal
following: also applies to piping that is emptied of Fats and Oils and Greases,and Fish and
(1)An oil spill contingency plan liquid content either by draining or Marine Mammal Oils;and Vegetable Oils
following the provisions of part 109 of inertgas pressure. by (Including Oils from Seeds,Nuts,Fruits,
this chapter. and Kernels)
P (5)Provide facility lighting
(2)A written commitment of commensurate with the type and Sec.
manpower,equipment,and materials location of the facility that will assist in 112.8 Spill Prevention,Control,and
required to expeditiously control and the: Countermeasure Plan requirements u for
remove any quantity of oil discharged (i)Discovery of discharges occurring onshore facilities).
facilities(excluding production
that may be harmful. g pllP
during hours of darkness,both by 112.9 Spill Prevention,Control,and
(e)Inspections,tests,and records. operating personnel,if present,and by Countermeasure Plan requirements for
Conduct inspections and tests required non-operating personnel(the general onshore oil production facilities.
by this part in accordance with written public,local police,etc.);and 112.10 Spill Prevention,Control,and
procedures that you or the certifying (ii)Prevention of discharges occurring Countermeasure Plan requirements for
engineer develop for the facility.You through acts of vandalism. onshore oil drilling and workover
must keep these written procedures and (h)Facility tank car and tank truck facilities.
a record of the inspections and tests, loading/unloading rack(excluding 112.11 Spill Prevention,Control,and
gby appropriate supervisor ff f ) Countermeasure Plan requirements for
signed the a ro riate or o shore acilities . (1)Where loading/ offshore oil drilling,production,or
inspector,with the SPCC Plan for a unloading area drainage does not flow workover facilities.
period of three years.Records of into a catchment basin or treatment
inspections and tests kept under usual facility designed to handle discharges, Subpart B—Requirements for
and customary business practices will use a quick drainage system for tank car Petroleum Oils and Non-Petroleum
suffice for purposes of this paragraph. or tank truck loading and unloading Oils,Except Animal Fats and Oils and
(f)Personnel,training,and discharge areas.You must design any containment Greases,and Fish and Marine Mammal
prevention procedures.(1)At a system to hold at least the maximum Oils;and Vegetable Oils(Including Oils
minimum,train your oil-handling capacity of any single compartment of a from Seeds,Nuts,Fruits,and Kernels)
personnel in the operation and tank car or tank truck loaded or
maintenance of equipment to prevent unloaded at the facility. §112.8 Spill Prevention,Control,and
discharges;discharge procedure (2)Provide an interlocked warning Countermeasure Plan requirements for
protocols;applicablepollution control light or physical barrier system,warningonshore facilities(excluding production
PP g P Y y facilities).
laws,rules,and regulations;general signs,wheel chocks,or vehicle break
facility operations;and,the contents of interlock system in loading/unloading If you are the owner or operator of an
the facility SPCC Plan. areas to prevent vehicles from departing onshore facility(excluding a production
(2)Designate a person at each before complete disconnection of facility),you must:
applicable facility who is accountable flexible or fixed oil transfer lines. (a)Meet the general requirements for
• for discharge prevention and who (3)Prior to filling and departure of the Plan listed under§112.7,and the
reports to facility management. any tank car or tank truck,closely specific discharge prevention and
(3)Schedule and conduct discharge inspect for discharges the lowermost containment procedures listed in this
prevention briefings for your oil- drain and all outlets of such vehicles, section.
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47147
III (b)Facility drainage. (1)Restrain You may also use an alternative system watercourse,or pass the steam return or
drainage from diked storage areas by consisting of a drainage trench exhaust lines through a settling tank,
valves to prevent a discharge into the enclosure that must be arranged so that skimmer,or other separation or
drainage system or facility effluent any discharge will terminate and be retention system.
treatment system,except where facility safely confined in a facility catchment (8)Engineer or update each container
systems are designed to control such basin or holding pond. installation in accordance with good
discharge.You may empty diked areas (3)Not allow drainage of engineering practice to avoid
by pumps or ejectors;however,you uncontaminated rainwater from the discharges.You must provide at least
must manually activate these pumps or diked area into a storm drain or one of the following devices:
ejectors and must inspect the condition discharge of an effluent into an open (i)High liquid level alarms with an
of the accumulation before starting,to watercourse,lake,or pond,bypassing audible or visual signal at a constantly
ensure no oil will be discharged. the facility treatment system unless you: attended operation or surveillance
(2)Use valves of manual,open-and- (i)Normally keep the bypass valve station.In smaller facilities an audible
closed design,for the drainage of diked sealed closed. air vent may suffice.
areas.You may not use flapper-type (ii)Inspect the retained rainwater to (ii)High liquid level pump cutoff
drain valves to drain diked areas.If your ensure that its presence will not cause devices set to stop flow at a
facility drainage drains directly into a a discharge as described in§112.1(b). predetermined container content level.
watercourse and not into an on-site (iii)Open the bypass valve and reseal
wastewater treatment plant,you must it following drainage under responsible (tit)Direct audible or code signal
inspect and may drain uncontaminated supervision;and communication between the container
retained stormwater,as provided in
(iv)Keep adequate records of such gauger and the pumping station.
paragraphs(c)(3)(ii),(iii),and(iv)of this events,for example,any records (iv)A fast response system for
section. required under permits issued in determining the liquid level of each
(3)Design facility drainage systems accordance with§§122.41(j)(2)and bulk storage container such as digital
from undiked areas with a potential for 122.41(m)(3)of this chapter. computers,telepulse,or direct vision
a discharge(such as where piping is (4)Protect any completely buried gauges.If you use this alternative,a
located outside containment walls or metallic storage tank installed on or person must be present to monitor
where tank truck discharges may occur after January 10,1974 from corrosion by gauges and the overall filling of bulk
outside the loading area)to flow into coatings or cathodic protection storage containers.
ponds,lagoons,or catchment basins compatible with local soil conditions. (v)You must regularly test liquid
designed to retain oil or return it to the You must regularly leak test such level sensing devices to ensure proper
facility.You must not locate catchment completely buried metallic storage operation.
illbasins in areas subject to periodic tanks. (9)Observe effluent treatment
flooding. (5)Not use partially buried or facilities frequently enough to detect
(4)If facility drainage is not bunkered metallic tanks for the storage possible system upsets that could cause
engineered as in paragraph(b)(3)of this of oil,unless you protect the buried a discharge as described in§112.1(b).
section,equip the final discharge of all section of the tank from corrosion.You (10)Promptly correct visible
ditches inside the facility with a must protect partially buried and discharges which result in a loss of oil
diversion system that would,in the bunkered tanks from corrosion by from the container,including but not
event of an uncontrolled discharge, coatings or cathodic protection limited to seams,gaskets,piping,
retain oil in the facility. compatible with local soil conditions. pumps,valves,rivets,and bolts.You
(5)Where drainage waters are treated (6)Test each aboveground container must promptly remove any
in more than one treatment unit and for integrity on a regular schedule,and accumulations of oil in diked areas.
such treatment is continuous,and pump whenever you make material repairs. (11)Position or locate mobile or
transfer is needed,provide two"lift" The frequency of and type of testing portable oil storage containers to
pumps and permanently install at least must take into account container size prevent a discharge as described in
one of the pumps.Whatever techniques and design(such as floating roof,skid- 61124(b).You must furnish a
you use,you must engineer facility mounted,elevated,or partially buried). secondary means of containment,such
drainage systems to prevent a discharge You must combine visual inspection as a dike or catchment basin,sufficient
as described in 6112.1(10 in case there with another testing technique such as to contain the capacity of the largest
is an equipment failure or human error hydrostatic testing,radiographic testing, single compartment or container with
at the facility. ultrasonic testing,acoustic emissions sufficient freeboard to contain
(c)Bulk storage containers.(1)Not testing,or another system of non- precipitation.
use a container for the storage of oil destructive shell testing.You must keep (d)Facility transfer operations,
unless its material and construction are comparison records and you must also pumping,and facility process. (1)
compatible with the material stored and inspect the container's supports and Provide buried piping that is installed
conditions of storage such as pressure foundations.In addition,you must or replaced on or after August 16,2002,
and temperature. frequently inspect the outside of the with a protective wrapping and coating.
(2)Construct all bulk storage container for signs of deterioration, You must also cathodically protect such
container installations so that you discharges,or accumulation of oil inside buried piping installations or otherwise
provide a secondary means of diked areas.Records of inspections and satisfy the corrosion protection
containment for the entire capacity of tests kept under usual and customary standards for piping in part 280 of this
the largest single container and business practices will suffice for chapter or a State program approved
sufficient freeboard to contain purposes of this paragraph. under pan 281 of this chapter.If a
precipitation.You must ensure that (7)Control leakage through defective section of buried line is exposed for any
• diked areas are sufficiently impervious internal heating coils by monitoring the reason,you must carefully inspect it for
to contain discharged oil.Dikes, steam return and exhaust lines for deterioration.If you find corrosion
containment curbs,and pits are contamination from internal heating damage,you must undertake additional
commonly employed for this purpose. coils that discharge into an open examination and corrective action as
47148 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• indicated by the magnitude of the installations with a secondary means of contain discharges of fuel,crude oil,or
damage. containment for the entire capacity of oily drilling fluids.
(2)Cap or blank-flange the terminal the largest single container and (d)Install a blowout prevention(BOP)
connection at the transfer point and sufficient freeboard to contain assembly and well control system before
mark it as to origin when piping is not precipitation.You must safely confine drilling below any casing string or
in service or is in standby service for an drainage from undiked areas in a during workover operations.The BOP
extended time. catchment basin or holding pond. assembly and well control system must
(3)Properly design pipe supports to (3)Periodically and upon a regular be capable of controlling any well-head
minimize abrasion and corrosion and schedule visually inspect each container pressure that may be encountered while
allow for expansion and contraction. of oil for deterioration and maintenance that BOP assembly and well control
(4)Regularly inspect all aboveground needs,including the foundation and system are on the well.
valves,piping,and appurtenances. support of each container that is on or
During the inspection you must assess above the surface of the ground. §112.11 Spill Prevention,Control,and
Countermeasure Plan requirements for
the general condition of items,such as (4)Engineer or update new and old
offshore oil drilling,production,or
flange joints,expansion joints,valve tank battery installations in accordance workover facilities.
glands and bodies,catch pans,pipeline with good engineering practice to If you are the owner or operator of an
supports,locking of valves,and metal prevent discharges.You must provide at offshore oil drilling,production,or
surfaces.You must also conduct least one of the following:
integrity and leak testing of buried (i)Container capacity adequate to workover facility,you must:
piping at the time of installation, assure that a container will not overfill (a)Meet the general requirements
modification,construction,relocation, if a pumper/gauger is delayed in making listed under§112.7,and also meet the
or replacement. regularly scheduled rounds. specific discharge prevention and
(5)Warn all vehicles entering the (ii)Overflow equalizing lines between containment procedures listed under
facility to be sure that no vehicle will containers so that a full container can this section.
endanger aboveground piping or other overflow to an adjacent container. (b)Use oil drainage collection
oil transfer operations. (iii)Vacuum protection adequate to equipment to prevent and control small
prevent container collapse during a oil discharges around pumps,glands,
§112.9 Spill Prevention,Control,and pipeline run or other transfer of oil from valves,flanges,expansion joints,hoses,
pipeline Plan requirements for drain lines,separators,treaters,tanks,
onshore oil production facilities. the container.
and associated equipment.You must
(iv)High level sensors to generate and
If you are the owner or operator of an transmit an alarm signal to the computer control and direct facility drains toward
onshore production facility,you must: a central collection sump to prevent the
• where the facility is subject control a
(a)Meet the general requirements for facility from having a discharge as
computer Facility
transfer
operations,
the Plan listed under§112.7,and the described in§772.1(6).Where drains
specific discharge prevention and (d)Facility transfer operations,oil and sumps are not practicable,you must
containment procedures listed under production facility.(])Periodically and remove oil contained in collection
this section. upon a regular schedule inspect all equipment as often as necessary to
aboveground valves and piping
(b) Oil production facility drainage. associated with transfer operations for prevent overflow.
(1)At tank batteries and separation and (c)For facilities employing a sump
the there is ageneral condition of flange joints,
eastreatonable possibil areas ity of a discharge as valve glands and bodies,drip pans,pipe and draisystem,ns and makrovide e available as sparsume
described in§112.1(b),close and seal at supports,pumping well polish rod um to remove liquid from the
stuffing boxes,bleeder and gauge valves, pump q sump
all times drains of dikes or drains of and other such items. and assure that oil does not escape.You
equivalent measures required under must employ a regularly scheduled
(2)Inspect saltwater(oil field brine)
§112.7(c)(1),except when draining preventive maintenance inspection and
uncontaminated rainwater.Prior to disposal facilities often,particularly testing program to assure reliable
following a sudden change in
drainage,you must inspect the diked atmospheric temperature,to detect operation of the liquid removal system
area and take action as provided in and pump start-up device.Redundant
possible system upsets capable of
§ c)(3)(ii),(iii),and (iv).You must causing a discharge. automatic sump pumps and control
remove accumulated oil on the (3)Have a program of flowline devices may be required on some
rainwater and return it to storage or maintenance to prevent discharges from installations.
dispose of it in accordance with legally each Bowline. (d)At facilities with areas where
approved methods. separators and treaters are equipped
(2)Inspect at regularly scheduled §112.10 Spill Prevention,Control,and with dump valves which predominantly
intervals field drainage systems(such as Countermeasure Plan requirements for fail in the closed position and where
drainage ditches or road ditches),and onshore oil drilling and workover facilities. pollution risk is high,specially equip
oil traps,sumps,or skimmers,for an If you are the owner or operator of an the facility to prevent the discharge of
accumulation of oil that may have onshore oil drilling and workover oil.You must prevent the discharge of
resulted from any small discharge.You facility,you must: oil by:
must promptly remove any (a)Meet the general requirements (I)Extending the flare line to a diked
accumulations of oil. listed under§112,7,and also meet the area if the separator is near shore;
(c) Oil production facility bulk storage specific discharge prevention and (2)Equipping the separator with a
containers.(1)Not use a container for containment procedures listed under high liquid level sensor that will
the storage of oil unless its material and this section. automatically shut in wells producing to
construction are compatible with the (b)Position or locate mobile drilling the separator;or
• material stored and the conditions of or workover equipment so as to prevent (3)Installing parallel redundant dump
storage. a discharge as described in§112.1W). valves.
(2)Provide all tank battery, (c)Provide catchment basins or (e)Equip atmospheric storage or surge
separation,and treating facility diversion structures to intercept and containers with high liquid level
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47149
• sensing devices that activate an alarm or 4.Part 112 is amended by adding outside the loading area)to flow into
control the flow,or otherwise prevent subpart C consisting of§§112.12 ponds,lagoons,or catchment basins
discharges. through 112.15 to read as follows: designed to retain oil or return it to the
(f)Equip pressure containers with Subpart C—Requirements for Animal Fats facility.You must not locate catchment
high and low pressure sensing devices and Oils and Greases,and Fish and Marine basins in areas subject to periodic
that activate an alarm or control the Mammal Oils;and for Vegetable Oils, flooding.
flow. Including Oils from Seeds,Nuts,Fruits and (4)If facility drainage is not
(g)Equip containers with suitable Kernels engineered as in paragraph(b)(3)of this
corrosion protection. Sec. section,equip the final discharge of all
(h)Prepare and maintain at the 112.12 Spill Prevention,Control,and ditches inside the facility with a
facility a written procedure within the Countermeasure Plan requirements for diversion system that would,in the
Plan for inspecting and testing pollution onshore facilities(excluding production event of an uncontrolled discharge,
prevention equipment and systems. facilities). retain oil in the facility.
712.13 Spill Prevention,Control,and f (5)Where drainage waters are treated
(i)Conduct testing and inspection of Countermeasure Plan requirements or g
the pollution prevention equipment and onshore oil production facilities. in more than one treatment unit and
systems at the facility on a scheduled 112.14 Spill Prevention,Control,and such treatment is continuous,and pump
periodic basis,commensurate with the Countermeasure Plan requirements for transfer is needed,provide two"lift"
complexity,conditions,and onshore oil drilling and workover pumps and permanently install at least
circumstances of the facility and any facilities. one of the pumps.Whatever techniques
other appropriate regulations.You must 112.15 Spill Prevention,Control,and you use,you must engineer facility
Countermeasure Plan requirements for drainage systems to prevent a discharge
offshore oil drilling,production,or g y use simulated discharges for testing and as described in§772.](6)in case there e
inspecting human and equipment workover facilities.
pollution control and countermeasure is an equipment failure or human error
systems. Subpart C—Requirements for Animal at the facility.
(j)Describe in detailed records surface Fats and Oils and Greases,and Fish (c)Bulk storage containers.(1)Not
and subsurface well shut-in valves and and Marine Mammal Oils;and for use a container for the storage of oil
devices in use at the facility for each Vegetable Oils,including Oils from unless its material and construction are
well sufficiently to determine their Seeds,Nuts,Fruits,and Kernels. compatible with the material stored and
conditions of storage such as pressure
method of activation or control,such as §112.12 Spill Prevention,Control,and and temperature.
pressure differential,change in fluid or
flow conditions,combination of Countermeasure Plan requirements for (2)Construct all bulk storage
• ressure and flow,manual or remote onshore facilities(excluding production container installations so that you
P facilities) provide a secondary means of
control mechanisms. Ifyou are the owner or operator of an
(k)Install a BOP assembly and well P containment for the entire capacity of
control system during workover onshore facility(excluding a production the largest single container and
operations and before drilling below any facility),you must: sufficient freeboard to contain
casing string.The BOP assembly and (a)Meet the general requirements for precipitation.You must ensure that
the Plan listed under§112.7,and the diked areas are sufficiently impervious
well control system must be capable of specific discharge prevention and to contain discharged oil.Dikes,
controlling any well-head pressure that containment procedures listed in this containment curbs,and pits are
may be encountered while the BOP section.
assembly and well control system are on (b)Facility drainage. (1)Restrain commonly employed for this purpose.
the well. yYou may also use drainagean trench
renhe system
I Equip all manifolds(headers)with drainage from diked discharge ag into the enclosureting oftmust ag
( ) 9 P valves to prevent a into enclosure that be arranged so that
check valves on individual flowlines. drainage system or facility effluent any discharge will terminate and be
(m)Equip the flowline with a high treatment system,except where facility safely confined in a facility catchment
pressure sensing device and shut-in systems are designed to control such basin or holding pond.
valve at the wellhead if the shut-in well discharge.You may empty diked areas (3)Not allow drainage of
pressure is greater than the working by pumps or ejectors;however,you uncontaminated rainwater from the
pressure of the flowline and manifold must manually activate these pumps or diked area into a storm drain or
valves up to and including the header ejectors and must inspect the condition discharge of an effluent into an open
valves.Alternatively you may provide a of the accumulation before starting,to watercourse,lake,or pond,bypassing
pressure relief system for flowlines. ensure no oil will be discharged. the facility treatment system unless you:
(n)Protect all piping appurtenant to (2)Use valves of manual,open-and- (i)Normally keep the bypass valve
the facility from corrosion,such as with closed design,for the drainage of diked sealed closed.
protective coatings or cathodic areas.You may not use flapper-type (ii)Inspect the retained rainwater to
protection. drain valves to drain diked areas.If your ensure that its presence will not cause
(o)Adequately protect sub-marine facility drainage drains directly into a a discharge as described in§112.1(6).
piping appurtenant to the facility watercourse and not into an on-site (iii)Open the bypass valve and reseal
against environmental stresses and other wastewater treatment plant,you must it following drainage under responsible
activities such as fishing operations. inspect and may drain uncontaminated supervision;and
(p)Maintain sub-marine piping retained stormwater,subject to the (iv)Keep adequate records of such
appurtenant to the facility in good requirements of paragraphs(c)(3)(ii), events,for example,any records
operating condition at all times.You (iii),and (iv)of this section. required under permits issued in
• must periodically and according to a (3)Design facility drainage systems accordance with§§122.41(j)(2)and
schedule inspect or test such piping for from undiked areas with a potential for 122.41(m)(3)of this chapter.
failures.You must document and keep a discharge(such as where piping is (4)Protect any completely buried
a record of such inspections or tests at located outside containment walls or metallic storage tank installed on or
the facility. where tank truck discharges may occur after January 10, 1974 from corrosion by
47150 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
coatings or cathodic protection
• (v)You must regularly test liquid §112.13 Spill Prevention,Control,and
compatible with local soil conditions. level sensing devices to ensure proper Countermeasure Plan requirements for
You must regularly leak test such operation. onshore oil production facilities.
completely buried metallic storage (9)Observe effluent treatment If you are the owner or operator of an
tanks. facilities frequently enough to detect onshore production facility,you must:
(5)Not use partially buried or possible system upsets that could cause (a)Meet the general requirements for
bunkered metallic tanks for the storage a discharge as described in§112.1W).
the Plan listed under§112.7,and the
of oil,unless you protect the buried specific discharge prevention and
section of the tank from corrosion.You (10)Promptly correct visible containment procedures listed under
must protect partially buried and discharges which result in a loss of oil this section.
bunkered tanks from corrosion by from the container,including but not (b)Oil production facility drainage.
coatings or cathodic protection limited to seams,gaskets,piping, (1)At tank batteries and separation and
compatible with local soil conditions. pumps,valves,rivets,and bolts.You treating areas where there is a
(6)Test each aboveground container must promptly remove any reasonable possibility of a discharge as
for integrity on a regular schedule,and accumulations of oil in diked areas. described in§112.1(b),close and seal at
whenever you make material repairs. (11)Position or locate mobile or all times drains of dikes or drains of
The frequency of and type of testing portable oil storage containers to equivalent measures required under
must take into account container size prevent a discharge as described in §112.7(c)(1),except when draining
and design(such as floating roof,skid- §312.1(b).You must furnish a uncontaminated rainwater.Prior to
mounted,elevated,or partially buried). secondary means of containment,such drainage,you must inspect the diked
You must combine visual inspection as a dike or catchment basin,sufficient area and take action as provided in
with another testing technique such as to contain the capacity of the largest §112.12(c)(3)(ii),(iii),and (iv).You
hydrostatic testing,radiographic testing, single compartment or container with must remove accumulated oil on the
ultrasonic testing,acoustic emissions sufficient freeboard to contain rainwater and return it to storage or
testing,or another system of non- precipitation. dispose of it in accordance with legally
destructive shell testing.You must keep (d)Facility transfer operations, approved methods.
comparison records and you must also (2)Inspect at regularly scheduled
inspect the container's supports and pumping,and facility process.(1) intervals field drainage systems(such as
foundations.In addition,you must Provide buried piping that is installed drainage ditches or road ditches),and
or replaced on or after August 16,2002,
frequently inspect the outside of the with a protective wrapping and coating. oil traps,sumps,or skimmers,for an
container for signs of deterioration, accumulation of oil that may have
discharges,or accumulation of oil inside You must also n cathodically protect such resulted from any small discharge.You
• buried piping installations or otherwise
diked areas.Records of inspections and must promptly remove any
satisfy the corrosion protection
tests kept under usual and customary standards for piping in part 280 of this accumulations of oil.
business practices will suffice for chapter or a State program approved (c) Oil production facility bulk storage
purposes of this paragraph.
under part 281 of this chapter.If a containers.(1)Not use a container for
(7 Control leakage through defective the storage of oil unless its material and
internal heating coils by monitoring the section of buried line is exposed for any construction are compatible with the
steam return and exhaust lines for reason,you must carefully inspect it for material stored and the conditions of
deterioration.If you find corrosion
contamination from internal heating damage,you must undertake additional storage.
coils that discharge into an open examitid titi (2)Provide all tank battery,
watercourse,or pass the steam return or indicated by the magnitude of the separation,and treating facility
exhaust lines through a settling tank, installations with a secondary means of
skimmer,or other separation or damage. containment for the entire capacity of
retention system. (2)Cap or blank-flange the terminal the largest single container and
(8)Engineer or update each container connection at the transfer point and sufficient freeboard to contain
installation in accordance with good mark it as to origin when piping is not precipitation.You must safely confine
engineering practice to avoid in service or is in standby service for an drainage from undiked areas in a
discharges.You must provide at least extended time. catchment basin or holding pond.
one of the following devices: (3)Properly design pipe supports to (3)Periodically and upon a regular
(i)High liquid level alarms with an minimize abrasion and corrosion and schedule visually inspect each container
audible or visual signal at a constantly allow for expansion and contraction. of oil for deterioration and maintenance
attended operation or surveillance needs,including the foundation and
station.In smaller facilities an audible (4)Regularly inspect all aboveground support of each container that is on or
valves,piping,and appurtenances.
air vent may suffice. During the inspection you must assess above the surface of the ground.
(ii)High liquid level pump cutoff (4)Engineer or update new and old
devices set to stop flow at a the general condition of items,such as tank battery installations in accordance
predetermined container content level. flange joints,expansion joints,valve with good engineering practice to
(iii)Direct audible or code signal glands and bodies,catch pans,pipeline prevent discharges.You must provide at
communication between the container supports,locking of valves,and metal least one of the following:
surfaces.You must also conduct
gauger and the pumping station. (i)Container capacity adequate to
(iv)A fast system response for integrity and leak testing of buried
Pat the time of installation, if assure that a contagauge is willdnot overfill
determining the liquid level of each piping if a pumper/gauger is delayed in making
bulk storage container such as digital modification,construction,relocation, regularly scheduled rounds.
computers,telepulse,or direct vision or replacement.
p p (ii)Overflow equalizing lines between
• gauges.If you use this alternative,a (5)Warn all vehicles entering the containers so that a full container can
person must be present to monitor facility to be sure that no vehicle will overflow to an adjacent container.
gauges and the overall filling of bulk endanger aboveground piping or other (iii)Vacuum protection adequate to
storage containers. oil transfer operations. prevent container collapse during a
Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations 47151
• pipeline run or other transfer of oil from drain lines,separators,treaters,tanks, method of activation or control,such as
the container. and associated equipment.You must pressure differential,change in fluid or
(iv)High level sensors to generate and control and direct facility drains toward flow conditions,combination of
transmit an alarm signal to the computer a central collection sump to prevent the pressure and flow,manual or remote
where the facility is subject to a facility from having a discharge as control mechanisms.
computer production control system. described in§112.1(b).Where drains (k)Install a BOP assembly and well
(d)Facility transfer operations, oil and sumps are not practicable,you must control system during workover
production facility.(1)Periodically and remove oil contained in collection operations and before drilling below any
upon a regular schedule inspect all equipment as often as necessary to casing string.The BOP assembly and
aboveground valves and piping prevent overflow. well control system must be capable of
associated with transfer operations for (c)For facilities employing a sump controlling any well-head pressure that
the general condition of flange joints, system,provide adequately sized sump maybe encountered while that BOP
valve glands and bodies,drip pans,pipe and drains and make available a spare assembly and well control system are on
supports,pumping well polish rod pump to remove liquid from the sump the well
stuffing boxes,bleeder and gauge valves, and assure that oil does not escape.You
and other such items. must employ a regularly scheduled (I)Equip all manifolds(headers)with
(2)Inspect saltwater(oil field brine) preventive maintenance inspection and check valves on individual flowlines.
disposal facilities often,particularly testing program to assure reliable (m)Equip the flowline with a high
following a sudden change in operation of the liquid removal system pressure sensing device and shut-in
atmospheric temperature,to detect and pump start-up device.Redundant valve at the wellhead if the shut-in well
possible system upsets capable of automatic sump pumps and control pressure is greater than the working
causing a discharge. devices may be required on some pressure of the flowline and manifold
(3)Have a program of flowline installations. valves up to and including the header
maintenance to prevent discharges from (d)At facilities with areas where valves.Alternatively you may provide a
each flowline. separators and treaters are equipped pressure relief system for flowlines.
§112.14 Spill Prevention,Control,and with dump valves which predominantly (n)Protect all piping appurtenant to
Countermeasure Plan requirements for fail in the closed position and where the facility from corrosion,such as with
onshore oil drilling and workover facilities. Pollution risk is high,specially equip protective coatings or cathodic
the facility to prevent the discharge of protection.
If you are the owner or operator of an
onshore oil drilling and workover oil.You must prevent the discharge of (o)Adequately protect sub-marine
facility,you must: oil by: piping appurtenant to the facility
• (a)Meet the general requirements (1)Extending the flare line to a diked against environmental stresses and other
area if the separator is near shore;
listed under§112.7,and also meet the activities such as fishing operations.
specific discharge prevention and (2)Equipping the separator with a
containment procedures listed under high liquid level sensor that will (p)Maintain sub-marine piping
automatically shut in wells producing to appurtenant to the facility in good
this section. operating condition at all times.You
(b)Position or locate mobile drilling the separator;or P g
ui revent (3)Installing parallel redundant dump must periodically and according to a
or workover a meet so as to
q p p valves. schedule inspect or test such piping for
a discharge as described in§112.1(b).
failures.You must document and keep
containers with high liquid level a record of such inspections or tests at
diversion structures to intercept and
sensing devices that activate an alarm or the facility.
contain discharges of fuel,crude oil,or
control the flow,or otherwise prevent
oily drilling fluids. discha es. 5.Part 112 is amended by designating
(d)Install a blowout prevention(BOP) B §§112.20 and 112.21 as subpart D,and
assembly and well control system before (f)Equip pressure containers with adding a subpart heading as follows:
drilling below any casing string or high and low pressure sensing devices
that activate an alarm or control the Subpart D—Response Requirements
during workover operations.The BOP
assembly and well control system must flow. Sec.
be capable of controlling any well-head (g)Equip containers with suitable 112.20 Facility response plans.
pressure that may be encountered while corrosion protection. 112.21 Facility response training and drills/
(h)Prepare and maintain at the exercises.
that BOP assembly and well control
system are on the well. facility a written procedure within the
y Plan for inspecting and testing pollution Subpart D—Response Requirements
§112.15 Spill Prevention,Control,and prevention equipment and systems.
Countermeasure Plan requirements for (i)Conduct testing and inspection of 6. Section 112.20 is amended by
offshore oil drilling,production,or the pollution prevention equipment and revising the first sentence of paragraph
workover facilities. systems at the facility on a scheduled (h)to read as follows:
If you are the owner or operator of an periodic basis,commensurate with the §112.20 Facility response plans.
offshore oil drilling,production,or complexity,conditions,and * * * * *
workover facility,you must: circumstances of the facility and any
(a)Meet the general requirements other appropriate regulations.You must (h)A response plan shall follow the
listed under§112.7,and also meet the use simulated discharges for testing and format of the model facility-specific
specific discharge prevention and inspecting human and equipment response plan included in Appendix F
containment procedures listed under pollution control and countermeasure to this part,unless you have prepared
• this section. systems. an equivalent response plan acceptable
(b)Use oil drainage collection (j)Describe in detailed records surface
equipment to prevent and control small and subsurface well shut-in valves and
to the Regional Administrator to meet
State or other Federal requirements.
oil discharges around pumps,glands, devices in use at the facility for each
valves,flanges,expansion joints,hoses, well sufficiently to determine their * *
47152 Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 137/Wednesday, July 17, 2002/Rules and Regulations
• Appendix C—(Amended] c.Revising paragraph(7)and the Plan.You must include the inspection
7.Appendix C of part 112 is amended undesignated paragraph and NOTE records for each container,secondary
by: following paragraph(7)in section 1.7.3; containment,and item of response
a.Revising the first sentence of d.Revising section 1.8.1; equipment at the facility.You must cross-
reference section 2.1;and e.Revising the first two sentences of the records of inspections of each
Section 1.8.1.1.introductory text; container and secondary containment
b.Revising the title and first sentence required by 40 CFR 112.7(e)in the facility
of section 2.4. f.Revising the next to the last response plan.The inspection record of
sentence of section 1.8.1.3; response equipment is a new requirement in
Appendix C to Part 112—Substantial g.Revising the next to last sentence of this plan.Facility self-inspection requires
harm Criteria section 1.10.; two-steps:(1)a checklist of things to inspect;
* * * * h.Revising paragraph(6)of section and(2)a method of recording the actual
2.1; inspection and its findings.You must note
2.1 Non-Transportation-Related Facilities i.Remove the acronym "SIC"in the date of each inspection.You must keep
With a Total Oil Storage Capacity Greater section 3.0,and add in alphabeticalfacility response plan
Than or Equal to 42,000 Gallons Where records for five years.
order the acronym "NAICS';and. You must keep SPCC records for three years.
Operations Include Over-Water Transfers of Y
Oil j.Remove the reference to"Standard + * * * *
A non-transportation-related facility with a Industrial Classification(SIC)Code"in 1.8.1.1.8 1 1 Tank Inspection
total oil storage capacity greater than or equal Attachment F-7,General Information,
The lank inspection checklist presented
to 42,000 gallons that transfers oil over water and add in in alphabetical order a below has been included as guidance during
to or from vessels must submit a response reference to"North American Industrial inspections and monitoring.Similar
plan to EPA. * " * Classification System (NAICS)Code." requirements exist in 40 CFR part 112,
* * * * * The revisions read as follows: subparts A through C. + " *
2.4 Proximity to Public Drinking Water Appendix F to Part 112—Facility-Specific * * * * *
Intakes at Facilities with a Total Oil Storage Response Plan
Capacity Greater than or Equal to 1 Million * * * * * 1.8.1.3 Secondary Containment Inspection
* * * * *
Gallons
1.2.7 Current Operation * * ' Similar requirements exist in 40
A facility with a total oil storage capacity Briefly describe the facility's operations t.1R part 112,subparts A through C.' * *
greater than or equal to 1 million gallons P * * * *
must submit its response plan if it is located and include the North American Industrial
at a distance such that a discharge from the Classification System(NAICS)code.
1.10 Security
facility would shut down a public drinking * * * *
• water intake,which is analogous to a public According to 40 CFR 112.7(g)tainfacilities are
water system as described at 40 CFR 143.2(c). Discharge Analysis of the Potential for an Oil required to maintain a certain level of
security,as appropriate.'
* * * * * * * *This analysis shall incorporate * * * * *
factors such as oil discharge history,
Appendix D—(Amended] horizontal range of a potential discharge,and 2.1 General Information
vulnerability to natural disaster,and shall,as * * * * *
8.Appendix D of part 112 is amended appropriate,incorporate other factors such as (6)North American Industrial
by revising footnote 2 to section A.2 of tank age.* * *The owner or operator may Classification System(NAICS)Code:Enter
Part A to read as follows: need to research the age of the tanks the oil the facility's NAICS code as determined by
Appendix D to Part 112—Determination of a discharge history t at the facility. the Office of Management and Budget(this
* * * * information may be obtained from public
Worst Case Discharge Planning Volume
library resources.)
* * * * * 7.7.3 Containment and Drainage Planning * * * *
Part A* * * * * * * *
* * * * * (7)Other cleanup materials. 3.0 Acronyms
A.2 Secondary Containment—Multiple-Tank In addition,a facility owner or operator *
Facilities must meet the inspection and monitoring NAICS:North American Industrial
* * * * * requirements for drainage contained in 40 Classification System
CFR part 112,subparts A through C.A copy * * * * *
Secondary containment is described in 40 of the containment and drainage plans that
CFR part 112,subparts A through C. are required in 40 CFR part 112,subparts A Attachments to Appendix F
Acceptable methods and structures for through C may be inserted in this section,
containment are alsogiven in 40 CFR Attachment F-1—Response Plan Cover Sheet
including any diagrams in those plans.
1]12.7(x)(1). * * * Note:The general permit for stormwater * * * *
drainage may contain additional General Information
requirements. * + * * +
Appendix F—(Amended]
* * *
North American Industrial Classification
9.Appendix F of part 112 is amended System(NAICS)Code:
by: 1.8.1 Facility Self-Inspection * * * *
a.Revising section 1.2.7; Under 40 CFR 112.7(e),you must include
b.Revising the second and last the written procedures and records of IFR Doc.02-16852 Filed 7-16-02;8:45 aml
sentences of section 1.4.3; inspections for each facility in the SPCC BILLING CODE 656050-P
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