Program Overview
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Oil Pollution Prevention Rule became effective January 10, 1974. It was published under the authority of Section 311(j)(1)(C) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( Clean Water Act). The regulation may be found at Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 112 (40 CFR 112). The prevention rule was revised on July 17, 2002. Facilities subject to the rule must prepare and implement a plan to prevent any discharge of oil into or upon navigable waters of the United States or ad-joining shorelines. The plan is called a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan.

Purpose of the Rule
To prevent discharge of oil into navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shore-lines as opposed to response and cleanup after a spill occurs.

Who Is Regulated by the SPCC Rule?
Before a facility is subject to the SPCC rule, it must meet three criteria:

1. It must be non-transportation related
2. It must have an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons or a completely buried storage capacity greater than 42,000 gallons and
3. There must be a reasonable expectation of a discharge into or upon navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines.

1. He/she is familiar with the requirements of part 112
2. He/she or assigned agent has visited and examined the facility
3. The plan has been prepared in accordance with good engineering practices, including consideration of applicable industry standards, and with the requirements of part 112
4. Procedures for required inspections and testing have been established and
5. The plan is adequate for the facility

• Director's Regulations
• Preparing an SPCC Plan