SPCC Plans and Inspections for Small Businesses: Federal and State Basics

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a small business need an SPCC plan?

An SPCC plan may apply if your facility stores more than 1,320 gallons of aboveground oil capacity in containers of 55 gallons or greater, or more than 42,000 gallons of certain completely buried oil storage. It also depends on whether a spill could reasonably reach water, such as a ditch, storm drain, creek, wetland, or similar pathway.

Does SPCC only apply to gasoline and diesel fuel?

No. The post explains that SPCC covers oil, not just petroleum fuel, and that can include synthetic oils, mineral oils, vegetable oils, and animal fats.

What should be included in an SPCC plan for a small facility?

A typical SPCC plan is a written, site-specific document that covers your site diagram, oil container inventory, spill prevention measures, secondary containment, inspections, maintenance, overfill prevention, security, spill response, training, and recordkeeping. The plan should match actual site conditions and be implemented in the field.

How often do SPCC inspections have to be done?

The post says SPCC does not use one inspection frequency for every container. Small businesses should use written inspection and testing procedures that fit their equipment and recognized industry practices, with routine visual inspections and documented corrective actions.

Can state rules require more than the federal SPCC rule?

Yes. State and local rules can add requirements for tank registration, containment details, spill reporting, inspection practices, fire code permits, used oil management, and stormwater obligations. The post recommends checking requirements for each facility location instead of assuming one approach works everywhere.