|
Recent news releases about an EPA deadline have been incorrect and could lead to costly mistakes by dealers. The news releases announced that the EPA has extended its deadline for SPCC Plan implementation.
SPCC is an acronym for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures. The purpose of the rule is to keep an oil spill from getting into the nation’s waterways by putting spill prevention measures in place and teaching employees what to do if the measures fail or are circumvented.
Just recently revised, the SPCC rules were first promulgated in 1973 and apply to dealerships with more than 1,320 gallons of above ground storage tanks and drums containing oil or oil-related materials. When you take into account various new oils, used oils, transmission fluids and brake clean materials, it is easy to exceed the threshold limit of 1,320 gallons. The director of the SPCC division at the USEPA even wants spent antifreeze containers included in the inventory, because that material is invariably contaminated with oil. If your dealership has more than 1,320 gallons, your facility may need a written SPCC Plan and you need to implement training to support the written plan.
Some dealers have seen news articles lately that mentioned a delay in implementing an SPCC Plan. The delay that was noted is for updates to existing plans. If you have more than the threshold quantity of storage and you don’t have a plan, you’re already in violation and subject to substantial fines. If you have an uncontained spill without a plan or proper training, your liability could be sizeable.
A few years ago, a dispenser seal on a CATA member’s oil tank let go while the compressor was still on. Before anyone noticed, over three hundred gallons of lube oil covered the service department floor and was running down the drain. Because the facility was less than a month old, the triple traps were empty and they contained the spill. Other dealerships have not been so lucky and the EPA doesn’t want you to depend on luck.
To determine whether or not an SPCC Plan is required at your dealership, the EPA consultants at ComplyNet Corporation can provide a free evaluation. They can be reached at 847-655-2907.
|
