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EPA regulations

110 Percent Containment Rule: Debunking the Most Common SPCC Myth

Industrial tanks in fog, symbolizing 110 percent containment myth.

110 Percent Containment Rule: Debunking the Most Common SPCC Myth The EPA never wrote a 110 percent containment rule, yet it’s cited in thousands of SPCC plans nationwide. This widespread myth costs facilities millions in unnecessary infrastructure while failing to reflect actual regulatory requirements. Key Takeaways: Secondary containment requires 100% capacity plus additional volume for … Read more

Secondary Containment Sizing Calculator: How Much Containment Do You Need?

Oil tanks with containment barriers and spilled oil in dramatic lighting.

Secondary Containment Sizing Calculator: How Much Containment Do You Need? Getting secondary containment sizing wrong costs facilities an average of $180,000 in EPA fines plus cleanup costs when spills exceed capacity. Your secondary containment sizing calculator must account for tank volume, displacement, precipitation, and freeboard to meet regulatory standards. Key Takeaways: EPA requires 110% tank … Read more

SPCC Freeboard Calculation: How to Calculate 25-Year Storm Requirements

Expansive containment area with high wall under dramatic lighting.

SPCC Freeboard Calculation: How to Calculate 25-Year Storm Requirements SPCC freeboard calculation errors cost facilities an average of $47,000 per inspection violation because most engineers misunderstand the 25-year storm requirement. This guide shows exactly how to calculate proper freeboard heights using NOAA precipitation data and EPA-compliant formulas. Key Takeaways: EPA requires secondary containment systems to … Read more

SPCC Secondary Containment Requirements: Complete Compliance Guide for 2024

Oil storage facility with containment structures, dramatic lighting.

SPCC Secondary Containment Requirements: Complete Compliance Guide for 2024 EPA fines for SPCC secondary containment violations averaged $127,000 per facility in 2023, with most penalties stemming from improper capacity calculations and drainage system failures. These SPCC secondary containment requirements determine whether your facility faces crushing penalties or operates within regulatory compliance. Key Takeaways: Secondary containment … Read more

SPCC Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Complete Comparison Guide for Facility Owners

Dramatic oil facility with large tanks in foggy cinematic lighting.

SPCC Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Complete Comparison Guide for Facility Owners Most facility owners pick the wrong SPCC tier classification and face EPA enforcement action within 18 months of plan submission. The difference between SPCC tier 1 vs tier 2 requirements determines whether you need expensive Professional Engineer certification or can self-certify your plan. … Read more

Do I Need an SPCC Plan? 5 Requirements That Trigger SPCC Compliance

Oil storage facility with dramatic lighting and fog, highlighting SPCC themes.

do I need an SPCC plan? 5 Requirements That Trigger SPCC Compliance Your facility could be violating EPA regulations right now if you store oil and don’t have an SPCC plan. The question “do I need an SPCC plan” has specific, measurable answers that determine your compliance status. Key Takeaways:• Facilities storing 1,320+ gallons of … Read more

SPCC Plan Requirements: 7 Critical Elements Every Facility Must Include

Industrial facility with oil storage tanks, dramatic lighting, and fog.

SPCC Plan Requirements: 7 Critical Elements Every Facility Must Include EPA violations for incomplete SPCC plan requirements cost facilities an average of $37,500 per incident, yet most companies miss critical documentation elements that trigger these penalties. Key Takeaways: • SPCC plans require 7 mandatory elements — missing even one triggers EPA violation status• Secondary containment … Read more