The NIH Division of Environmental Protection has created a Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) plan to prevent, or control, accidental petroleum-based spills in storm drains, dry ditches, wetlands, mudflats and sandflats. A SPCC plan should be used as a reference for proper oil storage; as a tool for spill prevention; as a guide for facility inspections; a guide for tank inspections; and as a resource during emergency response to control, contain and clean up an oil release. Please contact the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) at (301) 496-7775 for a copy of the SPCC plan.
Training
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SPCC rule requires personnel handling petroleum-based products to receive training annually to respond properly to spills in their work areas. The training course should cover the following:
- Regulatory overview
- Facility sources
- Spill prevention and control
- Spill countermeasures
- Spill reporting
- Overview of the facility SPCC plan
- Inspections and recordkeeping
When should you respond to a spill?
The SPCC plan deals with preventing spills. However, if a release does occur, when should you respond? When should you call authorities?
Spills that are handled by trained facility personnel
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Incidental (Minor) Discharge
An incidental discharge is defined as one that poses no significant harm or threat to human health or the environment. Incidental discharges are generally those where:
- The discharge is small (e.g., less than 5 gallons)
- The discharge can be easily contained
- The discharge is unlikely to reach a navigable waterway, storm sewer or sanitary drain
- Clean-up procedures do not pose a health or safety hazard
- Proper response equipment is available for a safe cleanup
- Response by trained facility personnel is recommended.
| Spill Release Response Steps
Incidental (Minor) Discharge
- Secure the site
- Control and contain the spill
- Notify the Facility Emergency Coordinator
- Clean up the spill
- Complete the Spill Incident Report form
Refer to your facility’s SPCC plan for more detail, including notification information and reporting forms.
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Spills that are handled by NIH Emergency Services
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Non-incidental (Major) Discharge
A non-incidental discharge is defined as one that cannot be safely controlled or cleaned up by trained facility personnel, such as when:
- The discharge is large enough to spread beyond the immediate area
- The discharge cannot be contained
- The discharge may reach a navigable waterway, storm sewer or sanitary drain
- The discharge requires special equipment or training to clean up
- There is danger of fire or explosion
| Spill Release Response Steps
Non-incidental (Major) Discharge
- Secure the site
- Contact the Facility Emergency Coordinator
- Contact the Fire Department
- Complete the Spill Incident Report form
- Control and contain the spill
- Clean up the spill by Fire Department
Refer to your facility’s SPCC plan for more detail, including notification information and reporting forms.
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