What are Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans?
Oil spills endanger public health, impact drinking water, devastate natural resources, and disrupt the economy. In the United States we use vast quantities of oils to heat our homes, provide fuel for automobiles, and operate various pieces of equipment. During storage, transport, or as the result of energy exploration and production activities, oil and other oil-based products are sometimes spilled onto land or into waterways. When this occurs, human health and environmental quality are put at risk.

The purpose of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule is to help facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.
Oil of any type and in any form is covered, including, but not limited to: petroleum; fuel oil; sludge; oil refuse; oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil; fats, oils, or animal grease; vegetable oils, including oil from seeds, nuts, fruits, or kernels; and other oils and greases, including synthetic oils and mineral oils.
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What Kinds of Facilities are Covered?
A facility that stores, processes, refines, uses, or consumes oil and is non-transportation-related is potentially subject to the SPCC rule. Operations that are intended to move oil from one location to another, i.e. transportation-related, are not included. Here are some examples of covered facilities and operations:

• Onshore and offshore oil well drilling facilities.
• Onshore and offshore oil production facilities (including separators and storage facilities).
• Oil refining or storage facilities.
• Industrial, commercial, agricultural, or public facilities using or storing oil.
• Certain waste treatment facilities.
• Loading racks, transfer hoses, loading arms, and other equipment.
• Vehicles (e.g. tank trucks) and railroad cars used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility.
• Pipeline systems used to transport oil exclusively within the confines of a facility.