Aboveground Storage Tanks

Owners or operators of aboveground petroleum storage tanks are required to obtain plan review approval prior to installation, file a storage statement (part of the HMBP) and implement spill prevention measures (an SPCC, see below) according to the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act of 1990.

Facilities with a single tank or cumulative aboveground storage capacities of 1,320 gallons or greater of petroleum-based liquid product (does not include LPG) must develop a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan (SPCC).

Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)

Guidance on SPCC development.

An SPCC plan must be prepared in accordance with the oil pollution prevention guidelines in the Federal Code of Regulations (40 CFR, 112). This plan must include procedures, methods, and equipment at the facility to prevent discharges of petroleum from reaching navigable waters. An SPCC plan must be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer and a complete copy must be maintained on site.

Facilities with a single tank or cumulative aboveground storage capacities of 1,320 gallons or greater of petroleum are required to prepare an SPCC plan. Exceptions to this rule include farms, nurseries, logging and construction sites if these businesses have a total storage capacity of less than 100,000 gallons or if the individual storage tanks are less than 20,000 gallons.

Inspections

The California Regional Water Quality Control Board may conduct periodic facility inspections to verify compliance with the SPCC plan. CUPA staff will verify that an SPCC plan is in place for each facility and refer the findings to the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

More information on aboveground petroleum storage tanks may be obtained by contacting the CUPA Program at (510) 238-3927  or the 

State Water Resources Control Board
(916) 227-4364