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  • What sources make up the Tier 1 categories used in the emissions trends?

    Tier 1 categories are assigned by source classification codes (SCCs) that are the most specific processes available in the NEI. The latest SCC list with the Tier 1 assignments can be downloaded from the EPA SCC website in Comma Separate Values (CSV) format.

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  • What is the cause of the large decrease in electric utility emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide, starting in 1995?

    SO2 emissions reductions from utilities during this time are primarily attributed to the impacts of the acid rain program. As described on EPA’s Acid Rain Program web page, Phase 1 of this program began in 1995 and affected 263 units at 110 most coal-burning electric utility plants in 21 eastern…

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  • What changes did EPA finalize to the SPCC Rule in December 2006?

    The revised rule modifies requirements for facilities with smaller oil storage capacity and specific types of oil-filled operating equipment. If a facility has 10,000 gallons or less in aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity and the facility meets the oil discharge history criteria, then an owner/operator of a facility may prepare…

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  • SPCC change in ownership

    If there is a change in ownership at a facility, can the facility operate under the same SPCC Plan without the certification from a professional engineer (PE)? If no change in procedures has been made, it may still be feasible to operate under the existing SPCC Plan. The information in…

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  • Liability of oil retailers at SPCC regulated farm

    If a farm is out of compliance of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations and is checked by EPA and/or has a spill, is the retailer that filled the tank liable? No, EPA considers the oil tank owner responsible for lack of compliance.

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  • PE certifying a technical amendment

    Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a Professional Engineer (PE) must certify all technical amendments to an existing SPCC Plan (§112.5(c)). When certifying a technical change to an existing SPCC Plan, does the PE have to inspect and certify the entire Plan or only the amended…

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  • Why do mobile source NOx emissions jump higher between 2001 and 2002 on the emissions trends?

    The emissions model used for mobile sources changed from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES 2010 in December 2009. This change included a notable increase in NOx emissions. The EPA adjusted data back to 2002 to reflect the change in models. The higher emissions in 2002 are because of this method change and…

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  • Is a PE required to review an SPCC Plan if it has not changed?

    Under the 2002 regulations, is a PE required to review the SPCC Plans at the end of a 5-year SPCC Plan cycle if no changes have occurred at the facilities? No. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to document the completion of a review and decide whether…

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  • PE certifying an SPCC plan in a different state

    Except as provided in 40 CFR §112.6 for qualified facilities, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) must review and certify an SPCC Plan for it to be effective to satisfy the requirements of Part 112 (§112.3(d)). When reviewing and certifying a facility’s SPCC Plan, must the PE be licensed in the…

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  • How did EPA amend the requirements for animal fats and vegetable oils in 2006?

    In December 2006, EPA removed the following SPCC requirements for the following specific types of animal fat and vegetable oil facilities: Requirements for onshore oil production facilities (Section 112.13) Requirements for onshore oil drilling and workover facilities (Section 112.14) Requirements for offshore oil drilling, production, or workover facilities (Section 112.15)…

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  • Rainwater in containment system of SPCC regulated farm

    What do I do with rainwater that accumulates in my containment system for a farm regulated by the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule? Check the rainwater for any oil, and if no oil is present, this can be released. If there is oil in the water, this water…

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  • Why do the PM2.5 emissions for the electric utilities source category jump up between 1998 and 1999?

    The estimation method for PM emissions from fuel combustion sources was enhanced beginning with the 1999 National Emissions Inventory. Prior to 1999, the emissions measurement data methodology only included the filterable portion (which means the solid particle matter at elevated stack temperatures). Beginning with the 1999 NEI, both the filterable…

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