Spill prevention, control and containment (SPCC) rules for fuel trucks and fuel farms will be eased significantly under two proposals published last month by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first proposal extends the compliance date from Aug. 18, 2006, to Oct. 31, 2007, for FBOs and other fueling providers to implement SPCC plans. However, the date for submitting those plans to the EPA remains February 16 next year. Comments on this proposal are due by February 10.

Under the second proposal, fuel suppliers will no longer be required to have “sized secondary containment,” removing the mandate that trucks must be parked in special containment or “bermed” areas when not in service. This proposal will also allow facilities that store less than 10,000 gallons of oil to “self certify” their SPCC implementation plans, rather than using the services of professional engineers. Comments on the second proposal are due by January 11.