- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9.
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).
- State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
- Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB).
- California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA).
- California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
- Local Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA).
Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) Training
A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) training covers requirements and best practices for facilities to prevent oil spills and properly respond if one occurs. Personnel learn how to develop and implement an SPCC plan that identifies risks, establishes controls like secondary containment, outlines inspection procedures, and details emergency response steps. Proper training ensures all facility personnel understand their role in keeping oil safely contained and are prepared to rapidly address leaks or spills if they happen. It is critical for preventing environmental contamination, regulatory non-compliance, and harm to workers or the community. A compliant, well-trained team minimizes the chance of an oil spill, and prevents a small leak from becoming a large-scale incident.
Regulatory bodies
Who needs it
Employees at facilities that stores, processes, refines, uses or consumes oil is non- transportation-related and potentially subject to the SPCC rule. 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 greases of animal, fish, or marine mammal origin; vegetable oils, including oil from seeds, nuts, fruits, or kernels; and other oils and greases, including synthetic oils and mineral oils. SPCC’s are required for facilities that have over 1320 gallons of oil/petroleum-based products on site.
Containers 55 gallons or larger are considered in calculating the threshold; however, once over the threshold all volumes must be addressed.
This includes:
- Oil storage tank operators and maintenance workers
- Piping and pipeline operators
- Plant managers, engineers, and supervisors
- Environmental, health and safety coordinators
- Personnel involved in oil transfers, loading/unloading
- Security personnel and gate attendants
- Oil spill response teams
- Drivers who transport oil and contractors that handle oil storage/handling
- Personnel who develop, review, or implement the SPCC plan for a facility
- Executives and senior managers with oversight of facility operations related to preventing oil spills
Regulation reference
- 40 CFR 112.7 – EPA SPCC training requirements.
- Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA).
- Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90).
- California Water Code Section 25270.13.
- California Health and Safety Code Chapter 6.67- 6.7.
What our training provides:
Our Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) training provides personnel with the knowledge and skills to prevent, mitigate, and respond to oil spills at regulated facilities. The training covers key elements of the SPCC regulation including secondary containment, facility drainage systems, transfer procedures, inspection requirements, and countermeasures. It outlines a facility’s specific spill risks, prevention standards, response plans, and regulatory duties. Personnel are equipped with an understanding of best practices for materials handling, spill reporting, cleanup, and maintenance to properly implement the SPCC plan. The goal is to ensure the team is trained and ready to safely manage operations, avoid violations, reduce spill risks, and protect the facility, workers, and environment through continuous improvement.
Topics include:
- An overview of the SPCC regulation and its requirements for facilities that store oil and oil products.
- An understanding of a facility’s SPCC plan, spill risks, and preventative measures.
- Guidance on spill prevention standards like secondary containment, inspections, security, and facility drainage.
- Proper procedures for materials handling, tank filling, pipeline transfers, and other plant operations.
- Training on emergency response, spill reporting, cleanup, and incident investigation.
- Information on oil spill liability, penalties for noncompliance, and best practices.
- Typical resources provided include SPCC regulation summaries, example SPCC plans, inspection checklists, and job aids for spill prevention.
- The training aims to ensure personnel are knowledgeable and competent to perform duties in compliance with SPCC regulations to prevent discharges, mitigate spills, maintain the SPCC plan, and continuously improve spill prevention at a facility.
- It equips personnel with the understanding and tools to keep oil safely contained and protect the facility, workers, and environment.
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Who needs stormwater pollution prevention training?
Construction site workers, industrial facility employees, municipal workers, and anyone involved in operations that could pollute stormwater runoff.
How often do I need to take SWPPP training?
Refresher training is required annually. Initial training may be required more frequently at some sites.
What topics are covered in SWPPP training?
Pollution prevention, good housekeeping, BMPs, inspections, sampling, record keeping, spill response, and more.
What are the regulatory requirements for training?
EPA construction and industrial stormwater permits require employee training. States and local agencies may have additional requirements.
Why is Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP) Training important?
Prevents pollution incidents, protects water quality, and maintains regulatory compliance.
How long does the training take?
Typically 1 hour, but can vary based on scope and agency requirements.
What resources will I receive from the training?
Training manuals, BMP guide sheets, inspection checklists, and other useful references.
Is an exam required for SWPPP training?
Often yes, an exam ensures staff understand key pollution prevention concepts.
Do I receive a certificate if I complete training?
Yes, a certificate documents successful training completion.
Is SWPPP training required for subcontractors on site?
Yes, all personnel on site should complete applicable SWPPP training.
Does training have to be on company time?
Yes, required training must be completed during paid work hours.
How often does SWPPP training need to be refreshed?
Refresher training is required at least annually.
Where do I maintain training records?
Certificates must be kept on site for inspectors and auditors to review.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have other questions regarding Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP) Training, you can contact us. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.