Oil Storage Containers


Introduction

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the storage of all types of oil in order to protect water bodies from potential oil pollution.  The EPA regulations affecting oil storage are found in Part 112 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 112), Oil Pollution Prevention.  This regulation includes specifics for developing a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan as well as requirements for containers, secondary containment, inspections, and response activities.  These regulations are applicable to all containers 55-gallons and larger that contain any type of oil. 
  

Oil Definition

 

  

Storage Containers

Bulk storage container means any 55 gallon or greater container used to store oil.  Oil-filled electrical, operating, or manufacturing equipment are considered non-bulk storage containers.  Examples of bulk storage containers are drums, totes, fuel trucks, and aboveground storage tanks. 

All bulk storage containers (except fuel trucks) are required to have secondary containment that is large enough to contain the full volume of the container (plus additional space for precipitation if stored outdoors).  Mobile fuel trucks (i.e, those not parked for extended periods of time) are exempt from this requirement but must have adequate absorbent materials to respond in the event of a spill during fueling operations.

Non-bulk storage containers, such as hydraulic equipment, transformers, or generators equipped with belly tanks, are required to have spill response supplies available in the event of a spill but are not required to have fixed secondary containment. 

All bulk storage containers must be inspected regularly to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 112 and in Fort Novosel’s SPCC Plan.  Storage containers should be inspected using USAACE Form 2711, SPCC Plan Container Inspection Form.  This form is required to be completed monthly for all bulk storage containers of new oil and weekly for all containers of used oil.  This form should be submitted to the Oil Storage Container Program Manager on a monthly basis by the operator who completes the inspection.  DPW-ENRD will complete additional inspections of the containers on a quarterly basis.

 

Training Requirements

Training is required annually for oil handling personnel.  At a minimum, these personnel must be trained in the following:

        Operation and maintenance of equipment to prevent the discharge of oil

        Discharge procedure protocols

        Applicable pollution control laws, rules and regulations

        General facility operations

        Contents of the SPCC Plan

Training slides are included in the SPCC Container Inspection Training folder located above.  PowerPoint versions of the training materials, as well as additional training materials are available from DPW-ENRD upon request.  All personnel training should be documented and kept on file for a minimum of three years.

 

Use of Used Oil ASTs

In order to ensure proper disposal of used oil generated throughout the installation, Fort Novosel has purchased a large number of double-walled ASTs for consolidation of used oil products.  These used oil ASTs are located throughout the installation.  Only used oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and diesel may be disposed in these used oil ASTs. Contact 255-1657 for guidance about the disposal of used, contaminated, or excess gasoline or F24.

Fort Novosel housing or barracks residents may dispose of used oil in the used oil tank located outside the Auto Craft Shop or the Recycling Center.  All other fuel products from housing or barracks residents which requires disposal should be turned in to the Hazardous Material Control Center (HMCC) during duty hours 0730-1630, Building 1315, Nighthawk Street, 598-1037.

DPW-ENRD manages the disposal of used oil and fuel from work site locations through a Recycling Program contractor. If your tank is nearing full status and requires pumping, contact 255-1656 or 1657 so removal of the tank contents can be arranged.