Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 53 results

  • To whom do I report an oil discharge?

    A facility should report discharges to the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802 or 1-202-267-2675 . The NRC is the federal government's centralized reporting center, which is staffed 24 hours per day by U.S. Coast Guard personnel. If reporting directly to NRC is not practicable, reports also can be made…

    • Last published:

  • When must I report an oil discharge to NRC?

    Any person in charge of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility must notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately after he or she has knowledge of the discharge.

    • Last published:

  • Secondary containment for oil-filled operation equipment under SPCC

    On December 26, 2006, EPA provided an optional alternative to the general secondary containment requirements in 40 CFR §112.7(c) for qualified oil-filled operational equipment ( 71 FR 77266 ). Because the alternative is optional, an owner or operator could choose to comply with the existing SPCC requirements to provide general…

    • Last published:

  • Is my home unsafe if it contains lead-based paint?

    Answer: Approximately three-quarters of the nation’s housing built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint. This paint, if properly managed and maintained, poses little risk. If allowed to deteriorate, lead from paint can threaten the health of occupants, especially children under six years old. If families and building owners are aware…

    • Last published:

  • Can the inspection/risk assessment period for testing a house for lead be waived?

    Answer: Yes. The inspection or risk assessment period can be lengthened, shortened, or waived by mutual written consent between the purchaser and the seller. Question Number: 23002-33224 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

    • Last published:

  • As a seller and lessor, what if I'm selling target housing?

    Answer: Property owners who sell target housing must: Disclose all known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the housing and any available reports on lead in the housing; Give buyers the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"; Include certain warning language in the contract as…

    • Last published:

  • What if the lessor knows that there is no lead-based paint in my rental housing?

    Answer: If your rental housing has been found to be free of lead-based paint by a certified inspector, the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule does not apply. Question Number: 23002-33220 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

    • Last published:

  • What if the buyers/renters don't speak English?

    Answer: In cases where the buyer or renter signed a purchase or lease agreement in a language other than English, the rule requires that the disclosure language be provided in the alternate language. " Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home " in English. Protect Your Family From Lead…

    • Last published:

  • Will regulated entities have to perform retroactive requirements based off of the November 12, 2024 final rule entitled “Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels” (89 FR 89416)?

    Answer: No. The November 12, 2024 final rule entitled “Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels” (89 FR 89416) does not impose retroactive requirements to regulated entities that have previously complied with the Disclosure Rule. In accordance with 40 CFR 745.107, a seller or lessor generally…

    • Last published:

  • SPCC requirements for transfer areas associated with exempt USTs

    Gas stations typically are not subject to the SPCC Rule because completely buried storage tanks subject to 40 CFR Part 280 or 281 are exempt per §112.1(d)(4). However, a gas station would be subject to the SPCC Rule if it has more than 1,320 gallons of oil in aggregate above…

    • Last published:

  • Do the changes in the 2006 Amendments apply to oil-filled manufacturing equipment?

    No. The amendment does not change any requirements for oil-filled manufacturing equipment. Oil-filled manufacturing equipment remains subject to the SPCC requirements (including those for containment), but an owner/operator may determine that secondary containment is impracticable and comply with the alternative measures in section 112.7(d).

    • Last published:

  • What is an oil spill contingency plan?

    Instead of providing secondary containment for qualified oil-filled operational equipment, an owner or operator may prepare an oil spill contingency plan and a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials to quickly control and remove discharged oil. He/she must also have an inspection or monitoring program for the equipment to…

    • Last published:

  • Secondary containment requirements for mobile refuelers

    What secondary containment requirements apply to mobile refuelers? General secondary containment requirements in §112.7(c) still apply to mobile refuelers at SPCC regulated facilities. General secondary containment should be designed to address the most likely discharge from the container and from oil transfers into or from the mobile refueler. The general…

    • Last published:

  • What happens after a facility submits the information about an oil discharge to EPA?

    The EPA Regional Administrator will review the information submitted by the facility and may require a facility to submit and amend its SPCC Plan. Facilities and equipment that qualified for the new streamlined requirements may lose eligibility for those options as determined by the Regional Administrator. A state agency may…

    • Last published:

  • Who is subject to the Discharge of Oil regulation?

    Any person in charge of a vessel or of an onshore or offshore facility is subject to the reporting requirements of the Discharge of Oil regulation if it discharges a harmful quantity of oil to U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the contiguous zone, or in connection with activities under…

    • Last published: