Burden Eased on Oil and Fuel Storage Regulations
US – A Congress bill that will raise the exemption limit on above ground oil fuel storage has been welcomed as ‘commonsense legislation’ by farmers and ranchers.
26 May 2014
2 minute read
The Water Resources Reform and Development Act contains rulings on the storage of oil, extending to cattle feed due to oil being the base of many liquid cattle feeds.
Under the new provision, aggregate aboveground fuel storage will be limited to 6,000 gallons, more than four times the prior limit of 1,320 gallons.
This changes the Environment Protection Agency Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure rule (SPCC).
Only businesses that have no history of spills apply to the rule. Any single tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons or more must have a plan developed for it.
A self-certified plan is required under the new ruling for farms with storage of above 6,000 gallons and below 20,000 gallons with no history of spills and a single tank capacity of 10,000 gallons or more.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Bob McCan said the change eases the regulatory burden on rural businesses.
He added: “This commonsense legislation will protect the majority of the nation’s cattle producers from the burden and cost of developing a spill containment plan.
“The SPCC rule is yet another example of the EPA’s regulatory scheme threatening the economic viability of rural America and family farms and ranches.”
He added: “Our operations are good stewards of their land and waters, and this provision recognizes our commitment to keeping our family and animals safe. Because we know the value in clean water, our producers have an excellent record in preventing fuel spills.”
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