On Oct, 15, 2007, EPA proposed amendments to the Spill Prevention, Control and Counter measure (SPCC) rule to clarify and streamline existing requirements, propose changes to enhance compliance, and improve protection of human health and the environment. 72 Fed. Reg. 58378. EPA also proposed exemptions form the SPCC for several operations.

The SPCC rule requires certain facilities that store oil on site to prepare and implement plans for the containment and other countermeasures to prevent oils from reaching the nation’s waters. Comments on the proposed amendments are due on Dec. 14, 2007. All SPCC regulated facilities will be required to comply with the existing SPCC regulations pending this rulemaking on the proposed amendments.

(For more information on this announcement, please visit the NASF website at www.nasf.org.)