Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How Do I Obtain a Permit?

In the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), submit the Facility Information submittal element and Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Documentation. Once your submittal is reviewed by the Alameda County Health, Environmental Health Department (ACEHD), an invoice will be issued to your facility for your appropriate permit category. A permit will be issued once payment has been received by ACEHD.

What is an SPCC Plan?

The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan is a plan that every facility subject to APSA must develop and implement to prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The SPCC plan must contain the following:

  • Facility’s operating procedures implemented to prevent oil spills
  • Installed control measures to prevent oil spills from entering navigable waters or adjoining shorelines
  • Countermeasures designed to contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that occurred on navigable waters or adjoining shorelines

What Type of SPCC Plan Should I Use (Tier 1, Tier II, P.E. Certified)?

  • If your facility has ≤10,000 gallons total petroleum storage capacity and no tank is >5,000 gallons, you may use the Tier I SPCC Plan Template.
  • If your facility has ≤10,000 gallons total petroleum storage capacity and any individual tank is >5,000 gallons, you may self-certify using the Tier II SPCC Plan Template, but may not use the Tier I SPCC Plan Template.
  • Facilities with >10,000 gallons total storage capacity must have a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) review and certify the SPCC Plan.

Is My Facility Exempt From APSA?

Farms, nurseries, logging, and construction sites with a tank less than 20,000 gallons and a total petroleum storage capacity of less than 100,000 gallons are conditionally exempt from completing and implementing an SPCC Plan. However, these exempt facilities must do the following:

  • Submit Facility Information and required APSA Documentation in CERS
  • Conduct daily inspections of ASTs in compliance with Federal SPCC rules
  • Pay annual invoice to keep an active APSA permit
  • Allow ACEHD to conduct periodic inspections
  • Notify ACEHD and Cal OES of a spill or release of 42 gallons or more of petroleum

To Whom Do I Report a Petroleum Release or Discharge From an APSA Tank Facility?

In the event of a petroleum release or spill from an APSA tank facility, contact the California Office of Emergency Services (State Warning Center) and the UPA or 911. Cleanup or abatement may be required.

California State Warning Center

(916) 845-8911
3650 Schriever Avenue, Mather, California 95655-4203

What is a Tank in an Underground Area (TIUGA)?

Some facilities with less than 1,320 gallons of petroleum with a Tank In An Underground Area would be subject to APSA.

Under APSA, a Tank In An Underground Area is a stationary tank to which all of the following apply:

  • The storage tank has the capacity to store 55 gallons or more of petroleum.
  • The storage tank is located on or above the surface of the floor in a structure at least 10 percent below the ground surface, including, but not limited to, a basement, cellar, shaft, pit, or vault.
  • The structure in which the storage tank is located must provide for secondary containment of the contents of the tank, piping, and ancillary equipment, until cleanup occurs.
  • The storage tank meets one or more of the following categories:
    • Lubricant/coolant tank – Contains petroleum (new or used oil) as lubricant or coolant in motor engines, transmissions, or oil-filled operational or manufacturing equipment.
    • Hazardous waste tank – Contains petroleum that is considered a hazardous waste and complies with the hazardous waste tank standards in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 15, Article 10.
    • Petroleum storage tank used solely in connection with a fire pump or an emergency system – The structure in which the storage tank is located must allow for direct viewing of the exterior of the tank except for the part of the tank in contact with the surface of the floor.

Are Tanks in Underground Areas That Are Less Than 55 Gallons Regulated Under APSA?

A TIUGA with less than 55 gallons of petroleum capacity may be regulated under APSA. However, a tank facility with only a TIUGA that has a capacity to store less than 55 gallons of petroleum, has secondary containment, is inspected monthly, and the owner or operator maintains a log of inspection records for review by the CUPA upon request, is excluded from APSA requirements.

What Type of SPCC Plan Can a TIUGA Use?

Facilities with a Tank In An Underground Area may use a qualified facility SPCC Plan template or prepare a full SPCC Plan.