API Environmental Regulations & Spill Prevention Flashcards

Which federal regulation requires facilities handling oil to develop and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan?

Answer: Clean Water Act (40 CFR Part 112)

40 CFR Part 112, enacted under the Clean Water Act, mandates SPCC plans for facilities with oil storage above threshold quantities.

Under API Recommended Practice 652, what is the primary purpose of lining aboveground storage tank (AST) floors?

Answer: To prevent corrosion and soil/groundwater contamination from tank bottoms

API RP 652 covers lining of AST floors to protect against internal corrosion and prevent product releases that contaminate soil and groundwater.

What does the acronym 'NPDES' stand for in the context of oil and gas environmental compliance?

Answer: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NPDES is the EPA permitting program under the Clean Water Act that regulates discharges of pollutants into US waters.

API Standard 2000 addresses venting of atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks primarily to:

Answer: Prevent over- or under-pressure conditions and control vapor emissions

API Std 2000 provides requirements for normal and emergency venting to protect tank integrity and manage vapor losses.

Which API document provides guidance on the environmental and safety design of onshore petroleum refineries?

Answer: API RP 750

API RP 750 covers management of process hazards at petroleum refineries, addressing environmental and safety design considerations.

According to EPA Tier II reporting requirements, petroleum storage facilities must report quantities if they store a hazardous chemical above:

Answer: 10,000 pounds (or 500 pounds for extremely hazardous substances)

EPCRA Section 312 Tier II reporting is triggered at 10,000 lbs for hazardous chemicals and 500 lbs for extremely hazardous substances.