Contractors are required to prepare a project specific Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan prior to any construction activity.
Projects that went to Ad prior to April 4, 2011, follow the SPCC requirements of Section #1-07.15(1) of the 2010 Standard Specification book, and the General Special Provision (GSP) #071501FR1. Contract requirements are available at the WSDOT Construction web page.
NEW SPCC Plan Requirements - Effective April 4, 2011
per Amendment Section #1-07.15(1) (pdf 43 kb)
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NEW - The April 4, 2011 Amendment & GSP Update Package revises Standard Specification #1-07.15(1). The new SPCC plan requirements (pdf 43 kb) are effective for all projects that go to Ad after April 4, 2011. The major changes include:
- Secondary containment language added per new NPDES Permit requirements
- Reference to Section 3406 of the International Fire Code for requirements on temporary fuel storage
- Combined pertinent language prior to deleting GSP 071501.FR1
Links to topics below:
For Projects that went to Ad prior to April 4, 2011
For Projects that went to Ad after April 4, 2011
General SPCC Information and References
Links to topics below:
For additional information regarding spills, refer to Ecology's Spill Web Page at: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/spills.html
Secondary containment is a safeguard measure used to prevent spills to the environment. Secondary containment must hold a spill and remain liquid tight until clean up occurs. On construction sites, single walled fuel tanks must have containment, along with other spill sources that may be a threat to human health or the environment.
Whether a spill source “may be a threat” is subjective, so WSDOT PEs and Ecology inspectors use professional judgment to determine reasonable secondary containment requirements that fit each individual circumstance. Multiple factors must be considered when deciding what needs secondary containment. To assess spill risks, evaluate the project and the surrounding environment and then consider possible worst case scenarios. Consider how things could fail and how to prevent or protect in event of a failure. Consider the location, type and quantity of stored materials or any risky construction activities (e.g., fueling) and take into account the topography (slope and gradient) and the proximity to water or other environmentally sensitive areas. Could a worst case scenario spill reach water?
Apply practicality and use common sense when enforcing secondary containment requirements. Use “worst case” to assess risk, but apply basic knowledge to establish reasonable means to manage the risk. Recognize that there is only so much energy, time, and money to expend to achieve full compliance on a project. Make a good faith effort to control pollution sources and require what is reasonable based on the project specific circumstances and environmental conditions.
When secondary containment requirements are either impractical or not protective enough, PEs have the authority to modify contract requirements as necessary, whether to allow for deviations or to increase protection measures in high risk situations. If the PE determines that secondary containment is not practical, the PE should be prepared to present a rational argument that demonstrates the PE is aware of the circumstance and has considered the predicted flow direction, rate of flow, and total quantity and whether a worst case scenario spill could reasonably be expected to reach a water body; And/or describe alternative measures that provide equivalent environmental protection.
Photographs and additional information is provided in the Secondary Containment guidance (pdf 558 kb), which explains:
- What is required?
- What needs secondary containment?
- How should secondary containment be built and maintained?
- What encourages compliance?
Project Engineers are encouraged to contact their WSDOT HazMat Specialist for questions, recommendations or a project SPCC Assessment.
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EPA SPCC per 40 CFR 112
EPA's federal SPCC requirements under 40 CFR 112 may apply to facilities that stores more than 1,320 gallons of oil products in above ground containers (count containers with 55-gallon or greater capacity, including operating equipment) and has a reasonable possibility of spilling oil to water bodies (including, but not limited to ponds, wetlands, and intermittent streams). Although WSDOT projects are not subject to the federal SPCC requirements, WSDOT refers to this regulation for guidance on preventative measures to stop spills from occurring on projects. Please refer to EPA's web page for additional information at: www.epa.gov/oilspill.
Spill Plan Reviewer Training (CC: BYZ)
Section 1-2.2J(1) of the Construction Manualrequires all WSDOT personnel who review SPCC plans to take this training. The content of the course focuses on the overall basics of spill prevention, regulatory reporting requirements and reviewing SPCC Plans to insure compliance with the minimum requirements of the Standard Specification #1-07.15(1). It is recommended that staff take the class every two years as a refresher to stay current on changing requirements.
The Hazardous Materials Program provides this training annually during the winter season. WSDOT staff can sign up for the training (with supervisor approval) through their training support person or the WSDOT Staff Development office. If a class is not currently scheduled, please request to have your named added to the "wait list," which helps determine the most appropriate time and location to hold classes.
Available Training for WSDOT Contractors
Half-Hour Spill Prevention Course
This half-hour training module is a required component of the two-day Certification in Construction Site Erosion and Sedimentation Control course. For more information about this course, go to the Erosion Control Program webpage.
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