Spill Prevention Countermeasure Control (SPCC) Checklist [FREE PDF]

The EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule under 40 CFR Part 112 requires facilities storing oil above threshold quantities to implement and regularly inspect spill prevention measures. Failure to comply can result in significant fines under the Clean Water Act and reputational damage from environmental incidents. This checklist provides HSE Managers and Production Operators with a structured inspection protocol to verify containment integrity, response readiness, and regu

  • Industry: Oil & Gas
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Role: HSE Manager
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: EPA 40 CFR Part 112 Oil Pollution Prevention - SPCC Rule, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, API 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, API 1160 Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

SPCC Plan & Documentation Review

Verify the facility SPCC Plan is current, accessible, and reflects actual site conditions and personnel.

  • Is the current SPCC Plan readily accessible at the facility and available to all responsible personnel?
  • Has the SPCC Plan been reviewed and recertified by a Professional Engineer within the past 5 years?
  • Does the SPCC Plan accurately reflect current tank capacities, equipment layouts, and spill response contacts?
  • Are all SPCC-required inspection logs and records current and stored as specified in the Plan?
  • Have all personnel with SPCC responsibilities completed required spill prevention training within the past 12 months?

Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Inspection

Inspect all aboveground oil storage tanks for structural integrity, leak indicators, and secondary containment adequacy.

  • Are all AST shells, roofs, and seams free from visible cracks, holes, bulges, or signs of corrosion?
  • Are all tank foundation areas free from soil staining, oil sheen, or other evidence of leakage?
  • Are all tank vents, hatches, gauges, and appurtenances in good condition and free from leaks?
  • Are high-level alarms and overfill protection devices present, operational, and tested within the required interval?
  • Is the current tank inventory level within the approved operating capacity and below maximum fill level?
  • Are tank capacity markings and identification labels legible and accurate?

Secondary Containment & Dike Inspection

Verify that all secondary containment structures are structurally sound, adequately sized, and free from accumulated oil or water that reduces capacity.

  • Is secondary containment present for all oil storage tanks and sized to hold 110% of the largest tank's capacity?
  • Are dike walls and floors free from cracks, gaps, erosion, or penetrations that would compromise containment integrity?
  • Are all dike drain valves in the closed and locked position with no uncontrolled drainage path to navigable waters?
  • Is the accumulated liquid in the secondary containment area below 10% of containment capacity (freeboard maintained)?
  • Are containment areas free from vegetation overgrowth, debris, or materials that could impede spill detection or response?

Transfer Operations & Piping Inspection

Inspect all oil transfer lines, pumps, loading/unloading areas, and associated piping for integrity and spill prevention measures.

  • Are all above-ground pipelines and transfer lines free from visible leaks, corrosion, or physical damage?
  • Are loading and unloading areas equipped with drip pans, sumps, or other containment measures to capture transfer spills?
  • Are all pump seals, flanges, and valve packing free from active drips or leaks at the time of inspection?
  • Are check valves and automatic shutoff devices on transfer lines operational and in good condition?
  • Are all pipeline and transfer area isolation valves clearly labeled, accessible, and operable?
  • Are any buried pipelines within the scope of this SPCC Plan scheduled for cathodic protection testing as required?

Spill Response Equipment Readiness

Verify that all spill response equipment is present, adequately stocked, accessible, and in serviceable condition.

  • Are spill kits with sufficient absorbent materials staged at all required locations per the SPCC Plan?
  • Are containment booms, absorbent pads, and other response materials within expiry and in usable condition?
  • Is the emergency spill response contact list current, posted at required locations, and includes the National Response Center (NRC) number 1-800-424-8802?
  • Has spill response equipment been inspected and inventoried within the past 30 days with records maintained?
  • Have facility personnel conducted a spill response drill within the past 12 months with documented outcomes?

Drainage & Waterway Protection

Inspect site drainage systems, stormwater paths, and any waterway proximity measures to prevent spills from reaching navigable waters.

  • Are all site stormwater drains and trenches free from oil staining, sheen, or accumulated product?
  • Are oil-water separators or skimmers on site operational and free of excess accumulated oil?
  • Are any storm drain plugs, flap gates, or automatic closure devices in the area operational and properly maintained?
  • Is there any visible sheen, discoloration, or oil on any water bodies, drainage ditches, or stormwater ponds adjacent to the facility?
  • Are buffer zones and berms between hydrocarbon storage areas and waterways intact and free from erosion?

Previous Spill Incidents & Corrective Action Closeout

Review any prior spill events and verify that all required notifications, cleanup actions, and corrective measures have been completed.

  • Have any reportable oil spills or discharges occurred at this facility since the last SPCC inspection?
  • If a spill occurred, was it reported to the NRC and applicable state agency within the required timeframe?
  • Have all corrective actions from previous spill events and SPCC inspections been fully closed out and documented?
  • Has the SPCC Plan been amended to address root causes identified from any prior spill events?
  • Please document any new deficiencies, observations, or recommended corrective actions identified during this inspection.

Related Oil & Gas Checklists

Related Production Checklists

Why Use This Spill Prevention Countermeasure Control (SPCC) Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This spill prevention countermeasure control (spcc) checklist [free pdf] helps oil & gas teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for hse manager professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with EPA 40 CFR Part 112 Oil Pollution Prevention - SPCC Rule, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, API 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, API 1160 Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Spill Prevention Countermeasure Control (SPCC) Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: SPCC Plan & Documentation Review, Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Inspection, Secondary Containment & Dike Inspection, Transfer Operations & Piping Inspection, Spill Response Equipment Readiness, Drainage & Waterway Protection, Previous Spill Incidents & Corrective Action Closeout. It is designed for oil & gas operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Spill Prevention Countermeasure Control (SPCC) Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for HSE Manager professionals in the oil & gas industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists