Oil Spills

Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan

The University of Missouri's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department has developed a comprehensive Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan in accordance with federal regulations. This plan outlines procedures for preventing and responding to oil spills on campus. For information regarding chemical and biological spills, please refer to the Chemical and Biological Spills page.

Definition of Oil

Under the Clean Water Act, "oil" encompasses all forms and types, including but not limited to:

• Petroleum and non-petroleum oils

• Crude oil and refined petroleum products

• Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and kerosene

• Edible and non-edible animal and vegetable oils

• Mineral oils and other non-petroleum oil

Definition of a Release Event

A release event refers to the discharge of oil in quantities that:

• Violate applicable water quality standards

• Create a visible film, sheen, or discoloration on the water surface

• Result in sludge or emulsion deposits beneath the water surface

EHS Responsibilities

The University's Department of Environmental Health & Safety is charged with environmental compliance and response to oil spills. EHS maintains trained personnel and adequate supplies to respond to oil incidents. Common incidents occur in interior locations or are associated with vehicles. Some of these incidents include report of an oil sheen on storm water runoff from surface parking lots. Other incidents are spills onto soil without release to surface waters; EHS coordinates remediation activities as appropriate. EHS is also responsible for all required notification and reports to regulatory agencies.

Oil User Responsibilities

Campus personnel who use or store oil must take proactive steps to prevent spills and ensure compliance with university and federal requirements:

• Inspect containers and equipment regularly for leaks, corrosion, or damage. Promptly report any issues to EHS.
• Complete required spill prevention training provided by EHS before handling oil.
• Store oil properly with secondary containment and away from drains or high-traffic areas.
• Have spill kits accessible and know how to use them in case of a release.
• Report all oil spills to EHS, regardless of size.

Potential release sources:

• Leaking underground storage tanks
• Leaking above ground storage tanks
• Piping associated with tanks
• Leaking from tank filling operations
• Leakage from fryers associated with campus dining services
• Leakage from oil-filled transformers
• Leakage from elevator hydraulic oil reserves
• Leakage from new or used drums of oil in storage for use, recycling, or disposal
• Leakage from vehicles
• Leakage from miscellaneous campus sources

Procedures for Oil Spill Detection and Reporting

If an oil spill is observed:

1. Immediately contain the spill to prevent it from reaching drains (e.g., floor or stormwater drains).

2. Contact EHS using the 24-hour emergency numbers:

   • Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: (573) 882-7018

   • Outside of office hours: (573) 882-7201 (MUPD will notify EHS personnel)

3. If the spill poses an immediate danger to human health, call 911 and seek assistance from the Columbia Fire Department

Containment may require the use of absorbent materials. Personnel should engage in spill prevention activities unless the situation is unsafe.

Information Required When Reporting a Spill

• Name of Person Making Call
• Material and Quantity Involved
• Current Condition of Spill
• Health and/or Fire Hazard
• Building Location
• Location of Spill in Building
• Telephone Number for Personnel Observing Scene
• Evacuation Details

If you have questions please contact Ted Haeussler at (573) 882-3950.