REVIEW OF OIL SPILL INCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER FROM ONSHORE OIL PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper discusses considerations for prevention requirements under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation (40 CFR part 112) of onshore oil production facilities. The paper summarizes findings from a recent review of oil spill incidents reported to the National Response Center (NRC) during the period of 2000 through 2005. The analysis covers the relative frequencies and magnitudes of reported oil discharges from onshore oil production facilities by material discharged, source, and cause. The findings are complemented by findings from reviews of spill data obtained for selected states (Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma) and by field observations of EPA inspectors. 1 The SPCC rule provides specific requirements for different types of E&P facilities, including: onshore oil production facilities (§112.9), onshore oil drilling and workover facilities (§112.10), and offshore oil drilling, production, or workover facilities (§112.11).