EPA extends SPPC RULE

According to the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed the effective date of the final rule amending spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPPC) regulations to April 4. The most recent implementation date of Nov. 20 could be delayed as a result of the extension of the effective date. “The aviation industry will have to wait to see if this date remains in place or if the EPA will make further changes. Changes to the December 2008 rules are also possible,” NATA noted. The December 2008 rules included, according to NATA, the following changes: new definitions of “facility” and “loading/unloading racks”; a new streamlined approach for smaller facilities; and amendments to the facility diagram and integrity testing requirements.