The statutory provisions and EPA regulations described in this guidance document contain legally
binding requirements. This guidance document does not substitute for those provisions or regulations, nor is it a
regulation itself. In the event of a conflict between the discussion in this document and any statute or
regulation, this document would not be controlling. The guidance does not impose legally binding requirements
on EPA or the regulated community, and might not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances.
The word “should” as used in this guidance is intended solely to recommend or suggest, in contrast to “must” or
“shall” which are used when restating regulatory requirements. Similarly, model SPCC Plans in Appendices D, E,
and F, as well as examples of SPCC Plan language in the guidance, are provided as suggestions and illustrations
only. While this guidance document indicates EPA's preferred approach to assure effective implementation of
legal requirements, EPA retains the discretion to adopt approaches on a case-by-case basis that differ from this
guidance where appropriate. Any decisions regarding a particular facility will be made based on the statute and
regulations.
References or links to information cited throughout this guidance are subject to change. Rule provisions
and addresses provided in this guidance are current as of August 2013. This guidance is a living document and
may be revised periodically without public notice. This document will be revised, as necessary, to reflect any
relevant future regulatory amendments. Interested parties are free to raise questions and objections about the
substance of this guidance and the appropriateness of the application of this guidance to a particular situation.
EPA welcomes public comments on this document at any time and will consider those comments in any future
revision of this guidance document.