SPILL PREVENTION, CONTROL, AND

COUNTERMEASURE (SPCC) PLAN

MCMURDO STATION

McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Prepared For:

Raytheon Polar Services Company

7400 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, Colorado 80112-3938

September 15, 2008

Revision 01 September 1, 2009

Revision 02 January 7, 2010

Revision 03 September 15, 2010

Revision 04 February 20, 2012
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE NO.

TITLE PAGE................................................................................................................................................. i

TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................ii

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................1

1.1 MANAGEMENT APPROVAL.....................................................................................1

1.2 FACILITY INFORMATION ........................................................................................2

1.3 FACILITY DESCRIPTION ..........................................................................................3

1.3.1 Facility Operations.................................................................................................3

1.3.2 Facility Transportation and Access........................................................................4

1.4 NAVIGABLE WATERS IN THE MCMURDO STATION AREA.............................4

1.5 INTERFACE OF U. S. COAST GUARD AND U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL 

PROTECTION AGENCY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................4

1.6 FACILITY LAYOUT AND DRAINAGE ....................................................................5

1.7 FACILITY SPILL HISTORY .......................................................................................6

2.0 OIL STORAGE EQUIPMENT..............................................................................................7

2.1 MCMURDO STATION TOWN AREA – TANK FARM 1 .........................................7

2.2 MCMURDO STATION TOWN AREA – TANK FARM 2 .......................................11

2.3 MCMURDO STATION TOWN AREA – DAY TANK AND POWER PLANT ......16

2.4 MCMURDO STATION AREA – OUTLYING FACILITIES....................................23

2.5 SUMARY OF COMPLIANCE STATUS FOR OIL STORAGE EQUIPMENT........33

3.0 FACILITY TRANSFER OPERATIONS ............................................................................36

4.0 FACILITY LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS............................................37

5.0 INSPECTIONS, TESTING, AND RECORDS....................................................................38

5.1 INSPECTIONS............................................................................................................38

5.1.1 Periodic Inspections.............................................................................................38

5.1.2 Formal External Inspections................................................................................38

5.1.3 Formal Internal Inspections.................................................................................39

5.1.4 Inspection History................................................................................................39

5.1.5 Implementation of Inspection Program ...............................................................39

5.2 TESTING.....................................................................................................................40

5.2.1 Implementation of Testing Program....................................................................41

5.3 RECORDKEEPING ....................................................................................................42

5.3.1 Implementation of Record Keeping Program......................................................43

6.0 TRAINING ..........................................................................................................................44

7.0 SPILL RESPONSE..............................................................................................................45

7.1 PROCEDURES FOR CONTROL OF DISCHARGE AND 

COUNTERMEASURES .............................................................................................45

7.1.1 Control of Discharge............................................................................................45

7.1.2 General Countermeasures for Discharge Discovery, Response, and Cleanup.....45

7.1.3 Methods of Disposal of Recovered Materials......................................................46

8.0 SPILL NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING...................................................................47

8.1 COMPANY NOTIFICATIONS ..................................................................................47

8.2 EMAIL SPILL REPORTING......................................................................................48
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8.3 COUNCIL OF MANAGERS OF NATIONAL ANTARCTIC PROGRAMS 

(COMNAP)..................................................................................................................48

8.4 REPORTING INFORMATION ..................................................................................48

8.5 WRITTEN NOTIFICATIONS ....................................................................................48

9.0 CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT NOT PRESENT AT THIS FACIITY .......................49

10.0 PLAN MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................50

10.1 PLAN REVIEWS ........................................................................................................50

10.2 PLAN AMENDMENTS..............................................................................................50

11.0 OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN AND COMMITMENT OF MANPOWER, 

EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS [40CFR112.7(D)] ......................................................52

12.0 FACILITY RESPONSE PLAN [40CFR112.20].................................................................53

13.0 PLAN CERTIFICATION [40CFR112.3(D)] ......................................................................54

14.0 PLAN CERTIFICATION [40CFR112.3(D)] ......................................................................55

REFERENCES

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 List of Oil Storage Containers in Tank Farm 1................................................................... 7

Table 2.2 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Tank Farm 1................................................................ 10

Table 2.3 List of Oil Storage Containers in Tank Farm 2................................................................. 12

Table 2.4 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Tank Farm2................................................................. 15

Table 2.5 List of Oil Storage Containers in Day Tank and Power Plant Area.................................. 16

Table 2.6 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Day Tank and Power Plant Area................................. 21

Table 2.7 List of Oil Storage Containers in Consolidated Airfield................................................... 24

Table 2.8 List of Oil Storage Containers at the Sea Ice Runway...................................................... 26

Table 2.9 List of Oil Storage Containers at Black Island Telecommunications Facility.................. 27

Table 2.10 List of Oil Storage Containers at Marble Point Refueling Facility................................... 28

Table 2.12 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Consolidated Airfield.................................................. 31

Table 2.13 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Ice Runway ................................................................. 31

Table 2.14 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Black Island Telecommunications Facility................. 31

Table 2.15 Analysis of Equipment Failure at Marble Point Refueling Facility.................................. 31

Table 2.16 Summary of Compliance Status for Oil Storage Equipment ............................................ 34

Table 3.1 General Material Transfer Procedures.............................................................................. 36

Table 5.1 Inspection and Leak Testing Schedules - Shop Fabricated ASTs..................................... 39

Table 5.2 Inspection and Leak Testing schedules - Field-Erected ASTs.......................................... 39

Table 8.1 McMurdo Station Spill Notification Requirements.......................................................... 46

Table 10.1 Log of SPCC Plan Reviews.............................................................................................. 49

Table 10.2 Log of SPCC Plan Modifications ..................................................................................... 50

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Fuel Line Schematic

Figure 2 Fuel Lines and Drainage 

Figure 3 Fuel Lines

Figure 4 Consolidated Airfield Site Plan

Figure 5 Consolidated Airfield Town and Apron Detail

Figure 6 Ice Runway Aircraft Parking Layout 

Figure 7 Black Island Site Plan

Figure 8 Marble Point Topographical Map and Facilities Zone

Figure 9 Typical Design of New Day Tank
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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Oil Tank Data Sheets

Appendix B Cross Reference Table for 40 CFR 112

Appendix C Certification of the Applicability of the Substantial Harm Criteria Checklist

Appendix D Historical Record of Spills

Appendix E Details of McMurdo Tank Locations

Appendix F Fuel Transfer SOPs

Appendix G Loading/Unloading SOPs

Appendix H Monthly, Annual and Container SPCC Inspection Checklist

Appendix I Inspecting 55-Gallon Fuel Drums

Appendix J Training documents

Appendix K Spill Response Documents

Appendix L Notification and Response Documents

Appendix M Draft USAP Spill Contingency Plan

Appendix N Antarctic Treaty Protocol
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1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

The purpose of a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan (Plan) is to describe 

engineering and administrative controls employed at/by a facility to comply with requirements set forth 

under 40 CFR 112. This document was prepared in accordance with those requirements, and includes a 

discussion of conformance with alternate discharge prevention and containment controls [40 CFR 

112.7(j) and 40 CFR 112.8(a)]. A table cross-referencing the requirements established per 40 CFR 112 

and how those requirements are addressed at the McMurdo Station, Antarctica facility (Station or facility) 

is contained in Appendix B of this document. 

This Plan provides guidance for all United States Antarctic Program (USAP) participants with respect to 

handling, transfer, removal, and storage of oil (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils, fuels) at 

McMurdo Station and its supporting facilities. Spill prevention measures include, but are not limited to, 

the measures identified herein. McMurdo Station management is responsible for maintenance and 

execution of this plan including, but not limited to, inspections, training, and reporting of releases. A 

complete copy of this document is maintained on site in the office of the National Science Foundation 

(NSF) Station Manager, Building 175 [40 CFR 112.3(e)].

Ongoing upgrades to the facility’s bulk fuel storage and distribution systems will bring McMurdo Station 

into substantial compliance with requirements established per 40 CFR 112. Where measures in use vary 

from these requirements, reasons for the variance and alternate methods providing equivalent protection 

are described herein. For certain operations a finding of impracticability has been made. To minimize 

exposures from those operations, a contingency plan has been developed and implemented. The 

contingency plan includes a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials (see Section 11 

and Appendix M of this document). 

The Antarctic Treaty governs activities by the consultative nations in Antarctica. The consultative 

nations have developed a Protocol on Environmental Protection covering activities in Antarctica. 

Appendix N includes Annex IV - Prevention of Marine Pollution. For the United States the Antarctic 

Conservation Act of 1978, as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996, 

enforces this protocol.

1.1 Management Approval

The NSF is committed to the prevention of discharges of oil to navigable waters and the environment 

through the implementation of spill prevention measures. This Plan is one part of that effort. The 

designated responsible person for spill prevention and cleanup at the site is directly responsible for 

implementing the plan and communicating the plan to USAP participants. 
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I approve this Plan and the commitment of resources to implement this plan [§112.7]. This resource 

commitment includes the manpower, equipment and materials required to expeditiously control and 

remove any quantity of oil discharged that may be harmful [40 CFR 112.7 (d)].

Signature: _________________________________ Date: _____________________

Printed Name: _________________________________ Title: ______________________

 National Science Foundation

 

1.2 Facility Information

Facility Name: McMurdo Station

Facility Owner: National Science Foundation

Current Operator: Primary Contractor under contract to the National Science Foundation

Physical Location of the Facility:

McMurdo Station (77o51’S, 166o40’E) adjacent to Winter Quarters Bay on the western 

side of the southern tip of Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island, Antarctica.

Mailing Address of the Facility: 

National Science Foundation Station Manager

McMurdo Station

PSC 469 Box 700

APO-AP 96599-1035

Facility Phone Number: (509) 689-6280

(720) 568-2601 (Central Switchboard)

Facility Fax Number: (509) 689-6292 

Key Contacts for Plan Development and Maintenance:

National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs Duty Pager – (703) 819-0283

Raytheon Polar Services, Environmental, Health and Safety – (303) 790-8606

Facility Owner, Address, and Telephone:

National Science Foundation

Office of Polar Programs

4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 755

Arlington, VA 22203

Contact: Environmental Officer (703) 292-7448 

Facility Operator, Address and Telephone:

National Science Foundation

Office of Polar Programs

4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 755

Arlington, VA 22203

Contact: Environmental Officer (703) 292- 7448 
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Contract Operator:

Raytheon Polar Services Company

7400 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, CO 80112-3938

(303) 790-8606 (Tel)

(303)-790-9130 (Fax)

Station Operations/Facility Contact:

National Science Foundation Station Manager

McMurdo Station, Antarctica

PSC 469 Box 700

APO-AP 96599- 1035

(509) 689-6280 (Tel) (McMurdo Central Switchboard)

(509) 689-6292 (Fax)

On Station: 

Fire Department (24 Hr) 911

Trouble Desk (24 Hr) 2555

Environmental Department 2740

1.3 Facility Description

McMurdo Station is the USAP’s largest base in Antarctica. Established at 77o51’S, 166o40’E, it is a 

coastal facility on the southern tip of Ross Island. McMurdo is geographically located approximately

3,864 km (2,415 miles) south of Christchurch, New Zealand and 1,360 km (850 miles) from the South 

Pole. The Station was originally constructed in 1955-1956, but has since expanded significantly. This 

facility serves as the primary logistics hub for re-supply of inland stations and field science camps in 

Antarctica. 

The McMurdo Station area also includes four outlying facilities. Currently two airfields are associated 

with McMurdo Station, the Consolidated (Pegasus) Airfield and the annual Sea Ice Runway. Airfield use 

is dependent upon season, ice conditions, and airlift needs. In addition, there are two satellite facilities in 

the McMurdo area including the Marble Point helicopter refueling station and the Black Island 

telecommunication facility.

1.3.1 Facility Operations

The Station provides logistical support for the South Pole Station and a variety of field camps. The 

station has capacity to store approximately 10 million gallons of fuel including; AN-8, JP-5, and unleaded 

gasoline (MOGAS). McMurdo receives fuel via a single vessel (tanker) each austral summer.

Approximately 90% of USAP participants reside in or pass through McMurdo Station. During the austral

winter (February to October) station population ranges from 150 to 250 people and during the austral 

summer (October to February) the population may exceed 1,100. Access to the station is limited from 

late February until early October, except for a brief period in August when several closely spaced flights 

(known as WINFLY) deliver personnel and supplies. Temperatures at McMurdo range from a high of 

8C (46F) to -50C (-58F) with a mean annual temperature of -18C (0F). The average wind speed is 

12 knots, but has exceeded 100 knots.
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1.3.2 Facility Transportation and Access

McMurdo is accessible by fixed-wing aircraft and sea-going vessels. It is the USAP’s largest fuel transfer 

and storage facility. Fuel resupply is accomplished by using a vessel chartered through the Military 

Sealift Command (MSC). McMurdo Station is also the port for an annual freight vessel. In order for the 

freight vessel and fuel tanker to access the Station through 10-80 miles of sea-ice, an icebreaker arrives 

during the mid to late austral summer to cut a channel. As previously noted, aircraft use two airfields 

proximal to McMurdo (each runway is described in greater detail in Sections 1.6 of this document).

The Sea Ice Runway provides a wheeled landing surface. This facility is located on the seasonal sea ice

within five miles of the Station. The hard, smooth, surface provided by the sea ice accommodates heavy 

wheeled aircraft; however, it is only available from October until early December when increased 

temperatures reduce the load bearing capacity of the surface. The Sea Ice Runway supports C-130’s, C17’s, Kenn Borek Air Basslers and Twin Otters. Aircraft refueling is accomplished using four to six

20,000-gallon mobile tanks. These tanks are manifolded to the station bulk tanks through a system of 

flexible hoses.

The Consolidated Airfield (located at the Pegasus Airfield site) exists as a glacial ice runway on the Ross 

Ice Shelf. It is capable of supporting wheeled aircraft operations for most of the year, but is 

geographically farthest from McMurdo. 

1.4 Navigable Waters in the McMurdo Station Area

Southern McMurdo Sound is an occasionally navigable natural waterway for brief periods at the close of 

the austral summers. Annual icebreaking in support of McMurdo's vessel-based resupply creates a 

channel (usually choked with broken ice) that is navigable to certain ice-class vessels. Winter Quarters 

Bay, the location of the port facility, is a cove off McMurdo Sound. In addition, tributary drainages from 

McMurdo Station and seasonal ice underlying the Sea Ice Runway may be defined as navigable waters. 

SPCC regulations (40 CFR 112) are intended to prevent the discharge of oil to navigable waters. 

Facilities which could not reasonably be expected to discharge oil in quantities that may be harmful (per 

40 CFR 112) are not subject to these requirements. A harmful quantity of oil is defined as one: (a.) 

causing a violation of water quality standards; (b.) causing a film or sheen upon, or discoloration of the, 

surface of the water or adjoining shoreline; or (c.) causing a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath 

the surface of the water, or upon adjoining shorelines.

1.5 Interface of U. S. Coast Guard AND U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Requirements

Oil pollution prevention, as applicable to marine vessels, is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, per 33

CFR 155. The United States Coast Guard also regulates loading or unloading of oil from vessels to 

onshore facilities per 33 CFR 154. These regulations address pier structures, transfer hoses, piping 

connections, containment, controls, and transfer piping. Regulatory authority passes from U.S. Coast 

Guard control to that of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the first valve 

inside a secondary containment structure. If there is no secondary containment structure, EPA 

jurisdiction begins at the valve or manifold adjacent to the facility’s first on-shore bulk storage tank. 

Jurisdictional transition is addressed within 33 CFR 154.1020 (definition of a marine transportation 

facility). 

EPA SPCC regulation only addresses non-transportation related portions of the facility. This plan begins 

with the first valve (alpha valve) inside the secondary containment of each bulk tank within Tank Farm 2. 
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Since there are no secondary containment measures provided for Tanks M3 and D2 (Tank Farm 1), this 

plan begins with the alpha valves for tanks M3 and D2. These valves are depicted on the Fuel Line 

Schematic (Figure 1).

1.6 Facility Layout and Drainage

Figures 2 and 3 depict facilities at McMurdo Station and include the locations of the bulk storage tanks 

[§112.7(a)(3)]. Detailed information relating to transfer piping and potential drainage paths from storage 

vessels is depicted on the figures. Appendix E contains a collection of drawings detailing the locations of 

McMurdo’s tanks.

McMurdo Station was constructed on relatively ice-free ground. A shallow active soil layer overlies deep 

permanently frozen ground. Some snow falls, but does not accumulate; what falls generally ablates, 

blows away, or melts during summer months. Snow melt is absorbed into the porous overlay. On 

average, McMurdo receives less than 7 inches of precipitation (snow) annually. Preferential flow from 

snow storage areas is through engineered ditches. The ditches are designed to manage melt-water 

generated in the hills surrounding the Station during the summer months (see Figure 2). 

Site drainage ditches generally parallel Station roads, ultimately discharging to McMurdo Sound. Where 

ditches border tank farms and pipelines, a possibility for discharge to McMurdo Sound exists in the event 

of a spill. When melt-water is present in the ditches, the flow of oil can be enhanced and accelerated. 

Smaller spills may be contained by the terrain or absorbed into the porous overlay which, even during the 

winter, is generally not ice-rich and remains porous. In the absence of flowing melt water or ice in the 

ditches, spills reaching the ditches would likely be absorbed in the porous soil of those channels before 

reaching McMurdo Sound. 

Section 112.8(b) requires drainage from undiked areas with potential for a discharge, such as piping or 

tank truck activity, to be channeled so as to flow into a diversion pond, lagoon, or catchment basin. If that 

design cannot be achieved, then the system must be engineered in a manner that retains all potential spills 

within the bounds of the facility. 

The configuration of outlying facilities in the McMurdo area are depicted in Figures 4 through 8 and 

described below. 

Consolidated Airfield - The Consolidated (Pegasus) Airfield (Figure 4 and Figure 5) is located on the 

McMurdo Ice Shelf, which is a continuous glacial mass discharging to the Ross Sea. It is underlain by 

100-foot thick glacial ice. Only a very thin layer of snow/firn exists at the Consolidated Airfield. The 

airfield is capable of supporting flights operations during the entire austral summer, but is primarily used 

when the annual Sea Ice Runway adjacent to McMurdo Station is not serviceable (i.e., August-October 

and late December-March). Fuel spilled at the Consolidated Airfield is expected to migrate vertically into 

the compacted snow for no more than a few feet before ponding and/or spreading laterally on the glacial 

ice. 

Sea Ice Runway - The Sea Ice Runway (Figure 6) is located on seasonal ice in proximity to McMurdo 

Station and its precise location varies from year to year, based upon ice conditions. Similarly, surface 

conditions of the sea ice may vary from year to year. These runway facilities are usually operational from 

early October through Mid-December and in order to support aircraft operations, the sea ice must be at 

least 2 meters thick. 
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The sea ice provides a barrier to spills. Although small cracks in the sea ice may be present, there are no 

open leads or large cracks near the airfield. Fuel spilled on the surface of the ice will spread as on any 

hard, flat, surface with quantities becoming trapped in shallow depressions present in the ice. 

Black Island Telecommunications Facility (BITF) - Black Island is a triangular-shaped island 

approximately 33 km southwest of McMurdo Station, 25 km south of the edge of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, 

and 2.5 km west of White Island. Black Island is roughly 20 km long and 15 km wide and projects 

through the McMurdo Ice Shelf, rising to a maximum elevation of 1,040 m at Mount Aurora. The island 

is largely ice free and principally composed of black volcanic rock. The telecommunications facility 

(Figure 7) is located on an elevated area in the northwest tip of the island near Cape Hodgson and more 

than 1 km from the McMurdo Ice Shelf; therefore, it is highly unlikely that a spill originating from the 

facility would impact a navigable waterway.

Marble Point Refueling Facility - Marble Point is a rocky promontory on the coast of Victoria Land

approximately 80 km southeast of McMurdo Station. While the area receives snowfall, many areas are 

largely ice-free. The helicopter refueling facility is located on a strip of land between the Wilson 

Piedmont Glacier and the coast and more than 1 km from navigable waters or the sea ice of McMurdo 

Sound; therefore, it is highly unlikely that a spill originating from the facility would impact a navigable 

waterway.

1.7 Facility Spill History

The record of spills at the facility is included as Appendix D. This table includes all types of spills that 

occurred at any USAP facility or camp. The listing includes numerous small oil spills at McMurdo. The 

largest oil spills in the past five years at McMurdo were 636 gallons in June 2010 and 90 gallons in 

January 2008. Significant spills at the Consolidated Airfield included 275 gallons in August 2010, 45 

gallons in January 2010, and 15 gallons in August 2009. At the Sea Ice Runway, the largest spill was 5 

gallons in September 2009. At Black Island and Marble Point spills have occurred infrequently, and no 

spills have been reported at either of these facilities during the past five years. At Black Island, the most 

recent spill was 350 gallons in September 1996 and the most recent spill at Marble Point was 40 gallons 

in November 2006.
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2.0 OIL STORAGE EQUIPMENT

For the sake of clarity, McMurdo’s oil storage equipment (tanks, valves, piping, etc.) has been divided 

into four groups listed below:

1) McMurdo Station Town Area – Tank Farm 1

2) McMurdo Station Town Area – Tank Farm 2

3) McMurdo Station Town Area – Day Tanks and Power Plant 

4) McMurdo Station Area – Outlying Facilities (Consolidated Airfield, Sea Ice Runway, Black 

Island Telecommunications Facility, Marble Point Refueling Facility)

For each equipment grouping listed above, an assessment of compliance with applicable SPCC 

regulations (40 CFR 112) is provided. Appendix A is an inventory of all tanks in these areas compiled 

during the site inspection in January 2008 (updated January, 2010).

2.1 McMurdo Station Town Area – Tank Farm 1

Tank Farm 1 is located on the hillside above Winter Quarters Bay, and was historically used for bulk 

storage of gasoline, diesel, and furnace fuel. In addition to bulk tanks, equipment present in this area 

includes two intermediate tanks for vehicle fueling and loading tank trucks. Tank Farm 1 has reached the 

end of its useful life and is being phased out of operation. Several older tanks have already been taken 

out of service and are used for dry-goods and equipment storage shelters. The remaining two operational 

tanks, M3 and D2, are scheduled for closure by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 but may realistically 

take until the end of FY 2012.

A pipeline is used to transfer fuel from a waterfront valve to a manifold proximal, and ancillary to, Tank 

Farm 1. Tank Farm 1 is manifolded to Tank Farm 2. Bulk storage tanks located within Tank Farm 1 are 

described below (Table 2.1). Capacity, construction material, and contents for each tank are included per 

the requirements of 40 CFR 112.7 (a)(3). 

Table 2.1 – List of Oil Storage Containers in Tank Farm 1

Tank Size (gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In

Service

D-2 500,000 JP-5 No No Yes

D-3 500,000 Empty No No No

D-4 500,000 Empty No No No

M-1 200,000 Empty No No No

M-3 500,000 MoGas No No Yes

Mogas Day Tank 10,000 MoGas No No Yes

Containment measures for containers (tanks, totes, drums, etc.) and unloading facilities are listed on the 

Tank Data Sheets (see Appendix A) per [40CFR112.7(c)]. Secondary containment has not been provided 

for tanks D2 and M3. Storm water coming into contact with this portion of the facility discharges directly 

to Winter Quarters Bay (and potentially to McMurdo Sound) without treatment. 

The following paragraphs provide a discussion of SPCC compliance criteria (40 CFR 112), as it relates to 

storage tanks, ancillary equipment, and material handling procedures applicable to Tank Farm 1.
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(a) Section 112.8(c)(1) requires container materials and construction to be compatible with material 

stored and conditions of storage. 

Status: The two operational tanks in this area appear to meet this requirement. There is, however, 

insufficient data regarding the temperature rating of the steel used to construct the tanks. The extremely 

low temperatures experienced at McMurdo are a concern regarding long term performance of the steel. 

To mitigate this pieces of the pipe are removed and tested for performance compliance, if the material 

fails, the section of pipeline is flagged for replacement.

(b) Section 112.8(c)(2) requires secondary containment for all vessels and ancillary equipment located 

within the system. Secondary containment devices must be of sufficient capacity so as to contain the 

contents of the largest tank in the system plus a significant precipitation event. Diked areas must be 

sufficiently impervious, so as to contain discharges of material stored within the system. Dikes, 

containment curbs, pits, catchment basins, or ponds may be used to provide containment. 

Status: Secondary containment has not been provided for Tank Farm 1. This equipment has reached the 

end of its useful life and is being phased out of operation. Several older tanks have already been taken 

out of service and are used for dry-goods and equipment storage shelters. The remaining two operational 

tanks, M3 and D2 are scheduled for closure by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 but may realistically take 

until the end of FY 2012.

The SPCC regulations require compliance with sized secondary containment provisions by July 1, 2009. 

As this equipment is undergoing closure/replacement, upgrades to Tank Farm 1 are not practical. 

Included within this document is a contingency plan. The facility will rely on the contingency plan, in 

lieu of engineered containment devices, until construction of the new tank farm has been completed. As 

per SPCC requirements, the contingency plan dedicates the manpower, equipment, and materials needed 

to respond to spills. 

(c) Section 112.8(c)(3) specifies requirements for management of diked areas. Bypass valves, if any, 

should normally remain closed. Inspections of retained precipitation to ensure that its presence will not 

cause a discharge of oil should be performed. Bypass valves should only be opened to drain 

uncontaminated precipitation and must be resealed under responsible supervision. Adequate records of 

such events must be kept. Uncontaminated precipitation from diked areas may be emptied utilizing 

pumps or ejectors if manually activated and precipitation is inspected prior to pumping. Only manually 

operated valves may be used for draining diked areas. Flapper-type (butterfly) valves may not be 

installed within containment structures. 

Status: There are no dikes or discharge valves associated with Tank Farm 1.

(d) Section 112.7(g) requires a level of security to prevent discharges. This includes fencing with locked 

gates, locked (closed) master flow and drain valves, locked starter controls on each pump (location of 

controls in an area inaccessible to the general public), providing secured caps or blank flanges on 

load/unload pipeline connections (when not in service), and lighting commensurate with the type and 

location of the facility. 

Status: As there are no fuel-consuming non-governmental facilities or equipment located at McMurdo 

Station, the potential for fraud or theft of fuel are very low. The potential for vandalism or malicious 

mischief by outsiders is also extremely low. The number of personnel granted access to McMurdo 

Station and surrounding areas is relatively low, and all participants are subject to careful screening. The 
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community knowledge that fuel is a life-sustaining commodity in the Antarctic, and the general 

environmental consciousness that exists among personnel assigned to, or visiting, this facility further 

reduces the potential for theft, fraud, or vandalism by any with access to McMurdo Station.

During the summer months, when activity is at its peak, sunlight persists twenty-four hours per day. 

Lighting is more important for visual spill/leak detection during the winter months (periods of 

predominant darkness) than as a security measure. Station population during winter months is minimal,

generally limited to personnel performing equipment maintenance. Lighting is not available in this area. 

Installation of lighting for this portion of the facility is impractical, as this equipment is scheduled for 

closure in 2013. High traffic areas, such as the loading rack, was evaluated and determined to be 

sufficient. 

Locking/securing devices are employed on vulnerable valves and working spaces as a means of 

preventing inadvertent operation by facility personnel and passers-by. All "Alpha Valves" on tanks are 

locked when not in use.

Equivalent environmental protection is provided.

(e) Section 112.8(c)(8) requires each container to have one of the following features to prevent 

overfilling: high level liquid alarm, high liquid level pump cutoff, direct audible or code signal 

communication, direct visible gauge or other means for determining liquid level within the tank, and 

regular testing of these devices where present. 

Status: Tanks D2 and M3 have no gauges or alarms. Overfilling is prevented through direct human 

monitoring with a dip tape. These tanks are filled only once per year and are attended for the duration of 

tanker offload. 

Equivalent environmental protection is provided.

(f) Section 112.7(h) requires appropriately sized containment for loading/unloading racks. In addition, 

this section requires systems to prevent vehicles from departing the rack prior to disconnection of transfer 

lines and inspection of tank truck drains and outlets to ensure they are tightened. 

Status: A loading rack is located adjacent to Tank Farm 1. The rack services a mobile delivery truck 

(fuel mule). In addition, the rack is used to fill drums and refuel vehicles. Sized containment is not 

provided at the loading rack. This requirement is impractical at this location as this equipment is 

scheduled for closure and decommissioning by 2013. Included within this document is a contingency 

plan. The facility will rely on the contingency plan in lieu of engineered containment devices until 

construction of the new tank farm has been completed. The contingency plan dedicates manpower, 

equipment, and materials.

(g) Section 112.7(c) requires appropriate containment and/or diversionary structures or equipment be 

provided to prevent a discharge for each loading/unloading area which is not a formal loading rack, and 

other areas with a potential for discharge. Containment may be defined as dikes, berms, or retaining walls 

sufficiently impervious to contain oil, curbing, culverting, gutters, or other drain systems, weirs, booms, 

or other barriers, spill diversion ponds, retention ponds, or sorbent materials. The size of this containment 

should be based on the magnitude of a most likely discharge. 

Status: As stated above (Section 112.7(h)) this requirement is impractical at this location as this 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

10

equipment is scheduled for closure and decommissioning by 2013. Included within this document is a 

contingency plan. The facility will rely on the contingency plan, in lieu of engineered containment 

devices, until construction of the new tank farm has been completed. The contingency plan dedicates 

manpower, equipment, and materials.

(h) Section 112.8(b)(3) through (5) outlines requirements for facility drainage systems. Drainage from 

unprotected areas with a potential for discharge must be designed to flow into ponds, lagoons, or 

catchment basins designed to retain oil or return it to the facility. These catchment basins must not be 

located in areas subject to periodic flooding. If facility drainage is not so engineered, final discharge of 

all ditches inside the facility must have a diversion system that would, in the event of an uncontrolled 

discharge, retain oil within the confines of the facility. 

Status: Compliance with this section of the SPCC regulations is not practicable at this time. This 

equipment has reached the end of its useful life and is being phased out of operation. Several older tanks 

have already been taken out of service and are currently used to store dry-goods and equipment. The load 

rack as well as the remaining two operational tanks, M3 and D2, is scheduled for closure by 2013. 

Included within this document is a contingency plan. The facility will rely on the contingency plan, in 

lieu of engineered containment devices, until construction of the new tank farm has been completed. The 

contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and materials.

(i) Section 112.7(b) requires an analysis of potential impacts resulting from equipment failure. 

Historically, facilities storing oil materials (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) have potential for 

equipment failure such as; loading or unloading equipment, tank overflow, rupture, or leakage. Although 

spills within diked areas would likely be contained, predictions included in the table below discount the 

presence of containment structures (as per EPA guidance). Tank D2 was used for this analysis.

Table 2.2 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Tank Farm 1

Potential

Failure

Spill

Direction

Potential 

Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential

Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic 

failure of full tank

To the west above road and then south to 

Winter Quarters Bay and also east to a ditch 

and then south to Winter Quarters Bay

500,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of 

full tank

To the west above road and then south to 

Winter Quarters Bay and also east to a ditch 

and then south to Winter Quarters Bay

100,000 Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill

To the west above road and then south to 

Winter Quarters Bay and also east to a ditch 

and then south to Winter Quarters Bay

3,000 600

Pipe fitting failure

To the west above road and then south to 

Winter Quarters Bay and also east to a ditch 

and then south to Winter Quarters Bay

30,000 500

Leaking fitting or 

valve

To the west above road and then south to 

Winter Quarters Bay and also east to a ditch 

and then south to Winter Quarters Bay

3,000 50

(j) Section 112.8(c)(11) requires that mobile or portable oil storage containers be positioned or located to 

prevent discharge. Except for mobile refuelers, a secondary means of containment, such as a dike or 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

11

catchment area, sufficient to contain the capacity of the largest single compartment or container with 

sufficient freeboard for precipitation, must be provided.

Status: There are no mobile or portable containers located within Tank Farm 1. McMurdo operates two 

mobile refuelers which are subject to the general containment requirements.

(k) Section 112.7(c) requires secondary containment for oil filled operational equipment. Section 

112.7(k) provides for alternative requirements for qualified oil-filled operational equipment. 

Status: There is no oil filled equipment with oil capacity of 55 gallons or more located within Tank Farm 

1.

(l) Section 112.8 (d)(2) and Section 112.7 (g)(4) require equipment not in service, or in standby service 

for an extended periods, be capped or blank-flanged and marked.

Status: D3, D4, and M1 are out of service tanks. These tanks have been disconnected from facility fuel 

receiving and distribution lines. M1 is scheduled for demolition and, currently D3 and D4 are used for 

storage.

(m) Section 112.7 requires equipment not yet fully operational to be identified and discussed in the plan.

Status: There is no equipment not yet fully operational within Tank Farm 1.

(n) Piping within, or ancillary to, this portion of the facility is subject to general secondary containment 

provisions established per Section 112.7(c). 

Status: SPCC requirements for Tank Farm 1 begin at the alpha valves for Tanks M3 and D2. This 

equipment includes piping and distribution lines feeding Tank Farm 2. Compliance with this portion of 

the SPCC regulation is not practicable as Tank Farm 1 has reached the end of its useful life and has been 

scheduled for closure. Several older tanks have already been taken out of service as fuel storage devices 

and are currently in use as dry-goods and equipment storage shelters. The loading rack and remaining 

two operational tanks are scheduled for closure by 2013. The facility will rely on the contingency plan, in 

lieu of engineered containment devices, until construction of the new tank farm has been completed. As 

per SPCC requirements, the contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and materials. 

(o) Section 112.8(d) requires buried piping installed on or after August 16, 2002 to have a protective 

wrapping or coating. Cathodic protection must be provided for such piping to prevent corrosion. When 

buried piping is exposed for any reason it must be examined for deterioration. Pipe supports must also be 

properly designed. Warning signs must be displayed to warn vehicles not to endanger aboveground 

piping.

Status: The underground road crossings have double walled piping and inspection ports. This piping 

was installed in 1997 - 1998 and is not coated. Cathodic protection is not provided. Warning signs and 

protective barriers are needed to protect the pipeline from tank D2 in the loading rack area.

2.2 McMurdo Station Town Area – Tank Farm 2

Tank Farm 2 is often referred to as the "New" tank farm and is located in the pass between McMurdo 

Station and Scott Base. This equipment is used for bulk storage and distribution of fuel. Construction of 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

12

Tank J-5 was completed in 1958, is currently used as a redundant storage tank, and is scheduled to be 

removed from service in 2011. Tanks J-6 through D-13 were constructed during the period 1993-2000. 

Planned construction of a new bulk storage tank is expected to be completed by 2013. This unit was 

designed and engineered to be an SPCC compliant storage area. Bulk storage tanks located within Tank 

Farm 2 are described below (Table 2.3); capacity, construction material, and contents for each tank are 

included, per the requirements of 40 CFR 112.7 (a)(3). 

Table 2.3 – List of Oil Storage Containers in Tank Farm 2

Tank

Size

(gal) Contents

Double 

Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In

Service

D-12 2,000,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

D-13 2,000,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

J-3 N/A Storage No Yes No

J-5 2,200,000 AN-8 or

JP-5

No Yes Yes

J-6 500,000 AN-8 No Yes Yes

J-7 500,000 AN-8 No Yes Yes

J-8 2,000,000 AN-8 No Yes Yes

J-9 2,000,000 AN-8 No Yes Yes

M-4, M-5, M-6 3 x 175,000 MoGas No Yes Yes

T-1 2,000,000 Emergency 

Storage No Yes Emergency Storage

Fueling Station 2 6,000 AN-8 Yes Yes Yes

Fueling Station 3 6,000 MoGas Yes Yes Yes

Containment measures for vessels (tanks, totes, drums, etc.) and unloading facilities are listed on the Tank 

Data Sheets (see Appendix A) per [40 CFR 112.7(c)]. All equipment within this portion of the facility is 

in compliance with requirements as established per 40 CFR 112. Storm water coming into contact with 

this portion of the facility discharges directly to McMurdo Sound without treatment. 

The following paragraphs provide a discussion of SPCC compliance criteria (40 CFR 112), as it relates to 

storage tanks, ancillary equipment, and material handling procedures applicable to Tank Farm 2.

(a) Section 112.8(c)(1) requires container materials and construction to be compatible with material 

stored and conditions of storage. 

Status: All tanks in this area meet this requirement.

(b) Section 112.8(c)(2) requires secondary containment for all vessels and ancillary equipment located 

within the system. Secondary containment devices must be of sufficient capacity so as to contain the 

contents of the largest tank in the system plus a significant precipitation event. Diked areas must be 

sufficiently impervious, so as to contain discharges of material stored within the system. Dikes, 

containment curbs, pits, catchment basins, or ponds may be used to provide containment. 

Status: All tanks in this area were designed to meet this requirement. Each tank has a separate 

containment area sized to hold 110% of the tank volume. Containment is provided by compacted earthen 

berms with hypalon liners. Liners within containment areas servicing tanks D-12, J-6, J-7, and J-8 are 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

13

exposed and partially torn. Repair of these liners was required by regulation by July 1, 2009. Due to 

logistical restraints, repair is scheduled for completion by the end of FY 12.

(c) Section 112.8(c)(3) specifies requirements for management of diked areas. Bypass valves, if any, 

should normally remain closed. Inspections of retained precipitation to ensure that its presence will not 

cause a discharge of oil should be performed. Bypass valves should only be opened to drain 

uncontaminated precipitation and must be resealed under responsible supervision. Adequate records of 

such events must be kept. Uncontaminated precipitation collected within diked areas may be emptied 

utilizing pumps or ejectors if manually activated and precipitation is inspected prior to pumping. Only 

manually operated valves may be used for draining diked areas. Flapper-type (butterfly) valves may not 

be installed within containment structures. 

Status: Due to the arid climate, drainage of water from Tank Farm 2 containment areas is not required. 

The containment areas are not equipped with discharge valves or pumps.

(d) Section 112.7(g) requires a level of security to prevent discharges. This includes fencing with locked 

gates, locked (closed) master flow and drain valves, locked starter controls on each pump (location of 

controls in an area inaccessible to the general public), providing secured caps or blank flanges on 

load/unload pipeline connections (when not in service), and lighting commensurate with the type and 

location of the facility. 

Status: As there are no fuel-consuming non-governmental facilities or equipment located at McMurdo 

Station, the potential for fraud or theft of fuel are low. The potential for vandalism or malicious mischief 

by outsiders is also extremely low. The number of personnel granted access to McMurdo Station and 

surrounding areas is relatively low, and all participants are subject to careful screening. Community 

knowledge that fuel is a life-sustaining commodity in the Antarctic, and the general environmental 

consciousness that exists among personnel assigned to, or visiting, this facility further reduces the 

potential for theft, fraud, or vandalism by any with access to McMurdo Station.

During the summer months, when activity is at its peak, it is light for most of the day. Lighting is more 

important for visual spill/leak detection during the winter months (periods of predominant darkness) than 

as a security measure. Station population during winter months is minimal, limited to personnel 

performing equipment maintenance. Lighting is not currently available in this area. Tank Farm 2 lighting 

was needed to comply with the SPCC regulations effective July 1, 2009; lights are currently operational at 

M-4, M-5, M-6, T-1, Fueling Station 2 and Fueling Station 3. Installation was completed in January 

2012.

Locking/securing devices are employed on vulnerable valves and working spaces as a means of 

preventing inadvertent operation by facility personnel and passers-by. All "Alpha Valves" on tanks are 

locked when not in use.

Equivalent environmental protection is provided.

(e) Section 112.8(c)(8) requires each container to have one of the following features to prevent 

overfilling: high liquid level alarm, high liquid level pump cutoff, direct audible or code signal 

communication, direct visible gauge or other means for determining liquid level within the tank, and 

regular testing of these devices where present. 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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14

Status: The Mogas tanks M-4, M-5, and M-6 are the bulk storage tanks in Tank Farm 2 equipped with 

gauging, alarms, and over-fill protection. The remaining tanks are protected from overfilling by careful 

direct human monitoring with a dip tape. All tanks in Tank Farm 2 are filled only once per year and are 

attended for the duration of the tanker offload.

Equivalent environmental protection is provided.

(f) Section 112.7(h) requires sized containment for load/unload racks. In addition, this section requires 

systems to prevent vehicles from departing the rack prior to disconnection of transfer lines and inspection 

of tank truck drains and outlets to ensure they are tightened. 

Status: Dedicated loading racks for truck and drum filling were completed at the end of the 2010-11 

austral summer season. The loading facility includes secondary containment and overfill protection. The 

racks were then moved back to their original location because they were need for other fueling events. 

The racks will be moved back to Tank Farm 2 in August 2012.

(g) Section 112.7(c) requires appropriate containment and/or diversionary structures or equipment be 

provided to prevent a discharge for each loading/unloading area which is not a formal loading rack, and 

other areas with a potential for discharge. Containment may be defined as dikes, berms, or retaining walls 

sufficiently impervious to contain oil, curbing, culverting, gutters, or other drain systems, weirs, booms, 

or other barriers, spill diversion ponds, retention ponds, or sorbent materials. The size of this containment 

should be based on the magnitude of a most likely discharge. 

Status: Tank trucks operating out of the Antarctica New Zealand (Scott) Base load AN-8 from drop 

valve 19, located within Tank Farm 2. This 2-inch valve is outside of engineered containment designed 

for this operation; however, loading occurs in a topographic low. Spills or releases associated with truck 

loading from drop valve 19 would be contained within that depression. Dedicated loading racks for truck 

and drum filling will be considered for future operations. The loading facility includes secondary 

containment and overfill protection. Drop valve 19 will be locked out and Scott Base will use the new 

loading rack area for fueling operations.

Two 15,000 gallon fuel tanks are located proximal to the McMurdo Helicopter Operations Center 

(Building 129). These tanks are manifolded to pumps used in helicopter fueling operations. A catchment 

basin has been installed down gradient from the helicopter refueling equipment. This catchment basin, 

although unlined, satisfies Section 112.7(c) containment requirements.

(h) Section 112.8(b)(3) through (5) outlines requirements for facility drainage systems. Drainage from 

undiked areas with a potential for discharge must be designed to flow into ponds, lagoons, or catchment 

basins designed to retain oil or return it to the facility. These catchment basins must not be located in 

areas subject to periodic flooding. If the facility drainage is not so engineered, then final discharge of all 

ditches inside the facility must have a diversion system that would, in the event of an uncontrolled 

discharge, retain oil within the confines of the facility. 

Status: The McMurdo Station drainage system has not been engineered in a manner that is entirely 

consistent with this requirement. Construction of a catchment basin or holding pond near the lower end 

of the drainage system is needed to comply with the SPCC regulations, effective July 1, 2009. A 

comprehensive study of the drainage system at McMurdo was funded through Science and started during 

the 2009-2010 austral summer season. This study will continue and should address the deficiencies of 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

15

this SPCC regulation.

(i) Section 112.7(b) requires an analysis of potential impacts resulting from equipment failure. 

Historically, facilities storing oil materials (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) have potential for 

equipment failure such as; loading or unloading equipment, tank overflow, rupture, or leakage. Although 

spills within diked areas would likely be contained, predictions included in Table 2.4 discount the 

presence of containment structures (as per EPA guidance). Tank J-8 was used for the following analysis. 

Table 2.4 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Tank Farm 2

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential

Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential

Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of 

full tank

To the west into the ditch system 

tributary to McMurdo Sound 2,000,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of full 

tank

To the west into the ditch system 

tributary to McMurdo Sound 500,000 Gradual to instantaneous

Tank overfill To the west into the ditch system 

tributary to McMurdo Sound 3,000 600

Pipe fitting failure To the west into the ditch system 

tributary to McMurdo Sound 30,000 500

Leaking fitting or 

valve

To the west into the ditch system 

tributary to McMurdo Sound 3,000 50

(j) Section 112.8(c)(11) requires that mobile or portable oil storage containers be positioned or located to 

prevent discharge. Except for mobile refuelers, a secondary means of containment, such as a dike or 

catchment area, sufficient to contain the capacity of the largest single compartment or container with 

sufficient freeboard for precipitation, must be provided.

Status: There are no mobile or portable containers located within Tank Farm 2.

(k) Section 112.7 (c) requires secondary containment for oil filled operational equipment. Section 112.7 

(k) provides for alternative requirements for qualified oil-filled operational equipment. 

Status: There is no oil filled equipment with oil capacity of 55 gallons or more located within Tank Farm 

2.

(l) Section 112.8 (d)(2) and Section 112.7 (g)(4) require that when equipment is not in service, or is in 

standby service for an extended time, the terminal connection is capped or blank-flanged and marked.

Status: J-3 is out of service and is being used as storage for tires. Ancillary piping, valves, and fittings 

have been removed.

(m) Section 112.7 requires that equipment not yet fully operational be identified and discussed in the 

plan.

Status: Tanks M-4, M-5, and M-6 were placed in service at the end of the 2010-11 austral summer 

season and are used to store MOGAS.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

16

(n) Piping within, or ancillary to, this portion of the facility is subject to the general secondary 

containment provision at Section 112.7(c). 

Status: Piping in this area includes internal tank farm piping, distribution lines servicing McMurdo 

Station, and a pipeline extending through the pass feeding the Consolidated Airfield. Given the distance 

to the Consolidated Airfield and the dynamic nature of the ice, secondary containment for this equipment 

is not practicable. In addition, secondary containment for the pipeline feeding McMurdo Station is not 

practicable due to space constraints. These lines are closely monitored by staff during fuel transfers. 

Included within this document is a contingency plan. The facility will rely on the contingency plan, in 

lieu of engineered containment devices. The contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and 

materials.

(o) Section 112.8 (d) requires buried piping installed on or after August 16, 2002 to have a protective 

wrapping or coating. Cathodic protection must be provided for such piping to prevent corrosion. When 

buried piping is exposed for any reason it must be examined for deterioration. Pipe supports must also be 

properly designed. Warning signs must be displayed to warn vehicles not to endanger aboveground 

piping.

Status: Underground piping within Tank Farm 2 is depicted on Figure 3. A new 6 inch pipeline for 

Mogas was constructed in 2008, running from the pier to tanks M-4, M-5, and M-6. This pipeline 

includes underground road crossings, is double walled and includes cathodic protection.

2.3 McMurdo Station Town Area – Day Tank and Power Plant 

Given environmental conditions on Ross Island, it is necessary to maintain a fuel supply (Day Tank) and 

heat source for each of the structures on site that could reasonably be expected to house USAP 

participants in the event of a weather emergency. As a result, the “Town” portion of McMurdo Station 

holds the highest density of day tanks and fuel lines on site. In addition, a 6-inch feed line ties the 

following vessels to Tank Farm 2.

 Power Plant Branch – a branch from D line between valves D-30 and D-31 (at the point where the 

D line first approaches the road to Scott Base), supplying five associated intermediate storage 

tanks within Buildings 155, 1, and 196/198.

 Heliport Branch – a branch line from Tank Farm 2 (between valves J-39 and J-40) and two 

intermediate storage tanks located at the Helicopter Operations Center.

 Facilities Branch – Servicing Galley, Firehouse, and FEMC tank areas.

Bulk and Day Tanks located within “Town” (Table 2.5); capacity, construction material, and contents for

each tank are included, per the requirements of 40 CFR 112.7 (a)(3). All of the tanks described in this 

section are shop-built. The USAP is currently replacing all noncompliant tanks with new, SPCC 

compliant units. A typical design for a new day tank is included in Figure 9 of this document. The new 

tanks are of double wall design and are equipped with visual fill gauges.

Table 2.5 - List of Oil Storage Containers in Day Tank and Power Plant Area

Nearest Building to Tank

Volume 

(gal) Contents

Double 

Walled

Secondary 

Containment 

In 

Service

002 CSEC Emergency Genset 400 JP-5 No Yes Yes

004 Science Support Center Phase 1 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

17

Table 2.5 - List of Oil Storage Containers in Day Tank and Power Plant Area

Nearest Building to Tank

Volume 

(gal) Contents

Double 

Walled

Secondary 

Containment 

In 

Service

007 Chapel of the Snows 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

010 Hut 10 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

017 Fleet Operations 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

033 Reuse / Resale Office 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

034 Warm-up Shack @ Waste 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

035 Warm-up Shack @ MCC 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

036 Helo Pax Terminal 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

039 Ship Offload Center 250 JP-5 No No Yes

071 RADARSAT 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

075 Gym / Helo Hangar 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

076 Coffee House 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

078 AEROBICS 250 JP-5 No No Yes

082 Balloon Inflation Building 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

084 Cosray 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

107 Southern Exposure 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

108 Gallaghers 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

120/121 Warehouse Shared Tank 5,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

124 Seawater Intake Pump House 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

125 NSF Berthing 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

129 Helo Pad 1 (filled by pipeline) 15,000 AN-8 No Insufficient Yes

129 Helo Pad 2 (filled by pipeline) 15,000 AN-8 No Insufficient Yes

136 FEMC (back) 10,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

136A FEMC Modular 500 JP-5 Yes Yes Yes

136C FEMC Modular 500 JP-5 Yes Yes Yes

136B FEMC Modular 500 JP-5 Yes Yes Yes

137 NSF Berthing Shared Tank 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

140 MCC / Post Office / Central

Supply 1,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

141 Fuels Dept Office / Shop 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

142 Hospital 1,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

143 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance

Facility (inside building)

55 and 

300 varies No No Yes

143 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance

Facility 5,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

144 Dive Locker 500 JP-5 Yes Yes Yes

147 Greenhouse 55 varies No No Yes

151 Dorm Pumphouse (chapel side) 350 JP-5 No Yes Yes

151 Dorm Pumphouse (dorm side) 150 JP-5 No Yes Yes

155 Galley / Berthing / Store / 

Laundry/ Library (filled by 5,500 JP-5 No Yes Yes
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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18

Table 2.5 - List of Oil Storage Containers in Day Tank and Power Plant Area

Nearest Building to Tank

Volume 

(gal) Contents

Double 

Walled

Secondary 

Containment 

In 

Service

pipeline)

156 Air National Guard Warehouse 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

159 Puzzle Palace 1,000 JP-5 No No Yes

160 Byrd Field Center (BFC) 750 JP-5 No No Yes

161 Carpentry Shop (Tow-Away) 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

165 MAC Center / Air Traffic / 

Weather 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

166 Hotel California and MMI 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

167 Chalet 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

170 Hazardous Waste Facility 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

170 Hazardous Waste Facility (waste 

oil tank)

10,000 mixed 

waste oil No Yes Yes

170 Hazardous Waste Facility (drums) 55 varies No No Yes

174 Flammable Storage Warehouse 

(drums)

55 Cooking 

Oil, Lard No No Yes

174 Flammable Storage Warehouse 1,000 JP-5 No No Yes

175 FEMC / IS / NSF Office 1,500 JP-5 No Yes Yes

177 Paint Barn 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

179 Seawater Intake 500 JP-5 Yes Yes Yes

182 Firehouse / Telephone Exchange 

(filled by pipeline)

10,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

183 Incinerator (filled by pipeline) 10,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

185 Elephant Barn Waste 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

185 Elephant Barn Waste, waste oil 

tank 500 mixedwaste oil Yes N/A Yes

191 Module Buildings 2 x 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

191 Foldaway 5,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

192 Safety Cell 500 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

196 Power Plant (filled by pipeline) 25,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

196 Power Plant (day tank) 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

198 Water Plant (day tank) 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

199 Wastewater Treatment Plant 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

201 - 203 Lower Case Dorms 10,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

206 Dorm 2,500 JP-5 No No Yes

207 Dorm 4,500 JP-5 No No Yes

208 Dorm 2,500 JP-5 No No Yes

209 Dorm 2,500 JP-5 No No Yes

210 Dorm 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

211 Dorm 2,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

221 New T-Site 1,000 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

Containment measures for vessels (tanks, totes, drums, etc.) and unloading facilities are listed on the Tank 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

19

Data Sheets (see Appendix A) per [40 CFR 112.7(c)]. All equipment within this portion of the facility is 

in compliance with requirements as established per 40 CFR 112. Storm water coming into contact with 

this portion of the facility discharges directly to McMurdo Sound without treatment. 

The following paragraphs provide a discussion of SPCC compliance criteria (40 CFR 112), as it relates to 

storage tanks, ancillary equipment, and material handling procedures applicable to the Town and Power 

Plant area.

(a) Section 112.8(c)(1) requires container materials and construction to be compatible with material 

stored and conditions of storage. 

Status: All tanks in this area meet this requirement. There is, however, insufficient data regarding the 

temperature rating of the steel piping from Tank Farm 2 down to the tanks in town. The extremely low 

temperatures experienced at McMurdo Station are a concern regarding long term performance of the steel 

pipelines. To mitigate this pieces of the pipe are removed and tested for performance compliance, if the 

material fails, the section of pipeline is flagged for replacement.

(b) Section 112.8(c)(2) requires secondary containment for all vessels and ancillary equipment located 

within the system. Secondary containment devices must be of sufficient capacity so as to contain the 

contents of the largest tank in the system plus a significant precipitation event. Diked areas must be 

sufficiently impervious, so as to contain discharges of material stored within the system. Dikes, 

containment curbs, pits, catchment basins, or ponds may be used to provide containment. 

Status: This portion of the facility is in substantial compliance with this requirement. A portion of the 

tanks do not have secondary containment as of the end of the 2009-2010 austral summer season. To be 

compliant with this regulation secondary containment is required. The USAP is currently replacing all 

noncompliant tanks with new, SPCC compliant units. The new tanks are of double wall design and are 

equipped with visual fill gauges. Due to funding constraints this project is on hold. A typical design for a 

new day tank is included in Figure 9 of this document. 

(c) Section 112.8(c)(3) specifies requirements for management of diked areas. Bypass valves, if any, 

should normally remain closed. Inspections of retained precipitation to ensure that its presence will not 

cause a discharge of oil should be performed. Bypass valves should only be opened to drain 

uncontaminated precipitation and must be resealed under responsible supervision. Adequate records of 

such events must be kept. Uncontaminated precipitation from diked areas may be emptied utilizing 

pumps or ejectors if manually activated and precipitation is inspected prior to pumping. Only manually 

operated valves may be used for draining diked areas. Flapper-type (butterfly) valves may not be 

installed within containment structures 

Status: Due to the arid climate, drainage of water from containment areas in this portion of the facility is 

not required. If snow accumulates within a secondary containment device, it is removed manually.

(d) Section 112.7(g) requires a level of security to prevent discharges. This includes fencing with locked 

gates, locked (closed) master flow and drain valves, locked starter controls on each pump (location of 

controls in an inaccessible area), providing secured caps or blank flanges on load/unload pipeline 

connections (when not in service), and lighting commensurate with the type and location of the facility. 

Status: These tanks are located throughout town. Some have better lighting than others. There are 

frequently people working around these tanks and buildings. As there are no fuel-consuming non-
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20

governmental facilities or equipment located at McMurdo Station, the potential for fraud and theft of fuel 

are extremely low. The potential for vandalism or malicious mischief by outsiders is also extremely low. 

The number of personnel granted access to McMurdo Station and surrounding areas is relatively low and 

all are subject to careful screening. The community knowledge that fuel is a life-sustaining commodity 

necessity in the Antarctic and the general environmental consciousness that exists among personnel 

assigned to or visiting USAP activities further reduces the potential for theft, fraud or vandalism by any 

with access to McMurdo Station.

During the summer months when activity is at its peak it is light for most of the day. Lighting is more 

important for visual spill/leak detection during the winter months (periods of predominant darkness) than 

as a security measure. The population of McMurdo Station during winter months is minimal and is 

limited to personnel performing maintenance and preservation of the Station and its equipment. Lighting 

in these areas is appropriate to the size and location of the tanks.

Locking/securing devices are employed on certain valves and working spaces as a means of preventing 

inadvertent operation by facilities personnel and passers-by with possible harm to equipment or 

individuals. All "Alpha Valves" on tanks are locked when not in use as well as other valves which could 

cause, or result in, a release to the environment.

Equivalent environmental protection provided.

(e) Section 112.8(c)(8) requires each container to have one of the following features to prevent 

overfilling: high level liquid alarm, high liquid level pump cutoff, direct audible or code signal 

communication, direct visible gauge or other means for determining liquid level within the tank, and 

regular testing of these devices where present. 

Status: Day tanks replaced as a part of the above referenced day tank upgrade project are equipped with 

visual fill gauges. The older single walled tanks do not have gauges. Day tanks are filled by mobile fuel 

trucks via hoses. The volume available in the tank is checked manually with a dip tape prior to filling. 

Tanks are not filled beyond 95% capacity. Transfer operations are attended throughout their duration.

Equivalent environmental protection is thus provided.

(f) Section 112.7(h) requires sized containment for loading/unloading rack areas. In addition, this 

section requires systems to prevent vehicles from departing the rack prior to disconnection of transfer 

lines and inspection of tank truck drains and outlets to ensure they are tightened. 

Status: There are no formal loading racks in this portion of the facility. 

(g) Section 112.7(c) requires appropriate containment and/or diversionary structures or equipment be 

provided to prevent a discharge for each loading/unloading area, not a formal loading rack, and other 

areas with a potential for discharge. Containment may be defined as dikes, berms, or retaining walls 

sufficiently impervious to contain oil, curbing, culverting, gutters, or other drain systems, weirs, booms, 

or other barriers, spill diversion ponds, retention ponds, or sorbent materials. The size of this containment 

should be based on the magnitude of a most likely discharge. 

Status: Spill kits stocked with sorbent materials are located proximal to all day tank filling areas. Small 

quantities of oil are transferred, and the transfer operations are attended. Therefore, prompt detection and 

response is assured.
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(h) Section 112.8(b)(3) through (5) outlines requirements for facility drainage systems. Drainage from 

undiked areas with a potential for discharge must be designed to flow into ponds, lagoons, or catchment 

basins designed to retain oil or return it to the facility. These catchment basins must not be located in 

areas subject to periodic flooding. If the facility drainage is not so engineered, then final discharge of all 

ditches inside the facility must have a diversion system that would, in the event of an uncontrolled 

discharge, retain oil within the confines of the facility. 

Status: The McMurdo Station drainage system has not been engineered in a manner that is entirely 

consistent with this requirement. Construction of a catchment basin or holding pond near the lower end 

of the drainage system is needed to comply with the SPCC regulations effective July 1, 2009. A 

comprehensive study of the drainage system at McMurdo was funded through Science and started during 

the 2009-2010 austral summer season. This study will continue and should address the deficiencies of 

this SPCC regulation.

(i) Section 112.7(b) requires an analysis of potential impacts resulting from equipment failure. 

Historically, facilities storing oil materials (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) have potential for 

equipment failure such as; loading or unloading equipment, tank overflow, rupture, or leakage. 

Status: Although spills within diked areas would likely be contained, predictions included in the table 

below discount the presence of containment structures (as per EPA guidance). 

Table 2.6 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Day Tank and Power Plant Area

(Analysis Based on Typical Intermediate Storage Tank, Bldg. 198 Power Plant)

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential

Volume Released

(gal)

Potential

Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of 

full tank

West to ditch then south to 

McMurdo Sound 25,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of full 

tank

West to ditch then south to 

McMurdo Sound 6.250

Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill West to ditch then south to 

McMurdo Sound 450 90

Pipe fitting failure West to ditch then south to 

McMurdo Sound 5,400 90

Leaking fitting or valve West to ditch then south to 

McMurdo Sound 3,000 50

(j) Section 112.8(c)(11) requires that mobile or portable oil storage containers be positioned or located to 

prevent discharge. Except for mobile refuelers, a secondary means of containment, such as a dike or 

catchment area, sufficient to contain the capacity of the largest single compartment or container with 

sufficient freeboard for precipitation, must be provided.

Status: There are no mobile or portable containers located in the Day Tank and Power Plant area. A 

tank truck, the Fuel Mule, is used to fill each of the day tanks and is addressed under Tank Farm 1. The 

Fuel Mule is a mobile refueler and hence subject to the general containment requirements.

(k) Section 112.7(c) requires secondary containment for oil filled operational equipment. Section 
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112.7(k) provides for alternative requirements for qualified oil-filled operational equipment. 

Status: There is an oil filled transformer located near Building 7. The transformer contains 200 gallons 

of mineral oil and does not have secondary containment. Per 40CFR112.7 (k) a contingency plan and a 

written commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials is provided. This transformer is included in 

the monthly inspection program outlined in Section 5.1 of this plan. 

(l) Section 112.8 (d)(2) and Section 112.7 (g)(4) require that when equipment is not in service, or is in 

standby service for an extended time, the terminal connection is capped or blank-flanged and marked.

Status: There is no out of service equipment in this portion of the facility.

(m) Section 112.7 requires that equipment not yet fully operational be identified and discussed in the 

plan.

Status: There is no equipment not yet fully operational in this portion of the facility.

(n) Piping within, or ancillary to, this portion of the facility is subject to the general secondary 

containment provision at Section 112.7(c). 

Status: Piping in this area includes lines to intermediate storage tanks within Building 155 (Galley), 182 

(Firehouse), 136 (FEMC), 165 (MAC), the Power Plant, and B-4 (SSC). Secondary containment for this 

equipment is not practicable due to a lack of space and the length of these lines. Station management 

relies upon its pipeline maintenance program and regular inspection to prevent and quickly detect 

discharges from pipelines. Included within this document is a contingency plan. As per SPCC 

requirements, the contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and materials. 

(o) Section 112.8 (d) requires buried piping installed on or after August 16, 2002 to have a protective 

wrapping or coating. Cathodic protection must be provided for such piping to prevent corrosion. When 

buried piping is exposed for any reason it must be examined for deterioration. Pipe supports must also be 

properly designed. Warning signs must be displayed to warn vehicles not to endanger aboveground 

piping.

Status: Underground piping in this portion of the facility is depicted on Figure 3. The underground road 

crossings have double walled pipe and inspection ports. This piping was installed in 1998 and is not 

coated. Cathodic protection is not provided. 

(p) Hazardous Waste Department Oil Storage Area

The Hazardous Waste Department stores used oil, off specification fuels, and used cooking oil in 55-

gallon drums near building 170. Most of this material is stored in metal overseas shipping containers 

(milvans) and the balance is stored outside on pallets. Used oil and off specification fuels are stored 

within a fenced portion of the hazardous waste yard. On December 4, 2007 there were 62 drums of used 

oil stored. On December 18, 2007 there were 21 drums of off specification fuel stored. The used oil and 

off specification fuel is blended on site and burned to heat Buildings 170 and 185. At any given time, a 

small amount of used cooking oil is stored in 55-gallon drums at Fortress Rocks. Given the small size of 

the containers, secondary containment is achieved by use of absorbents from spill kits. 

(q) Vehicle Maintenance Oil Storage Area
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Lubricants and hydraulic fluids are stored within the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF), Building 143, 

in tanks and drums. Oil is delivered by fork lift in drums and subsequently pumped into one of three, 300 

gallon tanks. Used oil generated during vehicle maintenance activities is collected in 55- gallon drums. 

When full, the drums are transferred to the hazardous waste storage area adjacent to Building 170. The 

floor of the VMF building is composed of poured concrete and is equipped with a floor drain system. 

The drain system feeds an oil/water separator. Oil skimmed from the separator is placed in 300-gallon 

plastic totes. Effluent discharged from the oil/water separator is routed to the McMurdo Station 

wastewater treatment plant. Virgin oils stored within this building include OW-30, Low Pour hydraulic 

fluid, and automatic transmission fluid.

(r) Supply Depot Building 147

New motor oil is purchased in 55-gallon drums and stored on metal racks adjacent to Building 147. 

Given the relatively small size of the containers, secondary containment is achieved by use of absorbents 

from spill kits.

2.4 McMurdo Station Area – Outlying Facilities

McMurdo Station’s oil storage equipment (tanks, valves, piping, etc.) located at outlying facilities can be 

referenced to four locations listed below:

 Consolidated Airfield (McMurdo Ice Shelf)

 Sea Ice Runway

 Black Island Telecommunications Facility 

 Marble Point Refueling Facility 

Drainage Pathway and Distance to Navigable Waters: 

Information about drainage pathways and distances to navigable waters for these facilities can be found in 

Section 1.6.

Facility Operations: 

1) Consolidated Airfield - The Consolidated Airfield functions as a semi-permanent airfield. Fuel tanks, 

structures, and equipment are skid mounted, so as to permit seasonal relocation. The Consolidated 

Airfield inventory of buildings, fuel tanks, vehicles, and other equipment constitutes the entire McMurdo 

Station air facility equipment inventory. Some of the buildings, as well as their attendant service tanks

are relocated to support operations at the Sea Ice Runway during their periods of operation. Four to six 

20,000 gallon aviation fuel storage tanks are typically moved to the Sea Ice Runway, depending on the 

tempo of flight operations. The 20,000-gallon tanks must be emptied prior to traversing the ice from the 

Consolidated Airfield to the Sea Ice Runway. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the typical layout of the 

Consolidated Airfield.

The Consolidated Airfield operates three fuel systems:

 Aviation Fuel - The system is composed of 12 storage tanks each with a capacity of 20,000 gallons. 

The tanks are manifolded together via a 4-inch flexible line (hose). Ancillary to these tanks are 
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filters, pumps, hoses, and fittings. The system is tied to McMurdo Station by 21 km (13 miles) of 6-

inch flexible line (hose).

 Heating Oil (Day Tanks) – Day tanks ranging in size from 75 gallons to 3,000 gallons provide fuel 

storage, supporting heat and power generation for the Consolidated Airfield. These tanks are serviced 

and maintained by the McMurdo Fuels Department (Fuels). The Fuels Department utilizes a wheeled 

vehicle (Delta) with a 1,800 gallon capacity, single compartment tank to perform this operation.

 A single 1,000-gallon sled mounted tank is used to store and dispense gasoline (MOGAS) to light 

trucks and equipment.

The primary purpose of the aviation fuel system is to receive, store, and dispense fuel to aircraft operating 

out of the Consolidated Airfield. Fuel is dispensed through the aircraft fueling pump into mobile, sled 

mounted tanks or tracked trailers for distribution to day tanks fueling airfield furnaces. Fuel may also be

dispensed directly from storage tanks to vehicles.

Twelve 20,000-gallon aviation fuel tanks are located adjacent to the fuel pits, parallel to the skiway. Fuel 

is transferred from the Tank Farm in McMurdo over the Scott Base Pass via 6-inch welded pipeline. The 

pipeline terminates at valve J-63 at the Scott Base Transition. Fuel is moved to the airfields via flexible 

hose line which is connected to valve J-63. The flexible line is composed of lightweight fabric-reinforced 

polyurethane hose, in 660-foot lengths, fitted with Hydrasearch re-attachable hose couplings. During 

active transfers to refill aviation fuel tanks, the pump houses and hoselines are constantly monitored.

Bulk storage tanks located at the Consolidated Airfield are listed on Table 2.7. The capacity, construction 

material, and material stored in each tank is listed below [40 CFR 112.7(a)(3)].

Table 2.7 - List of Oil Storage Containers at the Consolidated Airfield

Nearest Building

to Tank Size (gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

Skidoo Parking Area 300 Mogas No No Yes

3 Do Not Freeze Cargo

Shed 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

9 Avionics (1 of 2 tanks) 75 JP-5 No No Yes

9 Avionics (2 of 2 tanks) 75 JP-5 No No Yes

11 Ice AGE 75 JP-5 No No Yes

12 NYANG Life Support 75 JP-5 No No Yes

15 Head Module 500 JP-5 No No Yes

17 Galley (A Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

17 Galley (B Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

17 Galley (C Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

18 Tool Room 75 JP-5 No No Yes

19 Kiwi Cargo 75 JP-5 No No Yes

20 Maintenance Office 75 JP-5 No No Yes

21 AME SHOP 75 JP-5 No No Yes

22 Quality Assurance 75 JP-5 No No Yes

23 NYANG Aero-Repair 

Hydraulics 75 JP-5 No No Yes

24 Load Shack 75 JP-5 No No Yes

25 Line Shack 75 JP-5 No No Yes
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Table 2.7 - List of Oil Storage Containers at the Consolidated Airfield

Nearest Building

to Tank Size (gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

26 NYANG Structural 75 JP-5 No No Yes

31 Firehouse 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

33A Electricians Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

33B Electronics Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

48 Ground Support 

Equipment Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

70 Control Tower 75 JP-5 No No Yes

471 Power Plant (1 of 2 

Tanks)

1,000 JP-5 No No Yes

471 Power Plant (2 of 2 

Tanks)

1,000 JP-5 No No Yes

Blue Lagoon Snow

Melter 250 JP-5 No No Yes

Jamesway 55 JP-5 No No Yes

Aviation Fuel Tanks 

No. 1 - 12

12 x

20,000 AN-8 No No Yes

4 Building 300 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

53 Building 75 JP-5 No No Yes

Note: Oil storage containers are only in service when the Consolidate Airfield is in operation; during the 

austral winter the airfield is not fully functional.

Containment measures for containers at the Consolidated Airfield are listed on the Tank Data Sheets (see 

Appendix A). 

2) Sea Ice Runway - The Sea Ice Runway operates as a seasonal portable airfield. This runway could 

not be inspected in January 2008 and December 2011 because the facility was out of service and all 

equipment and structures had been moved to the Consolidated Airfield due to sea ice conditions. Fuel 

tanks, structures, and equipment are skid mounted to permit seasonal relocation. The physical properties 

of the sea ice allow this facility to support flight operations only in the October through early December 

time period. Figure 6 illustrates a typical layout of the Sea Ice Runway. When in service, the Sea Ice 

Runway operates two fuel systems:

 Aviation Fuel - The system is composed of four to six (20,000 gallon) storage tanks. The tanks are 

manifolded together via a 4-inch flexible line (hose). Ancillary to this system are filters, pumps, 

hoses, and fittings. 

 Heating Oil (Day Tanks) – Day tanks ranging in size from 75 gallons to 3,000 gallons, provide fuel 

storage supporting heat and power generation for the Sea Ice Runway. These tanks are serviced and 

maintained by the McMurdo Fuels Department. The Fuels Department utilizes a wheeled vehicle 

(Delta) with a 1,800 gallon capacity, single compartment tank to perform this operation.

The primary purpose of the aviation fuel system is to receive, store, and dispense fuel to aircraft operating 

from the Sea Ice Runway. Fuel is dispensed through the aircraft fueling pump into mobile, sled mounted,

tanks or tracked trailers for distribution to service tanks at various locations throughout the air field. Fuel 
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may also be dispensed directly from storage tanks to vehicles, if necessary. The 20,000-gallon aviation 

fuel tanks are located adjacent to the fuel pits parallel to the skiway and must be emptied before they can 

be relocated to the Consolidated Airfield. 

Fuel is transferred from the Tank Farm at McMurdo Station to a valve behind the Heliport via a gravityflow pipeline and then conveys the fuel to the runway facility via a flexible hoseline placed on the sea ice. 

The flexible line is composed of lightweight fabric-reinforced polyurethane hose, in 660-foot lengths, 

fitted with Hydrasearch re-attachable hose couplings.

Bulk storage tanks which can be located at the Consolidated Airfield/Sea Ice Runway are listed on Table 

2.8. Not all of these tanks may be present at the Sea Ice Runway in a particular year. The capacity, 

construction material, and material stored in each tank is listed below [40 CFR 112.7(a)(3)].

Table 2.8 - List of Oil Storage Containers at the Sea Ice Runway

Nearest Building

to Tank

Size

(gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

Skidoo Parking Area 300 Mogas No No Yes

3 Do Not Freeze Cargo

Shed 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

9 Avionics (1 of 2 tanks) 75 JP-5 No No Yes

9 Avionics (2 of 2 tanks) 75 JP-5 No No Yes

11 Ice AGE 75 JP-5 No No Yes

12 NYANG Life Support 75 JP-5 No No Yes

15 Head Module 500 JP-5 No No Yes

17 Galley (A Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

17 Galley (B Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

17 Galley (C Module) 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

18 Tool Room 75 JP-5 No No Yes

19 Kiwi Cargo 75 JP-5 No No Yes

20 Maintenance Office 75 JP-5 No No Yes

21 AME SHOP 75 JP-5 No No Yes

22 Quality Assurance 75 JP-5 No No Yes

23 NYANG Aero-Repair

Hydraulics 75 JP-5 No No Yes

24 Load Shack 75 JP-5 No No Yes

25 Line Shack 75 JP-5 No No Yes

26 NYANG Structural 75 JP-5 No No Yes

31 Firehouse 300 JP-5 Yes No Yes

33A Electricians Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

33B Electronics Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

48 Ground Support 

Equipment Shop 75 JP-5 No No Yes

70 Control Tower 75 JP-5 No No Yes

471 Power Plant (1 of 2 

Tanks)

1,000 JP-5 No No Yes

471 Power Plant (2 of 2 1,000 JP-5 No No Yes
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Table 2.8 - List of Oil Storage Containers at the Sea Ice Runway

Nearest Building

to Tank

Size

(gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

Tanks)

Blue Lagoon Snow 

Melter 250 JP-5 No No Yes

Jamesway 55 JP-5 No No Yes

Aviation Fuel Tanks 

No. 1 - 6

6 x

20,000 AN-8 No No Yes

4 Building 300 JP-5 Yes N/A Yes

53 Building 75 JP-5 No No Yes

Note: Oil storage containers are only in service when the Sea Ice Runway is in operation.

Containment measures for containers at the Ice Runway are listed on the Tank Data Sheets (see Appendix 

A). 

3) Black Island Telecommunications Facility - The BITF (Figure 7) provides a year-round satellite 

communications link for McMurdo Station and is a critical component of USAP infrastructure. The BITF 

is manned during the austral summer season (October – February) and operates in an automated mode in 

the austral winter except when personnel periodically traverse to the facility for resupply, preventative 

maintenance, or emergency repairs. Helicopters are used to transport personnel and supplies to the 

facility from McMurdo Station during the austral summer. Approximately 7,000 gallons of fuel is 

delivered annually to the facility during the end of austral winter or early summer via overland traverse.

The majority of fuel at Black Island is used to heat the facility structures, and is distributed to the 

buildings via steel pipeline. Small amounts are dispensed to equipment and vehicles (e.g., loader) directly 

from the bulk storage tanks as needed via flexible hoseline. The day tank on the berthing module is 

refueled using a 55-gallon drum as a mobile tank.

Bulk storage tanks located at the BITF are listed on Table 2.9. The capacity, construction material, and 

material stored in each tank is listed below [40 CFR 112.7(a)(3)].

Table 2.9 - List of Oil Storage Containers at Black Island Telecommunications Facility

Nearest Building to Tank

Size

(gal) Contents

Double

Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

52 – Caretakers Quarters and 

Telecommunication Facility

4 x

5,000 JP-5 No Yes Yes

Berthing Module 200 JP-5 Yes No Yes

Note: The facility is operational year round; however, some oil storage containers may be taken out of 

service when the facility is not manned 

Containment measures for containers at Black Island are listed on the Tank Data Sheets (see Appendix 

A). 

4) Marble Point – The Marble Point Refueling Facility operates in the austral summer and supports

scientific research in the nearby McMurdo Dry Valleys. The primary mission is to refuel helicopters, 
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with additional support being provided as a staging area for drummed Mogas, supplies, research materials 

and wastes. Marble Point is typically staffed during the austral summer by a station manager, cook, and a 

fuels operator. Berthing and food are available for pilots and research and support personnel as needed. 

Figure 8 depicts the Marble Point Site Plan.

The primary purpose of the fuel system is to receive, store, and dispense fuel to helicopters en route to 

field camps and research sites in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Fuel is also used to power the facility 

generators, heat the facility structures, and is distributed to the buildings via steel pipeline and flexible 

hoseline. Small amounts are dispensed to equipment and vehicles (e.g., loader, forklift) as needed. 

Fuel (JP-5) is delivered once per year during the end of austral winter or early in the austral summer via 

overland traverse. Approximately 26,000 gallons of fuel is transferred each year. Fuel is transported to 

the nearby shoreline via 4,000-gallon tanks mounted on a traverse trailer; fuel is subsequently transferred 

to a 3,000-gallon tank on skids which is then towed to the facility and offloaded into the bulk tanks. 

Bulk storage tanks located at Marble Point are listed on Table 2.10. The capacity, construction material, 

and material stored in each tank is listed below [40 CFR 112.7(a)(3)]. An emergency cache of twelve 55-

gallon drums (replaced each year) is also stored at Marble Point, as listed on Table 2.10.

Table 2.10 - List of Oil Storage Containers at Marble Point

Nearest Building

to Tank

Size

(gal) Contents Double Walled

Secondary 

Containment

In Service

(see note)

Aviation Fuel Tanks 

No. 1 - 6

6 x

25,000 AN-8 No Yes Yes

Generator Shack 2 x 500 AN-8 Yes No Yes

Berthing 500 AN-8 Yes No Yes

Main Building 500 AN-8 Yes No Yes

Emergency Cache 12 x 55 AN-8 No Yes Yes

Note: Some oil storage containers may be taken out of service when the facility is not manned during the 

austral winter

Containment measures for containers at Marble Point are listed on the Tank Data Sheets (see Appendix 

A). 

Compliance Status:

The following paragraphs provide a discussion of SPCC compliance criteria (40 CFR 112), as it relates to 

storage tanks, ancillary equipment, and material handling procedures applicable to the four McMurdo 

area outlying facilities.

(a) Section 112.8(c)(1) requires container materials and construction to be compatible with material 

stored and conditions of storage. 

Status: All tanks at the McMurdo area outlying facilities meet this requirement.

(b) Section 112.8(c)(2) requires secondary containment for all vessels and ancillary equipment located 

within the system. Secondary containment devices must be of sufficient capacity so as to contain the 

contents of the largest tank in the system plus a significant precipitation event. Diked areas must be 
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sufficiently impervious, so as to contain discharges of material stored within the system. Dikes, 

containment curbs, pits, catchment basins, or ponds may be used to provide containment. 

Status: Secondary containment beneath the bulk tanks at BITF and Marble Point have sufficient 

capacity, are sealed and are therefore compliant with the requirements. In addition, these containment

areas do not receive precipitation requiring removal. There are no containment areas associated with the 

Consolidated Airfield or Sea Ice Runway. All tanks located at the Consolidated Airfield and Ice Runway, 

and certain tanks located at BITF and Marble Point (listed in Tables 2.7 through 2.10 above) need 

additional controls to fully meet this requirement. The facility relies on prevention measures and a 

contingency plan to minimize potential exposure. Spills to the ice would generally be contained to and 

spread across the surface of the ice.

(c) Section 112.8(c)(3) specifies requirements for management of diked areas. Bypass valves, if any, 

should normally remain closed. Inspections of retained precipitation to ensure that its presence will not 

cause a discharge of oil should be performed. Bypass valves should only be opened to drain 

uncontaminated precipitation and must be resealed under responsible supervision. Adequate records of 

such events must be kept. Uncontaminated precipitation from diked areas may be emptied utilizing 

pumps or ejectors if manually activated and precipitation is inspected prior to pumping. Only manually 

operated valves may be used for draining diked areas. Flapper-type (butterfly) valves may not be 

installed within containment structures 

Status: Those tanks with diked areas do not have bypass valves. The facility does not receive enough 

precipitation to require draining of the diked areas. The facilities are in compliance with this requirement.

(d) Section 112.7(g) requires a level of security to prevent discharges. This includes fencing with locked 

gates, locked (closed) master flow and drain valves, locked starter controls on each pump (location of 

controls in an inaccessible area), providing secured caps or blank flanges on load/unload pipeline 

connections (when not in service), and lighting commensurate with the type and location of the facility. 

Status: As there are no fuel-consuming non-governmental facilities or equipment located in the 

McMurdo Station area, the potential for fraud and theft of fuel are extremely low. The potential for 

vandalism or malicious mischief by outsiders is also extremely low. The number of personnel granted 

access to McMurdo Station and surrounding areas is relatively low and all are subject to careful 

screening. The community knowledge that fuel is a life-sustaining commodity in the Antarctic and the 

general environmental consciousness that exists among personnel assigned to or visiting USAP activities 

further reduces the potential for theft, fraud or vandalism by any with access to McMurdo Station.

It is light for extended periods of time during the summer in Antarctica. Lighting is important to permit 

spill/leak detection during the months of darkness rather than as a security measure. The population of 

McMurdo Station during these months is minimal and is limited to personnel performing maintenance 

and preservation of the Station and its equipment. Although lighting would be considered important to 

support security in normal industrial operations, none of the McMurdo area outlying facilities are 

operational during the austral winter months, with the exception of emergency maintenance at the BITF. 

Existing lighting in this area is acceptable. 

Locking/securing devices are employed on certain valves and working spaces as a means of preventing 

inadvertent operation by facility personnel and passers-by or possible harm to equipment or individuals.

Equivalent environmental protection is thus provided.
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(e) Section 112.8(c)(8) requires each container to have one of the following features to prevent 

overfilling: high liquid level alarm, high liquid level pump cutoff, direct audible or code signal 

communication, direct vision gauge or other means of determining the liquid level in the tank, and regular 

testing of these devices where present. 

Status: Bulk aviation tanks at the airfields are filled via pipeline/hoseline transfer from the McMurdo 

Station Tank Farm. The volume available in each tank is checked manually with a dip tape prior to 

filling. Tanks are not filled beyond 95% capacity. Fuel transfer operations are constantly attended by fuel 

operators to prevent overfilling. Additionally, pump houses, pipelines, and hoselines between the 

McMurdo Tank Farm and the airfields are continuously monitored by fuels personnel during the transfer 

process to detect spills or leaks. 

Certain day tanks at the airfields are equipped with visual fill gauges. The older single walled tanks do 

not have gauges. Day tanks are filled by mobile fuel truck via hoses. The volume available in the tank is 

checked manually with a dip tape prior to filling. Tanks are not filled beyond 95% capacity. Transfer 

operations to fill day tanks are attended throughout their duration.

Similarly, operations to refill bulk fuel tanks at BITF and Marble Point from overland traverse tanks and 

equipment are monitored to prevent tank overfills. Day tanks are refilled via flexible hoseline or portable 

tanks and are attended during filling to prevent overfilling. 

Environmental equivalence is thus provided.

(f) Section 112.7(h) requires sized containment for loading/unloading rack areas. In addition, this 

section requires systems to prevent vehicles from departing the rack prior to disconnection of transfer 

lines and inspection of tank truck drains and outlets to ensure they are tightened. 

Status: There are no formal loading racks in the McMurdo area outlying facilities. 

(g) Section 112.7(c) requires appropriate containment and/or diversionary structures or equipment be 

provided to prevent a discharge for each loading/unloading area, not a formal loading rack, and other 

areas with a potential for discharge. Containment may be defined as dikes, berms, or retaining walls 

sufficiently impervious to contain oil, curbing, culverting, gutters, or other drain systems, weirs, booms, 

or other barriers, spill diversion ponds, retention ponds, or sorbent materials. The size of this containment 

should be based on the magnitude of a most likely discharge. 

Status: Spill kits stocked with sorbent materials are located proximal to bulk and day tank filling areas. 

As all quantities of oil are transferred, the transfer operations are attended; prompt detection and response 

is assured.

(h) Section 112.8(b)(3) through (5) outlines requirements for facility drainage systems. Drainage from 

undiked areas with a potential for discharge must be designed to flow into ponds, lagoons, or catchment 

basins designed to retain oil or return it to the facility. These catchment basins must not be located in 

areas subject to periodic flooding. If the facility drainage is not so engineered, then final discharge of all 

ditches inside the facility must have a diversion system that would, in the event of an uncontrolled 

discharge, retain oil within the confines of the facility. 

Status: There is no drainage system at any of the four McMurdo area outlying facilities. 
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(i) Section 112.7(b) requires an analysis of potential impacts resulting from equipment failure. 

Historically, facilities storing oil materials (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) have potential for 

equipment failure such as; loading or unloading equipment, tank overflow, rupture, or leakage. 

Status: Although spills within diked areas would likely be contained, predictions included in the tables 

below for the four outlying facilities (Tables 2.12 through 2.15) discount the presence of containment 

structures (as per EPA guidance). 

Table 2.12 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at the Consolidated Airfield

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of a full tank Onto level ice 20,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of a full tank Onto level ice 5,000 Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill Onto level ice 500 100

Pipe fitting failure Onto level ice 8,000 100

Leaking fitting or valve Onto level ice 3,000 50

Table 2.13 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Sea Ice Runway

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of a full tank Onto level ice 20,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of a full tank Onto level ice 5,000 Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill Onto level ice 500 100

Pipe fitting failure Onto level ice 6,000 100

Leaking fitting or valve Onto level ice 3,000 50

Table 2.14 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Black Island Telecommunications Facility

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of a full tank Onto level ground 5,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of a full tank Onto level ground 1,000 Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill Onto level ground 500 100

Pipe fitting failure Onto level ground 5,000 100

Leaking fitting or valve Onto level ground 3,000 50

Table 2.15 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Marble Point

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Catastrophic failure of a full tank Onto level ground 25,000 Instantaneous

Partial failure of a full tank Onto level ground 7,500 Gradual to 

instantaneous

Tank overfill Onto level ground 500 100
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Table 2.15 - Analysis of Equipment Failure at Marble Point

Potential Failure Spill Direction

Potential Volume 

Released (gal)

Potential Spill Rate

(gal/min)

Pipe fitting failure Onto level ground 5,000 100

Leaking fitting or valve Onto level ground 3,000 50

(j) Section 112.8(c)(11) requires that mobile or portable oil storage containers be positioned or located to 

prevent discharge. Except for mobile refuelers, a secondary means of containment, such as a dike or 

catchment area, sufficient to contain the capacity of the largest single compartment or container with 

sufficient freeboard for precipitation, must be provided.

Status: For Consolidated Airfield and Ice Runway operations, aviation fuel tanks 1-12 are portable when 

empty. Typically some of these tanks are moved seasonally, while empty, between the two airfields and 

then used for storage. Sized secondary containment for these tanks is needed to comply with the SPCC 

regulations.

(k) Section 112.7(c) requires secondary containment for oil filled operational equipment. Section 

112.7(k) provides for alternative requirements for qualified oil-filled operational equipment. 

Status: There is no oil filled equipment in any of the four McMurdo area outlying facilities with oil 

capacity of 55 gallons or more.

(l) Section 112.8(d)(2) and Section 112.7(g)(4) require that when equipment is not in service, or is in 

standby service for an extended time, the terminal connection is capped or blank-flanged and marked.

Status: There was no out of service equipment in this area of the facility when inspected. During the 

winter these tanks are out of service and capped.

(m) Section 112.7 requires that equipment not yet fully operational be identified and discussed in the 

plan.

Status: There is no equipment not yet fully operational in any of the four McMurdo area outlying 

facilities.

(n) Piping within, or ancillary to, this portion of the facility is subject to the general secondary 

containment provision at Section 112.7(c).

Status: Both the Consolidated Airfield and the Sea Ice Runway rely on a supply hose to feed AN-8 to 

the airfield supply tanks from Tank Farm 2. Secondary containment for this equipment is impracticable 

given the length of the piping and the dynamic nature of the ice shelf and sea ice. Instead, the facilities 

rely on its pipeline maintenance and inspection programs as well as visual monitoring to prevent and 

quickly detect discharges from this equipment. Included within this document is a contingency plan. As 

per SPCC requirements, the contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and materials. 

(o) Section 112.8 (d) requires buried piping installed on or after August 16, 2002 to have a protective 

wrapping or coating. Cathodic protection must be provided for such piping to prevent corrosion. When 

buried piping is exposed for any reason it must be examined for deterioration. Pipe supports must also be 

properly designed. Warning signs must be displayed to warn vehicles not to endanger aboveground 
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piping.

Status: There are two underground pipe road crossings on the road to the Consolidated Airfield. At 

these locations the flexible hose runs through a section of steel pipe under the road. The piping is not 

coated and does not have cathodic protection. There is no underground piping associated with the Sea Ice 

Runway, BITF, or Marble Point.

2.5 Sumary of Compliance Status for oil storage equipment

Table 2.16 provides a summary of Section 2 of this report. This table is intended to provide the reader 

with an overview of the major SPCC requirements and the facility's current compliance status with regard 

to them. For details please see the preceding Section 2 text. The notation "EEP" means that the facility is 

providing equivalent environmental protection. The notation "CGP" means that there has been a finding 

of impracticability and the facility minimizes exposure with a detailed contingency plan and written 

commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials to implement the plan. 
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Table 2.16 – Summary of Compliance Status for Oil Storage Equipment

SPCC Regulations

40 CFR Section No.

Compliance Status / (Reference Section in This SPCC Plan)

Tank Farm 1 Tank Farm 2

Day Tank and 

Power Plant

McMurdo Area 

Outlying Facilities

112.8(c)(1)

(Compatible Materials)

Yes

(Section 2.1.a)

Yes

(Section 2.2.a)

Yes

(Section 2.3.a)

Yes

(Section 2.4.a)

112.8(c)(2)

(Sized Secondary Containment)

CGP

(Section 2.1.b)

Yes

(Section 2.2.b)

Yes/No

(Section 2.3.b)

Yes/No

(Section 2.4.b)

112.8(b) and 112.8 (c)(3)

(Diked Areas)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.1.c)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.2.c)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.3.c)

Yes

(Section 2.4.c)

112.7(g)

(Security)

EEP

(Section 2.1.d)

Yes

(Section 2.2.d)

EEP

(Section 2.3.d)

EEP

(Section 2.4.d)

112.8(c)(8)

(Overfill Protection)

CGP

(Section 2.1.e)

EEP

(Section 2.2.e)

EEP

(Section 2.3.e)

EEP

(Section 2.4.e)

112.7(h)

(Loading/Unloading Racks)

CGP

(Section 2.1.f)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.2.f)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.3.f)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.4.f)

112.7(c)

(Loading Areas)

CGP

(Section 2.1.g)

CGP

(Section 2.2.g)

Yes

(Section 2.3.g)

Yes

(Section 2.4.g)

112.7(c)

(Piping Containment)

CGP

(Section 2.1.n)

CGP

(Section 2.2.n)

CGP

(Section 2.3.n)

CGP

(Section 2.4.n)

112.8(b)(3) to (5)

(Facility Drainage)

No

(Section 2.1.h)

No

(Section 2.2.h)

No

(Section 2.3.h)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.4.h)

112.8(c)(11)

(Portable Tank Containment)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.1.j)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.2.j)

Not Applicable

(Section 2.3.j)

No

(Section 2.4.j)

112.7(k)

(Oil Filled Equipment) Yes Yes Yes Not Applicable

112.8(d)(2) and 112.7(g)(4)

(Standby Equipment) Yes Yes Not Applicable Not Applicable

112.7

(Equipment Not Yet in Service)

Not Applicable Yes Yes Not Applicable

112.8(d)

(Piping)

No

(Section 2.1.o)

CGP

(Section 2.2.o)

CGP

(Section 2.3.o)

CGP/ Not Applicable

(Section 2.4.o)

112.7(b)

(Equipment Failure Analysis) Included Included Included Included

Notes: 1. Yes - Facility is in compliance.
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2. No - Facility is currently not in compliance with this requirement.

3. CGP means that, because of a finding of impracticability, a contingency plan and a written commitment of manpower, equipment, and 

materials has been provided.

4. EEP means that equivalent environmental protection has been provided.
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3.0 FACILITY TRANSFER OPERATIONS

Section 112.7(a)(3)(ii) requires the SPCC plan to describe discharge prevention measures for routine 

handling of products, including facility transfers.

Table 3.1 General Material Transfer Procedures

1. Materials should be poured or pumped carefully to prevent spilling.

2. Do not leave equipment unattended while transferring materials.

3. Do not smoke within 25 feet of transfer area.

4. Do not override any safety mechanism.

5. Before exiting transfer station:

 Remove nozzle from equipment.

 Secure nozzle to pump.

 Shut off pump.

 Remember to replace cap on container(s).

6. Report any pump malfunctions to your supervisor.

Figure 3 depicts the piping layout for McMurdo Station. A tank truck is used to fill the day tanks in town. 

Included in Appendix F are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Gravity Fuel Tank Transfers, Bulk 

Tanks Transfers (winter), McMurdo Power Plant Transfer, Filling 55-Gallon Fuel Drums, McMurdo 

Station, McMurdo Heliport Operations, Black Island Fuel Traverse, and Marble Point Fuel Operations. 

These procedures all require level checks prior to filling; as well as pipeline monitoring, checking valves 

and fittings, radio communication, and attendance during transfer.

Seasonally, aviation turbine fuel (AN-8) is transferred from Tank Farm 2 to the various airfields 

supporting station operations. Fuel is transferred to the Consolidated Airfield from the Tank Farm in 

McMurdo over the Scott Base Pass via 6-inch welded pipeline. The pipeline terminates at valve J-63 at 

the Scott Base Transition. Fuel is moved to the Consolidated Runway via flexible hose line which is 

connected to valve J-63. The flexible line is composed of lightweight fabric-reinforced polyurethane hose, 

in 660-foot lengths, fitted with Hydrasearch re-attachable hose couplings. 

Similarly, fuel is transferred to the Ice Runway via flexible hoseline from valve Ice 1 connected to the 

section of pipeline located behind the Heliport. Detailed SOPs for transferring fuel from the tank farm 

to the tanks at the airstrips are included in Appendix F. 

 

Piping is inspected monthly. Inspections include an assessment of the general condition of all 

aboveground valves, piping, and appurtenances. This equipment is continually monitored while in use. 
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4.0 FACILITY LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS

Section 112.7(h)(2) requires certain procedures be implemented for facility loading and unloading 

operation including; interlocked warning lights, physical barriers, warning signs, wheel chocks or vehicle 

break interlock systems to prevent vehicles from departing load racks prior to disconnection of transfer 

lines. Section 112.7(h)(3) requires an inspection of the lowermost drain and all outlets of vehicles prior to 

filling and departure. 

The majority of fuel loading and unloading operations performed in and around McMurdo Station require 

the use of a tank truck. A detailed SOP, Operation of the "Fuel Mule" Fuel Delivery Truck, is included in 

Appendix G of this document. This SOP satisfies the requirements set forth under sections 112.7(h)(2) 

and (3). Similar operations are performed at the airfields. Detailed operating procedures have been 

developed and implemented for operation of the fuel delivery truck. Administrative procedures prohibit 

the truck’s tank from being filled more than six inches from the top. Levels are checked each day tank 

prior to filling. Administrative controls also prohibit filling day tanks beyond 90% of full capacity. Fuel 

loading and unloading operations are attended for the duration of the procedure.

The station’s primary loading rack is located adjacent to Tank Farm 1. The rack services a mobile 

delivery truck (fuel mule). In addition, the rack is used to fill drums and refuel vehicles. Sized 

containment is not provided at the loading rack. This requirement is impractical at Tank Farm 1 as this 

equipment is scheduled for closure and decommissioning by 2013. Included within this document is a 

contingency plan. The contingency plan dedicates manpower, equipment, and materials for controlling 

the potential for spills from loading and unloading. 

Tank trucks operating out of Antarctica New Zealand (Scott Base) load AN-8 from drop valve 19, located 

within Tank Farm 2. There is no engineered containment structure associated with this operation; 

however, loading occurs in a topographic low. Spills or releases occurring while loading from drop valve 

19 would be contained within that depression. Loading from drop valve 19 will be discontinued upon 

completion of the new fueling station, expected by March 2013.

McMurdo station receives fuel annually via tanker vessel. The tanker is moored in McMurdo Sound at 

the ice pier. During off-loading, all pipelines and pumps are continually monitored. When not in use, the 

piping from the ice pier to Tank Farms 1 and 2 is maintained empty. Valves accessing this pipeline 

remain locked.

As referenced above, piping is regularly inspected. This inspection includes an assessment of the general 

condition of all aboveground valves, piping, and appurtenances. 
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5.0 INSPECTIONS, TESTING, AND RECORDS

Regularly scheduled inspections and testing by qualified personnel are critical parts of discharge 

prevention. Their purpose is to prevent, predict, and promptly detect discharges. They are required to be 

conducted on tanks, associated piping, valves, and appurtenances that could be the source of an oil 

release. 

5.1 Inspections

Section 112.8(c)(6) requires regular visual inspections of tanks, supports and foundations. These 

inspections are designed to detect signs of deterioration, discharges, or accumulation of oil within 

containment areas. Visual inspection is augmented by additional testing techniques such as: hydrostatic 

testing, radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, acoustic emissions testing, or another system of nondestructive shell testing. Records of inspections are required to be maintained.

The Steel Tank Institute SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks, addresses 

inspection requirements for shop fabricated tanks, field-erected tanks, and portable containers. This 

standard was specifically developed in response to the EPA SPCC requirements addressed within this 

document. The standard requires the following component inspections: primary tanks, secondary tanks, 

tank supports, tank anchors, tank foundations and external supports, tank gauges, alarms, insulation 

covering, tank appurtenances, normal vents, emergency vents, release prevention barriers, and spill 

control systems. 

Section 112.8(d)(4) requires regular inspection of all aboveground piping, valves, and appurtenances. 

The general condition of flange joints, expansion joints, valve glands and bodies, catch pans, pipeline 

supports, valves, and metal surfaces must be assessed. 

5.1.1 Periodic Inspections

The owner/operator is required to provide a qualified inspector, who is knowledgeable of storage facility 

operations, the type of AST and its associated components, and the characteristics of the stored oil. The 

owner/operator is required to perform and document both monthly and annual AST inspections. The 

owner/operator is also required to perform and document portable container inspections monthly. 

Checklists for inspections performed at the McMurdo Station are included in Appendix H of this 

document. Included in Appendix I is the Raytheon Polar Services SOP for Inspecting 55-Gallon Fuel 

Drums. All drums are required by this document to be visually inspected before being filled.

Undocumented visual inspections of the flexible hoseline used to transfer fuel from the tank farm to the 

ice runways are performed prior to initial use each season and multiple times during each fuel transfer 

operation. 

5.1.2 Formal External Inspections

Formal external inspections must be performed by either a Steel Tank Institute Certified Inspector or an 

American Petroleum Institute (API) Authorized Inspector with STI SP001 Adjunct Certification. These 

inspections must be performed in accordance with Section 7.0 of the STI SP001 standard. A written 

statement of “Suitability for Continued Service” must be prepared as a result of the formal external 

inspection. Appendix B of the standard details additional requirements for field-erected tanks. The 

required frequency for inspections is detailed in Tables 5.1 and 5.2, below.
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5.1.3 Formal Internal Inspections

Formal internal inspections must be performed by either a Steel Tank Institute Certified Inspector or an 

API Authorized Inspector with STI SP001 Adjunct Certification. These inspections must be performed in 

accordance with Section 8.0 of the STI SP001 standard. A written statement of “Suitability for Continued 

Service” must be prepared in accordance with Section 10.0 of STI SP001. Appendix B of the standard 

details additional requirements for field-erected tanks. The required frequency for inspections is detailed 

in Tables 5.1 and 5.2, below.

Table 5.1 - Inspection and Leak Testing Schedules - Shop Fabricated ASTs

AST Size

(Gallons)

AST with secondary 

containment & visual release 

detection (years)

AST with secondary 

containment, no visual 

release detection (years)

AST with no secondary 

containment, no visual 

release detection (years)

0-1,100 NA NA E-10, L-10

1,101-5,000 NA E-10, L-10 E-5, L-5, I-10

5,001-30,000 E-20 E-10, I-20 E-5, L-5, I-10

30,001-50,000 E-20 E-5, L-5, I-15 E-5, L-5, I-10

Legend: E-Formal External Inspection, I-Formal Internal Inspection, L-Leak Testing

Table 5.2 - Inspection and Leak Testing Schedules - Field-Erected ASTs

AST Size

(Gallons)

AST with secondary 

containment & visual release 

detection (years)

AST with secondary 

containment, no visual 

release detection (years)

AST with no secondary 

containment, no visual 

release detection (years)

any E-5, I-10 E-5, L-5, I-10 E-5, L-5, I-10

Legend: E-Formal External Inspection, I-Formal Internal Inspection, L-Leak Testing

5.1.4 Inspection History

The inspection program currently in place for McMurdo Station is not entirely consistent with the 

requirements outlined above. However, tanks M-4, M-5, and M-6 within Tank Farm 2 have been tested 

in accordance with API 650, as required. 

A November 2003 report "McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Facility Fuel System Review and Report" 

generated by Dan Boley of DJA Inspection Services Inc., indicates that Tank M-3 had many violations of 

industry construction standards, including; severe mismatch of shell plates, peaking and banding in excess 

of acceptable limits, excessive weld undercut, and no internal or external inspections. The report also 

indicates Tank D-2 also had many violations of industry construction standards, including; peaking and 

banding in excess of acceptable limits, and no internal or external inspections. However, this tank farm 

(Tank Farm 1) has reached the end of its useful life and is being phased out of operation. Several older 

tanks have already been taken out of service as fuel storage devices and are currently in use as dry-goods 

and equipment storage shelters. The remaining two operational tanks, M3 and D2 are scheduled for 

closure in 2010 and 2013, respectively. 

5.1.5 Implementation of Inspection Program

The McMurdo Fuels department has been inspecting pipeline infrastructure and bulk tanks on a regular 

basis for the life of Raytheon Polar Services tenure with the USAP. Formal documentation was not kept 

until 2004 when an official system was initiated for the older bulk tanks. That system of documentation 

and record keeping was updated and improved to include recording inspections starting in February 2009.
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A formal inspection document and routine for pipeline and related infrastructure has been created and 

implemented as of March 2010. Previously, inspection of pipeline and deployed hose line was completed 

every time fuel was moved through pipelines and/or hose line. Records of these inspections have been 

kept on hand written logs which are maintained in the McMurdo Fuels office. 

Inspections are completed by Fuels Operators or Lead Fuels Operators.

Bulk tank inspections consist of visually inspecting the tanks for leaks, corrosion or pitting, condition of 

access ladders, checking all valves, appurtenances and man ways for leaks or damage, and 

documenting/reporting any abnormalities or problems immediately. For further details refer to the tank 

inspection checklist. Bulk tank inspection and pipeline inspection records are kept on file on the Fuels 

departmental electronic file folder, for a period of three operational seasons, as required by 40 CFR. 

Transfer of this data to the Environmental Department for inclusion in the SPCC is conducted by March 

of each year.

Pipelines, pumps, and valves are visually inspected for leaks, proper valve positioning, proper function, 

and potential problems that can occur because of the age of the equipment and geophysical difficulties 

inherent to operating a fuel system in Antarctica. This includes settling of support stanchions and 

subsequent detachment of the pipeline. Any problems or suspect runs of pipe are reported to Fuels 

Control and corrected prior to moving fuel through the pipeline. 

During the 2011-2012 an inspection of the section of pipeline and support stanchions to Scott Base the 

fuel line showed extensive heaving and settlement throughout line. Three sections of pipeline of 

approximately 40 feet were spanning unsupported. Temporary supports, including wood blocks secured 

with cargo straps, had been installed to provide additional support. Pipe from the T-site road intersection 

extending uphill had moved 3 feet laterally and was held in place by cargo straps to prevent it from falling 

off the edge of supports. At the base of the Scott Base hill, a 22 degree bend in the pipeline indicated 

severe stress. Piping movement indicated expansion joints may not be absorbing the expansion. Piping 

supports showed both lifting and settlement of stanchions that created a wave effect in the pipeline.

Following the inspection, repairs were performed, including lowering the supports to settle the pipeline 

into place again. Pipe support extensions were added as needed in settlement areas. The section near the 

T-site road intersection was realigned; moving the piping back to the center of the supports and relieving 

stress points uphill. Kick plates were placed on the downhill side of the piping and metal straps were 

welded in place to prevent future downhill pipe movement. Repairs were performed over 3,400 feet of 

pipeline.

5.2 Testing

Section CFR 112.8(c)(6) requires each aboveground container to be tested for integrity on a regular 

schedule and/or whenever material repairs are made. Visual inspection must be combined with another 

testing technique such as hydrostatic testing, radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, acoustic emissions 

testing, or another system of non-destructive shell testing.

Section 112.8(d)(4) requires integrity testing of buried piping be conducted at the time of installation, 

modification, construction, relocation, or replacement. 

Section 112.7(i) requires field-constructed aboveground containers undergoing a repair, alteration, 
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reconstruction, or a change in service that might increase the risk of discharge perform brittle fracture 

testing. Containers that have discharged oil or failed due to brittle fracture failure or other catastrophe 

must also be evaluated. 

For shop-built containers, not in contact with the ground, and with a capacity of 30,000 gallons or less, 

EPA Guidance for Regional Inspectors states "EPA considers that visual inspection provides equivalent 

environmental protection". 

API Standard 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, outlines inspection protocols 

for large, field erected, tanks. The standard applies to ASTs built to API Standard 650 and its predecessor 

(API 12C). The standard covers brittle fracture assessment (Section 5), stating if shell thickness is no 

greater than 1/2 inches, the risk of failure due to brittle fracture is minimal, provided an evaluation for 

suitability of service has been performed. All tanks at McMurdo Station have a shell thickness less than 

1/2 inches.

The Steel Tank Institute SP001, Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks, addresses 

shop fabricated tanks, field-erected tanks, and portable containers. This standard was specifically 

developed in response to EPA’s SPCC rules, and requires leak testing of shop fabricated ASTs per the 

schedule provided in Table 5.1 (above). Leak testing methods are listed in section 2.0 of STI SP001. 

Appendix B of SP001 indicates that brittle fracture assessments are not required for tanks with shells less 

than 1⁄2 inch thick. USAP representatives have indicated that all tank shells at McMurdo Station are less 

than 1⁄2 inch thick. 

Tank baseline conditions, shell thickness, and corrosion rates are only known for McMurdo Station tanks 

constructed after 2006. An interim schedule, focused on establishing baseline conditions for tanks 

constructed prior to 2006 has been developed and is in the process of proposal to NSF for funding. Two 

baseline data collection activities are necessary to establish shell thickness and corrosion rates for the 

field-erected tanks where this information is unknown. The first data collection activity should have been

completed prior to July 1, 2009, per regulation; a second data collection activity should be completed 

prior to December 31, 2014. The proposed plan for compliance with this requirement is outlined below. 

For recently constructed tanks where initial shell thickness is known, the data collection activity 

necessary to establish the corrosion rate should occur within five years of construction. API 653, Section 

6.3.3.2, requires ultrasonic thickness inspections be performed at a maximum interval of 5 years, when 

corrosion rates are unknown. After baseline corrosion rates have been established; the frequency of 

integrity testing may be adjusted based on shell thickness and the corrosion rates. 

5.2.1 Implementation of Testing Program

Current testing practices at McMurdo Station are structured around the API & SP001 frequency and 

inspector qualification requirements. This effectively complies with 40 CFR 112 requirements as the 

intent of this program structure is to ensure compliance with specific testing regulations held within. 

Inspection of the day tanks and bulk storage tanks at McMurdo Station are based on the need for an API 

and STI qualified instructor to be deployed to compile a baseline examination of all tanks. This process 

will require a multi-year approach as the bulk tanks cannot be managed to provide for inspection of all 

tanks at one time, or even in one season. Thus, the NSF will need to release funds for such an inspector. 

If funding is released, the following time line is suggested:

2011-2012 Austral Summer Season: An API certified inspector inspected as many day tanks as possible 
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during the 2011-2012 austral summer season. In-service inspections were performed on all tanks except 

the new redundant tank and new Mogas tank. An out-of-service inspection was performed on tank J-5. 

From this, a schedule for subsequent inspections is in development. All possible day tanks should also be 

inspected. If any are found to be out of compliance they should be placed on a schedule for replacement 

or repair; which would require additional project funding from NSF.

2012-2013 Austral Summer Season: An API and STI certified inspector would again need to be deployed 

during the 2012-2013 austral summer season. Bulk tank J-9 would then be inspected and a baseline of 

corrosion determined. Similar to that stated for T-1 and J-8, a schedule for subsequent inspections would

need to be established from the corrosion rate information gathered. All remaining day tanks that were 

unable to be inspected the previous season would also be inspected during the 2012-2013 austral summer 

season. If any are found to be out of compliance they should be placed on a schedule for replacement or 

repair; which would require additional project funding from NSF.

2013-2014 Austral Summer Season: As with the previous two seasons, an API and STI certified 

inspector would need to be deployed during the 2013-2014 austral summer season. Bulk tank D-12 

would then be inspected and a baseline of corrosion determined. Again, from this information, a schedule 

for subsequent inspections would be established. If D-12 was found to be out of compliance with 

applicable SPCC, API, or STI regulations, the bulk tank would be placed on a schedule for replacement or 

repair, which would require specific NSF funding. 

2014-2015 Austral Summer Season: Bulk tank D-13 would be inspected by an API and STI certified 

inspector during the 2014-2015 austral summer season. Similar information to that described in the 

previous seasons would be compiled and subsequent scheduling of further inspections established. If D13 was found to be out of compliance with applicable regulations the bulk tank would be placed on a 

schedule for replacement or repair, again requiring specific funding from NSF.

2015-2016 Austral Summer Season: Bulk tanks J-6 and J-7 would be inspected by an API and STI 

certified inspector during the 2015-2016 austral summer season. Similar information to that described in 

the previous seasons would be compiled and subsequent scheduling of further inspections established. If 

either or both bulk tanks are found to be out of compliance with applicable regulations they would be 

placed on a schedule for replacement or repair, again requiring specific funding from NSF.

Bulk tank J-5, as of the writing of this section update, has yet to be constructed. Once complete it should 

be inspected and follow up actions taken similar to that outlined above for all other bulk tanks.

Any tank found to be out of compliance will be assigned a risk factor, and the continued use of such tanks 

will be decided on a case-by-case basis according to problems found. 

In the event the above mentioned schedule is considered impracticable due to the 2014 compliance 

deadline NSF should fund the Fuels department such that it can maintain a crew tasked specifically with 

moving fuel from bulk tanks into and out of the redundant storage tank (T-1). The Fuels crew would 

drain each bulk tank completely, enter and clean it for inspection in succession. This would allow for 

inspection and subsequent follow-up actions to be organized in two seasons (if funding in 2011-2012, 

completion would be expected by the end of 2012-2013).

5.3 Recordkeeping

Section 112.7(e) requires records of inspections and testing be maintained for a period of three years. STI 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

43

SP001 requires monthly, annual, and portable container completed checklists be retained for at least 36 

months. All certified inspection reports must be retained for the life of the AST.

5.3.1 Implementation of Record Keeping Program

Records are kept for a period of three years per SPCC requirements aforementioned. Beginning at the 

end of the 2009-2010 austral summer season, the Fuels department began submitting records to the 

Environmental department annually. These are kept electronically, with this plan. In addition to this, the 

Fuels department keeps all records applicable to this plan on file at McMurdo Station.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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44

6.0 TRAINING

Section 112.7(f) requires personnel responsible for handling oil (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) 

receive annual instruction relating to: 

 Operation and maintenance requirements for equipment to prevent discharges of oil; 

 Discharge control procedures; applicable pollution control laws, rules and regulations; 

 General facility operations; and 

 Contents of the Facility SPCC Plan. 

Personnel are required to attend an annual training session where topics such as awareness, reporting, 

operation, security, inspection, and spill prevention and cleanup are presented. Annual discharge 

prevention briefings address the following topics.

 Historical discharges or failures;

 Malfunctioning components; and 

 Any recently developed precautionary measures. 

All USAP participants receive a general environmental awareness briefing prior to deployment. This 

includes reporting requirements for oil spills (see Appendix J of this document). In addition to three days 

of classroom instruction, Fuels Department staff receive detailed on-the-job training in oil transfer and 

management procedures. Appendix J of this document contains training records for; Town Fuel System 

and Transfer, Consolidated Airfield Transfers, Heliport, Fuel Pits, New Fuel Mule, Drums, Sea Ice 

Runway Transfers, Hoses and Hardware, and General Assistant. USAP spill response teams receive 

annual training, including spill response, at the National Spill Control School in Corpus Christi, TX. The 

spill response team also completes 24 hour OSHA HAZWOPER training and 24 hour OSHA hazardous 

material training/certification. Spill team leaders receive an additional week of training for testing, 

packaging, labeling, and documentation of hazardous wastes. 

Because of the on-going seasonal staff turnover the USAP has developed sound training programs in 

compliance with Section 112.7(f).
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7.0 SPILL RESPONSE

General spill response procedures for control of discharge [40CFR112.7(a)(3)(iii)], countermeasures for 

discharge discovery, response, and cleanup [40CFR112.7(a)(3)(iv)], as well as methods for disposal of 

recovered materials [40CFR112.7(a)(3)(v)] are discussed below. Common sense should be used when 

responding to spills. 

40CFR112.8(c)(10) requires facilities to promptly address visible discharges resulting from the failure of 

a container, including but not limited to; seams, gaskets, piping, pumps, valves, rivets, and bolts. Any 

accumulation of oil within containment areas must be promptly addressed. 

Appendix K of this document includes a copy of the USAP First Responder Guide (Responder Guide) for 

Oil and hazardous Materials. This document addresses spill discovery, control and containment, cleanup 

actions, reporting, communication, as well as the spill Team Roster. The Responder Guide outlines spill 

teams, notification requirements, and response activities. The spill team roster will, if necessary, be 

modified as personnel changes occur. Appendix K also includes a list of the spill response equipment and 

response equipment locations.

7.1 Procedures for Control of Discharge and Countermeasures

7.1.1 Control of Discharge

Initial response activities focus on minimizing the quantity discharged and limiting further risk of spills. 

The following general guidelines are provided.

DO:

 Shut off supply, stop leak (if possible)

 Shut off ignition sources

 Contain spill and/or dike ahead of spill

 Call your supervisor

 Protect adjacent people, property, surface waters, 

and equipment from contact with spill

 Follow MSDS for clean-up guidance

DON'T:

 Smoke

 Risk personal injury

 Wash down spill with water

 Try to hide spill

 Attempt cleanup if not trained 

and properly equipped

7.1.2 General Countermeasures for Discharge Discovery, Response, and Cleanup

1) Be observant of storage tanks, oil-filled transformers, pipelines, and associated fittings (e.g., 

valves, flanges) when in a work area to discover a discharge (e.g., spill, leak) early.

2) Notify supervisor of discharge immediately.

3) Absorbents and tools for spill cleanup (e.g., “Spill Kits”) are stored near high use areas where 

there is potential for spillage. If a spill occurs, all attempts should be made to stop the flow of the 

spill and contain the spill immediately. Spills should be cleaned up immediately with absorbent 

materials. 

4) Spills of oil (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, and used oil) that exceed the volumes described in 

the next section (i.e., Spill Notifications and Reporting). 
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7.1.3 Methods of Disposal of Recovered Materials

Absorbents, dirt, trash, or other solid materials used to clean up spills should be placed in a non-leaking 

container and disposed in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures. 

1) Recovered waste and contaminated environmental media must be characterized.

2) Disposal may include disposal of containerized or bulk materials off-site at a licensed facility.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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8.0 SPILL NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING

A discharge (e.g., spill, leak) of a reportable quantity of oil (e.g., petroleum, oil, lubricants, used oils) is 

reportable to site management and several agencies in the order listed in Table 8.1, below. Notifications 

include site management (e.g., facility response coordinator), National Science Foundation Management, 

and Antarctic treaty organizations [40CFR112.7(a)(3)(vi)].

8.1 Company Notifications

Table 8.1 McMurdo Station Spill Notification Requirements

MCMURDO STATION SPILL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

COMMUNICATOR REQUIRED 

NOTIFICATION REMARKS

SPILL DISCOVERER Fire Dispatch

Tel: 911 or 2555

Upon occurrence or observation of spill. Must 

provide location, material, and estimated 

volume, if known.

FIRE DISPATCH Spill Team Leader Upon notification of discovery.

SPILL TEAM 

LEADER

Spill Team Members

Or

Spill Teams

(via FD Dispatch)

As required for response

Spill Team Acting 

Coordinator

(via FD Dispatch)*

*call USAP Spill Team 

Coordinator if he/she is off 

station

Upon call-out of full or additional Spill Teams

All radioactive spills

All spills >50 gallons

All spills with injuries requiring medical 

attention

SPILL TEAM 

ACTING 

COORDINATOR

Activate EOC via Fire 

Dispatch

All radioactive spills

All spills >50 gallons (NSF Investigation) 

Spills requiring Level C or greater protection

All spills with injuries requiring medical 

attention

RPSC

STATION 

MANAGER

RPSC Headquarters

Director of Operations

Significant events affecting personnel or 

operations.

NSF

STATION 

MANAGER/REP

NSF Office of Polar 

Programs

Significant events affecting personnel or 

operations.

NSF OFFICE OF 

POLAR PROGRAMS

External Resources

Reporting Agencies As needed or required
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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8.2 Email Spill Reporting

Included in Appendix L is a copy of the form for spill reporting used by the Spill Response Team. 

Reporting is required within 24 hours of discovery. The report is sent to key personnel on site and 

Continental U.S.

8.3 Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)

Spills in excess of 50 gallons and significant spills of lesser volumes may require submittal of a 

COMNAP Spill Report to the COMNAP Secretariat within 30 days of the incident. The format of the 

COMNAP report is included as Annex A to the Guidelines for the Reporting of Oil Spill Incidents Which 

Occur in Antarctica (see Appendix L of this document).

8.4 Reporting Information

The following information is required to generate the above referenced reports [40CFR112.7(a)(4)]:

 Facility Address and building location.

 Facility Phone number or more specific number.

 Date and time of the discharge.

 Material discharged.

 Estimate of the total quantity discharged.

 Estimate of the total quantity discharged in quantities that may be harmful into or upon the 

navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines, or that may affect natural resources 

as indicated in §112.1(b).

 Source of the discharge.

 Description of all affected media.

 Cause of the discharge.

 Damages or injuries caused by the discharge.

 Actions used to stop, remove, and mitigate effects of the discharge.

 Assessment if evacuation may be needed.

 Names of individuals and/or organizations that have also been contacted.

8.5 Written Notifications

The current Primary Contractor holds a Master Permit under the Antarctic Conservation Act (ACA) for 

the NSF. The permit requires annual submittal of a report detailing volumes of waste generated, releases 

to the environment, and environmental impacts resulting from USAP operation in Antarctica. The report 

is submitted directly to the NSF. Unreported releases are considered to be a violation of the Antarctic 

Treaty and the ACA.

40 CFR 112.4 establishes requirements to report to the EPA in the event of a discharge to navigable 

waters of more than 1,000 gallons, or two discharges of more than 42 gallons, each within a twelve month 

period. This regulation is not applicable in Antarctica. The reporting requirements described in sections 

8.2 and 8.3 apply instead.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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49

9.0 CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT NOT PRESENT AT THIS FACIITY

The following processes and/or equipment are not present at this facility. 

 40 CFR 112.8 (b)(5) - There is no continuous treatment of storm water run-off.

 40 CFR 112.8(c) (4-5) - There are no completely, or partially buried, or bunkered, metallic 

storage tanks located at this facility.

 40 CFR 112.8(c)(7) - There are no internal heating coils on any of the storage vessels located at 

this facility. 

 40 CFR 112.8(c)(9) - There is no effluent treatment system other than the sanitary wastewater 

treatment facility.

 There are no underground storage tanks (USTs), subject to regulation per 40 CFR 280.

 There are no oil production facilities (onshore) located at this facility [40 CFR 112.9]. 

 There are no oil drilling or production operations performed at this facility [40 CFR 112.10]. 

 There is no offshore oil drilling or production operations associated with this facility [40 CFR 

112.11].
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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10.0 PLAN MAINTENANCE

A certified copy of this SPCC Plan should remain current and available to facility personnel and 

regulatory agencies [40 CFR 112.3(e)]. Administrative changes (e.g., individual names, phone numbers) 

do not require recertification by a Professional Engineer. 

10.1 Plan Reviews

The Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan is to be reviewed and evaluated at least 

once every five years [40 CFR 112.5(b)] or whenever there is a change in facility design, construction, 

operation, or maintenance (e.g., replacement, reconstruction, movement, etc.) that materially affects the 

facility's potential for the discharge of oil. Plan amendments must be made within six months of a change 

as described above [40 CFR 112.5(a)]. Plan reviews are to be documented on the “Log of SPCC Plan 

Reviews”, below. Plan reviews should include an assessment of more effective prevention and control 

technology; provided, the technology has been field proven, and will significantly reduce the likelihood of 

a discharge from the facility. Plan reviews must be documented and must include an evaluation to 

determine if the Plan needs to be amended. 

Table 10.1 Log of SPCC Plan Reviews

By Signature below, the undersigned agree to the following: 

“I have completed a review and evaluation of the SPCC Plan for McMurdo Station on the 

date given below and the SPCC plan will or will not be amended (as indicated below) as 

a result of that review.”

Date Name Signature Amend Plan?

Will Will Not

10.2 Plan Amendments

Plan amendments, with certification by a Professional Engineer, are required whenever there is a change 

in facility design, construction, operation, or maintenance (e.g., replacement, reconstruction, and 

movement) that materially affects the facility's potential for the discharge of oil. Amendment and 

certification must be completed within six months of such a change [40 CFR 112.5(a)]. Plan 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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51

modifications are to be summarized on the log below. 

Table 10.2 Log of SPCC Plan Modifications

Date Modification(s)

Revision 01

September 2009

Revision 02

January 2010

Revision 03

September 2010

Revision 04 

February 2012

Added Black Island Telecommunications Facility and Marble Point Refueling 

Facility to the SPCC Plan. The amendments were certified by a professional 

engineer.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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52

11.0 OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN AND COMMITMENT OF MANPOWER, 

EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS [40CFR112.7(D)]

Installation of certain containment devices or equipment required per 40 CFR 112.7,8,9,10, or 12 have 

been determined impracticable. Therefore, the facility has developed and implemented an oil spill 

contingency plan per the requirements set forth under 40 CFR 109 (see Appendix M). A written 

commitment of manpower, equipment, and materials required to expeditiously control and remove any 

quantity of oil discharged that may be harmful has also been provided. Dedicated equipment for spill 

response is listed in Appendix M. The written Management Approval in Section 1.1 of this plan

substantiates the required resource commitment.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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53

12.0 FACILITY RESPONSE PLAN [40CFR112.20]

Appendix C of this document contains a copy of the facility’s Certification of the Applicability of 

Substantial Harm Criteria Checklist. Upon completion of the checklist, it appears as though this facility 

may be required to develop a Oil Pollution Act (OPA) Facility Response Plan per the requirements 

outlined under 40 CFR 112.20. This plan should focus on emergency response actions to be taken should 

a significant discharge to navigable waters occur. Facilities that were in operation on or before February 

18, 1993 are required to have such a plan. Facilities failing to develop such a plan by February 18, 1993 

were then required to develop such a plan by August 30, 1994. The USAP should consider developing an 

OPA Facility Response Plan as soon as possible.
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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54

13.0 PLAN CERTIFICATION [40CFR112.3(D)]

I hereby certify that I am familiar with the provisions of 40 CFR 112, I have examined the information 

provided by The current Primary Contractor, and my agent has examined the facility in person. I attest 

that this Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan has been prepared in accordance with good 

engineering practices, including consideration of applicable industry standards, and with the requirements 

of 40 CFR 112, that procedures for required inspections and testing have been established, and that the 

plan is adequate for the facility, providing the facility and procedural modifications outlined in the plan

are implemented as described for the facility [40 CFR 112.3(d)]. Several areas of the facility are not 

currently in compliance with 40 CFR 112 but future compliance dates for those areas have been set in this 

plan. Once all modifications required by this plan have been implemented, the facility will be in 

compliance with 40 CFR 112. This certification is provided for and on behalf of EnviroGroup Limited. 

This certification constitutes an expression of professional opinion and does not constitute a warranty or 

guarantee, either expressed or implied.

_____________________________________ _____________

Signature of Registered Professional Engineer Date

______________________________ __________ _____________

Printed Name of Registered Engineer Registration Expiration Date

SEAL
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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55

14.0 PLAN CERTIFICATION [40CFR112.3(D)]

This certification is applicable only to the amendments made in February 2012, which incorporated and 

amended the information related to two of the four outlying facilities – Marble Island Refueling Facility 

and Black Island Telecommunications Facility. This certification is not applicable to the portions of the 

plan related to the McMurdo Station itself or the ice runways. Those facilities were not examined as part 

of this plan update.

I hereby attest to the following:

 I am familiar with the provisions of 40 CFR 112;

 I have examined the facility in person; 

 This Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan has been prepared in accordance with 

good engineering practice, including consideration of applicable industry standards, and with the 

requirements of 40 CFR 112; 

 Procedures for required inspections and testing have been established; and 

 The plan is adequate for the facility. Several areas of the facility are not currently in compliance 

with the sized secondary containment requirements of 40 CFR 112; however preventive measures 

and contingency plans have been implemented to minimize the potential exposure. 

This certification is provided for and on behalf of AECOM. This certification constitutes an expression 

of professional opinion and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied.

_____________________________________ _____________

Signature of Registered Professional Engineer Date

______________________________ __________ _____________

Printed Name of Registered Engineer Registration Expiration Date

SEAL
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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56

REFERENCES

SPCC, 2007, 40CFRPart 112, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, current as of December 10, 2007

EPA, 2005, SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors, Version 1.0, U. S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, Washington, DC, November 28, 2005.

STI, 2006, Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks, SP001, 4th edition, Steel Tank 

Institute, Lake Zurich, IL, July 2006.

API, 2005, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, API Standard 653, Addendum 2, 

American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC, November 2005.

DJA, 2003, Facility Fuel system Review and Report, prepared by Dan Boley, DJA Inspection Services, 

Inc., Franklin, PA, November 11-19, 2003 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX A

OIL TANK DATA SHEETS

Data as of January 2010 For McMurdo Station and the Ice Runways, 

and December 2011 for Black Island and Marble Point
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX B

CROSS REFERENCE TABLE FOR 40 CFR 112
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX B

CROSS REFERENCE TABLE FOR 40 CFR 112

This table was prepared in compliance with 40 CFR 112.7 and cross-references the requirements listed in 

the SPCC Rule (i.e., 40 CFR 112) and the appropriate section in the SPCC Plan. 

Final SPCC Rule

40 CFR Description of Section SPCC Plan Section

112.3(d) General requirements to prepare SPCC Plan and 

have Professional Engineer certification. §13.0

112.3(e) General requirements to prepare SPCC Plan and 

have complete copy of plan at the facility. §1.0

112.4

Amendment of SPCC Plans by Regional 

Administrator and reporting specific discharge 

events to the Regional Administrator.

NA

112.5 Review and Amendment of SPCC Plans by owners 

or operators. §10.0

112.7 General requirements for SPCC Plans for all 

facilities and all oil types. §1.0, §1.1, Appendix A

112.7(a)(1) Discussion of facility's conformance with rule 

requirements. §1.0

112.7(a)(2) Deviations from rule requirements. §2.0, 5.0

112.7(a)(3) Physical layout of facility. §1.3, 1.6

112.7(a)(3)(i) Type of oil in containers and storage capacity. §2.0

112.7(a)(3)(ii)

Discharge prevention measures including procedures 

for routine handling of products (loading, unloading, 

and facility transfers, etc.).

§3.0, §4.0

112.7(a)(3)(iii)

Discharge or drainage controls such as secondary 

containment around containers and other structures, 

equipment and procedures for the control of a 

discharge. 

§2.0, §7.0

112.7(a)(3)(iv-v)

Countermeasures for discharge discovery, response, 

and cleanup. Methods of disposal of recovered 

materials.

§7.0

112.7(a)(3)(vi)

112.7(a)(4)

Spill reporting information. §8.0

112.7(a)(5) Discharge response procedures. §7.0
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

Final SPCC Rule

40 CFR Description of Section SPCC Plan Section

112.7(b) Fault analysis. §2.0

112.7(c) Secondary containment. §2.0

112.7(d) Practicability. §1.0

112.7(e) Inspections, tests, and records. §5.0

112.7(f) Employee training and discharge prevention 

procedures. §6.0

112.7(g) Security (excluding oil production facilities). §2.0

112.7(h) Loading/unloading (excluding offshore facilities). §4.0

112.7(i) Brittle fracture evaluation requirements. §5.0

112.7(j) Conformance with State requirements. NA

112.7(k) Qualified Oil-filled Operational Equipment §2.0

112.8

112.12

Requirements for onshore facilities (excluding 

production facilities). §1.0

112.8(a)

112.12(a) General and specific requirements. §1.0

112.8(b)

112.12(b) Facility drainage. §1.3

112.8(c)

112.12(c) Bulk storage containers. §2.0

112.8(d)

112.12(d)

Facility transfer operations, pumping, and facility 

process.

§3.0

112.9

112.13 Requirements for onshore production facilities. NA

112.10

112.14

Requirements for onshore oil drilling and workover 

facilities. NA

112.11 Requirements for offshore oil drilling, production, or 

workover facilities. NA

112.20 Facility Response Plans §12.0
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

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APPENDIX C

CERTIFICATION OF THE APPLICABILITY OF THE SUBSTANTIAL HARM CRITERIA 

CHECKLIST
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

CERTIFICATION OF THE APPLICABILITY

OF THE SUBSTANTIAL HARM CRITERIA CHECKLIST

FACILITY NAME: McMurdo Station, Ice Runways, Marble Point, and Black Island

FACILITY ADDRESS: Antarctica

1. Does the facility transfer oil over water to or from vessels and does the facility have a total oil 

storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons?

Yes __X__ No: __ 

2. Does the facility have a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to 1 million gallons and 

does the facility lack secondary containment that is sufficiently large to contain the capacity of 

the largest aboveground oil storage tank plus sufficient freeboard to allow for precipitation within 

any aboveground oil storage tank area?

Yes __X__ No: __ 

3. Does the facility have a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to 1 million gallons and is 

the facility located at a distance (as calculated using the formula in Attachment C-III, Appendix 

C, 40 CFR 112 or a comparable formula1) such that a discharge from the facility could cause 

injury to fish and wildlife and sensitive environments? For further description of fish and wildlife 

and sensitive environments, see Appendices I, II, and III to DOC/NOAA's "Guidance for Facility 

and Vessel Response Environments" (Section 10, Appendix E, 40 CFR 112 for availability) and 

the applicable Area Contingency Plan.

Yes __X__ No: __ 

4. Does the facility have a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to 1 million gallons and is 

the facility located at a distance (as calculated using the appropriate formula (Attachment C-III, 

Appendix C, 40 CFR 112 or a comparable formula1) such that a discharge from the facility 

would shut down a public drinking water intake2?

Yes ____ No: X 

5. Does the facility have a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to 1 million gallons and 

has the facility experienced a reportable oil spill in an amount greater than or equal to 10,000 

gallons within the last 5 years?

Yes ____ No: X__ 
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

CERTIFICATION

I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information 

submitted in this document, and that based on my inquiry of those individuals responsible for 

obtaining this information, I believe that the submitted information is true, accurate, and complete.

Name (please type or print) Signature

___________________________ _________________________

Title Date

___________________________ _________________________

From 40 CFR 112 Appendix C, Attachment C-II

Footnotes:

1. If a comparable formula is used, documentation of the reliability and analytical soundness

of the comparable formula must be attached to this form.

2. For the purposes of 40 CFR Part 112, public drinking water intakes are analogous to public

water systems as described at 40 CFR 143.2(c).
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX D

HISTORICAL RECORD OF SPILLS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX E

DETAILS OF MCMURDO TANK LOCATIONS

UNDER DEVELOPMENT (JANUARY 2010)
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX F

FUEL TRANSFER SOPS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX G

LOADING/UNLOADING SOPS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX H

MONTHLY, ANNUAL, AND CONTAINER SPCC INSPECTION CHECKLISTS

ELECTRONIC RECORDS AVAILABLE ON CD INCLUDED IN THIS PLAN
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

Monthly Inspection Checklist

Inspection Date:____________________ Inspector:__________________________

Area:_________________

Tanks Inspected:_______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Item Yes No Remarks

Is there any sign of leakage?

Is the external coating damaged?

Is the tank rusted, pitted, or deteriorated?

Are welds cracked?

Has the foundation settled or eroded?

Have tank supports deteriorated or 

buckled?

Are valves, fittings, or other 

appurtenances leaking?

Has the secondary containment been 

damaged?

Is there oil in secondary containment?

Is there debris in secondary containment?

Is there water in secondary containment?

Are the drain valves for the secondary 

containment operable and in a closed 

position?

Are valves locked if not in use?

Other Comments:______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

Annual Inspection Checklist

Inspection Date:____________________ Inspector:__________________________

Area:_________________

Tanks Inspected:__________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Item Yes No Remarks

Evidence of paint failure?

Evidence of corrosion or cracking?

Any noticeable distortion, buckling 

denting, or bulging?

Holes in roof?

Standing water on roof?

Vents free of obstructions?

Is the liquid level gauge, if present, 

operable?

Is the containment structure in 

satisfactory condition?

Are the containment drainage valves and 

pipes fit for service?

Evidence of tank settlement or 

foundation washout?

Is there cracking or spalling of concrete 

pad?

Are tank supports in satisfactory 

condition?

Is water able to drain away from tank 

within containment?

Is grounding strap secured and in good 

condition?

Is associated piping in good condition?

Is there any sign of leakage from the tank 

or associated piping or valves?

Is piping properly supported?

Other Comments:______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

Portable Container Monthly Inspection Checklist

Inspection Date:____________________ Inspector:__________________________

Drum Storage Areas Inspected:______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Item Yes No Remarks

Any visible sign of leakage from 

containers?

Any oil within containment area?

Noticeable container distortions, 

buckling, denting, or bulging?

Are container lids secured?

Is there water in the secondary 

containment?

Are there drain valves for the secondary 

containment operable?

Are the drain valves in a closed position?

Is there debris in containment or storage 

area?

Other Comments:______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX I

INSPECTING 55-GALLON FUEL DRUMS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX J

TRAINING DOCUMENTS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX K

SPILL RESPONSE DOCUMENTS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX L

NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE DOCUMENTS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX M

DRAFT USAP SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

APPENDIX N

ANTARCTIC TREATY PROTOCOL
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 1

FUEL LINE SCHEMATIC
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 2

FUEL LINES AND DRAINAGE PATHWAYS
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 3

FUEL LINES
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 4

CONSOLIDATED AIRFIELD SITE PLAN
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 5

CONSOLIDATED AIRFIELD TOWN AND APRON DETAIL
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 6

ICE RUNWAY AIRCRAFT PARKING LAYOUT
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 7

BLACK ISLAND SITE PLAN
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 8

MARBLE POINT TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP AND FACILITIES ZONE
McMurdo Station Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Revision 04, February 20, 2012

FIGURE 9

TYPICAL DESIGN OF NEW DAY TANK