Code of Maine Rules › 06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › 096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL › Chapter 600 - OIL DISCHARGE PREVENTION AND POLLUTION CONTROL RULES FOR MARINE OIL TERMINALS, TRANSPORTATION PIPELINES AND VESSELS › Section 096-600-9 - Standard Operating Procedures

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Transfers Between Land Based Oil Terminal Facilities and Vessels.
(1) Personnel. For transfers at an oil
				terminal facility, the facility must provide the transporter with a written
				transfer procedure. This procedure must be acknowledged in writing by the
				transporter. A transfer is considered to begin when the person in charge on the
				transferring vessel or facility and the person in charge on the receiving
				facility or vessel first meet to begin completing the declaration of
				inspection.
(2) Inspections.
				Inspections are required at the beginning of each transfer and as needed to
				verify the tightness of the loading and offloading lines, valves, and other
				attached apparatuses. Inspection logs must be retained at the facility for at
				least 3 years.
(3) Tank Capacity.
				Persons transferring oil shall assure that the high level alarms on the
				receiving tank are set at such a level that if an alarm should occur during the
				oil transfer there would be sufficient time to shutdown the oil transfer
				operation prior to overfilling the tank. This alarm level must be verified to
				the Department's satisfaction by a signed agreement with the local fire
				suppression agency or by demonstrating that there is sufficient shutdown time
				to the Department.
(4) Bonding
				Cable. Pipelines on wharves must be adequately bonded and grounded if Class I
				or Class II liquids are handled. If excessive stray electrical currents are
				encountered, insulating joints must be installed. Bonding and grounding
				connections on all piping must be located on the wharf side of the hose riser
				insulating flanges. The bonding cable must incorporate a meter or other
				suitable positive means of determining a ground. Typical methods for protection
				against stray current hazards at wharves are illustrated in
API RP
				2003, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray
				Currents
. Any bonding cable employed between the wharf piping and the
				vessel must employ an explosion-proof switch as a method of completing the
				connection. Insulating flanges properly installed in accordance with API 2003
				can be used instead of a bonding cable to isolate the vessel from the terminal
				piping during product transfers across the pier.
(5) Safe Transfer Operations. Oil transfer
				operations are not permitted when any of the following conditions arise:
(a) If any weather-related condition develops
				that, in the opinion of the dock watchman, terminal supervisor or watch
				officer, is too severe for operations to be safely continued;
(b) If a fire occurs on the dock, tank
				vessel, adjacent tank vessel, or in the nearby vicinity;
(c) If a tank vessel breaks loose or if
				another vessel comes alongside which is not under control or is emitting sparks
				from its stack or is apt to collide or to otherwise present a hazard to the
				tank vessel in berth at the terminal;
(d) If an oil spill occurs aboard the tank
				vessel, an adjacent vessel, or on the dock, or if a leak develops in a joint of
				hoses or piping which is not able to be stopped by tightening;
(e) If in the opinion of the dock watchman,
				terminal supervisor, or watch officer a vapor condition develops aboard or
				around the tank vessel or dock which would be too serious to safely continue
				operations;
(f) If any other
				emergency occurs which, in the opinion of the dock watchman, terminal
				supervisor, or watch officer constitutes a potential hazard to the tank vessel
				or facilities; or
(g) If at any
				time the high level alarm system within the terminal activates to warn of a
				possible or pending overflow.
(6) Illumination. A person may not transfer
				or cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any bulk oil after
				dark unless the point of transfer is illuminated to a minimum standard of 50
				lux.
(7) Open Hatch Transfer.
				Transfer of oil by means of a hose through an open hatch is prohibited. An
				exception may be made only when an emergency arises and this is the only means
				available to move oil from one vessel compartment to another or to unload oil
				from a vessel for purposes of reducing or preventing pollution, or for
				preventing foundering. Such emergency exceptions are allowed only when all
				possible precautions to prevent discharge to the waters of the State have been
				taken. The owner or operator shall notify the Commissioner or the
				Commissioner's designee and the local fire suppression agency prior to
				commencing such emergency transfer operations.
(8) Sample Collection. A terminal operator
				may not transfer or cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any
				bulk oil until a sample of the oil to be transferred has been collected,
				identified by proper labeling, and stored in a place acceptable to the
				Department. Oil terminal facilities with automatic sampling capabilities are
				not required to presample. The sample must be stored for a minimum of fifteen
				days. The Department shall determine the information to be provided with each
				sample and may require chemical analysis of the sample. Sampling must be done
				in accordance with Appendix B. Samples must be stored at the facility or at the
				lab where the samples are analyzed in accordance with chain-of-custody
				protocols.
(9) Anticipated
				Transfer. The terminal owner or operator shall notify the Supervisor of the
				appropriate Department Regional Office of the Division of Response Services, at
				least 12 hours in advance of any transfer of bulk oil. The notification must
				include the following information:
(a)
				Terminal name and location, or anchorage if the transfer will be
				offshore;
(b) Approximate amount of
				oil to be transferred;
(c) Oil
				type;
(d) Vessel name(s);
				and
(e) Expected time and date of
				vessel arrival(s).
Should unusual circumstances make it impossible to provide
				  12-hour notice, the terminal operator shall notify the Commissioner as soon as
				  possible. Notification is not required for bunkering.
(10) Declaration of Inspection. A
				copy of any "Declaration of Inspection" required by the United States Coast
				Guard for a tank vessel transferring oil at an oil terminal facility must be in
				the possession of the terminal operator or the operator's representative and
				must be available to the representative of the Commissioner who shall, on
				demand, be given the opportunity to verify that the condition of the vessel is
				as stated in the "Declaration of Inspection."
(11) Other Reports and Forms. The oil
				terminal facility operator shall also complete and submit such other forms,
				checklists, and reports as the Commissioner may require.
(12) General Safety Provisions.
(a) Signs. During the time a tank vessel is
				in berth, a warning sign carrying letters not less than 2 inches high on a
				contrasting background must be displayed on the dock and near the gangplank.
				This sign must read substantially as follows: WARNING-NO OPEN LIGHTS, NO
				SMOKING, NO UNAUTHORIZED VISITORS.
(b) Hazardous Vapor. When in the opinion of
				the terminal operator or the Commissioner's representative a hazardous vapor
				condition develops on a dock or on any vessel, all transfer operations
				involving such vessels must be stopped and all sources of ignition such as
				smoking, use of matches, lighters and open flame except boiler fires must be
				eliminated and prohibited.
(c)
				Transfer of Sour Crude. An oil terminal facility must take special precautions
				for the transfer of sour crude oil to minimize the release of vapors during the
				transfer period.
(d) Multiple
				Vessel Mooring. A tank vessel may not be secured alongside another tank vessel
				at a pier except while taking bunker fuel aboard. A tow boat must stand by
				alongside or in the notch during the transfer of bunker fuel from a bunker
				vessel to a tank vessel. The bunkering vessel must be moved away from the tank
				vessel immediately after completion of the loading process.
(13) Vessel Pre-Transfer
				Conference. A person may not commence or consent to the commencement of bulk
				oil transfer operations at an oil terminal facility unless the following items
				have been reviewed, agreed upon and complied with by both vessel and facility
				personnel:
(a) A sufficient number of
				adequately trained oil terminal facility personnel are assigned to be
				constantly on duty during cargo transfer operations to keep the transfer
				operation under constant observation and to ensure immediate action in case of
				a malfunction;
(b) Cargo sequence
				for loading or discharging products and the proper pipe for each product must
				be established;
(c) The handling
				rate at which oil will be transferred must be established. Reduced rates are
				required when commencing transfer, changing the lineup, topping off tanks or
				nearing completion of transfer. The amount of time to be given when the vessel
				or terminal desires to start, or stop, or change the rate of flow must be
				determined;
(d) A positive
				communication and signal system must be operable during transfer
				operations;
(e) The emergency
				procedures to be followed in order to stop and contain any discharge must be
				established;
(f) Vessel and
				facility personnel responsible for transfer shall always be clearly
				identifiable. Prior to transfer operations, terminal and vessel personnel
				responsible for transfer shall be made known to each other; and
(g) The oil terminal facility must have
				written operation guidelines pertaining to dock operations for vessels coming
				to or alongside its dock during abnormal weather conditions.
(14) Transfer Hoses. A person may
				not transfer or cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any oil
				between an oil carrying vessel and an oil terminal facility unless the
				following conditions are met:
(a) All oil
				terminal facility transfer hoses must be of a type designed specifically for
				the oil transferred. Transfer hoses must be tested annually to 1.5 times the
				maximum working pressure
(i) For pipe that
				can be visually examined, the test pressure must be maintained for a minimum of
				10 minutes and held for such additional time as may be necessary to conduct the
				examination for leakage, or
(ii)
				For pipe that is buried or insulated and cannot be visually inspected, the
				pressure must be maintained for one hour.
(b) As provided for below, each oil terminal
				facility hose must be marked with:
(i) The
				products for which the hose is to be used for or the words "oil
				service";
(ii) Maximum allowable
				working pressure;
(iii) Date of
				manufacture; and
(iv) Date of the
				most recent test performed.
The information described in subparagraphs (i-iv) above need
				  not be marked on the hose if it is recorded elsewhere in the hose records at
				  the facility and the hose is marked to identify it with the location of that
				  information. The logbook or records must be available for inspection on demand
				  by a representative of the Commissioner.
(c) Hoses must be supported to avoid crushing
				or excessive strain. Flanges, joints, and hoses must be checked visually for
				cracks and wet spots before each use.
(d) Oil terminal facility hose handling rigs
				must allow adjustment for vessel movement and hoses must be long enough so that
				they are not strained by any movement of the vessel.
(e) Hose ends must be blanked tightly when
				hoses are moved into position to be connected and immediately after they are
				disconnected, and must be drained either into the vessel tanks or into suitable
				shore receptacles before they are moved away from their connections.
(f) Hoses may not be permitted to chafe on
				the dock or vessel or be in contact with hot surfaces such as steam pipes.
				Hoses may not be exposed to any sources of corrosion.
(g) Hoses no longer in service must be
				removed from the transfer area.
(15) Mooring Lines. Mooring lines must be
				tended during transfer operations to prevent excessive movement of the
				vessel.
(16) Fire Main Connections.
				Serviceable fire hose sufficient to reach all parts of the vessel and dock with
				approved combination nozzles attached must be connected to the fire main on the
				vessel and/or on the dock and be ready for instant use during the time a vessel
				is in berth. The fire main must have a master valve at the head of the dock so
				the fire main can be kept dry in cold weather and wet in warm weather. The fire
				main on the dock must be at least 6 inches in diameter. The fire main must
				always be charged to the master valve. The owner or operator of an oil terminal
				facility not meeting these requirements shall file an alternate fire protection
				plan with the Department. The alternate plan must be approved by the State Fire
				Marshal's Office or local fire suppression agency.
(17) Fire Wires. During transfer operations,
				fore and aft fire wires must be rigged on the offshore side of the vessel for
				use by tugs in removing the vessels from the pier in event of fire.
(18) Vessel to Shore Transfer. A person may
				not transfer or cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any bulk
				oil from any tank vessel to a land based oil terminal facility unless:
(a) All cargo risers not intended for use in
				the transfer are blanked;
(b) Sea
				valves connected to the cargo piping and stern loading connections are tightly
				closed and sealed with a numbered seal which is logged in the logbook of the
				vessel;
(c) Piping and valves in
				the pump rooms and on deck are checked by the master of the vessel, senior deck
				officer or deck officer on duty, or licensed tanker man to see that they are
				properly set for discharging cargo. An additional check must be made for the
				same purposes each time the setting is changed;
(d) Full rate of transfer is not attained
				until shore lines are proven clear; and
(e) On completion of transfer operations,
				hoses or other connecting devices are drained of the remaining oil. A drip pan
				must be in place when breaking a connection and the end of the hose or other
				connecting devices must be blanked off before being moved.
(19) Shore to Vessel Transfer. A person may
				not transfer or cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any bulk
				oil from a land based oil terminal facility to any tank vessel unless:
(a) All sea valves connected to the cargo
				piping, stern discharge and ballast discharge valves are closed and sealed with
				a numbered seal which is logged in the logbook of the vessel and with the
				responsible vessel officer of the vessel;
(b) All hose riser valves not to be used in
				the transfer are closed and blank flanged, and all air valves on headers are
				closed;
(c) During the topping off
				process, special attention is paid to the loading rate, the number of tanks
				open, the danger of air pockets and the inspection of tanks already loading.
				Shore personnel must be given notice of the slowdown for topping off;
				and
(d) Upon completion of loading,
				all tank valves and loading valves are closed. After draining, hoses must be
				disconnected and hose risers blanked.
(20) Scuppers. A person may not transfer or
				cause to be transferred or consent to the transfer of any bulk oil between a
				tank vessel and a land based oil terminal facility unless the scuppers of the
				vessel are plugged watertight during the oil transfer operation, except on tank
				vessels using water for deck cooling. However, it is permissible to remove
				scupper plugs as necessary to allow run-off of water provided a vessel crew
				member stands watch to re-close the scuppers in case of an oil
				discharge.
(21) Tank Tops and Hatch
				Covers. When transferring oil, tank tops and hatch covers must be closed.
				Ullage caps or plugs may only be opened on tanks that are to be loaded or
				unloaded and all open ullage holes must be covered with flame screens which
				must be kept in place during the transfer except for the minimum time necessary
				to observe transfer progress, take samples or take ullage readings. If a tow
				boat or other vessel such as a bunker barge or lighter is moved alongside for
				the purpose of serving the vessel, and if that tow boat or other vessel is
				steam propelled or propelled by an internal combustion engine, tank tops, tank
				hatches and ullage plugs or caps must be kept open only on those tanks from
				which oil is being withdrawn. Any such open ullage plugs or caps must have
				flame screens in place. When there is no longer any possibility of sparks or
				other source of ignition, normal procedure may be resumed.
(22) Ports and Doors to Crew Quarters. When
				loading and unloading oil, all ports and doors facing the cargo decks or facing
				a breeze bringing vapors from another vessel must be closed except to allow for
				passage of personnel.
(23) Blowing
				of Boiler Tubes. During transfer operations, blowing of boiler tubes or other
				work on the boilers which could cause the emissions of sparks or soot from the
				stacks is prohibited.
(24) Spillage
				During Transfer. Transfer operations must cease if a discharge of oil to the
				waters of the State occurs during such transfer. Operations may resume when, in
				the judgment of the Commissioner's representative adequate steps have been
				taken to control the discharge and to prevent further discharge. In making this
				judgement, the Commissioner's representative may consult with the United States
				Coast Guard or Local Fire Chief, if necessary.
(25) Contingency Plan. Each owner or operator
				of an oil terminal facility shall have available for inspection by the
				Commissioner or a representative of the Commissioner, a copy of any oil
				discharge response plan required to be submitted to the President of the United
				States under the federal OPA 90.
(26) Operations Plans. The owner or operator
				of each oil terminal facility shall have an operations plan available for
				inspection upon request of the Commissioner or representative of the
				Commissioner. The operations plan must describe in detail the equipment and
				procedures used at that terminal for the prevention of oil spills and the
				protection of the public health, safety, welfare, and environment.
(27) Spill Prevention Control and
				Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. The owner or operator of an oil terminal facility
				shall comply with all the requirements of the Spill Prevention Control and
				Countermeasures Plan in
Oil Pollution Prevention,
40 C.F.R.
				pt. 112, incorporated by reference herein.
(28) Inventory Records and Fees. Records of
				all monthly fees paid to the Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and
				Response Fund for all applicable product transfers, annual reports on
				transfers, and third party observer records must be available for inspection
				upon the request of the Commissioner or a representative of the Commissioner.
				All inventory records must be retained for a minimum of 10 years. Fees on
				transfers must be paid monthly and accompanied by the applicable Department
				form. If no transfers are received during a month, the form must be filed with
				the Department stating that no transfers occurred. In the case of an
				enforcement action, the record retention timeframe is automatically extended
				until the action is resolved.