Facility Response Plan (FRP) Overview
FRP Rule Summary
The Facility Response Plan (FRP) rule requires certain facilities that store and use oil are required to prepare and submit an FRP. An FRP demonstrates a facility's preparedness to respond to a worst case oil discharge.
As part of the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation, the FRP rule addresses:
- FRP applicability
- Key elements to be included in an FRP
- FRP facilities with existing response or SPCC plans
FRP Rule History
The FRP rule was promulgated in July 1994 (59 FR 34070). Since then, a number of revisions have been discussed or finalized, including modified requirements for an owner or operator of a facility handling, storing, or transporting animal fats or vegetable oils.
Revisions to the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
On September 15, 1994 (59 FR 47384), EPA promulgated revisions to the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 amends existing provisions of the Clean Water Act and creates major new authorities addressing oil and hazardous substance spill response. The amended Clean Water Act required the President to revise the NCP to reflect these changes.
Denial of Request to Amend the FRP Requirements for Animal Fat/Vegetable Oil Facilities
On October 20, 1997 (62 FR 54508 (36 pp, 414 K, About PDF)), EPA denied the request to amend the FRP rule so that facilities with animal fats and vegetable oils would be treated differently from those facilities with petroleum-based oils. EPA believes that the petition did not substantiate differentiation between the oils.
Amended FRP Requirements for Animal Fat/Vegetable Oil Facilities
On June 30, 2000 (65 FR 40776 (42 pp, 646 K, About PDF)), EPA amended the FRP to provide a more specific methodology for calculating planning volumes for a worst case discharge of animal fats and vegetable oils. The revision also includes separate regulatory sections for:
- animal fats and vegetable oils,
- adds new definitions for animal fats and vegetable oils, and
- establishes new groups of oils based on the specific gravity of animal fats and vegetable oils.
Additional Information
- Search frequently asked questions
- Facility Response Planning: Compliance Assistance Guide
- Area Contingency Planning Handbook
- For more information on Facility Response Plans, please contact the EPCRA, RMP & Oil Information Center.