Spill Prevention and Response
Texas A&M University is committed to protecting land and water resources by preventing pollutants from entering the environment and reducing their impact when present. In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act, our comprehensive Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan is designed to ensure that our campus adheres to the highest environmental standards.
Overview
Our objective is clear: Prevention, Preparation, and Response.
The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan employs a proactive, layered approach to safeguard our land and waterways. Prevention measures are integrated into daily operations through strategies such as double-walled containment, leak detection, and targeted training. Preparation efforts focus on strong coordination between EHS and the campus community to ensure readiness for timely and effective responses. Response actions consist of rapid emergency procedures aimed at containing and addressing spills, minimizing environmental impact, and remediating affected areas.
Shared Responsibilities
Protecting Texas A&M’s campus resources is a collaborative effort between Environmental Health & Safety and campus departments.
EHS Responsibilities
- Maintain, update and amend the master SPCC Plan
- Provide specialized training for personnel managing bulk storage of oil and hazardous materials
- Respond to significant hazardous material spills and oversee cleanup and remediation efforts
Campus Departments’ Responsibilities
- Conduct and document daily and monthly inspections of bulk oil and hazardous material storage systems and containment
- Maintain detailed inspection logs and submit copies to EHS
- Ensure all relevant personnel complete required annual training
- Notify EHS or Texas A&M Customer Service promptly regarding spills, leaks, or concerns
Goals
Our strategy focuses on preventing spills before they occur, minimizing impacts when they do occur, and ensuring readiness to mitigate potential contamination.
- Containment: Utilize double-walled tanks, dikes, and secondary containment systems to reduce the risk of hazardous material spills.
- Detection: Implement leak detection systems and overfill protection to identify and address issues before they escalate.
- Readiness: Ensure facilities are equipped with specialized spill kits and that personnel are trained in effective response procedures.
Report a Hazardous Materials Spill
If you notice a spill, accidental discharge, or a leaking tank, please report it immediately by calling 979-845-2132 (during business hours) or by calling Texas A&M Customer Service at 979-845-4311 (after hours). For emergencies requiring an immediate response, call 911.