Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 26, 2024

Title 40 - Protection of Environment last revised: Nov 22, 2024
§ 279.40 - Applicability.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section, this subpart applies to all used oil transporters. Used oil transporters are persons who transport used oil, persons who collect used oil from more than one generator and transport the collected oil, and owners and operators of used oil transfer facilities.

(1) This subpart does not apply to on-site transportation.

(2) This subpart does not apply to generators who transport shipments of used oil totalling 55 gallons or less from the generator to a used oil collection center as specified in § 279.24(a).

(3) This subpart does not apply to generators who transport shipments of used oil totalling 55 gallons or less from the generator to a used oil aggregation point owned or operated by the same generator as specified in § 279.24(b).

(4) This subpart does not apply to transportation of used oil from household do-it-yourselfers to a regulated used oil generator, collection center, aggregation point, processor/re-refiner, or burner subject to the requirements of this part. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section, this subpart does, however, apply to transportation of collected household do-it-yourselfer used oil from regulated used oil generators, collection centers, aggregation points, or other facilities where household do-it-yourselfer used oil is collected.

(b) Imports and exports. Transporters who import used oil from abroad or export used oil outside of the United States are subject to the requirements of this subpart from the time the used oil enters and until the time it exits the United States.

(c) Trucks used to transport hazardous waste. Unless trucks previously used to transport hazardous waste are emptied as described in § 261.7 of this chapter prior to transporting used oil, the used oil is considered to have been mixed with the hazardous waste and must be managed as hazardous waste unless, under the provisions of § 279.10(b), the hazardous waste/used oil mixture is determined not to be hazardous waste.

(d) Other applicable provisions. Used oil transporters who conduct the following activities are also subject to other applicable provisions of this part as indicated in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section:

(1) Transporters who generate used oil must also comply with subpart C of this part;

(2) Transporters who process or re-refine used oil, except as provided in § 279.41, must also comply with subpart F of this part;

(3) Transporters who burn off-specification used oil for energy recovery must also comply with subpart G of this part;

(4) Transporters who direct shipments of off-specification used oil from their facility to a used oil burner or first claim that used oil that is to be burned for energy recovery meets the used oil fuel specifications set forth in § 279.11 must also comply with subpart H of this part; and

(5) Transporters who dispose of used oil, including the use of used oil as a dust suppressant, must also comply with subpart I of this part.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 26425, May 3, 1993]
§ 279.41 - Restrictions on transporters who are not also processors or re-refiners.

(a) Used oil transporters may consolidate or aggregate loads of used oil for purposes of transportation. However, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, used oil transporters may not process used oil unless they also comply with the requirements for processors/re-refiners in subpart F of this part.

(b) Transporters may conduct incidental processing operations that occur in the normal course of used oil transportation (e.g., settling and water separation), but that are not designed to produce (or make more amenable for production of) used oil derived products unless they also comply with the processor/re-refiner requirements in subpart F of this part.

(c) Transporters of used oil that is removed from oil bearing electrical transformers and turbines and filtered by the transporter or at a transfer facility prior to being returned to its original use are not subject to the processor/re-refiner requirements in subpart F of this part.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 10560, Mar. 4, 1994]
§ 279.42 - Notification.

(a) Identification numbers. Used oil transporters who have not previously complied with the notification requirements of RCRA section 3010 must comply with these requirements and obtain an EPA identification number.

(b) Mechanics of notification. A used oil transporter who has not received an EPA identification number may obtain one by notifying the Regional Administrator of their used oil activity by submitting either:

(1) A completed EPA Form 8700-12 (To obtain ordering information for EPA Form 8700-12 call RCRA/Superfund Hotline at 1-800-424-9346 or 703-920-9810); or

(2) A letter requesting an EPA identification number.

Call RCRA/Superfund Hotline to determine where to send a letter requesting an EPA identification number. The letter should include the following information:

(i) Transporter company name;

(ii) Owner of the transporter company;

(iii) Mailing address for the transporter;

(iv) Name and telephone number for the transporter point of contact;

(v) Type of transport activity (i.e., transport only, transport and transfer facility, transfer facility only);

(vi) Location of all transfer facilities at which used oil is stored;

(vii) Name and telephone number for a contact at each transfer facility.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 26425, May 3, 1993; 58 FR 33342, June 17, 1993]
§ 279.43 - Used oil transportation.

(a) Deliveries. A used oil transporter must deliver all used oil received to:

(1) Another used oil transporter, provided that the transporter has obtained an EPA identification number;

(2) A used oil processing/re-refining facility who has obtained an EPA identification number;

(3) An off-specification used oil burner facility who has obtained an EPA identification number; or

(4) An on-specification used oil burner facility.

(b) DOT Requirements. Used oil transporters must comply with all applicable requirements under the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR parts 171 through 180. Persons transporting used oil that meets the definition of a hazardous material in 49 CFR 171.8 must comply with all applicable regulations in 49 CFR parts 171 through 180.

(c) Used oil discharges. (1) In the event of a discharge of used oil during transportation, the transporter must take appropriate immediate action to protect human health and the environment (e.g., notify local authorities, dike the discharge area).

(2) If a discharge of used oil occurs during transportation and an official (State or local government or a Federal Agency) acting within the scope of official responsibilities determines that immediate removal of the used oil is necessary to protect human health or the environment, that official may authorize the removal of the used oil by transporters who do not have EPA identification numbers.

(3) An air, rail, highway, or water transporter who has discharged used oil must:

(i) Give notice, if required by 49 CFR 171.15, to the National Response Center (800-424-8802 or 202-426-2675); and

(ii) Report in writing as required by 49 CFR 171.16 to the Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Regulations, Materials Transportation Bureau, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

(4) A water transporter who has discharged used oil must give notice as required by 33 CFR 153.203.

(5) A transporter must clean up any used oil discharge that occurs during transportation or take such action as may be required or approved by federal, state, or local officials so that the used oil discharge no longer presents a hazard to human health or the environment.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 26425, May 3, 1993; 71 FR 40280, July 14, 2006]
§ 279.44 - Rebuttable presumption for used oil.

(a) To ensure that used oil is not a hazardous waste under the rebuttable presumption of § 279.10(b)(1)(ii), the used oil transporter must determine whether the total halogen content of used oil being transported or stored at a transfer facility is above or below 1,000 ppm.

(b) The transporter must make this determination by:

(1) Testing the used oil; or

(2) Applying knowledge of the halogen content of the used oil in light of the materials or processes used.

(c) If the used oil contains greater than or equal to 1,000 ppm total halogens, it is presumed to be a hazardous waste because it has been mixed with halogenated hazardous waste listed in subpart D of part 261 of this chapter. The owner or operator may rebut the presumption by demonstrating that the used oil does not contain hazardous waste (for example, by showing that the used oil does not contain significant concentrations of halogenated hazardous constituents listed in appendix VIII of part 261 of this chapter).

(1) The rebuttable presumption does not apply to metalworking oils/fluids containing chlorinated paraffins, if they are processed, through a tolling arrangement as described in § 279.24(c), to reclaim metalworking oils/fluids. The presumption does apply to metalworking oils/fluids if such oils/fluids are recycled in any other manner, or disposed.

(2) The rebuttable presumption does not apply to used oils contaminated with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) removed from refrigeration units if the CFCs are destined for reclamation. The rebuttable presumption does apply to used oils contaminated with CFCs that have been mixed with used oil from sources other than refrigeration units.

(d) Record retention. Records of analyses conducted or information used to comply with paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section must be maintained by the transporter for at least 3 years.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 10560, Mar. 4, 1994; 70 FR 34591, June 14, 2005; 71 FR 40280, July 14, 2006]
§ 279.45 - Used oil storage at transfer facilities.

Used oil transporters are subject to all applicable Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (40 CFR part 112) in addition to the requirements of this subpart. Used oil transporters are also subject to the Underground Storage Tank (40 CFR part 280) standards for used oil stored in underground tanks whether or not the used oil exhibits any characteristics of hazardous waste, in addition to the requirements of this subpart.

(a) Applicability. This section applies to used oil transfer facilities. Used oil transfer facilities are transportation related facilities including loading docks, parking areas, storage areas, and other areas where shipments of used oil are held for more than 24 hours during the normal course of transportation and not longer than 35 days. Transfer facilities that store used oil for more than 35 days are subject to regulation under subpart F of this part.

(b) Storage units. Owners or operators of used oil transfer facilities may not store used oil in units other than tanks, containers, or units subject to regulation under parts 264 or 265 of this chapter.

(c) Condition of units. Containers and aboveground tanks used to store used oil at transfer facilities must be:

(1) In good condition (no severe rusting, apparent structural defects or deterioration); and

(2) Not leaking (no visible leaks).

(d) Secondary containment for containers. Containers used to store used oil at transfer facilities must be equipped with a secondary containment system.

(1) The secondary containment system must consist of, at a minimum:

(i) Dikes, berms or retaining walls; and

(ii) A floor. The floor must cover the entire area within the dikes, berms, or retaining walls; or

(iii) An equivalent secondary containment system.

(2) The entire containment system, including walls and floors, must be sufficiently impervious to used oil to prevent any used oil released into the containment system from migrating out of the system to the soil, groundwater, or surface water.

(e) Secondary containment for existing aboveground tanks. Existing aboveground tanks used to store used oil at transfer facilities must be equipped with a secondary containment system.

(1) The secondary containment system must consist of, at a minimum:

(i) Dikes, berms or retaining walls; and

(ii) A floor. The floor must cover the entire area within the dike, berm, or retaining wall except areas where existing portions of the tank meet the ground; or

(iii) An equivalent secondary containment system.

(2) The entire containment system, including walls and floors, must be sufficiently impervious to used oil to prevent any used oil released into the containment system from migrating out of the system to the soil, groundwater, or surface water.

(f) Secondary containment for new aboveground tanks. New aboveground tanks used to store used oil at transfer facilities must be equipped with a secondary containment system.

(1) The secondary containment system must consist of, at a minimum:

(i) Dikes, berms or retaining walls; and

(ii) A floor. The floor must cover the entire area within the dike, berm, or retaining wall; or

(iii) An equivalent secondary containment system.

(2) The entire containment system, including walls and floors, must be sufficiently impervious to used oil to prevent any used oil released into the containment system from migrating out of the system to the soil, groundwater, or surface water.

(g) Labels. (1) Containers and aboveground tanks used to store used oil at transfer facilities must be labeled or marked clearly with the words “Used Oil.”

(2) Fill pipes used to transfer used oil into underground storage tanks at transfer facilities must be labeled or marked clearly with the words “Used Oil.”

(h) Response to releases. Upon detection of a release of used oil to the environment that is not subject to the requirements of part 280, subpart F of this chapter and which has occurred after the effective date of the recycled used oil management program in effect in the State in which the release is located, the owner/operator of a transfer facility must perform the following cleanup steps:

(1) Stop the release;

(2) Contain the released used oil;

(3) Clean up and manage properly the released used oil and other materials; and

(4) If necessary, repair or replace any leaking used oil storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 26426, May 3, 1993; 63 FR 24969, May 6, 1998; 71 FR 40280, July 14, 2006]
§ 279.46 - Tracking.

(a) Acceptance. Used oil transporters must keep a record of each used oil shipment accepted for transport. Records for each shipment must include:

(1) The name and address of the generator, transporter, or processor/re-refiner who provided the used oil for transport;

(2) The EPA identification number (if applicable) of the generator, transporter, or processor/re-refiner who provided the used oil for transport;

(3) The quantity of used oil accepted;

(4) The date of acceptance; and

(5)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(5)(ii) of this section, the signature, dated upon receipt of the used oil, of a representative of the generator, transporter, or processor/re-refiner who provided the used oil for transport.

(ii) Intermediate rail transporters are not required to sign the record of acceptance.

(b) Deliveries. Used oil transporters must keep a record of each shipment of used oil that is delivered to another used oil transporter, or to a used oil burner, processor/re-refiner, or disposal facility. Records of each delivery must include:

(1) The name and address of the receiving facility or transporter;

(2) The EPA identification number of the receiving facility or transporter;

(3) The quantity of used oil delivered;

(4) The date of delivery;

(5)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, the signature, dated upon receipt of the used oil, of a representative of the receiving facility or transporter.

(ii) Intermediate rail transporters are not required to sign the record of delivery.

(c) Exports of used oil. Used oil transporters must maintain the records described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4) of this section for each shipment of used oil exported to any foreign country.

(d) Record retention. The records described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section must be maintained for at least three years.

[57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 10560, Mar. 4, 1994]
§ 279.47 - Management of residues.

Transporters who generate residues from the storage or transport of used oil must manage the residues as specified in § 279.10(e).

authority: Sections 1006, 2002(a), 3001 through 3007, 3010, 3014, and 7004 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6905,6912,6921,6930,6934,and; and sections 101(37) and 114(c) of CERCLA (42 U.S.C. 9601(37) and 9614(c))
source: 57 FR 41612, Sept. 10, 1992, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 40 CFR 279.41