Fuel Management & Petroleum Operations Flashcards

Under the Clean Water Act, any oil discharge to navigable waters that creates what condition must be immediately reported to the National Response Center?

Answer: A visible sheen on the water surface

The Clean Water Act requires reporting any oil discharge that causes a visible sheen on the water, regardless of volume, because even small amounts can harm aquatic ecosystems.

What is the minimum total aboveground oil storage capacity at a marina that triggers the requirement to develop an SPCC Plan under 40 CFR Part 112?

Answer: 1,320 gallons

Facilities with a total aboveground oil storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons are subject to SPCC plan requirements under 40 CFR Part 112.

When responding to a fuel spill at the fuel dock, what is the FIRST action a marina employee should take?

Answer: Stop or minimize the source of the spill

Stopping the spill source is always the first priority because containing and cleaning up a spill is far more effective when the flow of fuel has been halted.

A marina manager discovers that the diesel fuel in storage has been contaminated with water. What is the correct initial response?

Answer: Remove the fuel from service and test the tank for the extent of contamination

Contaminated fuel must be immediately taken out of service to prevent engine damage to customers' vessels; the tank must then be tested and the contamination source identified.

What is 'vapor recovery' in marina fuel dock operations, and why is it important?

Answer: Capturing fuel vapors displaced during fueling to reduce air pollution and fire risk

Vapor recovery systems capture hydrocarbon vapors that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during fueling, reducing both air pollution and the risk of vapor ignition.

Which standard water-contamination test is commonly used by marina fuel technicians to check diesel fuel for water infiltration?

Answer: Water-finding paste applied to a measuring stick

Water-finding paste (such as Kolor Kut) changes color when it contacts water, making it a quick and reliable field method for detecting water at the bottom of fuel tanks.

What type of insurance coverage is specifically designed to protect a marina from financial liability arising from petroleum spills and environmental cleanup costs?

Answer: Pollution liability insurance

Pollution liability insurance specifically covers costs associated with petroleum spills, environmental cleanup, third-party property damage, and regulatory fines that general liability policies typically exclude.