The U.S. EPA announced on Tuesday a proposed regulatory amendment that would extend, for farmers only, the November 10, 2011 SPCC compliance deadline. The proposed extended SPCC compliance date for farmers is May 13, 2013. The EPA says the deadline extension for farmers is necessary due to the numerous floods and fires which stretched across the US earlier this year. According to the agency, "because of their unique nature, farms were disproportionately affected by these events and need additional time to prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan." The amendment does not extend the November 10, 2011 SPCC compliance deadline for petroleum bulk plants.

Owners or operators of farms in operation before August 16, 2002 must maintain and continue implementing an SPCC Plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. Such farms continue to be required to maintain plans during the interim until the applicable compliance date for amending and implementing the amended Plans. Finally, the amendment does not relieve farms from the liability of any oil spills that occur.