New rules regarding storage and handling of gaseous and liquefied hydrogen systems went into effect today. The rules, promulgated pursuant to the Fire Prevention Code, are the result of the cumulative efforts of the Department of Environmental Quality, local fire chiefs, industry experts, and other stakeholders and are the first of their kind in the nation.

These rules will apply to all gaseous and liquefied hydrogen storage systems and will regulate the storage and handling of hydrogen for industry and commercial operations. The DEQ hopes the rules form the basis for regulating and promoting the infrastructure necessary to support the expansion of fueling stations to accommodate hydrogen as an alternative fuel for the automotive industry.

Questions regarding these rules may be directed to the Storage Tank Unit, Storage Tank and Solid Waste Section, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741, at 517 335 2690; or contact Andrea Zajac at 517 335 7294 or by e mail at zajaca@michigan.gov.

A copy of these rules may be downloaded from the DEQ Web site by clicking on http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3311_4115_4237-191043--,00.html or by going to http://www.michigan.gov/deq (and click on "Land," "Storage Tanks," "Aboveground Storage Tanks," and under "Laws & Rules," click on "Gaseous & Liquefied Hydrogen Rules").

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised May 1, 2008 by Pat Watson