Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (NESHAP)

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Gasoline Dispensing Facilities at Area Sources 

FEDERAL VAPOR BALANCE SYSTEM STANDARD 

On January 10, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a standard that requires gasoline stations to minimize the release of gasoline vapors during the filling of tanks.  The federal standard, referred to as the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Subpart CCCCCC is far more encompassing than the existing Michigan rules. 

STAGE 1 GASOLINE VAPOR BALANCE SYSTEMS 

Stage I vapor balance equipment collects vapors when underground or aboveground gasoline storage tanks are being filled. During loading, when vapor balance equipment is connected, the vapors travel through a hose from the storage tank to the tanker truck as opposed to escaping through the vent pipe and into the atmosphere when vapor recovery is not connected. The tanker truck returns the vapors to the terminal where they can be recovered as gasoline.  

Gasoline is a valuable commodity. Gasoline vapors lead to the formation of ground level ozone, an air pollutant that triggers a variety of health problems including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. Vapor recovery captures an amount of vapor equivalent to 10-15 gallons of gasoline each time a tanker truck unloads⁽¹⁾. During a year, that amounts to 5 million gallons of gasoline that potentially could be recovered in Michigan, or in other words, 37.5 million pounds (18,750 tons) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) not emitted into the air⁽²⁾. 

PUBLICATIONS 

Federal and State Vapor Balance Requirements for Gasoline Dispensing Facilities - Print Version or Online Version (April 2011)
This fact sheet provides a brief explanation of the regulations that minimize the release of gasoline vapors from storage tanks located at retail gasoline stations, and fleet refueling stations.  For a more detailed discussion of the regulations, please read the document entitled "Gasoline Station Owners & Tanker Truck Drivers: What You Should Know About Vapor Balance Systems." 

Gasoline Station Owners & Tanker Truck Drivers: What You Should Know About Vapor Balance Systems   - 2nd Edition, May 2011 
This document is designed to help gasoline station owners and tanker truck drivers understand both the Michigan and new federal Stage I vapor balance requirements that reduce emissions during the loading of gasoline storage tanks. With everyone doing their part, the gasoline service industry can make a significant improvement in the air quality of our urban areas. Questions regarding the content of the publication may be directed to Anita Singh, Office of Environmental Assistance at (517) 335-2356 or singha3@michigan.gov . 

Frequently Asked Questions: Vapor Balance Requirements for Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (April 2011)

FORMS 

• Initial Notification and Notification of Compliance Status Form and Instructions  (April 2011)
• Performance Testing Notification Form and Instructions (April 2011) 

VIDEO 

• Support CCCCCC Video 

MICHIGAN VAPOR BALANCE RULES 

Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Air Quality Division) 

• R 336.1606 Loading gasoline into existing stationary vessels of more than 2,000-gallon capacity at dispensing facilities handling 250,000 or more gallons per year 
• R 336.1627 Delivery vessels; vapor collection systems 
• R 336.1703 Loading gasoline into new stationary vessels of more than 2,000-gallon capacity at dispensing facilities 

Motor Fuels Quality Act, Public Act No. 104, April 6, 2006 (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) 

Maps of Areas Subject to Michigan Stage I Vapor Balance 
Gasoline dispensing facilities located within the red borders are subject to state rules.  Areas subject to the Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules referenced above.

• Detroit Area Counties (7 Southeast Michigan counties) 
  • Macomb County 
  • Oakland County 
  • Washtenaw County 
  • Wayne County 
• Eaton County 
• Clinton County 
• Genesee County 
• Ingham County 
• Kent County 
• Ottawa County 

Tanker Truck Pressure/Vacuum Testing 

AQD - Gasoline Tank Truck Test (Rule 627 Program)

U.S. EPA Method 27 - Vapor Tightness of Gasoline Tank-Pressure Vacuum 

Pressure/Vacuum Test Form 

Stage I Vapor Balance Related Equipment 

Related Links 

• MDEQ - Storage Tanks 
• Michigan Department of Agriculture - Motor Fuels Quality 

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⁽¹⁾ Petroleum Equipment Institute, December 1992, Keeping It Clean:   Making Safe and Spill-Free Motor Fuel Deliveries.

⁽²⁾ Based on data from Michigan Department of Treasury, Motor Fuel Division - approximately five billion gallons of gasoline each year is delivered to Michigan gasoline stations, an average load of gasoline is 10,000 gallons, and vapor recovery is responsible for recovering 10 gallons of gasoline vapor per load.

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For More Information or Additional Assistance, contact the
Environmental Assistance Program   at 800-662-9278 

Do you have an outreach idea or suggestion for our Program?  Please feel free to submit your requests to: David Fiedler.