Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems - Permits & Licenses

INTRODUCTION

The Storage Tanks Division (STD), within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), has the responsibility of regulating the installation of new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems. The STD also maintains the certification of all CNG systems that operate in this state.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

The owner/operator plan review/certification of Compressed Natural Gas Facilities.

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Act 207 of the Public Acts of 1941, as amended.

Executive Reorganization Order No. 2 of 1998.

C. TITLE OF REGULATION:

Michigan Fire Prevention Code, Section 29.3c of the Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated.

Fire Safety Rules For Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems, Sections 29.4701-29.4755 of the Michigan Administrative Code.

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

1. Applicability

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Facilities are any site that takes natural gas and compresses it for use as a fuel in a natural gas powered vehicle

2. General Requirements

The applicant is required to submit a completed Application for Installation of a Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Facility Form # BFS3860, a check for $203.00 per tank to be reviewed, based on the volume of storage, measured in SCF, along with a site plan and installation information for review and approval by the STD.

3. Submission Requirements

All data and information requested on the Application of Installation of a Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Facility Form(s).

New CNG Installations:

A plot plan providing the relevant information such as location of buildings and public roadways, railroads power lines, storm and sanitary sewers property lines, manholes, UST's, AST's, and LPG's, from both the tank and the point of transfer.

A diagram of the proposed CNG system, the working pressure and material of construction of the tank, piping, and flow control devices, compressor size, the capacity and dimensions of the tank, shear valve, breakaway device, dispenser, nozzle, tank valves and supports gages, pressure relief devices, fire protection and crash protection.

4. Procedures for Obtaining Permit or Approval

New CNG Installations:

Applicant submits to the STD central office a completed Application for Installation of a Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Facility Form # BFS3860, a fee of $203.00 for each tank to be plan reviewed based on the volume of storage capacity, measured in SCF, and provide the additional information required for new CNG installation plans.

Storage Tank Division staff will review new installation plans submitted, and issue a plan review report within 30 days from receipt of the submittal. A copy of the plan review report is transmitted with the approved plans to the applicant, and appropriate office for their review in preparation for the field inspection.

Upon receipt of the plan review report, the applicant will notify the inspector who will schedule a pre system installation inspection, and a final inspection. Pursuant to the final inspection, the inspector will certify the new CNG system if it is in compliance with the Rules.

Existing CNG Installations:

Applicant must follow the same steps as outlined in the Procedure for Obtaining a Permit or Approval for a new CNG system.

5. Fees

The annual certificate fee is $61.50 per tank, based on the volume of storage capacity, measured in SCF.

E. ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

Storage Tank Division
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
P.O. Box 30033
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741
517-335-7211 (phone)

LARA-UST-AST@michigan.gov (email)