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newsrel -- Gas station owners reminded of vapor recovery system requirements

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 13:00:06
New systems will reduce public exposure to gasoline fumes. 

Release 08-88
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2008
	  	  	
Dimitri Stanich
916-322-2990
www.arb.ca.gov

Gas station owners reminded of vapor recovery system
requirements
April 1 deadline is fast approaching

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today is reminding
California's service station owners that they must upgrade vapor
recovery systems on their gasoline pumps by April 1 as part of a
program that will reduce smog emissions by up to ten tons a day
throughout the state.

The regulation applies to approximately 12,000 gasoline
dispensing facilities in parts of the state failing to meet
state health standards for ozone - including the Los Angeles
basin, Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, greater Sacramento region
and San Diego. Owners of these facilities must obtain permits,
purchase enhanced vapor recovery equipment and arrange for
installation by a certified contractor in the next six months.
The retrofitted devices will reduce spillage with improved
nozzles and cut gasoline vapor fugitive emissions with vapor
processors.

"We are turning over every stone in our constant quest to reduce
smog levels in California," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols.
"There's no excuse for not meeting the deadline - people know
it's coming, the technology to comply is there and the public
health benefits are easily quantifiable. Penalties for missing
the deadline will not only cost operators, but delay clean air
for many regions of the state."

Gasoline vapors are primarily made of hydrocarbons, which react
with other air pollutants to form ozone. The main constituent of
smog, ozone has been the focus of air pollution control
regulations for decades as it can lead to asthmatic and other
respiratory health effects. The vapor recovery systems will also
reduce consumer exposures to benzene, a constituent of gasoline
and known carcinogen, while filling their vehicles.

California's total annual gasoline use is about 16 billion
gallons. The state's current vapor recovery requirements reduce
hydrocarbon emissions by 347 tons daily.

ARB fuels experts estimate that the retrofits will cost roughly
$11,000 per pump, with two companies having received ARB
certification on their technologies and another expected this
month.

Facility operators should contact the local air district for
information on specific requirements before modifying
facilities. Information to assist station owners in complying
with deadlines is available at www.evrhome.org.

Vapor recovery systems have been used in California to control
gasoline emissions for over 30 years. ARB oversees the gasoline
distribution process throughout the state, including storage and
transfer operations. Enforcement personnel from ARB and the 35
local air districts will be monitoring and enforcing the
regulations throughout the state.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

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